Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to systems for improving the operation of pool skimmers, particularly those used in outdoor swimming pools, and methods of using the same. 
         [0003]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0004]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , in the prior art, it is known to remove debris in swimming pools  110  through the use of skimmers  100 . Such skimmers  100  generally include a rectangular skimmer opening  135  located in a sidewall  120  of the swimming pool  110 , a moveable weir  170  that pivots on a hinge  155  within the skimmer  100  and moves in response to changes in the water levels of the swimming pool  110  and a rectangular skimmer faceplate  145 . The faceplate  145  surrounds the skimmer opening  135 , has a thickness  148  of about 1-3 inches and is secured to the pool sidewall  120  via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws)  146  inserted through fastener apertures  147 . The weir  170  pivots between a vertical position (shown in phantom line  170 A in  FIG. 2 ) in which the weir  170  is generally parallel to the sidewall  120  (and perpendicular to the ground) and prevents large debris from flowing through the skimmer  100  (more precisely, beyond the weir  170 ) and a horizontal position (shown in phantom line  170 B in  FIG. 2 ) in which the weir  170  is generally perpendicular to the sidewall  120  (and parallel to the ground) and allows large debris to flow through the skimmer  100  until the debris reaches a filter or debris basket  160 . The passageway through which water flows through the skimmer  100  is denoted by numeral  196  and the top of the passageway is denoted by  197 . As known to the those of ordinary skill, the weir  170  of a conventional skimmer  100  often occupies a position between its two end pivot points (i.e., between the vertical and horizontal positions), as shown in  FIG. 2 . Water enters the skimmer  100  through the opening  135 , flows through water passageway  196  and over the weir  170 , and through a filter or debris basket  160 , which collects debris. Ultimately, the filtered water is then pumped back into the swimming pool  110  through water jets  165  located in the pool sidewalls  120 . Pools may include a series of pumps  190 , valves  192  and  194  and pipes  180 ,  181 ,  182  and  193 . Typically the water jets  165  create a counter-clockwise or clockwise  183  circulation in the pool  110 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Pools  110  may contain one or more skimmers  100 , depending on pool size and the year the pool was built. For example, some U.S. municipalities require that municipal pools have one skimmer per 400 square feet of swimming area. 
         [0005]    Usually, the skimmer opening  135  and weir  170  are located several inches below the top overhang  130  of the pool. (The distance from the pool top overhang  130  to the top of the skimmer opening  135  is labeled as  140 . The distance from the pool top overhang  130  to the top edge  171  of the weir  170  is labeled as  150 ). Most, if not all, of the debris typically found in the swimming pool  110  is more dense than water and hence is located in the top layer of the water located in the swimming pool  110 . Thus, for this reason, skimmer manufacturers instruct swimming pool owners to keep the water level in the pool  110  approximately two-thirds (⅔) of the way up the faceplate  145  (i.e., below the top edge  171  of the weir  170 ) so that the skimmer  100  filters the top, debris-containing layer of the pool water. Unfortunately, keeping the water at the manufacturer&#39;s recommended level is problematic for several reasons. First, the owner may want to keep the water level in the pool near the top overhang  130  of the pool for aesthetic effect (i.e., a full pool). Second, if a rainstorm increases the water above the manufacturer&#39;s recommended level, the owner must remove some of the water from the pool  110  via a drain so that the water returns to the recommended level. This creates a time burden on the pool owner unless the drainage is automatic and, in any case, is environmentally unfriendly and costly, as pool water and chemicals in the pool water are wasted when the pool is drained. 
         [0006]    Some devices in the prior art seek to address some of these water loss issues: however these prior art devices are costly and create hazards in the pool. For example, the Ecoskim™ device (Ecoskim Pty Ltd., Australia), which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,515 to Davies, is a swimming pool cleaning device that includes an outer body with an outlet to the pool pump line, a hollow mating member, which floats within the outer body so that its top rim is at the surface of the pool and a litter basket which fits within the floating member. The device further includes an inlet that attaches to a hose, which moves about the swimming pool, and a backing plate that fits over the opening of a swimming pool skimmer and prevents water from entering the skimmer opening. The Ecoskim™ device costs approximately $700 U.S. Dollars and relies on the use of a mobile hose, which poses a hazard to children swimming in the swimming pool. 
         [0007]    Thus, there is a need for cheap and safe devices that improve the operation of swimming pool skimmers. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present disclosure provides two systems for increasing the range of a pool skimmer that has a skimmer opening located in a sidewall of a pool and a first weir. 
         [0009]    The first system includes at least one track attached to the side wall and adjacent to the skimmer opening. The track has a track length generally perpendicular to the ground. The first system also includes a second weir attached to the track and moveable in a generally vertical position along the track length in response to changing water levels in the pool. The second weir preferably is configured to feed water located in the swimming pool to the skimmer opening. Preferably, water from the pool flows through a weir recess in the second weir and into the skimmer opening. In some embodiments, the weir recess is located in a quarter sphere portion of the second weir. Preferably, the system includes two tracks and each track has a track length, a track recess surface extending along the track length, and a sidewall surface configured to attach, directly or indirectly, to the pool sidewall and disposed at about a 90 angle relative to the track recess surface. Optionally, the second weir includes a vacuum release opening and a vacuum release door that is configured to move between a closed position in which the door seals the opening and an open position in which the door allows water to enter through the opening. Optionally, the track sidewall surfaces include fastener apertures to attach the track directly or indirectly to the pool sidewall. Preferably, the first system includes a weir fastener for immobilizing the first weir. Optionally, the track and second weir are comprised of clear plastic. 
         [0010]    The second system generally relates to a deflector that is attached, directly or indirectly, to the sidewall and that extends outwards into the pool and above the skimmer opening. The deflector further includes a side opening that is positioned to capture water circulating in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion (depending on the circulation pattern of water within the pool). The side opening feeds water to the skimmer opening. As with the prior embodiment, preferably the first weir is immobilized by a weir fastener. Preferably, the deflector does not move within the swimming pool other than to slightly deform in response to pressure applied to the deflector. Preferably, the side opening spans substantially the entire height of the deflector and at least above the skimmer opening. Preferably, the deflector includes fastener apertures and fasteners for attaching the deflector directly or indirectly to the sidewall. Preferably, the deflector is attached to a skimmer faceplate that is attached to the pool sidewall. Preferably, the deflector includes a solid, water impermeable floor, which may abut the sidewall, and a top opening so that water flows through only the side or top openings. Preferably, the deflector extends into the pool a distance of about 1 inch to about 18 inches so that the deflector does not interfere with swimmers in the pool and the deflector has a height of at least 8 inches (e.g., about 8 inches to about 20 inches). 
         [0011]    Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the apparatuses are cheap to manufacture, safe, conserve water and chemical use, and allow for an aesthetically pleasing full pool. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front, perspective view of a prior art skimmer and pool sidewall. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the prior art skimmer of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic view of water circulating in a clockwise fashion in a swimming pool with a prior art skimmer. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front, perspective view of a system of one embodiment of the present invention for increasing the range of a pool skimmer. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front, exploded view of the system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side, elevational view of the system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates a front, cut-away view of the system of  FIG. 4  attached to the faceplate of a pool skimmer. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates a close-up, front, cut-away view of the system of  FIG. 4  attached to the faceplate of a pool skimmer. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of the system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  illustrates a front, perspective view of one embodiment of a deflector of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the deflector of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  illustrates a top, plan view of the deflector of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side, elevational view of the deflector of  FIG. 11  and a faceplate of a pool skimmer. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  illustrates a front, perspective view of another embodiment of a deflector of the present invention 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The present disclosure provides two systems for increasing the range of a pool skimmer  100 . The first system is designated by the numeral  200 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-10 , and generally relates to a second weir  230  that moves along one or more tracks  210 . The second system is designated by the numeral  300 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15  and generally relates to a deflector  330 . In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing for the sake of clarity. The systems  200  and  300  may be used in conjunction with any suitable pool skimmer, and are preferably used with immobile skimmers that are located in swimming pool, pond, fountain, or spa sidewalls, such as the skimmer  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . As used herein, the term “pool” means a swimming pool, pond, fountain or spa. While, the systems  200  and  300  may be used in spas, it will be appreciated that the systems  200  and  300  are preferably used in swimming pools, given that spas generally have a small surface area and are typically covered during rainstorms. While one pool  110  may use both systems  200  and  300 , generally, only one system will be used with any one skimmer  100 . In other words, a given skimmer  100  will typically be outfitted with only one of the systems  200  or  300 . It will be appreciated that the two systems  200  and  300  may each comprise several embodiments as described herein. 
         [0028]    Referring further to the first system  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-10 , the system  200  generally includes one or more tracks  210 , typically two parallel tracks  210 . The track  210  includes a track length  215  and a track recess surface  220 . Preferably, the track  210  has a length  215  of at least about 6 inches (e.g., about 6-24 inches) and a thickness  216  that is substantially equal to the thickness  148  of the faceplate  145  (e.g., about 1-3 inches). The track recess surface  220  includes a track recess  225  extending along the track length  215 . When it is mentioned that the track recess  225  extends along the track length  215 , it is meant that the track recess  225  extends at least partially along the track length  215 . In a preferred embodiment, the track recess  225  extends substantially the entire track length  215 . More preferably, the track recess  225  extends the entire track length  215  so that the second weir  230  can be installed from either the top or the bottom of the track  210  and so that the second weir  230  can slide out of the bottom of the track  210  if struck in a downward motion as a safety feature. The track  210  further includes a sidewall surface  221  configured to attach (i.e., directly or indirectly) to the pool sidewall  120 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sidewall surface  221  is configured to attach to the sidewall  120  by attaching to a skimmer faceplate  146  that is attached to the sidewall  120 . Preferably, the sidewall surface  221  is disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the track recess surface  220 . Preferably, the sidewall surface  221  includes one or more fastener apertures  222  for attaching the track  210  directly or indirectly to the pool sidewall  120 . Preferably, the fastener apertures  222  are configured to receive a fastener  223  (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) so that the fastener  223  may attach the track  210  to the skimmer faceplate  145 . In a particular embodiment, the fasteners  223  are a plurality (e.g., four) of pan-head screws that are used to attach two tracks  210  to the skimmer faceplate  145  and the fastener apertures  222  are longer than the diameter of the pan-head screw  223 , as best seen in  FIG. 8 , and counter-sunk for the seats of the pan-head screw  223 , which allows for the proper seating of the screws  223  and gives the flexibility of height adjustment of the track  210 . 
         [0029]    The first system  200 , as previously noted, is particularly useful in conjunction with the typical skimmer  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . As previously noted, such skimmers  100  typically include a skimmer opening  135  and a weir  170 , which pivots between a vertical position (shown in phantom line  170 A in  FIG. 2 ) in which the weir  170  is generally parallel to the sidewall  120  (and perpendicular to the ground) and prevents large debris from flowing through the skimmer  110  (more precisely, beyond the weir  170 ) and a horizontal position (shown in phantom line  170 B in  FIG. 2 ) in which the weir  170  is generally perpendicular to the sidewall  120  (and parallel to the ground) and allows debris to flow through the skimmer  100  until the debris reaches a filter or debris basket  160 . For ease of reference, the weir  170  of a conventional skimmer  100  is referred to herein as the “first weir.” 
         [0030]    In addition to the first weir  170 , the first system  200  further includes a second weir  230 . The second weir  230  is configured to be received in the track recess  225  when the track  210  is attached to the sidewall  120  so that the second weir  230  may move in generally vertical direction (relative to the ground) along the track length  216  in response to changing water levels in the pool  110 . 
         [0031]    Preferably, the forces acting on the second weir  230  keep at least a portion of the top edge  231  of the second weir  230  (preferably at least weir recess portion  235  of top edge  231  as described below) at or near the top surface of water in the pool  110  during normal operation so that the second weir  230  only allows the top, debris-containing layer of water in the pool  110  to enter skimmer the opening  135 . For example, preferably, at least a portion of the top edge  231  of the second weir  230  is at or near the top surface of water in the pool  110  when the pool  110  is filled with water to the top of skimmer opening  135 . Preferably, a majority of the surface area of the second weir  230  is submerged in the pool water during normal operation so that the second weir  230  inhibits non-debris-containing water from entering skimmer opening  135 . Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that such forces will include at least the buoyancy of the second weir  230 . The forces may also include the suction power of the skimmer  100 . Optionally, the second weir  230  includes one or more sealed air jackets  240  to increase its buoyancy. Alternatively, the second weir  230  may be comprised of foam. The system  200  may be comprised of any suitable material, including without limitation, clear plastic (e.g., clear injection molded plastic). Preferably, the track  210  is comprised of a resilient plastic to prevent deformation. 
         [0032]    The track  210  extends at least above, and preferably above and below the skimmer opening  135  so that the top edge  231  of the second weir  230  has the ability to move at least above (and preferably above and below) the skimmer opening  135  so that the second weir  230  increases the range of the skimmer  100 . 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-10 , unlike U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,515 to Davies, preferably the first system  200  does not block all water from entering the skimmer opening  135 . 
         [0034]    The first system  200  generally eliminates the need for the first weir  170  as the second weir  230  is responsible for skimming the top, debris-containing layer of the water in the pool  110 . Preferably, the first system  200  further includes a weir fastener  250  (e.g., a clip with two prongs) removably attached to the first weir  170  for immobilizing the first weir  170  at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the ground (i.e., at a position other than the vertical position  170 A). Preferably, the weir fastener  250  has a bottom portion  251  that contacts the top edge  171  of the first weir  170  and a top portion  252  that contacts the top wall  197  of the water passageway  196  of the skimmer  100 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In another embodiment, the first weir  170  is removed so that it does not interfere with skimming by first system  200 . 
         [0035]    A particular shape of the second weir  230  will now be described. However, it will be understood that the shape described is merely exemplary and that the second weir  230  may have any suitable shape. Preferably, as shown in  FIGS. 4-10 , the second weir  230  curves away from the pool sidewall  120  so that water may be stored (if even for a very short time) between the rear  232  of the second weir  230  and the skimmer opening  135 . Preferably, the second weir  230  extends between about 1-12 inches into the pool  110  so that the second weir  230  does not interfere with swimmers. In a particular embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 4-10 , the second weir  230  comprises a quarter sphere portion  233  generally in the shape of a quarter of a sphere, and the quarter sphere portion  233  has a generally flat open top  234 . Preferably, the diameter  237  of the quarter sphere is generally parallel to the ground, it being understood that a quarter sphere has one diameter. Preferably, the second weir  230  further includes a weir recess  235  located in the top edge  231  of the second weir  230 . The weir recess  235  may be located adjacent to the lengthwise center  239  of the top edge  231  of the second weir  220 . In such an embodiment, the weir recess  235  is the entry point of water entering beyond the second weir  230  (and ultimately into the skimmer opening  135 ). Preferably, the weir recess  235  is not parallel to the pool sidewall  120  so that the weir recess  235  is optimized to capture the clockwise  183  or counter-clockwise circulation of the pool water. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the second weir  230  further includes a vacuum release door opening  260  and a vacuum release door  261 . The vacuum release door  261  is configured to move between a closed position wherein the vacuum release door  261  seals the opening  260  and an open position wherein the vacuum release door  261  allows water to enter through the vacuum release opening  260 . Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that a purpose of the vacuum release door  261 , which is ordinarily in the closed position, is that if a child were to push the top edge  231  of the second weir  230  above the water level in the pool  110 , a vacuum may be created between the second weir  230  and the pool sidewall  120  due to suction of the second weir  230  to the pool sidewall  120  caused by skimmer  100 . In addition, when the top edge  231  of the second weir  230  is pushed above the water level in the pool  110  by the child, the water behind the second weir  230  (i.e. between second weir  230  and skimmer  100 ) will be drained into skimmer opening  135  without being replenished, causing water in the pool  110  to exert pressure on the second weir  230  without a counter-acting force from water behind the second weir  230  (because the water behind the second weir  230  is drained). To alleviate such issues, these forces cause the door  261  to move to the open position, allowing water to enter and destroying the vacuum, thereby releasing the second weir  230  from the sidewall  120  and relieving water pressure exerted on the second weir  230 . 
         [0037]    The vacuum release opening  260  and door  261  are generally the same shape and may be any suitable shape, such as generally circular or rectangular. Preferably, the vacuum release door  261  and opening  260  are located in the lower half of the second weir  230  so that the door  261  and opening  260  still will be submerged when a child pushes the second weir  230  upwards, given that a purpose of the door  261  and opening  260  is to allow water to pass through the opening  260  when a child pushes the second weir  230  upwards. The vacuum release door  261  may use any suitable mechanism to bias the door  261  in the closed position, such as a spring  262  or magnet. If a spring  262  is used, the first system  200  may further include a nylon or plastic bolt  264  that passes through an aperture  267  in the second weir  230 . The aperture  267  is slightly smaller than the shaft of the bolt  264 , which when pressed into position becomes rigid and tight and non-moveable. The vacuum release door  261  then slides onto the bolt  264  from the rear side. The forward end  263  of the spring  262  rests against the door  261  and the rear end  266  of the spring  262  rests against a washer  265 . A nylon or plastic nut  268  is placed to the rear of the washer  265  so that the washer  265  cannot move rearwardly (i.e., towards the sidewall  120 ) and the spring  262  applies a force to bias the door  261  in a closed position. In another embodiment, a magnet attached to the door  261  or second weir  230  is used to bias the door  261  in a closed position. If a magnet is used, the door  261  may be hinged to the second weir  230 . 
         [0038]    Optionally, the first system  200  is provided as a kit. 
         [0039]    The first system  200  may be installed by any suitable process. Optionally, the process includes: 
         [0040]    a) removing skimmer faceplate fasteners  146 ; 
         [0041]    b) placing two tracks  210  on the left and right sides of the skimmer opening  135  so that the track sidewall surfaces abut the faceplate  145 , the track lengths  215  are perpendicular to the ground, the track recess surfaces  220  of each track  210  face each other, and the faceplate fastener apertures  147  are aligned with the track fastener apertures  222 ; 
         [0042]    c) inserting the track fasteners  223  through the faceplate fastener apertures  147  and the track fastener apertures  222  so that track  210  is secured to faceplate  145  and the sidewall  120 ; and 
         [0043]    d) positioning the second weir  230  in the track recesses  225  so that second weir  230  is moveable along track lengths  215 . 
         [0044]    Steps a) through d) may be performed in any suitable order, including simultaneously. Preferably, the track fasteners  223  are slightly longer than the fasteners  146  that are conventionally used to attach the faceplate  145  to the pool sidewall  120 , given that the track fasteners  223  must pass through an additional material, namely the tracks  210 . The process may include additional steps, such as removing the first weir  170  or providing a weir fastener  250  and immobilizing the first weir  170  with the weir fastener  250 . 
         [0045]    The second system is generally designated by the numeral  300 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15 , and generally relates to a deflector  330  that is external to the skimmer  100 . The deflector  330  is attached, directly or indirectly, to the sidewall  120  and extends outwards into the pool  110  and above the skimmer opening  135 . The deflector  330  further includes a side opening  320  that is positioned to capture water circulating in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion (depending on the circulation pattern in the pool  110 ). The side opening  320  feeds water to the skimmer opening  135  and may be adjacent to the sidewall  120 , as shown in  FIGS. 11-14 . Optionally, the side opening  320  is adjacent to the deflector apex  390 , which is the furthest point that the deflector  330  extends outward from the sidewall  120 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Preferably, the deflector  330  extends outward from the sidewall  120  a distance of about 1 inch to about 18 inches so that the deflector  330  does not interfere with swimmers. 
         [0046]    As with the prior embodiment, preferably the first weir  170  is immobilized by a weir fastener  250  or the first weir  170  is removed in the second system  300 . Preferably, the deflector  330  does not move within the pool  110  other than to slightly deform in response to pressure applied to the deflector  330 . Preferably, the deflector  330  is comprised of rubber. Preferably, the side opening  320  spans substantially the entire height  335  of the deflector  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 11-15 , and at least above the skimmer opening  135 . Preferably, the deflector  330  includes fastener apertures  310  located on flat portions  316  on opposite sides (i.e., the left and right sides) of the deflector  330  and the second system  300  further includes fasteners  315  for attaching the deflector  330  directly or indirectly to the sidewall  120 . Preferably, the flat portions  316  have a width  317  at least equal to the thickness  148  of the faceplate  145 . For example, the flat portions may have a width  317  of at least 0.5 inches and preferably 1-5 inches so the flat portions  316  lay flat on skimmer faceplate  145 . Preferably, the deflector  330  includes a solid, water impermeable floor  340 , which abuts the sidewall  120  below the skimmer opening  135 , and a top opening  350  so that water flows through only the side or top openings  320  and  350 —and not from the floor  340 . Preferably, the deflector  330  includes a curved portion  360  that extends outward from the sidewall  120 . Preferably, the deflector  330  has a height of at least 8 inches (e.g., about 8 inches to about 20 inches). 
         [0047]    Optionally, the deflector  330  includes a left flap  370  and a right flap  380  and the side opening  320  is located between the left and right flaps  370  and  380 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0048]    It will be appreciated the second system  300 , like the first system  200  increases the range of a pool skimmer  100  and preferably does not block all water from entering the skimmer opening  135 , unlike U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,515 to Davies. Rather, the deflector  330  feeds water to the skimmer opening  135 . 
         [0049]    However, unlike the first system  200 , which feeds only the top, debris-containing layer to skimmer opening  135 , the second system  300  is less selective and generally feeds any water that is able to enter through the side and top openings  320  and  3650  to the skimmer opening  136 . 
         [0050]    Optionally, the second system  300  is provided as a kit. 
         [0051]    The second system  300  may be installed by any suitable process. Optionally, the process includes: 
         [0052]    a) removing skimmer the faceplate fasteners  146 ; 
         [0053]    b) positioning the flat portions  316  so they abut the faceplate  145  and the faceplate fastener apertures  147  are aligned with the deflector fastener apertures  310 ; and 
         [0054]    c) inserting the deflector fasteners  315  through the faceplate fastener apertures  147  and the deflector fastener apertures  310  so that deflector  330  is secured to the faceplate  145  and sidewall  120 . 
         [0055]    Steps a) through c) may be performed in any suitable order, including simultaneously. Preferably, the deflector fasteners  315  are slightly longer than the fasteners  146  that are conventionally used to attach the faceplate  145  to the pool sidewall  120 , given that the deflector fasteners  315  must pass through an additional material, namely the deflector  330 . The process may include additional steps, such as removing the first weir  170  or providing a weir fastener  250  and immobilizing the first weir  170  with said weir fastener  250 . 
         [0056]    Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined and limited solely by the following claims.

Technology Category: 8