Abstract:
An improved apparatus and technique for realizing the benefits of magnetic therapy in the medical field, in which permanent magnet devices and optional accoutrements are positioned against various human body portions. Preferably, the magnetic apparatus is relatively thin, and formed of ferrous and/or non-ferrous materials. The therapeutic effects of the magnetic apparatus are maximized, and the pad is maintained in contact with the body part through a specific treatment regime, providing a simple and economical way of realizing the benefits of magnetic therapy.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/976,194 titled “Magnetic Therapeutic Device and Method of Using the Same”, filed on Apr. 7, 2014 the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       PATENTS CITED 
       [0002]    The following documents and references are incorporated by reference in their entirety, Nakayama U.S. Pat. No. 3,291,620, Souder U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2013/0133872, Yang U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,331, Shimiyashu U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,596; Smith et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,419, Martello U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,234, Getek, U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,418, Roberts et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,168, Steponovich, U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,023, Juster et aI, U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,021, Engel U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,324, Nagler U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,143, Snider U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,498, Russell U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,743, Griffin et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,956, Chiu U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,178, Ishikawa U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,587, Monden et aI U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,567, Li et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,020, Haglund U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,859, Paturu U.S. Patent Pub. 20020151759, Ross U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,721, Fichell et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,678, Wascher et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,882, Nakamichi U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20130207759, Ardizzone et at U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,129, Riach U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20050139215 and Bouldin et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,577. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates to a magnetic therapeutic device and methods for its use for therapeutic purposes. More particularly, this invention relates to a magnetic device and a process to treat and or prevent conditions such as body pain, sleeplessness, menstrual pain, depression and other stress related conditions or diseases comprising the said magnetic therapeutic device. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0004]    The prior art discloses many inventions wherein a variety of devices or items containing magnets are described and recommended for treating, preventing or improving diverse health conditions. 
         [0005]    Nichols, U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,277 discloses a device and method to provide equine therapeutics via an attachable device and instructions for its use. Yang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,331 discloses a portable magnetic device similar to a fountain pen and useful in purifying water and other drinks by exposing the said liquids to bio ceramics and magnets. The said magnetized liquids are said to promote blood circulation as well as to improve digestion and absorption. 
         [0006]    Nakayama, U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,620, Shimiyashu, U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,596; Smith et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,419 as well as Martello U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,234 are examples of US Patents wherein therapeutic magnetic belts are used in order to reduce musculoskeletal pain, counteract fat and or reducing muscles stiffness by exposing the described body areas to magnetic flux. 
         [0007]    Steponovich, U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,023 discloses a strap having magnets that is conveniently wrapped around the knee, giving support to the knee joint that allows the wearer to have maximum knee activity while helping him or her to overcome pain and diseases associated with the knee. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, magnetic body ornaments and/or jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, chain belts, earrings and wrist watches have been already disclosed in patented publications, such as Chiu U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,178, Ishikawa U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,587, Monden et aI U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,567 and Li et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,020, among others. The said items are said to promote health conditions in the wearer and in many instances preventing the wearer of getting ill. 
         [0009]    The prior art also discloses other multiple magnetic items such as shoes, pillows and gloves that are intended to promote health via exposing the body to the magnetic flux integrated in the said items, see for instance, Qui et aI U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,807, Greenwalt U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,100, Komuro U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,236 and Chen U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,355, among others. 
         [0010]    Interestingly, some magneto-therapeutic devices are designed to treat particular medical conditions, for instance, Riach U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20050139215 as well as Haglund U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,859 disclose a magnetic apparatus and method comprising the same in the treatment of sinus conditions. Paturu U.S. Patent Application publication 20020151759 discloses a method for treatment of erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease, cerebral insufficiency and certain vascular pathologies. Ross U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,721 and Fichell et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,678 disclose methods for the treating of migraine headache pain by exposing selective parts of the body to magnetic flux. 
         [0011]    Wascher et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,882 and Bouldin et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,577 disclose an apparatus and method comprising the said magneto therapeutic device in the treatment of degenerative diseases and disorders. The full contents of the above cited references are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
         [0012]    In general terms, the prior art recognizes that the magneto therapy functions in the treatment of multiple medical diseases and/or conditions by increasing the blood circulation and energizing a particular part of the body once it is exposed to the magnetic energy or flux of magnets. Increasing blood&#39;s circulation helps to oxygenate the vital organs and tissues and help to clear up veins and arteries, stimulating the body to promote its healing function naturally. 
         [0013]    There is a need for new apparatuses and methods for using magneto therapeutic devices in treating medical conditions and/or diseases that include migraine, muscle pain, sleeplessness, menstrual pain, stress related conditions and/or diseases, wherein the said method is a noninvasive technique that does not requires the use of medical compositions and lacks any risks of pernicious secondary effects. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    This section is for the purpose of summarizing some aspects of the present invention and to briefly introduce some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made to avoid obscuring the purpose of the section. Such simplifications or omissions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0015]    In one aspect the invention is about a magnetic therapeutic apparatus comprising a main body comprised of two or more permanent magnet mounting locations separated by a spatial gap, wherein said main body is made of a durable material capable of keeping the permanent magnet mounting locations substantially aligned to each other, one or more first permanent magnet magnetic element positioned on a first magnet mounting station with a magnetic polarity North to South, wherein said first magnetic element is permanently mechanically mounted so that its South polarity side is fixed in place and substantially parallel to the primary plane of said main body and one or more second permanent magnet magnetic element positioned on the second mounting station magnetic polarity South to North, wherein said second magnetic element is permanently mechanically mounted so that its North polarity side is fixed in place and substantially parallel to the primary plane of said main body. In another aspect, said main body&#39;s one or more first and said one or more second permanent magnet magnetic elements are positioned within a partial opening in the primary plane surface. 
         [0016]    In yet another aspect, said main body&#39;s one or more first and said one or more second permanent magnet magnetic elements are chemically bonded to said opening. In one aspect, a metal plate having an area size equal or larger to that of said main body. In another aspect, said main body&#39;s one or more first and said one or more second permanent magnet magnetic elements are mechanically attached to said opening. 
         [0017]    In one aspect, the invention is about a method for magnetic magnet therapy comprising the steps of positioning at or near a human body surface a magnetic apparatus main body comprised of two or more permanent magnet mounting locations separated by a spatial gap, wherein said main body is made of a durable material capable of keeping the permanent magnet mounting locations substantially aligned to each other, wherein one or more first permanent magnet magnetic element positioned on a first magnet mounting station with a magnetic polarity North to South, wherein said first magnetic element is permanently mechanically mounted so that its South polarity side is fixed in place and substantially parallel to the primary plane of said main body and one or more second permanent magnet magnetic element positioned on the second mounting station magnetic polarity South to North, wherein said second magnetic element is permanently mechanically mounted so that its North polarity side is fixed in place and substantially parallel to the primary plane of said main body. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, the method includes displacing said magnetic apparatus along a plane significantly parallel to the human body surface along which it was placed. In yet another aspect, the method includes said displacement is accomplished through manual means. In one aspect, placing a metal plate having an area size equal or larger to that of said main body on the opposite side of said human body to that where the magnetic apparatus is placed. In another aspect, the method includes displacing said magnetic apparatus along a plane significantly parallel to the human body surface along which it was placed for a distance that does not significantly overlap the area of the opposite side metal plate. In yet another aspect, the method includes placing a similar magnetic apparatus on the opposite side of the human body being treated. In yet another aspect, the method includes placing a similar magnetic apparatus on the opposite side of the human body being treated, so that the magnets are complementary N-S:S-N. 
         [0019]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon examining the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows an illustration of a the eye optical nerve, as prior art. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates the effect of one or more magnets on blood cells, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates the effect of one or more magnets on blood cells, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates the effect of one or more magnets on blood cells when a back metal plate is used, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 5-9  illustrate various product configurations, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 10-11  illustrate the effect of the magnets on the head, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 12-16  illustrate various product configurations, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    The above-described and other features will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    To provide an overall understanding of the invention, certain illustrative embodiments and examples will now be described. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The compositions, apparatuses, systems and/or methods described herein may be adapted and modified as is appropriate for the application being addressed and that those described herein may be employed in other suitable applications, and that such other additions and modifications will not depart from the scope hereof. 
         [0029]    Simplifications or omissions may be made to avoid obscuring the purpose of the section. Such simplifications or omissions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art. 
         [0030]    As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a transaction” may include a plurality of transaction unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in the specification and claims, singular names or types referenced include variations within the family of said name unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0031]    Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “upper,” “bottom,” “top,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right” and “sides” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made, but are not limiting with respect to the orientation in which the modules or any assembly of them may be used. 
         [0032]    It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. 
         [0033]    The present invention relates to the use of permanent magnets and their magnetic fields in the treatment of living tissue. Ron Laurence describes in his book “Magnet Therapy, The Pain Cure Alternative”, Prima Lifestyles, ISBN 978-0761515470 (the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), that among other areas, the effect of magnetic fields in the blood cells containing hemoglobin is significant given their high iron content. 
         [0034]    Bipolar cells, such as  FIG. 1  retinal ganglion cells  100  found in the eye, have the signals transmitted from the eye cones  102  and rods  104  through direct and indirect channels. Each type of bipolar cell establishes excitement connections with a corresponding ganglion cell  100 . The visual information is passed through the eye cones  102  through one of two existing channels in the retina. Central cones within the reception field (RF) of the ganglion cells establish direct synaptic connections with the bipolar cells, known as direct of vertical connections. The signals coming from the peripheral cones of the RF taken an indirect route, going through the horizontal or lateral path (where the amacrine cells establish a feedback path towards the central cones of the bipolar cell RF). 
         [0035]    All the retinal cells transmit their visual signals through the electrotonic effect, that is, through an electric current flux in the cytoplasm from the point of excitation through the presynaptic terminal (passive signal transmission). This allows for a gradual conductivity of the signal intensity. In this way, the intensity of the signal representing the hyper-polarization of the cones and rods within the retina is representative of the gradual illumination intensity (as opposed to an binary all or nothing signal). Since the axons of the ganglion cells (constituting the optical nerve) have to travel significant distances to the brain, the signals are best transferred as differential signals. 
         [0036]    When the cones from the center of the RF are activated, the bipolar cells connected to the center are depolarized, while the bipolar cells disconnected from the center are hyper-polarized. The activation of the peripheral cones has the opposite response. There are two types of bipolar cells, de-polarizing and hyper-polarizing. When the cones and rods are excited, some bipolar cells de-polarized and the other hyper-polarized. This allows half of the cells to transmit positive signals and the other half to transmit negative signals. 
         [0037]    A bipolar cell is a type of neuron which has two extensions. Bipolar cells are specialized within sensory neurons, those used for the transmitting of sensorial organs. As such, they are part of the smell, visual, taste, hearing and other vestibular functions. The most common cases include bipolar cells in the retina, vestibular nerves and the extensive use of bipolar cells to transmit body signals for the control of muscles. 
         [0038]    Bipolar cells are also found in the spinal lymph nodes when the cells are in an embryonic stage. Sometimes, these extensions called processes, which exit the opposite poles of the cells, and the cell is assumed to have a ‘bone’ shape. In other cells, these extensions exit from the same point. 
         [0039]    In cases where both fibers are apparently connected to a cell, one of the fibers is really a derivation from an adjacent nervous cell and ends in a ramification around the ganglion cell, or again, may be wrapped as a spiral around the nerve process emitted from the cell. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG.2 , we see  200  the effect of a magnet&#39;s polarity (North Polarity or N-Pol  204  and the South Polarity or S-Pol  206  in the alignment of the North/South magnetic poles exhibited by these blood cells  202  travelling in either direction  216  or  218  within the blood vessel  210 . 
         [0041]    That is, if we locate a N-Pol  204  magnet anywhere near/at our skin  208  where it is near a blood vessel  210 , the blood cells  202  travelling in said vessel will align their magnetic axis to that of the N-Pol magnet  212 . Similarly, a S-Pol magnet  206  similarly placed will do the opposite to the cell  202 , forcing it to align  214  with the S-Pol magnet  206 . The movement of the magnets  212 / 214  increases the effects. Similarly, the presence of an optional ferrous metal component  402  on the other side of the magnet (sandwiching the blood vessel between it and the magnet) could have augmentation possibilities. 
         [0042]    Note that the permanent magnets  204 ,  206  comprising the magnetic elements described may contain variable magnetic strength and shapes. The term magnetic element herein used is intended to describe the part of the device containing one or more magnets. If more than one magnet is used in a given magnetic element, they may be placed in a stacked configuration. The phrase stacked configurations is intended to mean herein that a magnet is magnetically placed over the top of the other successively, thus each stack of magnets forming what is herein called a magnetic element unit. 
         [0043]    Optionally, magnets may also be glued to one another even when they are magnetically attractive to each other. In case of the embodiment wherein the plate is used, a magnet may be placed at the bottom surface of the said plate while one or more can be placed on the top surface. Whenever the said plate is not magnetically attractive to the magnets placed over it, they may be glued to the said surface. 
         [0044]    The magnets herein disclosed may be formed from any suitable magnetic material, preferably from rare earth, neodymium, ceramic or mixture thereof. The intensity of the magnetic force of the magnets may be varied and easily increased or decreased by the user by simply adding or subtracting magnets from the device at the wearer&#39;s convenience. 
         [0045]    This alignment ( 212 ,  214 ) of the blood cells  202  has a number of beneficial effects. The primary one, is that it oxygenates the cells  202 , provoking a neutralizing of the Ph of the cells, which liberates oxygen at the cell, energizing the cell&#39;s enzymes and as a result augmenting the Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) balance within the cell, which results in energy liberation. 
         [0046]    The process also drains the metabolic toxins within the cell, such as Lactic Acid and diminishes the cellular swelling caused by effects such as Cytotoxic Edema. The affected skin area, as an example the pituitary gland, may become more active in the production of melatonin, a process that is associated with restorative sleep. The human body is a marvel of self-restoration, sometimes inhibited by our own actions. Some of these include our eating habits, living habits, living enclosures and conditions, etc. Magnetic therapy allows our organisms to renew themselves. By enhancing how we produce chemicals and mineral, the body has improved performance against migraines and other such illnesses. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , we see  300  the effect of dual polarity magnets  204 ,  206  and the magnetic flux field between  302  would have on the blood cells  202 , an effect that would be magnified by the movement of the magnets  204 ,  204  back and forth. In  FIG. 4  we see  400  how the magnetic flux field  302  is augmented for particularly deep body portions by the placement of a ferrous (or optionally a non-ferrous) metal plate  402  across the body part  406 , placing a tumor or other growth  408  across the magnetic flux field  302 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-9 , we see  500  a multi magnet  204 ,  206  arrangements having a large format and an optional curve  506  or flexible material so that it may fit the body curvature of a patient requiring large area treatment and an open portion  504 . In one embodiment, the main body  502  forms a primary plane along which the permanent magnet mounting stations (one or more for the north polarity magnet and one or more for the south polarity magnet installation areas) are recessed openings in it. This allows for the magnets to be installed by one or a combination of chemical means (i.e. glue), mechanical means (i.e. pressure fittings, screw, rim rings), or even magnetic means (by making the back of the body  502  metallic, and having the magnets attach to the recess back surface. We see that the magnetic flux field  302  may cover a large area. Note the magnets may be alternated from the  204 - 206 : 206 - 204  shown to a  204 - 204 : 206 - 206  ( FIGS. 12 ,  13 - 14 ,  15 - 16 ) other suitable arrangements. Similar arrangements can be see in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0049]    The curve  506  is also critical when placing the unit against a metal base plate  902  either for storage or against thin body parts, where there is a risk that the magnets may act as a ‘bear trap’ and snap the user. Or get so attached to each other that they become hard to separate. A similar problem occurs when two units are placed against each other (with the N-S polarity magnets matched), in that the same tight attachment may happen. The natural curve  506  or other shape would assist prevent such stiction. 
         [0050]    In a similar fashion, the magnets may be attached to semi-flexible ‘body armor type’ panels shaped like the body contour. Such an attachment would allow for the units to be fixed at/near the body site of interest, and then wrapped with a belt or girdle surrounding the body. 
         [0051]    We see that in one embodiment  900  the device is optimized for the treatment of hemorrhoids, prostate, lacerations, ulcers, spine, hips and/or any situation where an arcuate or surrounding therapy may be limited. A pair of magnet elements  204 / 206  of North/South polarity are placed next to each other on a base plate  902 . The magnetic flux  904 / 906  between said magnetic elements  204 / 206  offers the user the advantage of having one or more portions of their body subjected to the benefits of the magnetic flux, without having to surround it. In an alternate embodiment, another similar magnetic unit (either with a complementary magnetic polarity (i.e. N-S or S-N) or with the same polarity (N-N or S-S) is placed on the other side of the body (across the arm, the torso, the head) in order to magnify the effect of the flux crossing the body. 
         [0052]    The main body base plate  902  on which the magnets ( 204 ,  206 ) are mounted may be constructed of any suitable material, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as thermoplastics or any other suitable material that is strong enough to hold both materials. A matching and optional metal plate  402  made of a ferrous material may be provided to increase the magnetic flux  904 / 906  when appropriate. The cavity may be left open or filled with a suitable material (ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal or plastic. The metal plate  402  may be sized smaller, similar or larger than the main body 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-11 , the magnetic therapeutic device  100  comprises two permanent magnet elements  204  and  206 , with each one designed to be positioned in a substantially aligned position across a person&#39;s body part. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by the permanent placement of the magnet elements  204 ,  206  across the user&#39;s or wearer&#39;s head as illustrated. Notice that in one embodiment, the magnetic elements are oriented in such a way that one of them has a polarity directed south to north  204 , while the other has its polarity oriented in the opposite way, north to south  206 . Through this arrangement, the magnetic flux  302  emitted by the magnets is directed across the head or muscle space from one element  204  to the other  206 . 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, regardless of the relative position-left or right- in the wearer&#39;s head, the magnetic elements  204  and  206  should be oriented with an opposite polarity relative to each other. In another words, one of the magnetic element&#39;s polarity should be oriented south to north while it&#39;s counterpart across the body part being treated should be oriented north to south irrespectively of the head side-left or right- wherein anyone of the particular magnetic elements is located. 
         [0055]    In addition to the embodiments shown above, the magnetic elements may be permanently placed in caps, hats, headsets, construction helmets and others. They may be also incorporated in belts, wherein the magnetic elements are mounted and may be tightened up to the convenience of the wearer in such way that the proper fixing and tightness required is achieved. In an alternate embodiment, said magnetic elements may be inserted in lateral pockets of a hat. 
         [0056]    A method of use, may be for the magnet assembly ( 300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ), to be placed at or near the surface of the body part being treated, with an optional metal plate  902  placed on the other side of the body part or portion. Similarly, the metal plate may be equal or larger in area than the magnet assembly, so any movement will minimized missing its effect. Alternatively, a similar magnet assembly may be placed on the other side of the body part, with the N-S polarity reversed or matched, so as to increase the effect of the flux. 
         [0057]    Alternatively, the unit may be used by moving said magnet assembly (manually and/or mechanically and/or automatically) at different ranges and speeds both horizontally (along or across) as well as vertically (to change the distance to the body part surface) along the area in question. In one embodiment, the size of the metal plate  902  placed opposite is similar to that of the intended movement. Said plate  902  may be held against the body through gravity (laying on a surface), though a belt/vest or other arrangement (which may also hold the magnets in a fixed position). 
         [0058]    The above therapies would cause the magnetic flux to affect the blood cells, resulting in potential help to re-establish the natural function of the pancreas, kidneys, liver and other organs. In addition, the magnetic field will have an effect on normal and cancerous cells, as well as in helping with the effects of Alzheimer, multiple sclerosis and other conditions affected by blood circulation and oxygenation. Placing the units over wounds, creates similar advantages through their effect on the blood stream. 
       Conclusion 
       [0059]    In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. Also, such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. Further, in the claims hereafter, the structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step-plus function elements are intended to include any structure, materials or acts for performing their cited functions. 
         [0060]    It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly any “preferred embodiments” are merely possible examples of the implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Any variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit of the principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the disclosure and present invention and protected by the following claims. 
         [0061]    The present invention has been described in sufficient detail with a certain degree of particularity. The utilities thereof are appreciated by those skilled in the art. It is understood to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure of embodiments has been made by way of examples only and that numerous changes in the arrangement and combination of parts may be resorted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the forgoing description of embodiments.