Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
Parachute Ground Disconnecting Device
Field of the Invention
[001] The present invention relates generally to the field of parachute
accessories,
and in particular to a device for automatically disconnecting a parachiated
payload from
a parachute upon landing.
Background of the Invention
[002] In parachuting a payload from an airplane it is important that the
parachuted
payload is securely connected to the parachute during descent. It is also
important that
the payload is spontaneQusly disconnected from the parachute upon landing.
Unless the
payload is spontaneously disconnected from the parachute upon landing there is
an
unacceptable high risk that the payload is dragged by winds engaging the
parachute,
making retrieval of the parachuted payload extremely difficult and dangerous,
if not
impossible. Furthermore, there is a significant danger that the parachuted
payload is
toppled over while being dragged resulting in damage or loss of the parachuted
payload
such as a vehicle.
[003] Several parachute ground disconnecting devices have been developed for
automatically disconnecting a parachuted load upon landing. Such devices are
designed
as a coupler between the parachute and the payload for safely connecting the
payload to
the parachute during descent. Upon landing a payload weight dependent force
acting on
the parachute ground disconnecting device decreases and the device opens
allowing
disconnection of the payload form the parachute.
[004] However, when designing a parachute ground disconnecting: device there
is a
significant problem to overcome. During and shortly after parachute
cleployment
transient parachute inflation phenomena generate substantial oscillations of
the payload
weight dependent force - or tension - acting on the parachute ground
disconnecting
device. In order for the parachute ground disconnecting device to opeirate
properly it is
important that the parachute is reliably released upon landing but also that
the payload
stays connected to the parachute during parachute inflation.
1
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
[005] This problem has been successfully overcome by the parachute ground
disconnecting device disclosed in US Patent 5,687,931. Here, the parachute
ground
disconnecting device is kept in a locked position by a timer for a
precletermined time
interval during the initial portion of deployment, i.e. during the time period
of the
parachute inflation. After elapse of the predetermined time interval the
device is set to
disconnect when the tension is below a predetermined threshold before the
tension
force in the parachute risers falls to zero.
[006] However, while the parachute ground disconnecting device disclosed in US
Patent 5,687,931 has proven to be simply operable and reliable, it coimprises
a
substantially large number of moving parts having small manufacturing
tolerances
resulting in relatively high manufacturing costs and requiring a substantial
amount of
maintenance.
[007] It would be beneficial to provide a parachute disconnecting device that
is
simply operable and reliable but is also simple and cost effective to
rrianufacture and to
maintain.
Summary of the Invention
[008] It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a parachute
ground
disconnecting device that is simply operable and reliable but is also simple
and cost
effective to manufacture and to maintain.
[009] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a parachute
ground
disconnecting device for disconnecting a parachuted payload from a parachute
upon
landing comprising:
a supporting structure comprising:
a connecting mechanism for connecting the same to one of the parachute and
the payload;
a passage disposed such that, in a holding position, accommodation therein of
a
link assembly for connecting the supporting structure to one of the parachute
and the payload is enabled and such that disengagement of the link assembly
from the supporting structure is enabled for disconnecting the payload from
the
parachute;
2
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
a latch pivotally movable mounted to the supporting structure and having an
interacting
structure, in the holding position a pivot of the latch and the interacting
structure being
disposed on opposite sides of the passage, the latch for retaining the link
assembly in
the holding position and for transferring via the interacting structure a
predetermined
portion of a payload force acting on the link assembly;
a lock/release mechanism mounted to the supporting structure, the lock/release
mechanism comprising a holding mechanism for accommodating the interacting
structure of the latch and a release element connected to the holding
inechanism at a
first end, the holding mechanism and the release element being movable in a
longitudinal direction in dependence upon the predetermined portion of the
payload
force, the release element when abutted at a second end located opposite to
the first end
for moving the holding mechanism such that the latch is released when the
predetermined portion of the payload force is below a predetermined first
threshold;
a timer mechanism mounted to the supporting structure, the timer mechanism
having an
axle with a cam attached thereto;
an interrupter element mounted to the lock/release mechanism such that the
interrupter
element holds the timer mechanism in a stopped position when the
p:redetermined
portion of the payload force is below a predetermined second threshold;
a release lever pivotally movable mounted to the supporting structure, the
release lever
comprising a first and a second end, the first end interacting with the cam,
the release
lever being pivotally movable between a first position with the second end
being
disengaged from the release element and a second position with the second end
abutting
the second end of the release element in dependence upon movement of the cam
such
that after elapse of a predetermined time interval the release lever is Tnoved
to the
second position.
[00101 In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a
parachute
ground disconnecting device for disconnecting a parachuted payload from a
parachute
upon landing comprising:
a supporting structure comprising a connecting mechanism for connecting the
same to
one of the parachute and the payload;
a lock/release mechanism mounted to the supporting structure, the lock/release
mechanism comprising:
3
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
a passage disposed such that, in a holding position, accommodation therein of
a
link assembly for connecting the lock/release mechanism to one of the
parachute and the payload is enabled and such that disengagement of the link
assembly from the lock/release mechanism is enabled for disconnecting the
payload from the parachute; and,
a holding mechanism for retaining the link assembly in the holding position
and
a release element connected to the holding mechanism at a fii-st end, the
holding
mechanism and the release element being longitudinally movable in dependence
upon a payload force, the release element when abutted at a second end located
opposite to the first end for moving the holding mechanism such that the link
assembly is released when the payload force is below a predetermined first
threshold;
a timer mechanism mounted to the supporting structure, the timer mechanism
having an
axle with a cam attached thereto;
an interrupter element mounted to the lock/release mechanism such that the
interrupter
element holds the timer mechanism in a stopped position when the payload force
is
below a predetermined second threshold;
a release lever pivotally movable mounted to the supporting structure, the
release lever
comprising a first and a second end, the first end interacting with the cam,
the release
lever being pivotally movable between a first position with the second end
being
disengaged from the release element and a second position with the second end
abutting
the second end of the release element in dependence upon movement of the cam
such
that after elapse of a predetermined time interval the release lever is -noved
to the
second position.
[0011] In accordance with the present invention there is yet further provided
a
parachute ground disconnecting device for disconnecting a parachuted payload
from a
parachute upon landing comprising:
a supporting structure comprising:
a connecting mechanism for connecting the same to one of the parachute and
the payload;
a passage disposed such that, in a holding position, accommodation therein of
a
link assembly for connecting the supporting structure to one of the parachute
4
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
and the payload is enabled and such that disengagement of the link assembly
from the supporting structure is enabled for disconnecting the payload from
the
parachute;
a latch pivotally movable mounted to the supporting structure and having an
interacting
structure, in the holding position a pivot of the latch and the interacting
structure being
disposed on opposite sides of the passage, the latch for retaining the link
assembly in
the holding position and for transferring via the interacting structure a
predetermined
portion of a payload force acting on the link assembly;
a lock/release mechanism mounted to the supporting structure comprising:
a load counteracting mechanism, the load counteracting mechanism being
movable in a longitudinal direction in non-linear dependence upon the
predetermined portion of the payload force;
a holding mechanism pivotally movable mounted to the load counteracting
mechanism, the holding mechanism for accommodating the interacting structure
of the latch; and,
a release element connected to the holding mechanism at a frrst end, the
release
element being movable in the longitudinal direction in dependence upon the
predetermined portion of the payload force, the release element when abutted
at
a second end located opposite to the first end for pivotally moving the
holding
mechanism such that the latch is released when the predetermined portion of
the
payload force is below a predetermined first threshold, the second end of the
release element comprising a substantially flat surface oriented substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;
a mechanical timer mechanism comprising an escapement wheel mounted to the
supporting structure, the timer mechanism having an axle with a cam attached
thereto;
an interrupter element mounted to the release element such that the
interrupter element
interrupter element engages the escapement wheel of the timer mechanism when
the
predetermined portion of the payload force is below a predetermined second
threshold
to prevent a gear train of the timer mechanism from movement and disengages
the
escapement wheel when the payload force is above the predetermineci threshold;
a release lever pivotally movable mounted to the supporting structure, the
release lever
comprising a first and a second end, the first end being a substantiallv flat
surface
interacting with the cam, the second end comprising an edge having a
predetermined
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
radius, the release lever being pivotally movable between a first posit:ion
with the edge
being disengaged from the release element and a second position with the edge
abutting
the substantially flat surface of the second end of the release element in
dependence
upon movement of the cam such that after elapse of a predetermined time
interval the
release lever is moved to the second position and wherein the edge oi'the
release lever
abuts the substantially flat surface of the second end of the release element
such that a
force exerted by the release element onto the edge of the release lever
results in
moment acting around the pivot towards the second position.
Brief Description of the Figures
[00121 Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in
conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[00131 Figures 1 a to le are simplified block diagrams schematically
illustrating a
cross-sectional view of a parachute ground disconnecting device according to
the
invention in different stages of operation;
[00141 Figures 1 f and 1 g are simplified block diagrams schematically
illustrating a
detailed view of the holding mechanism of the parachute ground disconnecting
device
according to the invention shown in Figs. 1 a to 1 e;
[00151 Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram schematically illustrating a
perspective
view of the parachute ground disconnecting device according to the invention;
[00161 Figures 3a to 3c are simplified block diagrams schematically
illustrating a side
view of a release element and a release lever of the parachute ground
disconnecting
device according to the invention; and,
[00171 Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram schematically illustrating a
cross-
sectional view of a parachute ground disconnecting device according to the
invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[00181 The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in
the art to
make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular
application
6
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will
be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles
defined herein
may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from
the
scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be
limited to the
embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with
the
principles and features disclosed herein.
[0019] Referring to Figs. 1 a to 1 e, a cross sectional view of a parachute
ground
disconnecting device 100 according to the invention is shown in five stages of
operation:
a) rigged before deployment;
b) during parachute inflation;
c) during steady descent after elapse of predetermined time interval;
d) at ground impact; and,
e) after release of the parachute.
[0020] The parachute ground disconnecting device 100 comprises ,a supporting
structure 102. Disposed in a lower portion of the supporting structure 102 is
a
connecting mechanism 104 for connecting the supporting structure 1,02 to a
payload.
Alternatively, a parachute is connected to the connecting mechanism 104.
However,
mounting the connecting mechanism 104 to the parachute results in loss of the
parachute ground disconnecting device 100 if the parachute is not recovered.
The
connecting mechanism 104 is, for example, constructed as a cylindrical bore
for
accommodating a cylindrical bolt therein. Disposed in an upper portion of the
supporting structure 102 is a passage 106 for accommodating - in the holding
position -
a link assembly 108 therein. The link assembly 108 connects the supporting
structure
102 to a parachute and comprises, for example, a cylindrical bolt for
accommodation in
the passage 106. Further, the passage 106 is designed such that in an open
position, as
shown in Fig. 1 e, disengagement of the link assembly 108 from the supporting
structure
102 is enabled for disconnecting the parachute from the payload. For example,
the
passage 106 comprises a bent channel portion wide enough for enabling
unobstructed
movement of the link assembly 108 therethrough and an end portion with the end
7
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
portion being formed to accommodate, in the holding position, the link
assembly 108
therein, for example, having walls of cylindrical shape.
[0021] The link assembly 108 is retained in the holding position by a latch
110. The
latch 110 is pivotally movable mounted at a first end to the supportir,tg
structure 102 in
pivot 112, for example, using cylindrical bores for accommodating a
cylindrical bolt
therein. At a second opposite end the latch 110 has an interacting structure
114, shaped
to interact with holding mechanism 118. As shown in Fig. la the latch 110 is
disposed
such that the pivot 112 and the interacting surface 114 are disposed on
opposite sides of
the passage 106. For example, the latch 110 comprises an indentation 116 of
curved
shape to accommodate a portion of the surface of a cylindrical bolt of the
link assembly
108, for securing the link assembly 108 in the holding position, particmlarly
during
parachute inflation, as discussed above.
[0022] The latch 110, in concert with the end portion of the passage 106,
retains the
link assembly 108 in the holding position, as shown in Fig. 1 a, and transfers
via the
interacting structure 114 a predetermined portion of a payload force acting on
the link
assembly 108 to the holding mechanism 118. The transferred predetermined
portion of
the payload force acts substantially along a longitudinal direction 120. For
example, the
end portion of the passage 106 and the latch 110 are designed such the center
of the
pivot 112 is disposed at a predetermined distance C to line 160 through the
center of the
link assembly 108 and the connecting mechanism 104.
[0023] A lock/release mechanism comprises the holding mechanism 118, a load
counteracting mechanism 122, and a release element 124. The load counteracting
mechanism 122 and the release element 124 are movable along the longitudinal
direction 120 in dependence upon the predetermined portion of the payload
force, as
shown in Fig. lb. The holding mechanism 118 is connected to the load
counteracting
mechanism 122 at pivot 126, placed on a longitudinal axis of the load
counteracting
mechanism 122. The holding mechanism 118 comprises an arm orieiited
substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction having a slot 128 of predetermined
length
and disposed at a predetermined distance to the pivot 126. The slot 128
accommodates
a pin 127 mounted to a first end of the release element 124, allowing pivotal
and
longitudinal movement between the release element 124 and the holcting
mechanism
8
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
118. The load counteracting mechanism 122 comprises, for example, a spring
loaded
cylindrical rod with the spring being a non-linear Belleville-type spring,
i.e. distance D
is related to the predetermined portion of the payload force in a non-linear
fashion. The
release element 124 comprises, for example, a spring loaded cylindrical rod.
[0024] The parachute ground disconnecting device 100 further corriprises a
timer
mechanism 128 having an axle with a cam 130 attached thereto. For example, the
timer
mechanism 128 is a mechanical timer mechanism comprising an escapement wheel
132. An interrupter element 134 is mounted to the release element 124. The
interrupter
element 134 comprises, for example, a thin metal clip shaped such that it is
able to
interact with teeth of the escapement wheel 132 for holding the timer
mechanism 128 in
a stopped position by preventing a gear train of the timer mechanism 128 from
movement when the predetermined portion of the payload force is below a
predetermined timer threshold and to disengage from the escapement wheel 132
when
the predetermined portion of the payload force is above the predetermined
timer
threshold. Alternatively, an electronic timer mechanism such as quartz
clockwork in
combination with a mechanism comprising an axle is employed with the
interrupter
element 134 being designed to interrupt power supply to the electronl'ic timer
mechanism.
[0025] A release lever 136 is mounted to the supporting structure 102 at pivot
138.
The release lever 136 comprises a first end 140, for example, a substantially
flat
surface, interacting with the cam 130, and a second end 142, for example, an
edge
having a predetermined radius for abutting a second end 144, for example, a
substantially flat surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal
direction 120, of the release element 124. The release lever 136 is movable
around the
pivot 138 between a first position with the second end 142 being disengaged
from the
second end 144 of the release element 124 and a second position with the
second end
142 abutting the second end 144 of the release element 124 in dependence upon
movement of the cam 130 such that after elapse of a predetermined time
interval the
release lever 136 is moved into the second position. A spring mechanism 146,
for
example, a spring loaded plunger or a torsion spring is employed to ensure a
touching
relationship between the first end 140 and a surface of the cam 130. For
example, the
9
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
pivot 138, the first end 140 and the second end 142 of the release lever 136
form a
triangle such that the first end 140 and the second end 142 are moved. in a
substantially
same direction. To ensure that the release lever 136 stays in the secorid
position when
the release element 124 exerts a force onto the second end 142 of the release
lever 136,
the second end 144 of the release element 124 is abutted by the secorid end
142 of the
release lever 136 such that the force exerted by the release element 124 onto
the second
end 142 of the release lever 136 results in moment acting around the pivot 138
towards
the second position. This is realized, for example, by designing the release
lever 136
such that the second end 142 of the release lever 136 abuts the seconci end
144 of the
release element 124 in interaction point 148 such that in a direction
perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction the pivot 138 is located at a predetermined distance E
between
the interaction point 148 and the first end 140 of the release lever 136, as
shown in Fig.
1 c. Alternatively, a substantially flat surface of the second end 144 of the
release
element 124 is oriented at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal
clirection 120 other
than 90 such that its normal is pointing in a substantially same direction as
the
direction of the movement of the release lever 136 from the first position to
the second
position. Alternatively, interaction between the cam 130 and the fist end 140
of the
release lever 136 is realized using, for example, a pin mounted to the cam 130
which is
accommodated in a slot disposed at the first end 140 of the release lever 136
enabling
rotating and longitudinal movement therebetween for moving the release lever
136.
[0026] The load counteracting mechanism 122, the release element 124, the
timer
mechanism 128, and the release lever 136 are, for example, disposed in a
housing 150.
The housing 150 is, for example, disposed between two parallel plates forming
the
supporting structure 102, as shown in Fig. 2 - with one plate removed.
[0027] Fig. 1 a illustrates the parachute ground disconnecting device 100
according to
the invention in a rigged state without load applied, i.e. prior deploynnent.
The device
100 is easily rigged by performing the following steps:
a) winding and setting the timer mechanism 128, for example, by tunling the
axle
comprising the cam 130 to a predetermined time interval - for example 15
seconds -
which moves the release lever 136 into the first position and allows the
release element
124 to move freely;
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
b) disposing the link assembly 108 in the end portion of the passage 106; and,
c) moving the latch 110 into the holding position while turning the holding
mechanism
118 around the pivot 126 to engage the interacting structure 114 of the latch
110, which
is facilitated by providing the holding mechanism 118 with a curved surface
portion
150 describing a section of a circle around the pivot 126, thus allowing
turning of the
holding mechanism without moving of the load counteracting mechanism 122.
[0028] Fig. lb illustrates the parachute ground disconnecting device 100
according to
the invention during parachute inflation. Transient parachute inflation
phenomena
generate substantial oscillations of the predetermined portion of the payload
force
acting on the link assembly 108 resulting in an oscillating movement of the
load
counteracting mechanism 122 and the release element 124 in dependence
thereupon.
When - during this transient phase - the predetermined portion of the payload
force is
above the predetermined timer threshold, the interrupter element 134 is
disengaged
from the escapement wheel 132 allowing the timer mechanism to move.
[0029] Fig. 1 c illustrates the parachute ground disconnecting device 100
according to
the invention during steady descent after elapse of the predetermined time
interval.
During elapse of the predetermined time interval the cam 130 is rotated such
that after
elapse of the same the release lever 136 is moved from the first position to
the second
position for abutting the release element 124.
[0030] Fig. 1 d illustrates the parachute ground disconnecting device 100
according to
the invention at ground impact. When - at ground impact - the predetermined
portion of
the payload force is decreased to a predetermined release threshold, the
second end 144
of the release element 124 is in contact with the second end 142 of the
release lever
136, i.e. is abutted by the same. When the predetermined portion of the
payload force is
further decreased movement of the load counteracting mechanism 122 continues
while
the release element 124 is stopped causing a pivotal movement of the holding
mechanism 118 around the pivot 126 and disengagement of the interacting
structure
114 of the latch 110 from the holding mechanism 118. This disengagement occurs
before the tension force in the parachute risers falls to zero.
11
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
[0031] Fig. le illustrates the parachute ground disconnecting device 100
according to
the invention after release of the parachute. After disengagement of the
interacting
structure 114 of the latch I 10 from the holding mechanism 118 the
predetermined
portion of the payload force acting on the link assembly causes the latch 110
to rotate
around the pivot 112 allowing disengagement of the link assembly 108 from the
supporting structure 102 for disconnecting the parachute from the payload.
[0032] In order to prevent disengagement prior to ground contact diue to
strong
oscillations during parachute inflation and descent, the slot 128 of th:,
holding
mechanism 118 is L-shaped as shown in Figs. 1 f and 1 g. During parachute
inflation and
descent, the pin 127 is accommodated in a first location of the slot 128, due
to the
predetermined portion of the payload force acting on the holding mechanism
118,
where the pin 127 is abutted by shoulder 129, as shown in Fig. 1 By abutting
the pin
127, the holding mechanism 118 is prevented from pivotally moving around the
pivot
126 and, therefore, disengagement prior to ground contact is prevented. After
ground
contact - when the predetermined portion of the payload force is decreased to
the
predetermined release threshold - the pin 127 is moved into a second location,
as shown
in Fig. 1 g. Here, the pin 127 is no longer abutted by the shoulder 129 and
pivotal
movement of the holding mechanism 118 around pivot 126 is enabled for
disengaging
the interacting structure 114 of the latch 110 from the holding mechanism 118.
[0033] The parachute ground disconnecting device 100 according to the
invention is
simply operable and reliable but is also of simple design having a small
number of
moving parts which are cost effective to manufacture and to maintain.
[0034] A highly advantageous feature of the parachute ground disconnecting
device
100 is that it stays in an open position until the timer mechanism 128 is
reset,
preventing the latch I 10 from being closed and, therefore, preventing a user
from
rigging and loading the parachute ground disconnecting device 100 without re-
setting
the timer mechanism 128.
[0035] Furthermore, it is possible to use the same timer and lock/release
mechanism
for a wide range of payloads. This is achieved, for example, by simply
changing the
geometry of the support structure 102 and the latch 110, i.e. it is possible
to use a same
12
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
timer and lock/release mechanism provided in a housing 150 for a payload of
500 lbs as
well as 15,000 lbs, but is not limited thereto.
[0036] Yet further, the parachute ground disconnecting device 100 according to
the
invention allows simple adjustment of the timer threshold and the release
threshold by
simply modifying the geometry of the release element 124 and the interrupter
element
134. The timer threshold is adjusted by changing the position of the
interrupter element
134 along the longitudinal direction 120 which is accomplished, for example,
by
providing the interrupter element 134 with a slot 170 for variably
accommodating a
mounting screw therein, as shown in Fig. 3a. The release threshold is adjusted
by
changing the position of the second end 144 of the release element 1.24 along
the
longitudinal direction 120 which is accomplished, for example, by pi-oviding a
screw
mechanism 172, as shown in Fig. 3a. Alternatively, the second end 142 of the
release
lever 136 is provided as a separate element 142A variably mounted to the
release lever
136 such that a distance between the pivot 138 and the second end 1,12 is
changed, for
example, by providing the second end element 142A with a slot for variably
accommodating a mounting screw therein, as shown in Fig. 3b. Further
alternatively,
the release element 124 comprises one or more notches 125 for accoimmodating a
portion of the second end 142 of the release lever 136 after elapse of the
predetermined
time interval for abutting the release element 124, as shown in Fig. 3c. This
allows, for
example, setting of the timer threshold and the release threshold in a
calibration process
during manufacture and maintenance and, furthermore, enables operation of the
ground
disconnecting device over a wider range of payloads.
[0037] Referring to Fig. 4, a parachute ground disconnecting device 200
according to
the invention is shown. The parachute ground disconnecting device 200
comprises the
same lock/release mechanism and timer mechanism disposed in a housing 202.
Disposed in a lower portion of the housing 202 is a connecting mechanism 204
for
connecting the housing 202 to a payload. Here, a link assembly 208 is
accommodated
in a passage 212 of a linking structure 210 mounted to load counteracting
mechanism
222. The link assembly 208 is held in the holding position by holding
mechanism 218.
Except for the above described differences the parachute ground disconnecting
device
200 comprises the same components as the device 100 and operates in a same
fashion.
13
CA 02678621 2009-08-18
WO 2008/086602 PCT/CA2008/000070
[0038] Numerous other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined
in the appended claims.
14
