Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02316194 2006-05-31
WATERCRAFT STABILIZER SYSTEM
Original Patent Application
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to methods, device and systems for
stabilizing watercraft. More particularly it relates to a means
for stabilizing a canoe or the like watercraft and includes a
portable, articulated, heavy-duty and versatile mounting bracket
which can be rapidly mounted and dismounted on a small watercraft
with a pair of float units. The facile mounting of suitable
accessory floats on the articulated outer strut arms of the
mounting bracket transforms the unit into a versatile and compact
flotation device.
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TECHNICAL CHARACTER
The technical character of this invention resides in the
design and utility of a pair of float units as a means for
stabilizing a watercraft which float unit is easily and
quickly attachable and stow-able in the watercraft.
THE PROBLEM
The problems with prior art boat stabilizers such as
those utilizing foam or hull modification are not suitable for
majority of trekkers. The prior art stabilization and portage
systems all fall short of fulfilling the needs of the average
trekker.
SUMMARY
This invention comprises a pair of floats individually
engage-able and deploy-able on opposite sides of the
watercraft near the center of gravity. Either float or neither
or both can be deployed (folded out) or stowed away (folded
in) without any interference with the normal operation of the
watercraft. The bottom of the floats is shaped like SRI's. The
width of the Ski determines the speed range of the watercraft.
Suitable mounting hardware for quick release and deployment is
included. While the preferred embodiment is a unitary design,
an alternate embodiment with plurality of floats on each side
requires assembly of components and is particularly suitable
for high speeds.
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The width of the SKI'S is inversely proportional to the
speed. The normal skis are suitable for emergency rescue
services and sportsmen in severe conditions or for slow moving
and stationary watercraft use. Very thin knife edge SKI'S are
suitable for non-severe conditions at all speeds. An alternate
embodiment is suitable for high speeds and is typically a few
inches above the water, which comes into play for turning the
watercraft to which it is attached at high speeds. Splashing
and spray problems of lower speeds are minimal at high speeds.
PRIOR ART
A prior art patentability search was commissioned and
conducted by the inventor. Furthermore the inventor is
intimately familiar with the prior art. Following is a listing
of the typical prior art arranged in the reverse chronological
order for ready reference of the reader.
a) U S Utility Patent 5,829,376 awarded to Jerzy
Kostanski on November 3, 1998 for "Outrigger Watercraft"
b) U S Utility patent 5,826,529 bestowed upon James Ely
on October 27, 1998 for "Stabilizing Hull for Watercraft"
c) U S Utility Patent 5,803,006 honorably given to
Monsour Al-Dokhi on September 8, 1998 for "Float Master for a
Watercraft"
d) U S utility patent 5,647,297 earned by William Hanson
on July 15, 1997 for "Foam Stabilized Watercraft"
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e) U S Utility Patent 5,582,126 honorably issued to
Donald Rypinski on December 10, 1996 for "Modular Watercraft
System"
f) U S Utility Patent 5,501,169 showered upon James
Denker on March 26, 1996 for "Universal Canoe Accessory
Mounting Bracket"
g) U S Utility Patent 5,295,454 granted to Donald Streck
on March 22, 1994 for "Safety Release Outrigger Attachment for
an Outrigger Canoe"
h) U S Design Patent D-341,813 designed by Schlangen et
al on November 30, 1993 for "Pontoon for Personalized
Watercraft"
i) U S Design Patent D-322,773 issued to Kissel et al on
December 31, 1991 for "One Man Outrigger Canoe"
j) U S Utility Patent 4,977,844 bestowed upon Richard
Barr on December 18, 1990 for "Life Step Stabilizer"
k) U S utility Patent 4,807,551 creatively earned by Gwyn
Ace of Canada on February 28, 1989 for "Portable Outrigger"
1) U S Utility Patent 4,641,594 honorably issued to Harry
Birkett on February 10, 1987 for "Canoe Conversion Kit"
m) U S Utility Patent 4,512,277 honorably given to Donald
Williams on April 23, 1985 for "Adjustable Canoe Pontoons"
Unfortunately none of the prior art devices singly or
even in combination provide all of the features and objectives
established by the inventor for this system as enumerated
below.
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OBJECTIVES
1. It is an objective of this invention to provide
method, devices and system for increasing the stability of a
aircraft.
2. Another objective of this invention is to provide a
watercraft stabilizer system suitable for all types of bodies
of water and all types of watercraft for operation at low,
medium and high speeds.
3. Another objective of this invention is that it use
little or no additional power or energy.
4. Another objective of this invention is that it is easy
to use even for novices and beginners and therefore requires
little additional training.
5. Another objective of this invention is that the
stabilizer system of this invention is integrated and
streamlined to the watercraft.
6. Another objective of this invention is that it be
physically safe in normal environment as well as accidental
situations.7. Another objective of this invention is that it be
environmentally friendly.
8. Another objective of this invention is that it be made
of modular units easily interface-able to each other.
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9. Another objective of this invention is that it meet
all federal, state, local and other private standards,
guidelines and recommendations with respect to safety,
environment, quality and energy consumption.
10. Another objective of this invention is that it permit
safe operation in inclement weather conditions such as
turbulence.
11. Another objective of this invention is that it be
elegantly simple in concept and design.
12. Another objective of this invention is that it be
applicable to retrofit as well as OEM market.
13. Another objective of this invention is that it be
easy to install, de-install, deploy, stow, transport and
store.14. Another objective of this invention is that it can be
adapted for other uses.
15. Another objective of. this invention is that the
floatation device is easily separable in case of emergency to
serve as life preserver.
16. Another objective of this invention is to only
minimally interfere with the cruise speed of the watercraft.
Other objectives of this invention reside in its
simplicity, elegance of design, ease of manufacture, service
and use and even aesthetics as will become apparent from the
following brief description of the drawings and concomitant
description.
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DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART
Existing flotation devices do not fulfill the needs of
the average small, narrow beam watercraft user. Small, narrow
beam watercraft are typically more susceptible to being
swamped or capsized than other small watercraft. Anti-roll,
anti-list, and anti-swamp stability can be achieved in a
small, narrow beam watercraft using pontoons, sponsons,
floats, or float units fixed to a mounting bracket which in
turn is fixed to the hull of these craft. These flotation
devices (mounting bracket plus the attached float units) have
typically been of a fixed nature, vertically adjustable, or
laterally extendable from the side of the hull.
Many of the existing float units are custom-made, and
are, therefore not universally applicable to small, narrow
beam watercraft. The floats are of differing sizes and shapes
but in general they are rather bulky to handle and/or provide
substantial hydrodynamic drag to the vessel.Typically, these
flotation devices do not' allow the float units to be
readily engaged or disengaged while the vessel is in motion.
The float units are not readily stow-able for launching,
docking, or beaching the small, narrow beam watercraft. The
flotation devices are typically not designed to facilitate the
easy manoeuvering of the small, narrow beam watercraft in
areas obstructed with rocks, brush, trees, and debris.
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The majority of existing flotation devices do not provide
a means for stowing the float units in a manner, which will
prevent the small,narrow beam watercraft from listing
appreciably to one side, while stowing or removing the float
units. The stowing of float units is necessary to permit the
unobstructed passage of the small, narrow beam watercraft past
waterside obstacles located to either side of the hull while
minimizing the possibility of them being fouled.
The Pontoons of Williams '277 are not readily suitable
for launching and docking or beaching a small watercraft such
as a canoe. Neither are the pontoons easily removable while
remaining seated in a stationary position in the canoe to
maintain the center of gravity along the longitudinal center
line of the watercraft. It is thus not feasible to maneuver in
areas obstructed by brush, rocks and the like.
ACE '551 has an extendable arm on the pontoons, which can
be adjusted in and out only when the gunwale mounting clamp is
loosened because it is firmly affixed to the inner (slidable
telescopic rod. It cannot be adjusted while the craft is being
operated.
The Invention of Barr '844 is always affixed either under
or over the thwart and attached to a custom fitted float which
by design may provide excess hydrodynamic drag. The float is
custom fitted to one particular canoe shape and the float is
quite bulky when in the engaged position and is therefore not
universally applicable.
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An embodiment of his invention requires cutting a hole through
the hull of the craft. Second embodiment entails the clamping of
the outer sleeve to the structural thwart of the canoe.
Denker '169 provides a universal mounting bracket that is
clamped tot eh gunwale only on one side.
In a broad aspect the present invention relates to a method
of clamping a pair of flotation devices to a small watercraft
comprising mounting a lockable transverse support member having a
pair of fulcrums on to the gunwale of a small watercraft by means
of a pair of adjustable clamp fasteners beneath said transverse
support member, each said clamp fastener being frangible at a sheer
stress level below the sheer stress level necessary to break said
gunwhales.
In another broad aspect, the present invention relates to a
watercraft stabilizer device comprising: a) a longitudinal support
member mountable on to a watercraft; b) a pair of floats connected
to said longitudinal member on each end thereof; and
c) wherein said floats comprise a pair of air bladders mounted over
a ski on each side of said watercraft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
and its application will be more readily appreciated when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
a) Fig. 1(a) is an isometric perspective view of a pair of
knife edge float units mounted and deployed on a prior art
watercraft;
b) Fig. 1(b) is also an isometric perspective view of a
unitary design having a pair of float units, one of which deployed
and the other in stowed position;
c) Fig. 2(a) is top plan elevation of Fig. 1(a) without the
watercraft;
d) Fig. 2(b) is a front from stern or back from bow view
thereof;
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e) Fig. 2(c) is a bottom elevation thereof;
thereof.f) Fig. 2(d) is a port side or starboard side view
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g) Fig. 3 is an isometric perspective view of an
alternate unitary design with standard SKIS for lower speeds
of non-severe condition.
h) Fig. 4 is yet another isometric perspective view of an
alternate embodiment of assembly of components non-unitary
design embodiment wherein flotation device comprises a pair of
air bladders over each ski on each side of the watercraft.
i) Fig. 5(a) is top plan elevation of Fig. 4 without
the watercraft.
j) Fig. 5(b) is a front view form stern or back view from
bow.
k) Fig. 5(c) is a port side or starboard side view
thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The watercraft stabilizer system of this invention as
shown in the various drawings wherein like numerals represent
like parts throughout the several views, there is generally
disclosed in Fig. 1(a) is an isometric perspective view of a
pair of float units 255 devices 250 mounted and deployed on a
prior art watercraft 100. Fig. 1(b) is also an isometric
perspective view of pair of float units 255 one of which is
deployed and the other in stowed position. This embodiment is
particularly suited for low speed or stationary operation in
severe conditions.
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Fig. 2(a) is top plan elevation of Fig. 1(a) without the
watercraft. Similarly Fig. 2(b) is a front view from stern or
back view from bow view thereof. Fig. 2(c) is a bottom
elevation thereof. Fig. 2(d) is a port side or starboard side
view thereof each complete with float units 255 mounted on the
ends of longitudinal support member 200, which is interfaced
to the watercraft at 210 and to the floats 260 at interface
230. The longitudinal support member has a pair of fold-able
hinges 220 to quickly deploy (fold out) or stow (fold in)
individually or collectively the float units 255.
Fig. 3 is an isometric perspective view of an alternate
unitary design with standard SKIs for lower speeds under all
conditions.
Fig. 4 is yet another isometric perspective view of an
alternate embodiment wherein floatation devices 250 which
comprises a pair of air bladders 262 over each ski 240 on each
side of the watercraft 100. This embodiment is particularly
suited for high speed operation in non-severe conditions.
Fig. 5(a) is top plan elevation of Fig. 4 without the
watercraft. Fig. 5(b) is a front view from stern or back view
from bow. Fig. 5(c) is a port side or starboard side view
thereof complete with longitudinal support member 200, which
is interfaced to the watercraft at 210 and to the float units
255 at interface 230. The longitudinal support member has a
pair of fold-able hinges 220 to quickly deploy (fold out) or
stow (fold in) individually or collectively.
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ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 3 is an isometric perspective view of an alternate
unitary design with standard SKIs for lower speeds of all
conditions.
As shown in Figure 4 instead of a unitary design the
floats may comprise an assembly of components. This is
particularly suited for high speed operation.
According to the present invention, the floats 260 can be
of a unit body construction as shown in Fig. 1 , 2 & 3 or an
assembly of components as shown in Figures 4 & 5. Ideally, the
floats 260 should be lightweight and compact in keeping with
the overall portable nature of the flotation device, and the
small narrow beam watercraft. They need not be custom-made to
fit each small, narrow beam watercraft.
The displacement capacity of the floats is determined by
the severity of the operating conditions. For average
operating conditions, the floats can be up to about fifty
liters, or more, of displacement capacity and up to about one
meter in length. The floats should be square, rectangular, or
approximately cylindrical in overall shape with the anterior
or forward portion being shaped similar to the floats
illustrated. In special cases the float should be
symmetrically shaped with both the anterior and posterior
sections being shaped similar to the anterior section of the
floats illustrated.
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Either a suitably designed float, or fixture (such as a
ski) securely fastened to the bottom of a float will enable a
small, narrow beam watercraft to achieve safe and stable
operating characteristics at both low and high speed. Such a
float reduces hydrodynamic drag, splashing and spray under
various operating conditions of the small, narrow beam
watercraft.
This invention provides a design for a general purpose
float which can achieve these characteristics when it is
incorporated into the overall flotation device 250.
Virtually any reasonable type, size, and shape of float
can be rapidly and easily fixed to the float unit, either with
float mounting fasteners or float mounting clamps to either
the outer strut arm or the adjustable extension arm.
Owing to the lightweight nature of a small, narrow beam
watercraft, mounting of this flotation device makes it
extremely buoyant. Thus, the one crew member (of average
weight) on board the vessel and minimum cargo carried, is
easily supported. There can be up to about 100 Kg of flotation
lift to support the crew member and cargo in a small, narrow
beam watercraft from the floats described. Similarly, if a
small, narrow beam watercraft is rendered unserviceable and
must be abandoned while in deep waters, the flotation device
can be dismounted from the vessel during the emergency.
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It can then be readily utilized as a secondary personal
flotation device. In this manner the flotation device can be
utilized to help maintain the crew member afloat till help
arrives, or to enable the crew member to swim to shore more
easily, since the crew member can take rest breaks when
necessary while relying on the flotation device. This is
in combination with the primary personal flotation device
(life Jacket) which should always be worn by all crew members.
This flotation device permits the effective beam of a
small, narrow beam watercraft to be approximately doubled when
both float units are engaged and locked.
Likewise, the beam of the vessel is returned to normal
when both of the float units are disengaged and stowed. The
inherent improvement in safety benefits and vessel
manoeuvering characteristics, under variable water conditions,
are obvious for such a device.
If a catastrophic event causes a small, narrow beam
watercraft with the mounted flotation device to be capsized,
it can be readily, returned to an upright condition. The crew
member can then mount the vessel, bail out the excess water
and return the vessel to normal use with only moderate time
and effort expended to achieve this under average conditions.
Even if severe conditions persist the flotation device will
aid in maintaining the vessel in an upright orientation.
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The float units 255 constitute everything from hinge out
and are comprised of the float and any float mounting
fasteners or float mounting clamps, a suitably long extension
arm (needed to provide adjustment of the height of the float),
and any fasteners and quick connect fasteners for float height
adjustment.
Angle fixtures are used to securely fasten the extension
arm to the outer strut arm which is also defined as a part of
the float unit for convenience.
The float units are designed and adjusted to provide the
optimum compromise between minimizing the list of the small,
narrow beam watercraft, and the hydrodynamic drag which
naturally ensues.
They can be engaged and disengaged, and are stow-able at
a position where they typically will not interfere with the
small, narrow beam watercraft's manoeuvering capabilities.
Furthermore, the float units can be engaged and locked in such
positions rapidly, and with minimum effort, and be unlocked,
disengaged and stowed rapidly when not required. These
operations can be performed while the small, narrow beam
watercraft is in motion, since the crew member can remain
seated in a stationary position, and thus maintain the center
of gravity along the longitudinal center line of the vessel
while performing the necessary operations.
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A float unit is locked in the engaged configuration with
a positive-locking latch or catch or, according to the
preferred embodiment of the invention, a locking strut which
permits the remote locking of the float unit.
THE USE AND OPERATION
This invention also provides a means in which float units
attached to the mounting bracket are articulated or hinged
and, therefore, can be folded and stowed in a position near to
the longitudinal center line of the small, narrow beam
watercraft, thereby minimizing its list, regardless of the
float units being in the engaged or disengaged position.
The operation, utility and use of the invention is
obvious. Nonetheless the inventor recommends the following
steps.
a) Turn the watercraft upright and lay the fully
assembled flotation device (including the mounting bracket) in
the bottom of the small water craft.
b) Fasten the flotation device in the watercraft with a
pair of rubber bungee or elastic cords.
c) Invert the water craft and mount securely on a car top
watercraft carrier.
d) Remove the watercraft from the car at the desired body
of water at the destination and turn the water craft upright.
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e) Unfasten the flotation device from the watercraft.
f) Mount the flotation device so as not to interfere
with engine, paddles, oars, passengers or otherwise normal
intended operation of the watercraft.
g) Engage the engine and one or both float units when the
watercraft is over a suitable depth of water.
Naturally the reverse process is employed at the end of
the excursion for the return trip home.
A small, narrow beam watercraft which is fixed with this
flotation device could be invaluable to emergency rescue
services and rescue workers in such cases and on waterways
where ice and water (winter conditions) coexist making rescues
difficult or extremely hazardous.
The weight and shape of the small, narrow beam watercraft
with the mounted flotation device make it a cost effective
rescue tool for people who break through thin ice and are in
danger of drowning, or to approach them from a shore which is
irregularly shaped from the ice and snow formations. The
small, narrow beam watercraft can be poled across the ice
regardless of the thickness of the ice (owing to the weight,
shape and anti-list stability of the vessel).
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The crew member can remain on board the vessel while
poling, paddling or rowing (owing to the weight and shape
characteristics of the small, narrow beam watercraft), thereby
minimizing personal danger in manoeuvering between ice and
open water, and even semi-open water.
The floats 260, 262 of the float units 255 should be
symmetrical in this case, conforming to the anterior section
design to achieve satisfactory performance. A suitable
strength line, which is attached to the vessel, can be thrown
or shot to safe ground where backup rescue workers can help
pull the vessel and occupants to safety.
The suitably designed and totally assembled flotation
device can be dismounted from the small, narrow beam
watercraft and securely stowed inside the hull for protection
and transport. The vessel can then be orientated in a suitable
manner, including upside-down, mounted on a motor or other
vehicle, secured, and safely transported to any desired
destination with the flotation device safely stowed inside the
hull.
Although the invention presented here is developed for
use with small, narrow beam watercraft, portions of this
invention can be utilized quite effectively with other
watercraft. The flotation device can be extremely useful when
fixed to a small, narrow beam watercraft, it may be of
marginal use for larger beam watercraft.
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However, various subsystems, such as the clamps or
mounting bracket, of the flotation device can be very useful
on larger beam watercraft. The mounting bracket and clamps can
be readily fitted to any watercraft, which possesses a
T-shaped or inverted L-shaped gunwale, to provide a portable
and heavy-duty mount for other accessories (such as a sailing
conversion kit) which could be very useful on the larger
watercraft.
Finally, either the accessories or the mounting bracket
utilized to mount the accessories can be designed with a
deliberately breakable component (frangible link), such as the
clamp fasteners, which will sheer under levels of stress which
are slightly below those at which the gunwale or hull of the
watercraft will be irreparably damaged. The accessory will
thus break away and detach from the watercraft before
irreparable damage can occur.
Many possible variations in design details and materials
can alter the appearance and the manufacturing costs of the
device without any real change to its function.
The inventor has given a non-limiting description of this
invention. Due to the simplicity and elegance of the design of
this invention designing around it is very difficult if not
impossible. Nonetheless many changes may be made to this
design without deviating from the spirit of this invention.
Examples of such contemplated variations include the
following:
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1. The shape and size of the various members and
components may be modified.
2. The color, aesthetics and materials may be enhanced or
varied. 3. The SKIS may be of strong light weight rigid
material
and optionally airfoil shaped.
4. Additional complimentary and complementary functions
and features may be added.
5. The SKIS may be stowed differently.
6. The SKIS may be made telescopic.
7. The SKIS may be in modular sections differently.
8. The flotation device may be modified in quantity and
quality. 9. The flotation device may be
interfaced to the
watercraft differently.
10. The longitudinal member may be interfaced to the
watercraft differently.
11. Folding may be performed differently.
device may be modified.12. The longitudinal member interface to the flotation
Other changes such as aesthetics and substitution of
newer materials as they become available, which substantially
perform the same function in substantially the same manner
with substantially the same result without deviating from the
spirit of the invention may be made.
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Following is a listing of the components used in this
embodiment arranged in ascending order of the reference
numerals for ready reference of the reader.
100 = Watercraft generally
200 = Longitudinal Support Member Strut
210 = Support member interface to the watercraft
220 = 180 degree Fold-able Hinge
230 = Support member interface to the floats.
240 = SKI
242 = Ski shaped bottom of unitary float design.
244 = Knife edge shaped ski under unitary float
design
245 = Knife edge
250 = Flotation device or floats
255 = Float unit everything from hinge fulcrum out.
260 = Unitary Float
262 = Air Bladder in assembly of ccmponents
embodiment
DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS
A great care has been taken to use words with their
conventional dictionary definitions. Following definitions are
included here for clarification.
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3D = Three Dimensional
Airfoil = A body shaped to produce lift as it
travels through the air.
BOW = Front of a watercraft
Gunwale = The upper edge of the watercraft
Hydrofoil = Ski like members mounted at the
bottom of a watercraft.
DIY = Do It Yourself
Integrated = Combination of two entities to act
like one
Interface = Junction between two dissimilar
entities
Port Side = Side of watercraft facing the land
Starboard side = Side of the watercraft facing the
water.
Stern = The rear of a watercraft
Symmetrical = The shape of an object of integrated
entity which can be divided into two along some axis through
the object or the integrated entity such that the two halves
form mirror image of each other.
Turbulence = Break up of laminar fluidic flow.
Unitary = A design of a single integrated unit.
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While this invention has been described with reference to
illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be
construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and
combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person of
average skill in the art upon reference to this description. It
is therefor contemplated that the appended claim(s) cover any
such modifications, embodiments as fall withing the true scope
of this invention.
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