Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02359547 2001-10-22
CONTROL CONSOLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a framework for supporting pieces of work
station equipment, and more particularly to a console structure for supporting
electronic equipment in the nature of computers, video monitors, control
panels and
the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Control consoles of the type described herein generally include a framework
for receiving and supporting the necessary pieces of electronic and support
equipment including terminals, monitors, keyboards, switch panels, telephone
turrets,
lighting and so forth, and a planar work surface extending outwardly from the
framework at a convenient height. Some of the equipment including video
monitors
and output displays is supported to be visible above the work surface for
convenient
viewing and user access. Finishing panels can also be supported by the basic
framework.
To date, many work station consoles have been custom manufactured which
in terms of design and construction is both expensive and time consuming. This
approach has been necessitated by customer requirements that are often unique
in
terms of work station size, equipment placement, human engineering and cost
considerations. In the result, the completed console structures are not only
extremely
expensive, but are also difficult if not impossible to subsequently modify for
the
reconfiguration of existing equipment or to retrofit new equipment. An
alternative
approach has been to assemble the consoles from fixed size modular sections.
This
approach can reduce costs, and although there may be some loss of flexibility
with
respect to subsequent modifications and reconfigurations of equipment within
the
console, there are simply many instances in which the cost savings outweigh
the
advantages of a system critically engineered to permit unlimited post-
installation
reconfiguration. Some flexibility must however remain.
A need therefore exists for a console structure which overcomes the problems
inherent in either the custom design and manufacture or modular assembly of
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
console structures. One such approach has been developed by the Applicant and
is described in Canadian Patent 1,291,518 issued October 29, 1991 (equivalent
to
U.S. Patent 4,836,625).
The backbone of the console structure shown in the aforementioned patents
are the horizontally spaced, vertically upright gable members commonly
referred to
as G-frames. The gables are interconnected by stringers to provide a rigid
framework
for the console structure. The spacing between gables is infinitely variable
so that
the framework as a whole is easily adapted to custom requirements both before
and
after initial on-site assembly. Because most of the equipment in the console
is
supported by or suspended from the interconnecting stringers, changing the
distance
between gables is not in and of itself all that disruptive of the system as a
whole and
particularly the equipment mounting hardware, and this lends the overall
structure
enormous flexibility. This flexibility comes however at a cost. The gables
themselves
are metal fabricated usually from tubular steel and are therefore relatively
expensive
to manufacture and store. The stringers are typically aluminum extrusions and
are
therefore relatively inexpensive linear stock easily stored, but a lot of
different
stringers of different shapes and configurations depending upon function are
required
and an idea of the number and types of stringers needed can be seen from
Figures
3 to 9 of the patent. This therefore also adds to cost and the need for
significant
inventory control. The need for this number of stringers is made necessary in
part
because the gables, as aforesaid, are almost entirely structural in function
and
integrate no channels, interlocks or other mechanical means that increase
their
versatility or allow them to perform multiple tasks.
The Applicant has found that although there wiil continue to be a strong
demand for the flexibility and retrofit capabilities of its G-frame consoles,
and for
more modular "discreet logic" systems that cost less, many customers now
require
accommodation for increasingly large pieces of equipment such as, for example,
26
inch monitors, and computer towers that are increasing particularly in height.
To
accommodate such items, and to maximize the remaining available space for
other
pieces of equipment usually mounted below the monitors, it is increasingly
desirable
to further reduce the number of components making up the console framework.
The
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CA 02359547 2005-09-07
more vertical and horizontal structural members eliminated, the greater the
unimpeded space available for oversized monitors and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The Applicant has therefore developed a console system which is flexible
enough to meet the demands of a custom environment, but wherein the number of
components in the system is significantly reduced for cost savings. Many of
the
remaining components "multi-task", assembly is made easier and less costly,
and
structural integrity is maintained.
The present invention therefore seeks to provide a console structure
comprising a relatively few basic components which can be easily assembled
into a
supporting framework for a wide variety of equipment pieces and shapes without
major modifications to the basic components themselves.
The present invention further seeks to provide a console framework providing
as much unimpeded space therein as possible to maximize the adaptability of
the
framework for the mounting of different pieces of equipment at different
locations,
and the ability to meet custom requirements using the same basic components.
The present invention therefore provides a modular equipment console
comprising at least one base structure having a predetermined height, width
and
depth, said base structure further comprising a front mounting rail extending
laterally
along the top and front of said base structure; said front mounting rail being
disposed
such that said front mounting rail forms a continuous mounting rail with the
front
mounting rail of additional said base structures aligned with said at least
one base
structure in side by side relationship; a rear mounting rail extending
laterally along the
top and rear of said base structure; said rear mounting rail being disposed
such that
said rear mounting rail forms a continuous mounting rail with the rear
mounting rail
of additional said base structures aligned with said at least one base
structure in side
by side relationship; at least one turret structure mountable onto said at
least one
base structure, said turret structure having a lower surface adapted to allow
said
turret structure to be positioned for mounting along any part of said front
and rear
mounting rails of said at least one base structure and any of said additional
base
structures; at least one equipment mount connectable to said at least one
turret
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CA 02359547 2005-09-07
structure for supporting equipment; and a work area mountable on any of said
at
least one or said additional base structures; wherein said modular equipment
console
can be configured using different numbers of said base structures, turret
structures,
equipment mounts and work areas.
The present invention also provides an equipment console comprising at least
one ground engaging base module having a predetermined height, width and
depth;
at least one turret module for supporting equipment therefrom and being
mountable
onto said base module, said base module including laterally extending spaced
apart
horizontal rail members for supporting said at least one turret module
thereon, said
turret module being moveably connectable to said rail members for adjustments
to
the lateral positioning of said turret module relative to said base module,
said rail
members comprising a front rail and a rear rail and wherein said at least one
turret
module can be selectively positioned at any point along said front and rear
rails.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in
greater detail, and will be better understood when read in conjunction with
the
following drawings in which:
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the console structure in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the console of Figure 1 in a partially
opened
condition;
Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the console of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the console of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of a single module console;
Figure 6 is a schematical side elevational view of the present console with a
turret;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the rail extrusion forming part of the
present console;
Figure 8 is a side-elevational cross sectional view of a hinge assembly
forming
part of the present console;
Figure 8a is a front elevational view of a locking mechanism forming part of
the
hinge assembly of Figure 8;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of one part of the hinge assembly;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of another part of the hinge assembly;
Figure 11 is a plan view of corner modules;
Figure 12 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of a desktop
configuration of the present console;
Figure 13 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of the present
console
with a turret; and
Figure 14 is the console of Figure 13 with enlargements to show the
connection of the turret to the base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention provides a solution to the shortcomings of the prior art
by supplying a modular console structure that is capable of being configured
according to a client's needs, and that can be reconfigured easily and with
minimal
engineering input when required.
Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 6, which show a first preferred
embodiment of console structure 1. In this embodiment, console 1 is comprised
of
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
four basic elements: base structure 10; turret structure 40; equipment mount
70; and
work area 90. Each element is described in more detail below.
Base structure 10 is comprised of a defined module of a predetermined width,
height and depth. An individual base structure 10 is best seen in Figure 5.
This set
height, width and depth creates the advantage that console structure 1 can be
configured with various turrets and tops with minimum design or engineering
effort
by ensuring the top of one base structure 10 is the same as the tops of the
other
base structures used in console structure 1. In console structure 1, multiple
base
structures 10 can be used side by side, as is best seen in Figures 1 to 4.
Base structure 10 includes two front frame gables 12 and two rear frame
gables 14 and an intermediate spacer 30. In a preferred embodiment, front and
rear
gables 12 and 14 and spacers 30 respectively are comprised of formed sheet
metal.
Front frame gables 12 are laterally offset from each other by a lower front
stringer 16
and a front top rail 20. In a standard, squared base structure, front stringer
16 and
front rail 20 are the same length, allowing front frame gables 12 to be
parallel to one
another and perpendicular to the floor.
Front stringer 16 is preferably comprised of an aluminium extrusion and can
include a PVC baseboard cap 15 disposed on its outer side for aesthetic
purposes.
Front rail 20 has the combined function of structurally separating front frame
structural components 12 and providing a flat surface for turret 40 to rest
on. Front
rail 20 is mounted to front gables 12 so that the top of the rail is flush
with the tops
of gables 12. Front stringer 16 and front rail 20 can be connected to frame
gables
12 by screws, clips or any other suitable fasteners, welds or adhesive.
Rear frame gables 14 are laterally separated by a lower rear stringer 22 and
a rear top rail 26. Rear stringer 22 is comprised of extruded aluminium and
has the
same width as front stringer 16. Preferably, rear stringer 22 and front
stringer 16 are
the same, thus creating cost savings in the manufacturing process.
Rear rail 26, in a preferred embodiment, is an aluminum extrusion, and serves
the dual purpose of structurally separating rear frame structural components
14 and
providing a flat surface on which to mount turret 40. Rear rail 26 is mounted
to rear
frame gables 14 so that its top surface is flush with the tops of rear gables
14.
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
Further, the top of rear rail 26 is level with the top of front rail 20,
providing a level
frame unit on which to mount turret 40.
As shown in Figures 1 to 5, upper rails 20 and 26 are simple extrusions
including flat continuous upper surfaces to support the turrets thereon and to
connect
to the turrets using screws, clips or any other suitable fasteners. For
greater
flexibility, and more connecting options, the applicant has developed a
modified rail
as shown most clearly in the cross-sectional view of Figure 7.
Gables 12 and 14 are connected to the rail shown in Figure 7 by means of
screws that pass through their sheet metal into horizontal screw ports 31. The
rail
takes the form of an inverted L in shape having a downwardly depending
vertical leg
27 and an inwardly projecting horizontal leg 28. The rail includes threaded or
unthreaded longitudinally extending slots 32 adapted to receive fasteners,
clips or
anchors used to connect additional elements such as cable management clips,
brackets, clamps or even connectors for finishing panels. Upper leg 28 is
formed
with a pocket 38 and a T-slot 34. The T-slot can be used for slidably
receiving a
washer/threaded nut combination for connection to bolts extending from the
lower
edges of the turrets for a strong fixed connection, or the slot can be used
for a snap
fit with compressible clips or spring loaded plungers which again are disposed
along
the turret's lower edges for a quick release connection as will be described
in greater
detail below. Pocket 38 can be used for fasteners to connect the turrets, or
for other
pieces of ancillary equipment. Reference has been made to the use of the rails
for
mounting the turrets, but the same connecting options are available for
connection
of work surfaces 54 such as those shown in Figures 1 and 3.
The supporting surfaces of horizontal leg 28 are actually the flanges 37 that
define the openings into T slot 34 and pocket 38. As will be seen most clearly
in the
views of Figures 13 and 14, flanges 37 project slightly above the upper edges
of
gables 12 and 14. This exposes the slots 33 (Figure 7) defined by flanges 37
for a
sliding interlock connection between the turrets and rails and facilitates
lateral
adjustments to the positioning of the turrets relative to the base structures.
Finally, the rail includes at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal
legs
a registration flange 35. This flange can serve a number of purposes,
including
proper and instantaneous registration of the turrets relative to the base
structure. As
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
well, the flange defines a cavity 36 which can be used to hinge the turrets to
the base
as will be described below. The flange's upper surface 39 can be used to spot
and/or
support the inner edge of work surface 90 extending forwardly from the console
as
shown most clearly in the enlarged section of Figure 14.
To interconnect gables 12 and 14, spacers 30 are provided between the two
and are connected by means of screws, spot welds or by any other means known
in
the art. If preferred, the spacers can be manufactured in a variety of
different widths
to control the total depth of the present console without varying the widths
of gables
12/14 themselves.
Base structure 10 thus provides a support structure with a top that is at a
predetermined height, width, and depth, thus facilitating the modular
configuration
and reconfiguration of the items supported by it.
Turret structure 40 is best seen in Figures 1 to 6 and 13. Turret structure 40
includes side gables 42, end gables 44, a back plate 46, a cooling fan housing
48
(optional), front connection stringer 50 and hinge mechanism 52.
Side gables 42 are comprised of formed sheet metal and are generally
triangular in shape to support equipment front 72 at an angle to the viewer.
The
depth of side gables 42 generally correlates to the depth of base structure 10
or the
distance between registration flanges 35 on rails 20/26. Side gables 42 will
typically
include screw holes to allow multiple turrets 40 to be joined side by side, as
required
for each project.
End gables 44 have the same profile as side gables 42 and can be attached
to the outer sides of side gables 42 to form a finished surface or they can be
spaced
from side gables 42 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 to elongate the assembled
turret
structure or to increase the available space within the turret.
Back plate 46 is comprised of a formed sheet metal structure whose height
matches the height of side gable 42. The width of back plate 46 will be
selected to
accommodate the width of equipment fronts 72. The bottom edge of back plate 46
is disposed to rest on the top of rear rail 26 for connection thereto.
Back plate 46 further includes cooling fan mount housing 48 which allows a
fan to be mounted to cool any equipment or electronics located within turret
40 or
within the base.
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
Front connection stringer 50 is typically formed sheet metal and is shaped to
receive and or support the front edge of equipment front 72.
Side gables 42, back plate 46, and front connecting stringer 50 thus form a
rectangular base which is meant to rest on base structure 10 at any point
along the
base's length, which can include positions that straddle individual bases 10
as shown
in Figures 2 and 3. Preferably, the connection of spacers 30 and front gables
12
define a void 13 which provides clearance for the equipment 76 suspended below
equipment fronts 72 when the turrets straddle a base 10 or when the turrets
are
moved from side to side over one or more bases to adjust their position.
Normally,
equipment fronts 72 will be hinged to the upper edge of back plate 46 for easy
access to the equipment 76 mounted beneath the front and the interior of the
console. Standard hinge hardware can be used, although the applicant has
developed another extrusion that will be described in greater detail below
that can be
used advantageously for this purpose. The ability of turrets 40 to straddle
base
structures 10 further allows the widths of turrets 40 and equipment fronts 72
to be
customized to meet project requirements.
Turret 40 may be affixed to base structure 10 by various means which are well
known in the art and can include metal screws. In a preferred embodiment,
however,
it is envisioned that turret 40 will affix to base structure 10 through a
sliding interlock
or snap fit connection for greater flexibility and adjustability. More
specifically, and
with particular reference to Figure 14, each turret will include a small
outwardly
extending horizontal flange 47 at or along its lower front and rear edges. To
connect
the turret to the base, rear flange 47 is fully inserted into cavity 36 of the
registration
flange 35 in rear rail 26. With the turret in the tilted position as shown in
broken lines
labelled Stage 1 in Figure 14, the turret is then pivoted downwardly in the
direction
of arrow A into the position shown in broken lines labelled Stage 2. The
turret is then
moved slightly forwardly into its fixed position shown in solid lines in
Figure 14 and
identified as Stage 3. In Stage 3, the flange 47 on the forward edge of the
turret
partially extends into registration cavity 36 in front rail 20, and the rear
flange 47 is
still partially inserted into cavity 36 in rear rail 26 so that the turrets
cannot move
vertically. To prevent the turrets from moving back and forth, each turret is
provided
with one or more spring loaded pins or plungers 49. As seen most clearly in
the
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
enlarged portion of Figure 14, the plunger's pin is in a raised position shown
in dotted
lines when the turret is positioned at Stage 2. When the turret is moved to
Stage 3,
the pin, which is normally biassed into an outwardly extended position, clicks
into slot
34 in rail 20. To disengage the turret, the pin (or pins if there are multiple
plungers)
can be pulled up to clear slot 34, and the turrets can then be slid back into
Stage 2
and tilted into Stage 3 for complete the removal from the base.
Instead of or in addition to turret 40, a work surface 54 may be disposed on
base structure 10. The lower edges of work surface 54 are disposed to fit onto
front
and rear rails 20 and 26 and affix to the rails in the same manner as turret
40. In a
preferred embodiment work surface 54 is comprised of a wood or pasteboard
material finished with a laminate surface.
Equipment mount 70 allows a client's equipment 76 to be mounted to console
structure 1. The mount includes a typically rectangular wood or metal
equipment
front 72 formed with a rectangular opening 73 for the insertion and
installation of the
equipment 76 to be supported in the turret. The rear edge of front 72 is
advantageously hinged to the upper edge of the turret's rear surface 46. This
can be
done in any conventional way, but the applicant has developed an extruded
aluminum hinge 52 that can be substituted for advantage. The hinge itself is
shown
in Figures 8, 9 and 10, and is shown assembled to the console in Figure 13.
Hinge 52 comprises three basic components, namely a pivot hanger 76 shown
separately in Figure 9, a pivot extrusion 77 shown in Figure 10 and a
pivotable lock
78. Hanger 76 connects to the upper edge of the turret's back plate 46 as will
be
described below, pivot extrusion 77 connects to the rear edge of equipment
front 72
and lock 78 is pivotably connected adjacent one or both ends of pivot
extrusion 77
by means of a pin or screw that is received into longitudinally extending
screw port
79. Each lock is inwardly biassed by a spring 96 located on the pin axis as
shown
in Figure 8a. To connect pivot hanger 76 to the upper edge of plate 46, the
plate's
upper edge is formed with a pair of spaced apart, horizontal inwardly
directed,
downwardly sloping flanges 48 and 49 seen most clearly in Figure 13 and also
shown
in broken lines in Figure 8. Upper flange 48 slides into registration cavity
80 and can
be bonded to hanger 76 by means of glue or very high bond (VHB) tape applied
between the flange and the hanger in the area marked with reference numeral 94
in
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
Figure 8. and lower flange 49 is wide enough to cover a T-slot 86 in the pivot
hanger's lower surface. The T-slot slidingly receives threaded nuts to connect
with
correspondingly threaded bolts that pass through holes in lower flange 49 to
provide
a rigid connection between hanger 76 and flanges 48 and 49. Hanger 76
additionally
includes a hanger lip 82 to pivotally support a longitudinally extending hinge
bead 84
on pivot extrusion 77. Bead 84 is formed at the end of an arm 85 that bears
against
the inner surface of hanger 76 to limit extrusion's 77 clockwise rotation
relative to
hanger 76. Lock 78 is used to prevent bead 84 from separating from lip 82,
and,
when equipment front 72 is pivoted open, the lock can be pivoted about lock
point 79
to hold the front in its open position.
Pivot extrusion 77 is additionally formed with a pair of forwardly facing
grooves
or channels 81 and 87 separated by a removable tab 83. Channel 81 is for the
rear
edge of equipment front 72 which is fixedly connected to the extrusion by
means of
screws that extend through the channel's lower surface 88 with spotting of the
screws
aided by a screw registration groove 89. If the equipment front includes a
separate
metal or laminate finishing panel, its rearmost edge can be friction fit into
upper
channel 87. If the equipment front is, for example, all wood, or is a solid
substrate
with a finishing laminate permanently glued or connected thereto, tab 83 can
be
broken off to accommodate the additional full thickness of front 72.
Console structure 1 further comprises a work surface 90. Work surface 90 is
disposed forwardly of base 10 and serves as, amongst other things, a writing
surface,
a keyboard support or as a support for a drawer 260. The lower inner edge of
the
work surface can rest atop surface 39 of registration flange 35 and is
otherwise
mounted to the console using sheet metal brackets 232 that can be screwed to
front
gables 12 as seen most clearly in Figure 12.
The combination of the four basic elements of the present console as
described above creates a modular, reconfigurable structure. A variety of
turret
modules can be variously placed on the base structure without the need to
modify its
height, width, or depth. This allows flexibility in the composition of console
structure
1 without the need for significant re-engineering.
The rise angles of the turrets will be governed by customer requirements with
angles of 25 , 30 and 400 probably being the most common. The nature of the
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
equipment supported by equipment fronts 72 will also vary with each
installation, the
equipment including the likes of CRT monitors, radar screens, switchgear,
communications equipment and so forth. The mounting of the equipment on the
equipment fronts is conventional and well known in the art and will not be
described
in further detail herein. The mountings will include conventional flush
mounting of the
screens and monitors, and the fronts can also be equipped with monitor jacks
or
adjustable platforms allowing monitors to be raised or lowered, tilted or
moved to
meet the operator's preference.
In order to accommodate corners, console structure 1 is provided with corner
modules as best seen in Figure 11. Figure 11 illustrates eight different
corner
modules in two rows of four. The top row illustrates corner modules with a
long apex
and the bottom row illustrates corner modules with a short apex.
Reference is now made to first corner module 150. First corner module 150
is provided with extended work surface 152 if required for a specific project.
First
corner module 150 is further provided with a top plate 154 and top plate
fasteners
156. In a preferred embodiment, top plate 154 is comprised of a 1/8" aluminium
sheet with a painted finish. Further, in a preferred embodiment, first corner
module
150 had an apex of 8" (20.32 cm) and a corner angle of 22.5 degrees.
Similarly, second corner module 160 has an apex of 8" (20.32 cm) and a
corner angle of 30 degrees, third corner module 170 has an apex of 8" (20.32
cm)
and a corner angle of 36 degrees and fourth corner module 180 had an apex of
8"
(20.32 cm) and a corner angle of 45 degrees.
Fifth corner module 190 is provided with extended work surface 192 if required
for a specific project. Fifth corner module 190 is further provided with a top
plate 194
and top plate fasteners 196. Further, in a preferred embodiment, fifth corner
module
190 had a pointed apex and a corner angle of 22.5 degrees.
Similarly, sixth corner module 200 had a pointed apex and a corner angle of
degrees, seventh corner module 210 had a pointed apex and a corner angle of
36 degrees and eighth corner module 220 had a pointed apex and a corner angle
of
30 45 degrees.
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CA 02359547 2001-10-22
More detailed embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 12
and 13. Figure 12 shows a configuration of console structure 1 in which a work
surface 54 is fitted instead of a turret.
Figure 13 shows a turret 40 installed above base structure 10.
The frontal openings of base structure 10 between gables can be closed with
a panel or door 236 mounted on hinges 238 to allow easy access.
The rearward openings of the base are similarly closed with a panel 240 or
door using hinges 242.
Front and rear stringers 16 and 22 are adapted to support a lower shelf 244
and levelling legs 246 and 248. The front stringer also supports forwardly
extending
foot 250 which stabilizes the console against tipping.
The consoles shown in Figures 12 and 13 additionally include mounts 252 for
a slidable shelf, and front and rear rack mounts 254 and 256 for racks,
shelves or
brackets useful for storage or to support other pieces of equipment.
Also shown is a shelf 260 slidably mounted beneath work surface 90. The
shelf can be useful for a keyboard or for storage.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be
illustrative of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope
of the
present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to
one
skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present
invention. The
only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set forth in the
following
claims appended hereto.
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