Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02498852 2005-02-28
F"tlc No.; PAT 2781P-1
B C O
E O U~
)~'IG D OlF THE ENTrON
The present invention relates generally to the provision of robust
telecommunication
to and from remote areas without reliably operating infrastructure such as
electrical
dism'bution powex grid, telephone networks, and the like using a novel
combination of
equipment with a reduced data set and transmission protocols. The invention
may be used
in remote areas by lightly trained personnel ox may be connected to remote
tunmanued
sensors, and permits the cohection of data from the field and the
communication of signals
back to the field.
BACI~GROU~ OF T>~E IN~NTION
Public pIealth Surveillance in developing countries is a considerable
challenge
considering the lack of infrastructure in remote areas and the lack of
appropriate funding to
tackle this issue.
Most emergency based systems require land based cell phone, Internet
connectivity
or radio assets pre-deployed to accomplish the same level of bidirectional
communication in
developing countries. Since the necessary infrastructure is typically not
available in these
envirotunents there is a need for a new approach for commuriicatiozt in such
environments.
SUMMARY F THE 1NVENTIUN
The development of a system capable of monitoring health surveillance as well
as
responding to emergency events that is economical, robust and can be
implemented world-
wide in all environments, regardless of infrastructure is an object of the
present invention,
referred to as the C3~lobal Surveillance and Emergency Response System
(GuSERS).
There are, of course, other uses which have been identified, once the system
was
conceived azzd tested. This disclosure is meant to be exemplary of the system
and its related
apparatus and operation, but the use of the system in remote ltealthcare
surveillance in
public health settings, or disaster recovery or emergencies is not meant to be
liznitlng.
_1_
CA 02498852 2005-02-28
pileNo.: PAT 2781P-1
Ocher situations with similar requirements are common, and the system would
also have
utility in those settings. Ezamples of settings with unreliable or non-
existent infrastructure
include (but are not limited to): remote equipnnent monitoring, simple
monitorlcommandlcontrol or SCADA systems, meteorological data collection
systems,
Homeland defence, tsunami and hurricane disaster monitoring, burglar alarms
for cabins,
medical devices like glucose meters, insulin pumps and coagulation meters,
pipeline
controllers in the desert or cathodic protection of buried assets, to name a
few.
'The Global Surveihance and Emergency Response System (GuSERS) was developed
around three "core" technologies which compromise:
I. A remote work station consisting of a communication device such as a Bi-
directional satellite pager, uni-directional satellite pager, cellular device
or other
communication device which serves as the communication device and a PDA or
other
computerized device which serves as the remote user interface.
2. A "non-verbose bx-directional or uni-directional messaging standard that
can convey a message or command and a geographical aad temporal reference
about where
the message was composed.
3. Internet based information raanagemetrt system with Geographical
Information System and intelligent software capabilities.
GuSERS looks at the environment, both geographical and econonxical, in
which developing countries were and still are functioning and addresses the
issues that are
being faced. Public health issues such as health surveillance and emergency
response were
deemed a major priority for the system as they could be implemented in a cost
effective
manner utilizing low-bandwidth technology and integrated Internet-based
systems.
The Crlobal Surveillance and Emergency Response System (GuSERS) shows how a
new combination of various technologies can create an effective and economical
way to
eomnnunicate with remote locations throughout the world serve the needs of
public health
surveillance and emergency and disaster response.
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
File No.: FAT 2781 P-t
- More specifically, the present system utilizes a combination of technologies
that
includes a base station consisting of a solar panel trickled-charger, wind
powered charger
ox thermal electric charger for a battery powered bi-directional satellite
pager enabled for
short text messaging, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) which
communicates remotely
with an Internet basal information management system with embedded
geographical
information system (GIS) to form the Global Surveillance and Emergency
Response system
(GuSERS).
The invention does not require amy pre-deployed land based bidirectionat
network
infrastructure or communicatid~a assets. It uses satellite based communication
which is
accessible any where in the world in a preferred embodiment_ The PDA-like
interface can
interact with the remote user using any number of human factors approaches,
such as any
written or symbolic language. It can also use a multimedia interface to
accommodate almost
any level of disability or education. The ability to communicate with the
remote workstation
using an Internet based information management system additionally allows for
messages to
be sent and received anywhere there is Internet access. The satellite based
pager also
delivers accurate remote work station location, using t3~lobal Positioning
System (GPS)
technology.
The CxuSERS system is capable of successfully performing a closed-looped
test where a remote GuSERS base station located in a developing country, where
no
electrical or telecommunications infrastructure exist and can communicate with
an internet-
based information management system in a cost effective manner.
This unique low-Bandwidth communication system presents a very cost
effective opportunity to provide public health surveillance and emergency
response
i~aformation in developing countries. This approach eau be expanded to other
kinds of tow
bandwidth solutions for humanitarian crises due to its mobile and open
architecture, or far
use is simple machine to nnachine interaction such as oil pipeline controllers
or remote
environmental sensors and/or warning systems.
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
~1e NO.: PAT 2781P~1
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to
those
ordinarily skilled in tlae art upon review of the following description of
specific
embodiments of the invention in coxtjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCR~PT. ON Ok' 'Y'~1~ DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example
only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of the system in accordance with the
present system
DETA~.ED AESCR.IPTION
The Global Surveillance and Emergency Response System (GuSERS) was developed
around three "core" technologies.
These components comprise:
1. A remote work station consisting of a communication device such as a Bi-
directional satellite pager, uni-directional satellite pager, cellular device
or other
communication device which serves as the communication device and a PDA or
other
computerized device which serves as the remote user interface.
2. A "non-verbose" bi-directional or uni-directional messaging standard that
can convey a message or command or a geographical and temporal reference from
where
the message was composed remotely.
3. Internet based information management system with Geographical
Information System programmable and intelligent software capabilities.
REMOTE WORKSTATION
The preferred embodiment of the GuSBRS system includes a bi-directional
satellite
pager and an interface PDA, otherwise known as the "remote workstation" (RW).
The RW
acts as the interface between the user in the field and the Internet-based
information
management system. The RW may be any device that includes a communication
device
(i.e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial, etc.) that interacts with a computized
device.
The RW has several features.
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
Fite No.~ QAT 2781 P-1
1. The RW is completely independent of the built infrastructure of the
environment in which it will be operating. The RW is functions! in an
environment where
an existing land-based telecomu~unications system may or may not exist or may
be
unreliable due to environmental or political factors. Wired networks, and
which include
cellular networks are both problematic, as often. cehular networks arc located
in urban areas
and are not found in remote areas, due to the cornmercial viability of
implementing a
network in such an environment. In those settings, one reliable communication
backbone
that can be used is satellite based.
Z. The RW can also he independent of an electrical infrastructure and can be
supplemented with other forms of elecu~ical powerlcharging systems such as
solar power.
To ensure that during times of power outages, which are frequent in developing
countries,
or in a remote environment where again the electrical infrastructure may be
nvn-existent or
unreliable, the RW could continue to operate if it can be charged with solar,
wind, or
similar "off grid" electrical-generation devices.
3. The RW also has the ability to convey a message in a meaningful matter to
an Ynternet-based information management system. The message is encapsulated
into the
satellite based pager message structure, providing the ability to be collated
and grouped
with other similarly tagged messages and finally have the ability to contain a
geographical
or temporal reference, in addition to carrying incident information. Since
geographic
location is usually an essentital requirement, the RW needs some way to
cornxnunicate its
latitude and longitude either im its messages or triangulated from where the
message was
received through the satellite network.
4. The RW needs to be econoxniaal, both i» terms of the capital cost as well
as
on-going operating costs. The capital cost of the RW has to be affordable in
terms of
populating a geographical area with RW stations. The CruaERS system will most
likely
consist of severe! RWas occupying a geographical region as opposed to one RW
acting as
the information hub for a given region. Many telehealth systems, due to their
casts, are
economically unviable for mufti-node remote monitoring networks. An example of
a
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
File Na.: PAT 2781P-f
corapcting system might be a telehealth system that relies on a high-bandwidth
satellite
connection, determined to be more than 33.6kps for an extended period of time.
5. There is a requirement related to the physical characteristic of the RW. It
was determined that it had to be robust enough to exist in a remote
environment, require
little ox no maintenance and preferably be portablt. The RW preferably can
function in
excessive heat and the casing aid all components of the device, such as the
keyboard and
the antenna of the device, can also stand up to continncd used in a remote
environment.
The RW in the preferred embodiment was a commercial low bandwidth bi-
directivnal satellite pager, a oommtrcial PDA and a purpose-built power supply
for both.
The xcmote energy supply may be a battery based power supply which is able to
be
recharged through a multitude of available energy sources. Ta offset the
electrical
i~afrastructure difficulties a solar power tickle charger was built fox the
prototype to allow
the RW to charge itself. Commercial solar power panels were initially selected
based upon
a factor of cost and the ability of how long it would take to recharge the
unit. As the RW
has the capability ro be mobile, flexible solar power panels were used. This
presented
another advantage, as the solar power panel could be rolled up into a small
water-resistant
self contained tube where the R1~V could be stored iri the middle of the
rolled up solar panel
allowing for a complete self contained kit when the tube's ends were capped.
ME"~SAGING STAB
'I'be GuSIrRS system includes the implementation of a messaging standard. The
messaging standard focuses on the low-bandwidth nature of the system and is
independent
of any specific RW manufactuxar that may be used now or in the future.
Any messaging standard exists only because of a shared definition.
An example of a messaging standard as it relates to bi-directional satellite
devices
can be seen as follows.
Even though many assOCiate low-bandwidth with dial-up eonnee#ons of 14.4K or
33.6K bps (bits per second), we have focused on even lower connection speeds
of 4800 bps
or 9600 bps and a maximum of about 300 characters in each entire message
(package size).
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File N0.: PAT Z~8 LP-1
Due to the relatively small message package sine, the messaging standard is
extremely conservative in design and extremely focused o~n the type of
information that is
sent and received from the RW.
The following information is communicated in each message, namely: an
identifier
of the RW, the date and time when the message was composed, the geographical
location of
the device when composed, a category code which allows information to be
grouped and
collated, and finally some short text field where the user can provide some
free-form text
information.
The RW Identifier code (RWI) identifies the pager and the user. This
infotmatiozi
can be used far several purposes including trending and security authorization
of the data. It
is important to be able to identify the RWI with authorized users who would be
authorized
to view its information. The RWI can also be used in conjunction with
geographical
information to graph where the RW's user was traveling, if in fact the user is
mobile.
The date and time of message creation is important clue to the faez there are
actually
three potentially relevant time aspects to a message. The first time aspect is
when the
message is actually created. The second time aspect is when the message is
actually sent
axrd received by the central information management system (otherwise lanown
as the transit
time). Once the message is sent from the RW there is an offset time before the
message is
actually received by the cenaral web-based information management systcrzi.
This offset
time may vary for a variety of reasons including delays with the satellite
provider or delays
accessing with tine Internet gateway.
The creation time and the transit time may differ based upon several factors
such as
no satellite being in view, the ~tW having enough power to create the message,
but not
enough to send it, or the message not being sent for a variety of reasons.
The third time aspect of the message is when the message is actually viewed by
an
authorized user through the associated information manageuient system. In
order to help
facilitate the final time aspect, the information management system uses a
notification
strategy to report data by exception. This strategy includes the development
of a rule based
CA 02498852 2005-02-28
File DIo.: PAT 2781 P-1
data-base engine integrated with email notification. This allows authorized
users of the
information managennent system to set up rules which provide an alert upon the
receipt of
specific typos of messages. These rules can be set up based upon the RWI
combined with or
vyithout a specific category code or words in the free text.
Included with the date and time element for the message is geographical
infoxmation
indicating where the message was created. ?he location is recorded as
longitude and
latitude and is enr~bcdded in the message. The ItW may have a built in
Geographical
Positioning System (GPS) receiver and system, and the geographical coordinates
can then
be embedded into the message based on the last GPS position of the RW. Before
a message
is created, if the RW has traveled any distance from the last (1PS position
taken by the RW,
a new GPS position should be taken by the RW to provide an accurate GP5
position for the
message being sent.
Category codes were also included in the message. These category codes provide
a
high level description of the message and can be used by the information
management
system to group and collate the individual messages. These category codes can
be created
and modified based on specific planned uses of the GuSER.S system. An example
of this
could be an indirridual project that wanted to use the GuSERS system to report
on a specific
project. Therefore, category codes could be developed that were speck to that
individual
project. Another important aspect of the category codes was the ability for
"aclatowlodgement'°. That is, to have the system send back a message to
the RW
acknowledging that the message was received by the information management
system. This
is a useful feature when the user is in a remote environment and wants to
ensure that the
message was successfully received.
The messaging standard further includes a free text element. This allows the
user to
enter other information the meaning of which may not be captured by a category
code. A
key consideration to note is that the message size is constrained to ensure
that the message
continues to be Iow-bandwidth, therefore the message itself can only be about
170
characters in length (with a threshold maximum package size of 300 characters,
depending
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
File No.: PAT 27B1P-l
upon the pager or text-messaging system developed). This is comparable to text
messaging
that is commonly used on cell phones.
An example of an entire message once it is received by the web-based
information
management system from the RW appears as follows:
Date: 24 Ang 2005 17:51?:43 +0000
Promo GUSERS2(a~gusers.org
Reply-To: GUSERS2~gusers.oxg
Subject: [GLOBALGRAM:SAT=13)
To: GUSERSDEVICE($tGUSERS.ORG
OT
00 1$.4dN, 032 33,O1E, 3741FT, WGS84, 01:53:SOPM; 24AUG05
DAY 1 : GLOBAL T~EALTH ISSUES DISCUSSED.
The actual message that is transmitted to the satellite by the RW is the
following
(nnessage size is 85 characters):
OT
00 18.46N, 032 33.O1E, 374IFT, WGS84, 01:53:SOPM, 24AUGp5
DAY 1 : GLOBAL li>;ALTH ISSUES DISCUSSED.
-BASED O T Q AG SYSTEM
The GuSERS system includes an information management systern otherwise lmown
simply as ~.he GuSERS web server. The GuSERS web server is designed around a
typical
web server architecture consisting of a web server and a database server. This
preferred
embodiment includes the use of java server pages functioning with an Oracle
database.
The GuSERS web server of the prefeared embodiment also includes a web-based
Geographical Information System (GIS) that serves as a map server. The map
server is
ennbedded into the application and serves as a visualization tool for slxowing
geographical
location corresponding to where the messages were sent.
The GuSERS system of the preferred embodiment was designed around the concept
of managing the information that would be received from the field from the
RWs. These
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
rim ivo,: ~Rr z~s~ P-~
messages are received by a standard messaging engine, such as a POP3 email
server or
other transaction gateway (messaging interface, web service, etc.) from the
satellite pager
messaging service provider. The GuSIaRS system polls this POPS email server at
pre-set
intervals w extract messages. Tlxe messages are then parsed by the GuSERS
system and put
into a relatiozsal database. If for any reason the messages cannot be parsed,
they are placed
into an error log where an administrator of the GuSERS system manually parses
the
message to store the message's infarmation in the database.
The message is received into the GuSERS system and only authorized users have
access to this information. User profiles can be created to allow access to
only specific
data, either based on location, category code or ItWI. The latter is added so
that multiple
organizations can use the GaSERS system without having the Goneern that all of
their
information is sharable with other users of the system. Even though this is
considered to be
a drawback to the concept of a system collecting data from multiple data
sources and
sharing this information with interested panics, it is viewed as an important
component of
the system of the preferred embodiment that needs to be added due to the
personal interests
of many different organizations that can be users of this system.
A programmable Intelligent System engine is implemented to allow authorized
users
to create such things as cmail alerts reladva to specific messages that were
triggered when
certain parameters arc znet by information in a message. These triggers can be
based upon
the combination of the RWI, a specific geographical region or the category
code, fox
example. The GuSERS system also allows users to send messages or commands to
an
individual or group of R'Ws. The commands are messages that arc interpreted by
the PbA
to alter the behaviour of the application currently receiving the message
(such as, but not
limited to, by displaying a response or an agent).
Other Intelligent System applications can inch~de data mining, simulation or
some
other fornn of artificial intelligence.
Due to the nature of the ixzformation that may be collected, the GuSERS system
of
the preferred embodiment implements several security fhnetions, such as
authorized login
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
File No.: PAT 27$1 Pd
and a complete audit lvg of every webpage view by a u5cr. The logging
capability of the
GuSERS system saves every message that was eithex sent or received.
Further embodiments of the GuSERS system may include the following optional
features:
1. The GuSERS system may include a distributed architecture where parahel
systems can be installed in outer locations such as developing countries,
allowing the
advantage for remote access.
2. Expansion of the available sources of information either thxough Internet
feeds or outer devices as they beeorne available. Examples of this would
include other
information that could be feed by govetumental organizations or non-
governmental
organizations.
3. The addition of simulation capabilities that would allow users to develop
models of cextain areas and sitttulate activities. Examples of this itnclude
the ability to
simulate trauspoxtation routes and their safety or condition as they related
to humanitarian
relief or the efforts of a disease outbreak from village to village.
4.. The ability to interface to remote devices such as water level indicators
or
weather stations.
5. The ability to "pre-load" the PDA with a number of applications and
language capabilities which can be altered by the remote user or by a command
received by
the C~uSERS Information Management System-
fi. The ability to track remote user errors to determine if there is an
interface or
training issue with the PDA application or the RW.
7. Multiple modes of battery charging permitting use of auy souxcc of
available
energy (wind, sun, thermal electric, gas or diesel mooor, local sources of
eiectrical power).
8. RW to RW messaging.
The Web-server has numerous features including:
1. satellite overpass optimization; and
2. Rules engine for alarm and event or task triggers.
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
fi1r No.: PAT 2781P-1
EN'~~ ~ . AL p'AC~'URS
The GuSERS system may operate in a closed loop enviroxuneut meaning that a
message can be sent from the 1tW in an isolated area where a
telecommunications and
electrical infrastructure does not exist and that that the message can be
successfully received
by the Internet-based information management system and a corresponding
message sent
back to the RW, hence, representing a close looped information management
system.
The GuSERS RWs 10 may operate in a variety of environments including locations
where a cellular phone network is unavailable and where geographical obstacles
exist such
as remote mountain ranges.
In cases where the satellite 20 is not in view of the RW 10, transmission of
messages may be delayed (latency). This problem can be partially mitigated by
knowing
when the satellites 20 will be in sight of a particular RW . The satellite
over pass times can
be downloaded into the PDA of the RW 10 so a user will know when a message can
be
either sent or received.
Another factor which contributes to latency is that in certain regions of the
world the
satellire provider operates on a store and forward 25 approach. This approach
is used
whenever a complete connection 40 between the satellite service provider
ground station,
the satellite over the RW and RW 30 cannot be established. The store and
forward 25
approach allows the RW 10 to send a message to the satellite 30, the satellite
then holds
onto that message 25 until it can relay it to a ground station 40.
The advantages with store and forward approach is that it reduces the cost of
the
over all system to be greatly reduced. Constant connectivity between the RW 10
and the
satellite 20 is not a requirement of GuSERS. This also is what keeps the cost
of the system
reasonable enough that it can be applied to developing countries and monitor
an entire
geographic region at an economical price.
When the RW is in a geographical area that requires a store and forward
approach a
software methodology can be introduced within, the GuSERS Information
Management
System to offset the limitations of the store and forward approach. This
approach keeps
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File Na.: PA'f 2761 P-i
track of which satellites arc most likely in the area of the RW and then sends
the messages
to all those satellites to ensure that the RW receives the message from the
first satellite that
it was able to connect with. This ensures 'that the RW receives any message on
the first
pass.
The PDA may include help features and functions or standard operating
procedures
to allow users to more easily use the system.
The GuSERS Information Management System also had a query interface that
allowed a user to query the message database for such attributes as date and
category code.
PA,~CL1L~MBOD1ME~TS
The following describe particular embodiments of the present invention:
A bi-directional/uni-directional gusers communication system consists of:
Health Moxtitor Provider Means which Consists of:
1. Health Care Provider Telecommunications Means:
- for the health care provider to comuzunicate wish the Conuntmication Device
Service (RR~ Provider Means.
2. world Health Care Personnel:
- for the decisions regarding the managetttent of the disaster.
3_ GuSERS Satellite Message Record Database:
- for the archiving and retrieval of satellite messages.
A. GuSERS Web Server Software:
to Analyze andlor modify the messages and to activate alarms and exceptions
based an algorithms.
5. I~ardware:
- to Provide a Computing environment for the CruSERS Software.
Interface or Sampling Means:
1. A PZ7A interface, computerized device or Sampling device such as a
weather station which gathers the local tnvironment and reports data by
schedule or
exception.
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
Fila No : PAT 2781 P-1
A Bi-Directional Pager Means which consists of a:
1. Satellite (i,e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial network, etc.). Page
Receiver Means:
- For the pager to receive data frotn~ the Satellite Pager Servicx Provider
Transmitter Means or other comnaunicadon Service Provider (i.e. satellite,
cellular, terrestrial network, ete.).
2. Satellite (i.e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).Pager
Transmitter
Means:
- For the pager to trans:utit data to the Satellite Pager Service Provider
Receiver Means o: other communication Service Provider (i.e, cellular,
terrestrial network, etc.).
3. Satellite (i,e. satellite, cehular, terrestrial network, etc.).Pager
Service Provider
Reneiver Means:
- For the Pager Service Provider to Receive data from the Pager Transmitter
Means or other communication Service Provider (i. e. cellular, terrestrial
network, etc.).
4. Satellite (i.e. satellite, cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).Pager
Service Provider
Transmitter Means:
- For the Pager Service Provider to transmit data to the Pager Receiver Means
or other communication Service Provider (i.e. cellular, terrestrial network,
etc_).
5. Satellite (i.e. satellite, Cellular, terrestrial network, etc.).Pager
Service Provider
Telecoznlmunication Means:
- For the Pager Service Provider to establish communications with the
GuSFRS Web-server or other communication S~ervicc Provider (i.e. cellular,
terrestrial network, etc.).
PDA interface Means which consists of:
1. Sampling Interfave Means:
- for interfacing to the sampling means.
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CA 02498852 2005-02-28
File No.: PAT 2781P-t
2. 'User Interface Means:
- for displaying of accepting data to the user.
3. Starage Means.
- for storage of data for analysis or transmission or reception to the Service
Provider Means Via the Pager Means.
4. PDA Means:
- Enctyption/decryption Means;
- Algorithm Means;
- SoftwarclFirmware Means.
5. Bi-directional Pager Interface Means:
- far communication between the PDA Means and the Pager Means.
Power Supply Means which consists of
1. Power Source Means;
2. Power Conversion Means;
3. Power Storage Meax1&s; and
4. Power Management Means.
This system has many applications from global surveillance of disaster and
disease
to remote monitoring and control of consmerciai assets. There may also be some
tTS
Homeland Security applications.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be
examples only. Alterations, modifications snd variations may he effected to
the paraeular
embodiments by chose of skill in the art without departing from the scope of
the invention,
wlxich is defused solely by the claims appended hereto.
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