Abstract:
A computer program for managing property using a program designed to assist a user in completing the required forms to manage the property. The program assists the user by providing hints, overlaying text, and trouble shooting suggestions. The user is guided through each segment of a form to minimize the possibility of human error. The program converts human readable text to a barcode. The completed form is downloaded and printed from a printer.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/597,379, filed Jun. 19, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to a property management system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a property management system, which assists personnel in completing a form that is required for the disposal of property and for receiving property previously disposed of by another entity.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    In modern business practices, maintaining an accurate inventory of equipment and merchandise is crucial. In the past, taking an inventory was an entirely manual process, and therefore often slow and expensive. Modern automated inventory systems have improved the accuracy and speed of this process while reducing its cost. As businesses grow, the need to accurately detail the transfer of various property becomes more vital as businesses seek to efficiently manage all assets.  
           [0006]    Bar coding used for the identification of employees, tools, parts, merchandise, etc. is now a well-known and a proven technology. Use of bar code scanning for data entry is rapidly replacing the keyboard, the once dominant technology in many applications.  
           [0007]    This swift change is the result of several factors. With bar code scanning, overall data entry performance improves because the equipment is easy to use. Less labor is involved, since typing is not required. Because there is no typing, spelling errors and other “typos” are essentially eliminated. Accuracies of over 99% are the norm today. Language barriers are non-existent, in fact, reading ability may not even be a factor as audible signals replace text as the means to indicate successful/unsuccessful completion of data entry.  
           [0008]    While the use of bar codes in the United States dates from the 1950&#39;s, only recently has bar code technology been combined with another well-known and proven technology, the database. By combining these technologies, powerful features can exist for collecting data and utilizing the database for processing the data.  
           [0009]    Numerous innovations for inventory management systems have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they are addressed, they differ from the present invention as hereinafter contrasted.  
           [0010]    In U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,318 issued to Brown et al. on Nov. 20, 1990, a method of order entry, product selection and inventory control for building products, building accessories and building product components is described. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,544 issued to Schmerer et al. on Jun. 7, 1994, a system and method for monitoring and verifying inventory is provided which comprises a portable computer with a printer and a modem “cabled” together and maintained in a carrying case. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,994 issued to Ray on Jan. 10, 1995, a portable microcomputer inventory system is disclosed which includes a plurality of components and a support for supporting the components on a user as the user inventories items that have a bar code thereon. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,442 issued to Foster et al. on Apr. 4, 1995, a text, graphic or other selected objects of a computer screen are selected and converted into a “visual clipboard” which is attached to a convenient boundary of the screen.  
           [0011]    The above described patented inventions differ from the present invention because the patented inventions lack one or more of the following features: explanatory text and help features, a unique document number created from various codes, a program compatible with all types of printers, a program capable of duplicating an entire form and computer software having a computer software inventory therein.  
           [0012]    Numerous innovations for inventory management systems have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they are addressed, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    One object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system and method for assisting a user in completing a property management form.  
           [0014]    More particularly, another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system and method that records information on an equipment disposal form for managing property.  
           [0015]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a property management system which allows the user to receive previously disposed of equipment and other property from another facility.  
           [0016]    Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a computer software program which is compatible with any personal computer having the Microsoft Windows operating system eliminating the need for specialized software in order to use the program.  
           [0017]    Also, the property management system incorporates a program, which can convert human readable text to a barcode. The property management system of the present invention is described as it pertains to form DD 1348-1A, which is a Government form used to dispose, receive and track property.  
           [0018]    In carrying out the above objects of the present invention, a property management system is provided for setting up various help features to assist the user in completing a form. These help features include colored overlaying text, hints and troubleshooting. The overlaying text allows a user to view the assistance features in fields of a computer screen layout, but the overlaying text will not appear on a final printed copy. The overlaying text is a different color from the text of the form, so the user may distinguish between the two. The hints assist the user in entering codes, numbers and other information relevant to property disposal. The troubleshooting feature lists frequently encountered problems and suggests possible solutions. Advantages of the preferred embodiments of the property management system comprising the present invention include:  
           [0019]    (1) Automatic duplication of a form.  
           [0020]    (2) Converting human readable text to a barcode.  
           [0021]    (3) Providing various codes and acronyms for user assistance.  
           [0022]    (4) Anticipating problems and providing the user with possible solutions.  
           [0023]    (5) Creating a user-friendly system, which permits easy completion of a form.  
           [0024]    (6) Automatic Insertion of commonly used information into various sections of a form after a one-time initializing entry of the information.  
           [0025]    (7) Providing access to various codes and code definitions.  
           [0026]    (8) Enabling the user to print a form to virtually any type of printer.  
           [0027]    (9) Providing a means for receiving property previously disposed of by another activity.  
           [0028]    (10) Providing a computer software program which is windows compatible. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]    FIGS.  1 - 5  illustrate a variety of pictorial representations of form DD 1348-1A which appear on the computer screen of a user; and  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 6A and 6B are detailed illustrations of the columns and blocks with written titles which identify the information being supplied by the user of the form DD 1348-1A. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]    Referring first to FIGS.  1 - 5 ,  6 A and  6 B, there is shown a form DD 1348-1A Issue Release/Receipt Document 10. The DD 1348-1A form 10 is a required form used in connection with the disposal of equipment. The DD 1348-1A form 10 is also used for receiving property previously disposed of by another activity. The computer software, which is used to generate form 10, is compatible with all versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system.  
         [0032]    The form 10 contains information relating to the equipment to assist office managers, other employees, and a central office in tracking equipment. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for assisting a user in completing the DD 1348-1A form 10. The preferred embodiment of the present invention does not require the use of FILEMAKER PRO(r) to operate.  
         [0033]    The primary layout/screen is an image of the DD 1348-1A form 10. Questions marks or explanatory text are overlaid in each field that requires an entry. These items remind the user where to make entries. The program calculates the total price by multiplying the Quantity by the Unit Price. Several other layouts/screens provide context-sensitive help by listing and explaining the possible entries for the given field.  
         [0034]    Another layout/screen allows entry of a Unit Identification Code (UIC) and a Compressed Work Center (CWC)—if any—that are incorporated in the Document Number and that repeat on each form/document. The UIC is a six-digit Federal Government code which identifies the activity and the CWC is a two-digit locally generated code in which the activity defines its components, i.e. accounting, test and evaluation, engineering design, human resources, etc. There is a separate two-digit code which identifies a serial number for the property being disposed by the user. It should be understood that the serial number is a sequence number for a particular Julian date.  
         [0035]    If the user&#39;s organization doesn&#39;t use a CWC or an equivalent thereof, the user enters two question marks which reminds the user to enter the last 2-digits of the 4-digit serial number. Alternatively, the user may elect to use all four digits as a serial number. If the first two digits will remain the same (e.g. 00), the user may enter these digits (e.g. 00) as the CWC, and then the last digits are sequential.  
         [0036]    The user also has the option of placing the two-digit CWC before or after the two-digit serial number for the property being disposed of by the user.  
         [0037]    The UIC and CWC data are automatically entered on each new document. Should the information change, clicking the Enter UIC and CWC button  20  returns the user to that layout/screen to update the entered data. The updated user-specific information will be used on newly created documents, but will not alter the existing records/documents. The UIC and CWC button  20  is a yellow coded button on the DD-1348-1A form.  
         [0038]    The computer program used for the DD-1348-1A creates a pair of identical copies of the DD 1348-1A form on a single sheet of paper in a portrait orientation format as shown in FIGS.  1 - 5  and  6 A and  6 B. A dashed line which separates the two forms is the suggested cut line 51.  
         [0039]    The user clicks on the New Record for Disposal button  22  to create an actual record for disposal of equipment. The New Record for Disposal button  22  is a light blue colored button. The record, identified as record one (1), serves as a template for future records. After the user provides a one-time entry of user-specific information such as name and address in record 1, the user clicks the “New Record for Disposal” button  22  to create a copy of the template record. The data in record 1 become defaults for future records. The program automatically builds some fields, either completely or partially: for Block 5 it uses the date in the computer to create the Julian date; for Block 24 two (2) of three (3) elements of the Document Number—the Unit Identification Code (UIC) and Julian date—are entered automatically. If there is a CWC or equivalent, two digits for the four digit serial number are entered automatically. The Tab key may then be used to aid orderly data entry in the new record.  
         [0040]    The program incorporates the 3 of 9 barcode font for blocks 24 and 25 of the form 10. The user enters human-readable text and the program creates the barcode. Block 24 of the form 10, the Document Number, is always barcoded. For Block 25, the program distinguishes between Local Stock Numbers (LSNs) and National Stock Numbers (NSNs), with only NSNs being barcoded. To aid the user in constructing the LSN, the program provides a list of common Federal Supply Classes (FSCs), a 4-digit code, and the equipment each code encompasses.  
         [0041]    The program of the present invention is able to print to any printer, such as laser jet, inkjet, bubblejet, or dot matrix, so long as, the printer is supported by WINDOWS NT(r), or WINDOWS 9X(r), Windows 2000(r) or Mac OS.  
         [0042]    The step by step operating instructions are as follows:  
         [0043]    Initialization Usage  
         [0044]    1. Double click a 1348-1A shortcut on the desktop screen for the personal computer being used to run the program.  
         [0045]    2. Click the yellow Enter UIC and CWC button  20   
         [0046]    3. Click the left yellow button  30  and select or type the UIC for the user&#39;s facility or installation.  
         [0047]    4. The middle yellow button  32  allows the user to enter his CWC or “00” if the user does not have a CWC or its equivalent.  
         [0048]    5. With the right yellow button  34 , the user selects “After Serial #” if the user has a CWC; if there is no CWC, the user selects “Before Serial #”.  
         [0049]    6. The user then clicks the Return button  36  when the user is satisfied with the entries.  
         [0050]    7. In the upper left corner of Form 10 is a Rolodex or Flip Book 50. The user clicks the top page of Flip Book 50 to go to Record 1. Record 1 is the disposal template record.  
         [0051]    8. At the bottom right of the form 10 the user enters the user&#39;s name, address, phone number, and an underline for POC (point of contact) signature.  
         [0052]    9. The user copies the name and address entered in step 8 and pastes this information in Block 2 of form 10.  
         [0053]    10 The user clicks the lower page of the flip book 50 in the upper left corner of form 10.  
         [0054]    11. In Block 3 of record 2, which is the receiving template record, the user pastes the data still on the clipboard from record 1.  
         [0055]    Normal Usage  
         [0056]    1. Double click a 1348-1A shortcut on the desktop screen for the personal computer being used to run the program.  
         [0057]    2. The user clicks a cyan-colored “New Record for Disposal” button  22  to create a new disposal form.  
         [0058]    3. The user uses the Tab key to complete data entry, using context-sensitive help as needed.  
         [0059]    4. Print the form.  
         [0060]    5. For additional items/disposal documents, the user returns to Step 2.  
         [0061]    6. If the user is receiving equipment, the user clicks the lavender “New Record for Receiving” button  24 .  
         [0062]    To better describe the operation of the property management system of the present invention, the utility as it pertains to the DD 1348-1A form and its use at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at Point Mugu, Calif. is detailed. The following description is not intended to limit the possible utilities of the present invention. The DD 1348-1A form 10 contains numbered columns 1-3, 4-6, 7, 23-24, 25-29, 45, 46-50, 51, 52-53, 54-56, 57-59, 60-61, 62-64, 65-66, 67-69, 70, 71, 72, 73, and 74-80. Those columns correspond to various information. However, several of the columns are not used, when filling out the form 10 as it relates to the disposal and receiving applications for equipment and other property. The columns for form 10 are as follows:  
                                       Column(s)   Column Title   Definition                    1-3   Doc Ident   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.        4-6   RI From   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.        7   M &amp; S   Unused in Disposal and receiving               applications.       23-24   Unit Iss   Unit of Issue. A pull-down list               provides the choices, such as EA               for each, PG for package, FT for               foot, etc. The program uses a               default value of “EA”. The user               can access the list by clicking               below “Unit Iss” on the default               value.       25-29   Quantity   Quantity. The number of items               being transferred to or received               from the Defense Reutilization               and Marketing Office (DRMO), i.e.               being disposed of by the issuing               organization. The program uses a               default value of “1”.       45   Ser   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       46-50   Supplementary   Address of the recipient,           Address   specified in the form of the Unit               Identification Code (UIC), a               6-character code issued at the               Federal level to identify               organizational units. For the               Disposal application the program               uses a default value of “SZ3189”,               which is the UIC of DRMO, Port               Hueneme. For the Receiving               application, the user&#39;s UIC code               is used.       51   Sig   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       52-53   Fund   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       54-56   Distribution   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       57-59   Project   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       60-61   Pri   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       62-64   Reqd Del Date   Required Delivery Date. Usurped               in the Disposal application for               indicating the Disposal Code in               column 64. The program has a               pull-down list and a button for               user access that provides an               explanation for each code. The               program uses a default value of               “N”.       65-66   ADV   Advice Code. Usurped in the               Disposal and Receiving               applications for indicating the               Demilitarization Code in column               65. The program has a pull-down               list and a button for user access               that provides an explanation for               each code. The program uses a               default value of “A”.       67-69   RI   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       70   O/P   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       71   Cond   Condition Code. The program has               a pull-down list and a button for               user access that provides an               explanation for each code.       72   MGT   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       73   blank   Unused in Disposal and Receiving               applications.       74-80   Unit Price   The unit price of the item(s)               being disposed of. Entry is in               dollars and cents. The program               does not insert a default value.                  
 
         [0063]    The Unit of Issue contained in columns 23-24 of the 1348-1A disposal form 10 is an abbreviation of the types of units under which material is issued. A sample list of Unit of Issue abbreviations are as follows, for example FT is Foot; PT is Pint; AT is Assortment; FV is Five; PZ is Packet; AY is Assembly; and QT is Quart.  
         [0064]    To better describe the operation of the property management system of the present invention, the utility as it pertains to the needs of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at Point Mugu, Calif. will be detailed. The following description is not intended to limit the possible utilities of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Disposal Authority Codes are inserted in Column 64. Disposal Authority Codes indicate items being transferred to a Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) are authorized to be transferred to disposal because of instructions of the IMM/ICP (Integrated Material Manager/Item Control Point) relayed through the Material Returns Program (MRP) or other proper authority. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the user may access a list of Disposal Authority codes by clicking a green “Disposal Codes (for Col 64)” button  38 . The applicable codes provided to the user on a computer monitor are listed and defined as follows:  
                                                   Code   Explanation                           F   Federal Civil Agency turn-ins (includes turn-ins from               GSA).           M   Items on this transaction are IMM/ICP (Integrated               Material Manager/Item Control Point) stocks and are               being transferred to disposal by authority of the               responsible inventory manager.           N   Items on this transaction are not reportable by               virtue of an exclusion to the Material Returns               Program (MRP) of MILSTRIP or other specific criteria               such as extended dollar value or condition               limitations on excess reporting and are duly               authorized to be transferred to disposal.           R   Items on this transaction have been reported to the               IMM/ICP in accordance with MILSTRIP MRP procedures               and have been directed to disposal by the inventory               manager. Excess transaction status codes SF, SL, SN,               TC, TD, or TX were provided by the IMM/ICP on DI               Code FTR.                      
 
         [0065]    The following define certain abbreviations used throughout the present invention. These abbreviations and their associated definitions appear below the Disposal Codes on the computer monitor when the user clicks on the “Disposal Codes (for Col 64)” button  38 .  
                                                       AEDA   Ammunitions, Explosives, and Dangerous Articles.           CWC   Compressed Work Center.           DRMO   Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office.           FSC   Federal Supply Class.           GSA   Government Services Administration.           MILSTRIP   Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue               Procedures.           MLI   Munitions List Item.           NSN   National Stock Number.           SLI   Strategic List Item.           UIC   Unit Identification Code.                      
 
         [0066]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Demilitarization Codes are inserted in Column 65. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the user may access a list of Demilitarization Codes by clicking the green “Demilitarization Codes (for Col 65)” button  42 . The applicable codes provided to the user on the computer monitor are listed and defined as follows:  
                                                       A   Non-MLI/Non-SLI - Demilitarization not required. {MLI =               Munitions List Item, SLI = Strategic List Item}           B   MLI (Non-SME) - Demilitarization not required. Trade               Security Controls (TSCs) required at disposition.           C   MLI (SME) - Remove and/or demilitarize installed key               point(s), as prescribed in DOD 4160.21-M-1, or lethal               parts, components and accessories.           D   MLI (SME) - Total destruction of item and components so as               to preclude restoration or repair to a usable condition by               melting, cutting, tearing, scratching, crushing, breaking,               punching, neutralizing, etc. (As an alternate, burial or               deep water dumping may be used when coordinated with the               DOD Demilitarization Program Office at HQ Defense               Logistics Agency.)           E   MLI (Non-SME) - Additional critical items/Material               determined to require demilitarization, either key point               or total destruction. Demilitarization instructions to be               furnished by the DOD Demilitarization Program Office               identified in Code “D” above.           F   MLI (SME) - Demilitarization instructions to be furnished               by the Item/Technical Manager.           G   MLI (SME) - Demilitarization required-AEDA.               Demilitarization, and if required, declassification and/or               removal of sensitive markings or information, will be               accomplished prior to physical transfer to a DRMO. This               code will be used for all AEDA items, including those               which also require declassification and/or removal of               sensitive markings or information. {AEDA = Ammunitions,               Explosives, and Dangerous Articles}           P   MLI (SME) - Security Classified Item- Declassification and               any additional demilitarization and removal of any               sensitive markings or information will be accomplished               prior to accountability or physical transfer to a DRMO.               This code will not be assigned to AEDA items.           Q   SLI—Strategic List Item- Demilitarization not required.               SLI are non-MLI and are controlled by the U.S. Department               of Commerce through the Export Administration Regulations               (EAR) and indicated on the Commerce Control List (CCL)               Each CCL entry is preceded by a four-digit Export Control               Classification Number (ECCN) and those ECCNs ending in the               letter “A” or “B” are defined as Strategic List Items.               These items are subject to Import Certification and               Delivery Verification (IC/DV) control and other Trade               Security Controls.                      
 
         [0067]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Condition Codes are inserted in Column 71. The Condition Code indicates the condition of the equipment being disposed. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the user may access a list of Condition Codes by clicking a green “Condition Codes (for Col 71)” button  44 . The applicable codes provided to the user on the computer monitor are listed and defined as follows:  
                                                       A   Serviceable (Issuable Without Qualification). New, used,               repaired, or reconditioned material which is serviceable               and Issuable to all customers without limitation or               restriction. Includes material with more than 6 months               shelf life remaining.           B   Serviceable (Issuable With Qualification). New, used, or               reconditioned material which is serviceable and Issuable               for its intended purpose, but which, is restricted from               issue to specific units, activities, or geographical area               by reason of its limited usefulness or short service life               expectancy. Includes material with 3-6 months shelf life               remaining.           C   Serviceable (Priority Issue). Items which are serviceable               and Issuable to selected customers, but which must be               issued before Condition A and B material to avoid loss as               a usable asset. Includes material with less than 3 months               shelf life remaining.           D   Serviceable (Test/Modification). Serviceable material               which requires test, alteration, modification, conversion,               or disassembly. This does not include items which must be               inspected or tested immediately prior to issue.           F   Unserviceable (Limited Restoration). Material which               involves only limited expense or effort to restore to               serviceable condition and which is accomplished in the               storage activity where stock is located.           F   Unserviceable (Reparable). Economically reparable               material which requires repair, overhaul, or               reconditioning; includes reparable items which are               radioactivity contaminated.           G   Unserviceable (Incomplete). Material requiring additional               parts or components to complete the end item prior to               issue.           H   Unserviceable (Condemned). Material which has been               determined to be unserviceable and does not meet repair               criteria.           S   Unserviceable (Scrap). Material that has no value except               for its basic material content. No stock will be recorded               as on hand in Condition Code S. This code is used only on               transactions involving shipments to DRMOs. Material will               not be transferred to Code S prior to turn-in to DRMOs if               material is recorded in Code A through H at the time               material is determined excess. Material identified by NSN               may not be identified by this Condition Code.                      
 
         [0068]    As indicated above, to better describe the operation of the property management system of the present invention, the utility as it pertains to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWPNS) at Point Mugu, Calif. and the DRMO at Port Hueneme, Calif. will be detailed. The following description is not intended to limit the possible utilities of the present invention. The property management system program enables the user to access help features that assist the user in completing the form. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one help feature is accessed by clicking “Hints for Filling Out the Form” button  46 , as illustrated in FIG. 2. The following assistance or helpful hints for the user are revealed which appears on the computer&#39;s monitor.  
       Hints on Selected Fields  
       [0069]    Columns 25-29, Quantity: 5 digits. Use leading zeros (0s).  
         [0070]    Columns 45-50, Supplementary Address: UIC of DRMO Port Hueneme=SZ3189  
         [0071]    Columns 74-80, Unit Price: Original unit cost or closest estimate of value at purchase.  
         [0072]    Block 2, Ship From: put your UIC in parens on line 1; put your full address starting on line 2.  
         [0073]    Block 3, Ship To: DRMO Pt. Hueneme lists 779 Stethem Road as its address. That&#39;s its mailing address, physical location is Bldg 526. Go in the Pleasant Valley Road gate. At the Stop sign go straight. Take the next left into the warehouse building. (SZ3189) DRMO Pt. Hueneme 779 Stethem Road, Bldg. 526 Port Hueneme, Calif. 93043-4314  
         [0074]    Block 5, Doc Date: Julian Date, YJJJ--&gt;1-digit calendar year, 3-digit day-of-year (with leading zeros as needed)  
         [0075]    Block 24, Document Number &amp; Suffix: Sample—N63126 9001 209P—MAX of 15 characters for barcode. DRMO, Hueneme, wants the 14 characters in columns 30-43 on DD Form 1348-6 but NOT column 44, the Demand Code. Suffix probably refers to column 44. The Document Number breaks down to the 6-character UIC/Requisitioner, 4-digit (Julian) Date, and 2-digit Serial number concatenated with the NAWCWPNS 2-character Compressed Work Center (CWC). (Some Commands do not have a CWC or its equivalent and use all four (4) final positions as a serial number.) NOTE. If you are very, very careful, you may improve readability by putting a single dash (or space) between the UIC and the JDay, and a single dash (or space) between the JDay and the Serial number. This 16-char. string is allowed because the software eliminates dashes or spaces in those specific spots when it creates the barcode. If you are not the careful type, do not use dashes or spaces between the subitems; just type all 14 characters in one continuous string.  
         [0076]    Block 25, National Stock No. &amp; Add: MAX of 15 characters for NSN barcode. If there is no NSN, a Local Stock Number is entered. A typical LSN is the 4-digit Commodity Code (space) +  00 (space) Item name/type. Sample LSN—7021 00 COMPUTER—Local Stock Numbers are not barcoded. NOTE. For the NSN, if you are very, very careful, you may improve readability by putting a single dash (or space) in the usual spots: positions 5, 8, and 12. This 16-char. string is allowed because the software eliminates dashes or spaces in those specific spots when it creates the barcode. If you are not the careful type, do not use dashes or spaces in positions 5, 8, and 12 of the National Stock Number; just type all 13 NSN digits in one continuous string.  
         [0077]    [0077] + AKA the Federal Supply Class (FSC)  
         [0078]    The “Hints on Selected Fields” screen also has a “Lists: FSCs &amp; CWCs” button  48 . When the user clicks on button  48 , the following appears on the user&#39;s computer screen.  
       Selected Commodity Codes  
       [0079]    Common 4-digit Commodity Codes, AKA Federal Supply Classes(FSCs)  
                                                                                               FSC   Description   FSC   Description                   2310   Passenger Motor Vehicles   7005   Disk Drive       2320   Trucks and Truck Tractors, Wheeled   7010   ADPE Systems                   Configuration; CPU       2330   Trailers, Mobile Homes   7020   Computer, Analog       2340   Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, &amp;   7021   Computer, Digital           Bicycles       2540   Vehicle Furniture &amp; Accessories   7022   Computer, Hybrid       2590   Misc Vehicle Components   7025   ADP Input/Output                   and Storage                   Devices, e.g.                   Printers,                   Monitors, Tape                   Drives, Terminals       3610   Print, Duplicating, &amp; Bookbinding   7030   ADP Software           Equip.       4110   Refrigeration Equip.,   7032   Multiplexer            Refrigerators            4140   Fans, Air Circulators and Blower   7033   (External) Modem           Equip.       5110   Hand Tools, Edged, Nonpowered   7035   ADP Supplies and                   Equipment       5130   Hand Tools, Power Driven   7050   ADP Components       5805   Telephone &amp; Telegraph Equip.   7110   Office Furniture,                   Safes       5815   Teletype and Facsimile Equipment   7125   Cabinets, Lockers,                   Bins, Shelving       5836   Video Recording &amp; Reproducing   7195   Miscellaneous            Equip.   Furniture and                        Fixtures       6130   Power Supplies   7290   Misc Household                   Commercial                   Furnish. &amp;                   Appliances       6135   Batteries, Nonrechargeable   7430   Typewriters       6140   Batteries, Rechargeable   7490   Misc Office Mach       6625   Power Meter, Signal Generator,   7510   Office Supplies           Multi-Meter, Oscilloscope       6730   Photo Projection Equipment                  
 
         [0080]    This screen also provides the user with Selected NAWCWPNS Compressed Work Centers which are 2-character codes. For example, the Compressed Work Center 1Q is defined as Code 522400E and the individual identified for as the head of that code is Smith (last name).  
         [0081]    A “List: Commodity Codes &amp; CWCs” button  52  appears on the screen. When the user clicks on this button, the Selected Commodity Codes will appear on the screen, the same as when the user clicks on the “Lists: FSCs &amp; CWCs” button  48 . The screen also includes the “Return” button.  
         [0082]    The following appears when the user clicks on the “Enter UIC &amp; CWC” button  20 .  
       UIC &amp; CWC Entry  
       [0083]    The UIC and CWC you select will be used on all new records. The 6-character UIC, 4-digit (Julian) Date, and 2-digit Serial number concatenated with the 2-character CWC form the Document Number (Block 24). NAWCWPNS places the CWC after the Serial #. Alternatively, some units place the CWC (or its equivalent) before the 2-digit Serial #. If you use all 4 positions for a Serial # and the 1st 2 are always the same, say 00, enter 00 as your CWC and select ‘Before Serial #’ for the position of the CWC. If you don&#39;t use a CWC (or its equivalent). enter two question marks (??)—to remind yourself to enter the 2 digits of the 4-digit Serial #.  
         [0084]    Select/Type your UIC button  30   
         [0085]    Type your 2-char. CWC button  32   
         [0086]    Select position of 2-char. CWC button  34   
         [0087]    Some Known UICs  
                                                       N0429A   NAS (Pt. Mugu)           N09459   VAW113           N09830   VX-9           N31625   FMP MOCC EPAC           N32904   NATEC           N41342   BUPERS           N60530   NAWCWPNS, China Lake           N61756   PMTC and/or PMR or ??           N61762   White Sanda           N62583   NavFac, SLC Dive Locker           N63126   NAWCWPNS, Pt. Mugu           N68936   NAWS, C.L.           N69232   Port Hueneme                      
 
         [0088]    CWC=Compressed Work Center a 2-character code created by the NAWCWPNS Comptroller  
         [0089]    FSC=Federal Supply Class a 4-digit code created at the Federal level  
         [0090]    UIC=Unit Identification Code a 6-character code created at the Federal level  
         [0091]    When the user clicks “Receiving Equipment” button  54 , the following appears on the users monitor.  
       Instructions for Receiving Equipment  
       [0092]    The DD 1348-1A is used both to turn equipment in to DRMO and to receive equipment from DRMO. (Generally, equipment that someone else turned in.) To receive equipment from DRMO, go to their warehouse to check that what you want is in their inventory and available, i.e. that no one else has already claimed it. DRMO personnel will help you. If it is available, use Form 103 to “freeze” it, that is, to reserve it in your name. An easy way to handle the paperwork for receiving equipment is to reserve RECORD #2 in this file as a “Receiving Template”, much the way Record 1 is a “Disposal Template”. The receiving template record will be different than the “turn in/disposal”, template record. The minimum changes in the receiving template record, RECORD #2, and in the process will be listed here, but please check with your local DRMO for complete details. For the Port Hueneme DRMO, call John Doe at XXX-XXXX.  
         [0093]    RECORD 2 (Receiving Template):  
                                                       cols 45-50:   your UIC (not DRMO&#39;s)           Block 2:   DRMO&#39;s address info (not yours)           Block 3:   your address info (not DRMO&#39;s)                      
 
         [0094]    Data Record:  
         [0095]    The data record is filled in after you click the lavender “New Record for Receiving” button.  
         [0096]    When you do the Form 103 at DRMO&#39;s facility, DRMO will provide/tell you:  
                                                       Cols 23-24:   Unit of Issue           Col 65:   Demilitarization Code           Col 71:   Condition Code           Cols 74-80:   Unit Price           Block 17:   Nomenclature           Block 25:   NSN or LSN           Block 27:   Manufacturer, Model #, Serial #, and               barcode on the item-if any                      
 
         [0097]    Location of the equipment for the space below blocks 22-23 and to the right of blocks 26-27  
         [0098]    Note:  
                                                       Col 64:   Blank. The Disposal Authority Code is               blank because you are not disposing of               anything.           Block 26:   Blank. Typically, “Additional               Remarks” are not needed.                      
 
         [0099]    After “freezing” the equipment via Form 103 when you check if it&#39;s available at DRMO, in this electronic DD 1348-1A click the lavender “New Record for Receiving” button. Then proceed to fill in the data record as follows:  
         [0100]    the DRMO provided “Data records” info listed above,  
                                                       Cols 25-29:   the quantity you will be picking               up,           Block 24:   complete the sequence # for the               Document Number.                      
 
         [0101]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user accesses another help feature by clicking on the green “Troubleshooting” button  56 , as illustrated in FIG. 2. “TroubleShooting” reveals the following on the user&#39;s computer screen.  
       TroubleShooting  
     Print Problems  
       [0102]    1. When I print, the template record (Record 1), and only the template record, prints instead of the record I&#39;m in. How do I get the record I&#39;m in to print? 
         [0103]    Ans: In the Print dialog box two entries are of interest: the “Print:” box at the top and the “Print Range” about half way down. You apparently have “Records being browsed” selected in the “Print:” box. This entry needs to be “Current record”. You also have “Pages from: 1 to: 1” selected. While this entry is not in error, “All” should work for the DD 1348-1A form. However selecting “Pages from: 1 to: 1” is a good way to prevent accidentally reprinting lots and lots of records if you have erroneously selected “Records being browsed”.  
         [0104]    2. When I print, all the records in the database print, not just the record I&#39;m on.  
         [0105]    Ans: In the Print dialog box, look at the “Print:” box at the top. You apparently have “Records being browsed” selected. This entry needs to be “Current record”.  
         [0106]    3. On my printer the heavy line at the bottom of the 2nd form is printed on a new page. All the information prints on the 1st page, so I don&#39;t need the 2nd page at all. How do I eliminate it? 
         [0107]    Ans: In the Print dialog box, look at the “Print range” about half way down. Instead of “All” select “Pages” and then enter 1 in the “from” box and 1 in the “to” box. Now only the 1st page will print.  
         [0108]    When the user is finished the “TroubleShooting” feature, the user may return to the form 10 by clicking the “Return” button  36 .  
         [0109]    If a user has access to FedLog, the user may obtain the National Stock Number (NSN), colloquially known as a federal stock number. The NSN has the form AAAA-BB-CCC-DDDD. This number is entered in Block 25 of the DD 1348-1A. If the item to be disposed of has no NSN, the user is to make up a stock number, referred as a Local Stock Number (LSN). There are three (3) parts to a LSN: the 4-digit Federal Supply Class (FSC), “00”, and the Nomenclature of the item. The Federal Supply Class (FSC) is also known as the Commodity Code. For example, the LSN for a digital computer is 7021-00-COMPUTER and the LSN for a printer is 7025-00-PRINTER.  
         [0110]    Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 6A and  6 B, the DD 1348-1A form 10 contains numbered blocks 1 through 27. Those blocks correspond to various information. Similar to the columns, several of the blocks are unused when filling out the form 10 as it relates to the disposal of equipment. The necessary blocks are as follows:  
                                                     Block   Block Title   Definition                                1   Total Price   Total Price. The program multiples the               Quantity (in columns 25-29) by the               Unit Price (in columns 74-80) to               arrive at the Total Price.       2   Ship From   The full address, starting with the               UTI in parentheses, of the               releasing/disposing organization. For               disposal this data is entered one-time               in record 1 and is subsequently               duplicated by the program in               succeeding records when the user               clicks the cyan “New Record for               disposal” button. The program               defaults the UIC portion to “N63126”,               the UIC of NAWCWPNS, Pt. Mugu. The               Receiving template, record 2, is               initialized to DRMO Port Hueneme&#39;s UIC               and address. This data is duplicated               by the program in succeeding records               when the user clicks the lavender “New               Record for Receiving” button.       3   Ship To   The full address, starting with the               UTI in parentheses, of the receiving               organization. For disposal, this data               is entered one-time in record 1 and is               subsequently duplicated by the program               in succeeding records when the user               clicks the cyan “New Record for               Disposal” button. The program               defaults this entry to UIC “SZ3189”               and the rest of the address of DRMO,               Port Hueneme. The Receiving               template, record 2, is initialized to               “N63126”, the UIC of NAWCWPNS, Pt.               Mugu. The User enters his/her address               in record 2. This data is duplicated               by the program in succeeding records               when the user clicks the lavender “New               Record for Receiving” button.       4   Mark For   May be the receiving organization or a               person within that organization. For               Disposal the program defaults this               entry to “DRMO Port Hueneme”. There               is no default entry for the Receiving               application.       5   Doc Date   The Julianized Date of the item(s)               that are being disposed of or               received. The program automatically               enters this 4-digit number when a new               record is created. The entry is based               on the date in the host computer.       6   NMFC   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       7   FRT Rate   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       8   Type Cargo   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       9   PS   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       10   Qty Rec&#39;d   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       11   UP   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       12   Unit Weight   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       13   Unit Cube   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       14   UFC   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       15   SL   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       16   Freight   Not used in either the Disposal or           Classification   Receiving application.           Nomenclature       17   Item   Name of the item(s) being disposed of           Nomenclature   or received. Brief (about 30               characters or less), high-level               description of the item(s).       18   TY CONT   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       19   NO CONT   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       20   Total Weight   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       21   Total Cube   Not used in either the Disposal or               Receiving application.       22   Received By   For disposal the receiving official at               DRMO enters his/her name. For               receiving equipment from DRMO, the               user enters his/her name.       23   Date Received   The receiving official at DRMO enters               the date.       24   Document   Document Number in the form:           Number &amp;   6-character UIC-4-digit Julian           Suffix (30-44)   Date-nnnn, where nnnn is a sequence               number for that date.       25   National Stock   The National Stock Number (NSN), if           &amp; ADD (8-22)   any or in its absence, a made up Local               Stock Number (LSN) . The NSN is the               13-digit number issued to               national/federal stock items. The               format is: nnnn-nn-nnn-nnnn. There               are three (3) parts to a LSN: the               4-digit Federal Supply Class (FSC),               “00”, and the Nomenclature of the               item.       26   RIC (4-6)   Not Used in the Disposal or               Receiving application.           UI (23-24)   Not Used in the Disposal or               Receiving application.           QTY (25-29)   Not Used in the Disposal or               Receiving application.           CON CODE (71)   Not Used in the Disposal or               Receiving application.           DIST (55-56)   Not Used in the Disposal or               Receiving application.           UP (74-80)   Not Used in the Disposal or               Receiving application.           REMARKS   In the Disposal application, Block 26               has been usurped for additional               remarks such as certifying that a               computer&#39;s hard disk has been               degaussed. Typically not used in the               Receiving application.       27   Additional   Block 27 is used for the equipment&#39;s           Data   Manufacturer, Model No., Serial No.,               and BarCode tag (if any).                  
 
         [0111]    Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, for the disposal application, the user enters the data required in block 24 which is the document number; block 25 which is the National or Local Stock number; block 26 which is reserved for additional remarks; and block 27 which is reserved for additional manufacturing data. For the receiving application the user enters the data required in block 24 which is the document number. DRMO provides the National or Local stock number for block 25 and the additional manufacturing data for block 27.  
         [0112]    At this time, it should be noted that an FSCs button  85  appears on the screen. When a user clicks on the FSCs button  85 , the “Selected Commodity Codes” appears on the computer screen.  
         [0113]    The following is a Table in which, most, but not all, of the fields correspond to column and block headers on the DD 1348-1A Form. When they do correspond, the field name is generally the same as the header on the form. Depending upon the application, some entries are quite different than that suggested by the header. The Description of Field column in the table uses bold text to identify the true data being entered. Some descriptions indicate a red question mark or red text will be displayed on the computer screen. These are indicators to the user that an entry should be made.  
       DD 1348-1A Program Documentation Pertinent Field Definitions and Scripts  
     Pertinent Field Definitions  
       [0114]    [0114]                                       Field Name   Field Type   Description of Field/Formula/Entry Options                   Unit ISS w   Text   User selects Unit of Issue from a pop-up list of all       Description       possible 2-character entries, with the name of the entry               in parentheses, e.g., EA (Each). The list starts with               the 6 most likely choices, followed by a complete               alphabetized list.               In the Disposal and Receiving template records, the field               is set to EA, which acts as the de facto default.       Unit ISS   Text (from a   If the Unit ISS w Description field is blank, displays a       Overlay   Calculation)   red question mark in that space. Otherwise, displays               nothing.       Quantity   Number   User enters Quantity of item being disposed of (or               received). Program only allows values of type Number               in the range 1 to 99999.               In the Disposal and Receiving template records, the field               is set to 1, which acts as the de facto default.       Quantity   Text (from a   If the Quantity field is blank, displays a red question       Overlay   Calculation)   mark in that space. Otherwise, displays nothing.       Supplementary   Text   This field has been usurped for the user to enter the Unit       Address (Col       Identification Code (UIC) of the group receiving the       46-50)       items.               In the Disposal template record, the UIC for DRMO,               Port Hueneme, has been entered as the de facto default.               If a different DRMO is being used, the user may change               the value in the Disposal template.               The Receiving template utilizes the User&#39;s UIC.       Req&#39;d Del Date   Text   This field has been usurped for the user to select the               Disposal Code from a pop-up list of all possible entries.               In the Disposal template record the field is set to N,               which acts as the de facto Disposal default.               This field is blank in the Receiving template.       Req&#39;d Del Date   Text (from a   If the Req &#39;d Del Date field is blank, displays a red       Overlay   Calculation)   question mark in that space. Otherwise, displays               nothing.       ADV   Text   This field has been usurped for the user to select the               Demilitarization Code from a pop-up list of all possible               entries.               In the Disposal and Receiving template records the field               is set to A, which acts as the defacto default.       ADV Overlay   Text (from a   If the ADV field is blank, displays a red question mark           Calculation)   in that space. Otherwise, displays nothing.       Cond   Text   User selects the Condition Code from a pop-up list of               all possible entries. Since no one choice predominates,               there is no default value and no entry in either the               Disposal or Receiving template record to act as a de               facto default.       Cond Overlay   Text (from a   If the Cond field is blank, displays a red question mark           Calculation)   in that space. Otherwise, displays nothing.       Unit Dollars   Number   User enters the whole dollars portion of the original               value of the item. Program only allows values of type               Number.       Unit Dollars   Text(from a   If the Unit Dollars field is blank, displays a red question       Overlay   Calculation)   mark in that space. Otherwise, displays nothing.       Unit Cents   Number   User enters the cents portion of the original value of the               item. Program only allows values of type Number in               the range 0 to 99.       Unit Cents   Text (from a   If the Unit Cents field is blank, displays a red question       Overlay   Calculation)   mark in that space. Otherwise, displays nothing.       Unit Price   Number   Program computes Unit Price as: (Unit Dollars + Unit           (from a   Cents/100). Result is rounded to 2 decimal places.           Calculation)       Total Price   Number   Program computes Total Price as: (Unit Price *           (from a   Quantity). Result is rounded to 2 decimal places.           Calculation)       Total Cents   Number   Program computes Total Price Cts as: the result of the           (from a   modulus function of (Total Price *100,100) rounded to 0           Calculation)   decimal places.       Total Dollars   Number   Program computes Total Price Dollars as: the result of           (from a   (Total Price − Total Cents/100) rounded to 0 decimal           Calculation)   places.       Ship From   Text   For Disposal, the user enters his/her address in the Ship               From field (Block 2) starting with the UIC in               parentheses, followed by the normal address. Typically,               this address is entered in the Disposal template record to               act as the de facto Disposal default.               The Receiving template is initialized to DRMO Port               Hueneme&#39;s UIC and address.       Ship From   Text (from a   In Disposal records, if the Ship From field is blank or       Overlay   Calculation)   contains the UIC only, “displays your full address” in               red in that space. Otherwise, displays nothing.               Always blank in Receiving records.       Ship To (Blk 3)   Text   User enters DRMO&#39;s address in the Ship To field               starting with DRMO&#39;s UIC in parentheses, followed by               the normal address.               The UIC and address of the Port Hueneme DRMO have               been entered in the Disposal template record to act as               the de facto Disposal default.               For Receiving, the user enters his/her address, starting               with the UIC in parentheses, followed by the normal               address. Typically, this address is entered in the               Receiving template record to act as the de facto               Receiving default       Mark For (Blk   Text   User enters the organization or person to receive the       4)       item(s) in the Mark For field. “DRMO Port Hueneme”               has been entered in the Disposal template record to act               as the de facto Disposal default.               Left blank in the Receiving template record.       JDay   Text (from a   The program uses the date in the computer to calculate           Calculation)   the Julian Date as: the last digit of the year               concatenated with the 3-digit day of year.       Doc Date   Text   The “New Record for Disposal” and “New Record for               Receiving” scripts set the Doc Date field (Block 5) to               the value: JDay. If the user prefers a different JDay,               he/she may enter it in lieu of the calculated value.       Doc Date   Text (from a   If the Doc Date field is blank, displays “JDay” in red in       Overlay   Calculation)   that space. Otherwise, displays nothing.       Item   Text   The user enters a brief, high-level description, the Item       Nomenclature       Nomenclature, for the item.       (Blk 17)       Item   Text (from a   In Disposal records, if the Item Nomenclature (Blk 17)       Nomenclature   Calculation)   field is blank, displays “Item Nomenclature here” in red       Overlay       in that space. Otherwise, displays nothing.               In Receiving records, when the Item Nomenclature (Blk               17) field is blank, the (red) text reads “DRMO to               provide Nomenclature”. Otherwise, displays nothing.       Document   Text   In Block 24, user enters the unique Document Number       Number       composed of 3 components: the user&#39;s 6-character UIC,               the 4-digit JDay, and a 4-digit serial number on that               JDay. The UIC defaults to the value the user entered at               1 st  usage of the program. The JDay is automatically               computed from the date in the computer. Thus, the user               needs only enter the 4-digit serial number.               The program uses a validation formula to give the user               feedback on the entry of illegal characters.       Document   Text (from a   If the serial number portion of the Document Number       Number   Calculation)   field is blank, displays data entry guidance in red below       Overlay       the Document Number field. Otherwise, displays               nothing.       Document   Text (from a   Program automatically converts the human readable       Number   Calculation)   Document Number into the 3 of 9 barcode.       BarCode       National Stock   Text   User enters the 13-character National Stock Number in       Number       Block 25 on the form. If the item has no National Stock               Number, the user creates and enters a Local Stock               Number consisting of the Federal Supply Class (FSC),               the digits 00, and the Nomenclature of the item.               The program uses a validation formula to give the user               feedback on the entry of illegal characters.       National Stock   Text (from a   If the National Stock Number field is blank, displays       Number   Calculation)   data entry guidance in red in that space. Otherwise,       Overlay       displays nothing.       National Stock   Text (from a   If the entry in the National Stock Number field contains       Number   Calculation)   exactly 13 characters, the program automatically       BarCode       converts it into the 3 of 9 barcode. Otherwise, it               displays nothing.       RIC   Text   In the Disposal application, Block 26 has been usurped               for additional remarks, such as certifying that a               computer&#39;s hard disk has been degaussed.               Typically not used in the Receiving application.       RIC Overlay   Text (from a   For Disposal records, displays data entry guidance (in           Calculation)   red) if the user has made no entry in the RIC field.               Blank in Receiving records.       Additional Data   Text   Block 27 is used to list the equipment&#39;s Manufacturer,               Model No., Serial No., and BarCode tag (if any).       Add 1 Data   Text (from a   Displays data entry guidance (in red) if the user has       Overlay   Calculation)   made no entry in the Additional Data field.       Disposing   Text   In Disposal records, in the open area in the lower right       Official w Addr       of form, the user enters the Point of Contact&#39;s name,               address, and phone #, and underlines a line for the               POC&#39;s signature. Typically, this information is entered               in the Disposal template record to act as the de facto               Disposal default.               In Receiving records, the user enters the equipment               location that DRMO provides.       Disposer   Text (from a   Displays data entry guidance (in red) if the user has       Overlay   Calculation)   made no entry in the Disposing Official w Addr field.       gt_Disposal   Text   Contains the text for the help screen that lists the       Authority       Disposal Authority Codes.       Codes       gt_Demilitari-   Text   Contains the text for the help screen that lists the       zation Codes       Demilitarization Codes.       gt_Condition   Text   Contains the text for the help screen that lists the       Codes       Condition Codes.       UIC   Text   User may click an on-screen button (Enter UIC &amp; CWC               (&amp;CWC Position) for new Records) that allows entry of               the Unit Identification Code (UIC) into the Disposal and               Receiving template records, in essence, setting that entry               as the default value. The user is advised to make this               entry the very first time he/she uses the program.       CWC   Text   User may click an on-screen button (Enter UIC &amp; CWC               (&amp; CWC Position) for new Records) that allows entry of               the Compressed Work Center (CWC) into the Disposal               and Receiving template records, in essence, setting that               entry as the default value. The user is advised to make               this entry the very first time he/she uses the program.       gt_FSCs 1   Text   Contains the text for the left column of the help screen               that lists selected Federal Supply Classes (FSCs). FSCs               are a component of the National Stock Number (NSN)               and Local Stock Number (LSN).       gt_FSCs 2   Text   Contains the text for the right column of the help screen               that lists selected Federal Supply Classes (FSCs). FSCs               are a component of the National Stock Number (NSN)               and Local Stock Number (LSN).       gt_Form Hints   Text   Contains the text for the help screen that gives data               entry help/hints for the various columns and block               entries.       gt_Trouble-   Text   Contains the text for the “Troubleshooting” help screen.       Shooting       gt_Ver Num &amp;   Text   Contains the text with the Version Number and Date of       Date       the version of the DD 1348-1A form being used.                    
         [0115]    Although the descriptions above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing an illustration of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.