Abstract:
The electric wire distributor connector is for receiving and distributing electric current through electric wires. It includes the housing having a base and a cover placeable in covering relations over the base and being removably attached thereto. The base and cover are made from non-conducting materials such as plastic and define an inlet therebetween for receiving the electrical wires. One or more terminal assemblies are provided, each assembly having one or more metallic conductors attached to the base. A metallic distributor ring is mounted in the base and a metallic extension rod having a pair of ends is provided with one end being attached to the metallic conductor and the other end of the extension rod being attached to the distributor ring to transfer current from the metallic conductor to the distributor ring and vice verse. Moreover, the electric wire distributor connector provides the means for the electric car to run continuously or, in other words, allowing the batteries to recharge themselves, and also run an electric motor, which runs a generator that recharges the batteries. This allows the electric car to run continuously without being recharged by any outside source.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is based on U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/345,610, filed Jan. 4, 2002. The complete disclosure of the U.S. provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to electric wiring, and to equipment for use in distributing electric current in one or more directions. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electric wire distributor connector for receiving and distributing electric current. More importantly the electric wire distributor connector can be modified to be used with any type of electric wiring. Another use is that it can also provide the means for the electric car to run continuously, by allowing the batteries to recharge themselves, and also run an electric motor, which runs a generator that recharges the batteries. This allows the electric car to run continuously, or in other words perpetually without being recharged by any outside source. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     My U.S. Pat. No. 6,33,464 issued Dec. 25, 2001, discloses an electric wire splice connector for facilitating electric current transmission through splicing electric wires. It includes a housing made of non-conductive material and a terminal assembly, including at least one and preferably a plurality of conductive terminals, which are connected to the housing on a mounting block. The housing is provided to surround and protect the spliced wires and includes a base and a cover peaceable in covering relation over the base. The housing cover is removable attached to the base. The housing base and cover define a protective space therebetween and also defines an inlet and an outlet therebetween for respectively receiving wires in opposite ends of the assembled housing, for connection of the wires within the protected space. The outlet is preferably located at an end of the housing opposite the inlet. The housing base includes one or more mounting blocks, for supporting metallic conductors. The terminal assembly includes at least two metallic conductors attached to the base, which may be provided as generally square metal bars. The terminal assembly also includes adjustably tightenable clamps for clamping wires against the metallic conductors. The clamps are operatively connected to the housing base, or are adjustably attached to the conductors. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide an electric wire distributor connector for receiving and distributing electric current through electric wires, with the connector comprising a connector housing, and a distributor comprising a distributor housing. The connector housing and distributor housing are connected together and made from a non-conductive material. The electric wire distributor connector housing comprise a detachable top and bottom cover placed one on top of the other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein the connector housing and cover define an inlet therebetween for respectively receiving electric wires, a terminal assembly comprising a plurality of mounting blocks attached to the connector base and a plurality of metallic conductors operatively attached to the mounting blocks, one metallic conductor for each mounting block. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein a plurality of metallic extension rods are provided, each having a pair of ends, one extension rod for each of the metallic conductors, with one end of each extension rod being attached to a corresponding metallic conductor; and a plurality of spaced apart metallic distributors placeably one above and the other with the other end of the extension rod attached to a corresponding distributor to transfer current from the metallic conductors to the distributors and vice versa. 
     A further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector wherein the distributors are in the form of spaced apart metallic annular rings, with the other ends of the extension rods being attached to the rings. A still further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein the outer periphery of each ring can be formed on a radius, with the inside of each ring being flat. 
     Another feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein a plurality of spacers support the distributor rings, with the spacers being attached to the distributor base. The spacers can be curved on the inside and flat on the outside or, vise versa to conform to the distributor rings. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire connector of the aforementioned type wherein the mounting blocks are separate elements which are spaced apart and are secured to the base of the connector housing. 
     A further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein the mounting blocks are separate elements which are integrally formed as part of the connector housing when the connector housing is made or cast. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor of the aforementioned type wherein the mounting blocks can be color coded to match insulation surrounding the individual electric wires. 
     A further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor of the aforementioned type wherein the connector housing is provided with separate wedges for separating, and spacing apart wires of incoming and outgoing electrical wires. 
     Another feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein the connector housing is provided with a plurality of vertically upstanding tubular internally threaded bosses which receive threaded fasteners therein to removably connect the cover to the connector and distributor housings. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein the separator wedges can be provided with threaded holes to receive threaded fasteners therein to removably connect the cover to the connector and distributor housings. 
     A further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein the distributor housing is provided with a plurality of punch-out holes formed therein for use in mounting the electric wire distributor to a wall or other substrate. 
     A still further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor of the aforementioned type wherein a plurality of punch-out areas are provided in the distributor housing for the purpose of creating holes in the housing to accommodate electric wires. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor of the aforementioned type wherein the terminal assembly includes a plurality of clamping members which overlie the metallic conductors and through which threaded fasteners extend to operatively connect the clamping members and metallic conductors to the mounting blocks. 
     A still further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor of the aforementioned type wherein each clamping member is an inverted substantially U-shaped member which is placed over the exposed ends of the wires and the ends of the metallic connector for clamping the wire ends against the metallic conductor. 
     A still further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein exposed ends of the electric wires are placed between the U-shaped members and the tops of the metallic conductors and thereafter the threaded fasteners are tightened to releasable attach the wires to the metallic conductors. 
     Another further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein the threaded fasteners of the terminal assembly form the clamping members, with the exposed ends of the wires wrapped around the threaded fasteners and the threaded fasteners are then tightened to clamp the ends of the wires against the metallic conductors. 
     A still further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein annular sealing members can be located in groves formed between the conductor housing and the cover where cables containing the electric wires pass through the inlet to resist any flow of water into the connector and distributor housings. 
     Another further feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein the distributor housing can have a circumferentially extending wall projecting upwardly from said distributor housing, an opening provided in said wall, with said connector housing received in said opening and secured to said distributor housing. 
     A final feature of the present invention is to provide an electric wire distributor connector of the aforementioned type wherein there can be one or more connector housings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is the perspective view of the electric wire distributor connector in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric wire distributor connector with the cover removed; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electric wire distributor connector of FIG. 1, showing the internal components thereof; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view through the electric wire distributor connector taken on the line  4 — 4  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of the electric wire distributor connector, with the cover removed and showing the terminal assemblies; 
     FIG. 6 is an exterior perspective view of the electric wire distributor connector constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the electric wire distributor connector of FIG. 6, showing the internal components thereof; and 
     FIG. 8 is an electrical diagram or circuit showing the electric wire distributor connector providing the means for an electric car to run continuously by allowing the batteries to recharge themselves, and also to run an electric motor, which runs a generator that recharges the batteries, thereby allowing the electric car to run continuously, or in other words run perpetually without being recharged by any outside source. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2  and  5 , the first embodiment of an electric wire distributor connector is designated by the numeral  10 . The electric wire distributor connector  10  has a housing  12  made from a non-conductive material, preferably a plastic. The housing  12  has a base  13  which includes connector housings portions  16  and a distributor housing  18 . The distributor and connector housings  16  and  18  may be formed as an integral as illustrated in FIG. 2 or the connector housings  16  may be formed separately from the distributor housing  18  as will be explained later. 
     The electric wire distributor connector  10  further includes a cover  20  and cover made from non-conductive material such as plastic material which is placed over and covers the connector and distributor housings  16 ,  18  as illustrated in FIG.  1 . The cover  20  includes cover portion  22  which covers the distributor housings  16 ,  18  as illustrated in FIG.  1 . The cover  20  includes a cover portion  22  which covers the distributor housing  16  and three cover portions  24  which overlie the connector housings  16 . The cover portions  24  are integrally formed with the distributor housing cover portion  22  although the connector housing cover portions  24  may be separate from the distributor housing cover portion  22 . When the connector housing portions  16  and corresponding cover portions  24  are made as individual units, then the individual connector housings and covers are connected to the distributor housing  18  by inserting the connector housings and covers into corresponding openings provided in the perimeter of the distributor housing  18  until the connector housings are flush with the inner wall of the distributor housing  18 . In the modified version just described, the connector housings and covers would be permanently attached to the distributor housing  18  by gluing or otherwise securing them in place. The connector housing  12  and cover  20  define a protected space  26  therebetween. 
     The electric wire distributor connector  10  is provided for securing electric cables  28 ,  30  and  32  in place. Each cables multiple wire sections  34  and  36  as illustrated in FIG.  3 . As illustrated, each of the cables include two wire sections therein. The cables  28 ,  30  and  32  generally include tubular insulated sheathing  37  surrounding the wires or wire sections  34 , 36  as is conventional in the art. Optionally, a three-wire cable can be connected to the connector housings  16  by cutting the ground wire and connecting the wires  34  and  36  from the cables. The electric wire distributor connector  10  of FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3  may be used in this way. 
     The electric wire distributor connector  10  as indicated previously includes a housing  12 , which includes the plurality of connector housings  166  formed integrally, as illustrated, with the distributor housing  14 . Each connector housings  16  formed integrally, as illustrated, with the distributor housing  14 . Each connector housing  16  supports a terminal assembly  40  and associated wiring. Each terminal assembly  40  includes one or more non-conducting mounting blocks  42 ,  44 , which may be separate components glued or otherwise secured to the base floor  46  of the corresponding connector housing  16 . As an alternative, the non-conductive mounting blocks  42  and  44  may be integrally cast as part of the connector housing  16 . 
     The mounting blocks  42  and  44  support a pair of spaced apart metallic conductors  50  and  52  as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Optionally, the mounting blocks  42 ,  44  may be color coded to match insulation surrounding the individual wire sections  34 ,  36 . Each distributor housing  16  also contains at least one or more an preferably four snap-on separators or spacers  56 . The spacers  56  are secured to the base of the distributor housing  18  for respectively supporting a one or more spaced apart metallic distributors or rings  60  and  62 . The outside surface  61  of the distributor rings  60  and  62 . The outside surface  61  of the distributor rings  60  and  62  preferably are formed on a radius, while the inside in FIG.  4 . The Snap-On separators or spacers  56  may either be separate elements or pieces as illustrated or may be integrally formed integrally formed with the distributor housing  18  at the time it is cast or manufactured. 
     The Snap-On spacers  56  are non-conductive and may be generally made from plastic material. The inside groves of the spacers  56  are formed on a radius to conform to the radius of the outside of the distributor rings  60 , and  62  and inside of the flat side or surface of the distributor rings  60 , and  62 , leaving an opening on the flat side so that the distributor ring can be snapped on to a corresponding spacer  56 . The Snap-On spacers  56  can be place d one above the other can be combined to form one separate Snap-On spacer. The spacers  56  are generally set apart around the perimeter of the distributor rings  60  and  62  and are attached to the base of the of the distributor housing. 
     As an optional feature, each connector housing portion  16  may contain separator wedges  64  which are located inside the inlet, outlet  66  through which the cables extend. When used, the separator wedges  64  separate, and space apart pairs of incoming and outgoing wires. Each connector housing portion  16  also contains an internally threaded vertical tubular boss  68 . The tubular boss  68  receives screws or other threaded fasteners therein to removable connect the cover  20  and the connector and distributor housings together. 
     Rather than utilizing separate tubular bosses  68  in each of the connector housings  16  and separator wedges  64 , the functions of the tubular bosses  68  and wedges  64  may be combined. In other words, instead of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, threaded bores may be formed in the wedges  64  and appropriately spaced holes would be formed, through the cover  20 . It is also possible to eliminate the tubular bosses  68  from the connector housings by replacing them with one half circular tabs attached to the outside of the housing, in pairs one above the other, one attached to the top cover, and the other attached to the bottom cover, with holes bored through them so screws can be threaded through them and into a nut at the other end, so the top cover can be secured over the bottom cover. They are placed where ever necessary. 
     Each terminal assembly  40  includes at least two metallic conductors  50 ,  52  attached to the respective mounting blocks  42 ,  44 . The conductors  50 ,  52  may be provided as generally square metallic bars as shown. Each terminal assembly  40  also contains two metallic extension rods  70 ,  72  which are respectively attached on one end to the respective metallic conductors  50 ,  52 . The other end of the metallic extension rods  70 ,  72  are attached or secured to the distributor rings  60 ,  62  respectively to transfer electric current from the respective conductors  50 ,  52  to the respective distributor rings  60 ,  62  and vice versa. The metallic extension rods  70 ,  72  preferably can be soldered to the respective metallic conductors  50 ,  52 . In addition, the other ends of the metallic rod extensions  70 ,  72  may be soldered to the distributor rings  60 ,  62 . 
     Each terminal assembly  40  further includes a plurality of clamping members  74 . Clamping members  74  are provided as inverted, substantially U-shaped members for placement over the exposed ends of the wires  34 ,  36  and ends of the metallic conductors  50 ,  52  and for clamping the wire ends  34 , 36  against the metallic conductors  50 ,  52  Each terminal assembly  40  includes four inverted, substantially U-shaped members  74  as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. 
     Each terminal assembly  40  further includes threaded fasteners  76 , such as screws or the like, for attaching each of the respective, U-shaped members  74  to the appropriate and corresponding mounting blocks  42 ,  44 . In the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the metallic conductors  50 ,  52  each has holes formed irrespective first and second ends thereof to receive the threaded fasteners  76  therethrough, so that the conductors  50 ,  52  may be attached to the corresponding conductor housing portion  16 . 
     In using the electric wire distributor connector  10 , the fastener  76  are loosened and then the exposed ends of the wire  34 , 36  are placed between the U-shaped members  74  and the tops of the metallic conductors  50 , 52 . Once the ends of the wires  34 , 36  are in place, the fasteners  76  are tightened to releasable attach the wires  34 ,  36  to the metallic conductors  50 ,  52 . 
     As a modification of the embodiment just described, in a stripped down version the electric wire distributor  10 , according to the present invention, the U-shaped members  74  are dispensed with and the exposed ends of the wires  34 ,  36  are simply wrapped around the shafts of the fastener  76 , which are then tightened to clamp the ends of the wires  34 ,  36  against the conductors  50 ,  52 . 
     The housing  12  may be provided with O-rings or similar annular sealing members  80  for respective placement in saddle groves formed in the base  13  and cover  20 , where the cables  28 ,  30  and  32  pass through the inlet, outlet  66  to resist any flow of water into the unit. The inlet, outlet  66  provided in each of the connector housings  16  may be modified to receive two or more cable wires in a single end of the housing  12  for a particular application. Alternately, the inlet openings or holes  66  could be modified to receive conduit sections therein. 
     Optionally, the housing  12  may have one or more removable punch-outs  84  formed in the wall thereof as shown in FIG. 3, for use in mounting the electric wire distributor connector  10  to a wall or other substrate. The punch-outs  84  are of the wall of the housing  12  which have been preweakened for easy removal thereof, where desired. The punch-outs  84  may be opened with an appropriate tool, when desired, to create holes in the base  13  to accommodate appropriate mounting hardware. The base  13  may also have a removable punchout hole formed therein, as an inlet, outlet  66  to secure electric wires to the appropriate terminal connector assembly  40 . The punch-outs forming the inlet, outlet  66  are areas of the wall of the housing  12  which have been weakened for easy removal thereof. Such weakened areas may be opened with an appropriate tool to create a hole such as the inlet, outlet  66  in the base  13  to accommodate electric wires. 
     Referring to FIG. 2 the underside of the cover  20  is shown. The cover  20  has punch-out holes  84  formed therethrough to allow the fasteners to pass therethrough. The cover  20  may, optionally, contain complimentary the separator wedges  64  at the base  12 . The cover  20  may also optionally include one or more additional punch-outs  84  if desired. The cover  20  may also contain an additional punch-out  84  attaching incoming, outgoing wires to the respective metallic conductor  50 ,  52 . 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 where the electric wire distributor connector is designated by the numeral  100 . This embodiment includes many of the features of the first embodiment and includes a fourth connector housing portion rather than three connector housing portions  16  as in the first embodiment. The electric wire distributor connector  100  is for connecting electric cables  102 , one for each connector housing, which normally includes multiple wire sections  104 ,  106 ,  108  as illustrated in FIG. 7 to a distributor ring to receive and distribute electric current in one or more directions. 
     Each cable  102  has the three wires  104 ,  106 ,  108  therein surrounded by tubular insulated sheathing  110 . The cables  102  are not part of the present invention, per se, rather the invention is directed to the use of the electric wire distributor connector  100 , which is usable to facilitate receiving and distributing electric current in one or more directions. 
     The electric wire distributor connector  100  includes a housing  112  which includes a base  114  and a cover  116 . The base  114  includes a distributor housing portion which is integrally formed with the four conductor housing portions  120 . The cover  115  is placed over the base  114  which is used for supporting four conductor housing portions  120 . The cover  116  is placed over the base  114  which is used for supporting four terminal assemblies  140  and associated wiring as illustrated in FIG.  7 . The cover  116  is placed over the terminal assemblies  140  and the housing  112  as illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     The housing  112  is provided to surround and protect the wires  104 ,  106 ,  108 . Both the base  114  and cover  116  are made of a non-conductive material, preferably a suitable plastic material. The base  112  and the cover  116  also define inlets, outlets  166  therebetween for receiving the ends of the cables  102  for diverting electric current in one or more directions within a protected space  126  defined between the base  112  and cover  116 . 
     The connector housing portions  120 , four in number, each contains three integrally formed mounting blocks  142 ,  144  and  145  therein for respectively supporting three spaced apart metallic conductors  150 ,  152  and  153  thereon. The mounting blocks  142 ,  144  and  145  may either be separate pieces or elements which are glued or otherwise secured to the floor  146  of the base  114 . As an alternative, the mounting blocks  142 ,  144 , and  145  may be integrally formed as part of the base  114  when the base  114  is cast. In addition, the mounting blocks  142 ,  144 ,  145  may be color coded to match insulation surrounding the individual wire sections  104 ,  106 , 108 . As an example, a first mounting block  142  may be colored white to match the insulation on another wire of the main wire section, a second mounting block  144  may be colored black to match insulation on another of the main wire section and finally a third mounting block  146  may be colored green to match standard insulation surrounding the ground wire section. 
     Each terminal assembly  140  includes the three metallic conductors  150 ,  152 ,  153  which are attached to the respective mounting blocks  142 ,  144  and  145 . The connectors may be generally flat metal bars. Each terminal assembly  140  also contains three preferably square metallic extension rods  170 ,  172  and  173  attached or soldered on one end thereof to flattened metallic bars  150 ,  152 ,  153 . The extension rods on the other ends are attached or soldered to the distributors or distributor rings  160 ,  162 ,  163  which are located in the distributor housing  114 , to transfer electric current from the metallic conductors  150 ,  152 ,  153  to the respective distributor rings  160 ,  162 ,  163 . The three distributor rings  160 ,  162 ,  163 , which are attached to the square metallic extension bars are supported by nonconducting snap-on spacers  156 . The spacers are placed wherever it is necessary to support and space apart the distributor rings  160 ,  162 ,  163 . Each ring has an outside surface formed on a radius and an inside surface which is flat as in the other embodiment. 
     Each terminal assembly  140  further includes clamping members  174  for placement over the exposed ends of the wires  104 ,  106  and also covering the ends of the metallic conductors  150 ,  152  and  153  and  153  for clamping the wire ends against the metallic conductors. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, each terminal assembly includes six inverted substantially U-shaped members  174 . The terminal assembly  140  further includes threaded fasteners  176 , such as screws or the like, for attaching each of the respective U-shaped members  174  to the appropriate mounting blocks  142 ,  144  and  145 . The metallic conductors  150 ,  152  and  153  each have holes formed in the first and second ends thereof to receive the threaded fasteners  176  therethrough so that the conductors may be attached to the base  114 . 
     The base further contains two separator wedges  164 ,  165  which are located respectively inside the inlet, outlet  166 . The separator wedges  164 ,  165  may optionally, but necessarily be provided for separating, and spacing apart the incoming, outgoing wires. If desired, the separator wedges  164 ,  165  may have threaded holes formed vertically therein to receive threaded fasteners  176  to aid in removable fastening the cover  116  to the base  114 . Further, the separator wedges  164 ,  165  may have threaded holes formed therein to receive the threaded fasteners. 
     The base  114  and cover  116  may have one or more removable punch-outs  184  formed in walls thereof, for use in mounting the electric wire distributor connector  100  to a wall or other substrate as discussed in connection with the first embodiment. The punch-outs  184  may be opened with an appropriate tool when required, to create holes in the base  114  to accommodate appropriate hardware. Also the base may also contain a removable punch-out hole  184  formed in the base thereof, for use in securing incoming, outgoing wires to respective metallic conductors. 
     One of the many uses for the electric wire distributor connector is illustrated in the electrical circuit  200  of FIG. 8 where four batteries  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  are illustrated. These batteries, as an example, may be the batteries used to provide power to run an electric vehicle. The current or voltage, and amperes from batteries  202  and  204  is directed to the electric wire distributor connector  100  at terminal assembly  150 . Batteries  206  and  208  are directed to terminal assembly  170 . One of the terminal assemblies  140  of distributor  100  is connected to and drives a battery driven motor  210  which is in turn connected to and drives a generator  212  by a shaft  213 . The generator  212  directs the current or voltage, and amperers to the batteries  202 - 208  inclusive to recharge the batteries. Terminal assembly  250  distributes electric current or recycle electric current or voltage and, amperes back to batteries  202 - 208 . Terminal assembly  250  can also generate electric current or voltage the same as previously mentioned above at  140 ,  210 ,  212 ,  213  to recharge the batteries  202 - 208  inclusive. The procedures can be repeated as many times as necessary at added terminal assemblies to run the electric car continuously without the batteries being recharge from any outside source, which is of perpetual motion. 
     A regulator, preferably electronically controlled, can be used to control the flow of electric current or voltage, and amperes. The controlling device could be installed inside the top cover of the distributor 
     Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to the preferred embodiment thereof, the forgoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Those persons skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the preferred embodiment could be made which would be operable. For an example the electric wire distributor connector is not limited to being used with 110 volt AC current, but instead, may be modified, as appropriate to be used with any type of electric wire or cable. The electric wire distributor connector can be modified to divert electric current at an angle and, also to accommodate any conduit. The electric wire distributor connector can also be modified so that the connector housing are within the same housing so that the electric wire distributor resembles a vehicle distributor in design, to save on material an be more compact. All such modifications, which are within the scope of the claims, are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.