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Title:
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING CHEWING GUM WITH SCORING
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2015/179630
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing chewing gum is provided including forming at least one score in a first direction in the chewing gum. A leading portion of the chewing gum is separated along at least one of said one or more scores in a first direction using a first separating mechanism. The first separating mechanism includes a movable member configured to apply a force to the leading portion of the chewing gum.

Inventors:
DEGADY MARC (US)
CROWLEY JAMES E (US)
CROWLEY JAMES JR (US)
LUZNIAK FRANK (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2015/031955
Publication Date:
November 26, 2015
Filing Date:
May 21, 2015
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC (US)
International Classes:
A23G4/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2013013041A22013-01-24
WO2013013046A22013-01-24
WO2014047263A12014-03-27
WO2011090520A12011-07-28
WO1989010697A11989-11-16
WO2007047227A22007-04-26
WO2011044373A22011-04-14
Foreign References:
US5971739A1999-10-26
US1357665A1920-11-02
US3915039A1975-10-28
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GIBSON, Daniel R. (20 Church Street22nd Floo, Hartford Connecticut, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

What is claimed is:

1. A method of manufacturing chewing gum, comprising: forming at least one score in a first direction in the chewing gum; and separating a leading portion of the chewing gum along at least one of said one or more scores in a first direction using a first separating mechanism, said first separating mechanism including a movable member configured to apply a force to said leading portion of the chewing gum.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one score in said first direction is configured to divide the chewing gum into a plurality of first sections and said leading portion includes at least one first section.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said leading portion includes only one first section.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein said first separating mechanism further includes: a base substantially aligned with said movable member and separated therefrom by a space; an actuator operably coupled to said movable member and configured to move said movable member between a first position and a second position; and a guide member configured to restrain movement of the chewing gum such that said leading portion of the chewing gum is positioned within said space between said movable member and said base.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said actuator is configured to continuously cycle said moveable member between said first position and said second position.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein a direction of travel of the chewing gum during said forming of said at least one score in said first direction is substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the chewing gum through said first separating mechanism.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein a direction of travel of the chewing gum during said forming of said at least one score in said first direction is substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the chewing gum through said first separating mechanism.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising forming at least one score in a second direction in the chewing gum.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein forming said at least one score in said first direction and forming said at least one score in said second direction occurs before separating said leading portion of the chewing gum.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said at least one score in said second direction is substantially perpendicular to said at least one score in said first direction.

1 1. The method according to claim 8, wherein a direction of travel of the chewing gum during said forming of said at least one score in said first direction is substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the chewing gum during said forming of said at least one score in said second direction.

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein an orientation of the chewing gum remains substantially constant during forming said at least one score in said first direction and forming said at least one score in said second direction.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein a direction of travel of the chewing gum during said forming of said at least one score in said first direction is substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the chewing gum during said forming said at least one score in said second direction.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising adjusting an orientation of the chewing gum after said forming of said at least one score in said first direction.

15. The method according to claim 8, further comprising separating said leading portion of the chewing gum into a plurality of pieces having final gum dimensions.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said separating said leading portion occurs via a second separating mechanism, said second separating mechanism being different from said first separating mechanism.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said first separating mechanism is configured to separate said leading portion of the chewing gum simultaneously along at least one of said one or more scores in said first direction and along at least one of said one or more scores in said second direction.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said first separating mechanism includes a base substantially aligned with said movable member and separated therefrom by a space, at least one of said movable member and said base including a plurality of ridge configured to align with said one or more scores in said second direction.

19. A method of manufacturing chewing gum, comprising: forming at least one score in a first direction in the chewing gum, said at least one score in a first direction being substantially parallel to a first direction of travel of the chewing gum; and forming at least one score in a second direction in the chewing gum, said at least one score in a second direction being substantially parallel to a second direction of travel of the chewing gum, wherein said forming of said at least one score in said second direction occurs in line with said forming of said at least one score in said first direction.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said first direction of travel of the chewing gum and said second direction of travel of the chewing gum are substantially identical.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising adjusting an orientation of the chewing gum after said forming of said at least one score in said first direction.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein said first direction of travel of the chewing gum and said second direction of travel of the chewing gum are substantially perpendicular.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein an orientation of the chewing gum remains substantially constant during forming of said at least one score in said first direction and forming of said at least one score in said second direction.

24. The method according to claim 19, further comprising separating a leading portion of the chewing gum along at least one of said at least one score in said first direction or said at least one score in said second direction.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said separating of said chewing gum along at least one of said at least one score in said first direction or said at least one score in said second direction occurs in line with at least one of said forming of said at least one score in said first direction and said forming of said at least one score in said second direction.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the chewing gum is separated along a lead score of said at least one score in said first direction.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein a first separating mechanism is configured to separate said leading portion of the chewing gum, said first separating mechanism including a movable member configured to apply a force to said leading portion of the chewing gum.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein said first separating mechanism further includes: a base substantially aligned with said movable member and separated therefrom by a space; an actuator operably coupled to said movable member and configured to move said movable member between a first position and a second position; and a guide member configured to restrain movement of the chewing gum such that said leading portion of the chewing gum is positioned within said space between said movable member and said base.

29. The method according to claim 27, further comprising separating said leading portion of the chewing gum into a plurality of pieces having final gum dimensions via a second separating mechanism.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein said second separating mechanism is different from said first separating mechanism.

Description:
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING CHEWING GUM WITH SCORING

FIELD

[001] The disclosure relates generally to a system and method for manufacturing gum, and more particularly, to a system and method for scoring and separating gum.

BACKGROUND

[002] Traditional rolling and scoring systems used to manufacture gum can require multiple process steps, including removing scored sheets from the production line for off-line conditioning, separation, and cutting. As a result, gum pieces manufactured by these conventional rolling and scoring systems can sometimes include deformations and other inconsistencies due to removal and transportation to off-line areas. In addition, conventional rolling and scoring devices often require manual operator activities that can result in inefficiency of time, space, and cost.

[003] Accordingly, a rolling and scoring system capable of streamlining and simplifying a gum scoring process while reducing deformation would be desirable.

SUMMARY

[004] According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing chewing gum is provided including forming at least one score in a first direction in the chewing gum. A leading portion of the chewing gum is separated along at least one of said one or more scores in a first direction using a first separating mechanism. The first separating mechanism includes a movable member configured to apply a force to the leading portion of the chewing gum.

[005] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of

manufacturing chewing gum is provided including forming at least one score in a first direction in the chewing gum. The at least one score in said first direction is substantially parallel to a first direction of travel of the chewing gum. At least one score in a second direction is formed in the chewing gum. The at least one score in said second direction is substantially parallel to a second direction of travel of the chewing gum. Forming of said at least one score in said second direction occurs in line with forming of said at least one score in said first direction. The first direction and the second direction may, but need not be the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[006] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[007] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for scoring chewing gum according to an embodiment of the invention;

[008] FIG. 2 is an schematic top view illustrated a chewing gum having a plurality of first scores and second scores according to an embodiment of the invention;

[009] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another system for scoring chewing gum according to an embodiment of the invention;

[010] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another system for scoring chewing gum according to an embodiment of the invention;

[011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a separating mechanism of the scoring system in a first position according to an embodiment of the invention;

[012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a separating mechanism of the scoring system in a second position according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[013] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of the scoring system according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[014] The following disclosure will detail particular embodiments according to the present invention, which provides improvements for scoring a gum sheet and facilitating separation of the gum sheet into individual servings or pellets. In one embodiment, a system includes a set of scoring devices for forming perpendicular score lines in the gum sheet and at least one separating mechanism for separating the gum sheet along one or more of the score lines. The system can eliminate a need for additional operating activities required in conventional manufacturing systems, such as line stoppage and removal of the sheets via manual or robotic means for conditioning or other such processing of the gum. By eliminating these manual operating activities, the system can operate much more efficiently than the conventional lines, for example by reducing the required space, time, equipment, and manpower necessary to operate the system.

[015] As used herein, a product referred to as "chewing gum" or "gum" includes, but is not limited to, compositions ranging from and inclusive of compounded elastomer to finished gum, which may include master batch finished gum, and finished gum.

[016] A "finished chewing gum" or "finished gum," as used herein, will refer to chewing gum that is generally ready for preparation to distribute the product to the consumer. As such, a finished gum may still require temperature conditioning, forming, shaping, packaging and coating. However, from a compositional standpoint, the chewing gum itself is generally finished. Not all finished gums have the same ingredients or the same amounts of individual ingredients. By varying the ingredients and amounts of ingredients, textures, flavor and sensations, among other things, can be varied to provide differing characteristics to meet the needs of users.

[017] As is generally well known, a finished gum typically includes a water soluble bulk portion, a water insoluble gum base portion, and one or more flavoring agents. The water soluble portion dissipates over a period of time during chewing. The gum base portion is retained in the mouth throughout the chewing process. A finished gum is to be defined as a chewing gum that is ready for user consumption.

[018] A "finished chewing gum base" or "finished gum base", as used herein, will refer to chewing gum that includes a sufficient combination of gum base ingredients that need only be combined with subsequent gum ingredients to form a finished gum. A finished gum base is a visco-elastic material that includes at least a viscous component, an elastic component, and a softener component. For example, a typical gum base may include elastomer, at least some of the filler, resin and/or plasticizer, polyvinyl acetate, and a softener (such as an oil, fat or wax). Merely compounded elastomer without the addition of any softener, for example, would not be a finished gum base because it would not be considered useable in a finished gum structure because of its difficulty, if not impossibility, to chew. [019] A "partial chewing gum base" or "partial gum base", as used herein, will refer to chewing gum that includes a gum base ingredient or combination of gum base ingredients that need be combined with further gum base ingredients and subsequent, non-base gum ingredients to form a finished gum. A partial gum base includes at least an elastic component, and will require addition of at least a viscous and/or softener component to form a finished gum base.

[020] Chewing gum may include a vast number of ingredients in various categories, including, but not limited to, ingredients in the following ingredient categories: elastomers, bulking agents, elastomer plasticizers (which includes resins), elastomer solvents, plasticizers, fats, waxes, fillers, antioxidants, sweeteners (e.g. bulk sweeteners and high intensity sweeteners), syrup s/fluids, flavors, sensates, potentiators, acids, emulsifiers, colors, and functional ingredients. The systems and methods discussed below may be used to form and score any and all known chewing gums.

[021] The insoluble gum base in its finished gum base form generally includes ingredients falling under the following categories: elastomers, elastomer plasticizers (resins or solvents), plasticizers, fats, oils, waxes, softeners and fillers. The gum base may constitute between 5-95% by weight of a finished gum, more typically 10-50% by weight of the finished gum, and most commonly 20-30% by weight of the finished gum.

[022] Optional ingredients such as colors, functional ingredients and additional flavoring agents may also be included in gum.

[023] Having discussed chewing gum generally, further detail regarding a scoring system used for manufacturing chewing gum will now be discussed herein below. Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout the disclosure.

[024] Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 20 for scoring a chewing gum is illustrated. The chewing gum 22, as discussed herein, may refer to any gum composition or

continuous/discontinuous shape that may desirably require scoring. Prior to entering the scoring system 20, the chewing gum 22 may be conditioned, prepared, and/or previously scored or embossed. In one embodiment, the scoring system 20 is a portion of a gum manufacturing system (not shown) such that the chewing gum 22 supplied to the scoring system 20 is provided from another component of the manufacturing system, such as from an upstream forming station for example. The chewing gum 22 fed to the scoring system 20 may be a plurality of previously cut sheets or alternatively, a continuous sheet of chewing gum. In embodiments where the chewing gum 22 is a continuous sheet, the scoring system 20 may include a cutting device configured to divide the continuous sheet into a plurality of cut sheets.

[025] An exemplary embodiment of the scoring system 20 includes a first scoring device 30 and a second scoring device 32 separated from one another by at least one transport device 40. The first scoring device 30 and second scoring device 32 may be any type suitable for use with chewing gum 22, such as scoring knives, scoring knife rings, or scoring rollers for example. The first and second scoring device 30, 32 may be substantially identical or may be different. Each of the first and second scoring devices 30, 32 is configured to form one or more score lines or scores 36, 38, respectively, in the chewing gum 22. The scores 36, 38 extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the chewing gum 22 through each scoring device 30, 32 such that two or more distinct sections are formed in the chewing gum 22. These sections may, but need not be, generally identical in size. The scores 36, 38 created by each scoring device 30, 32 may be any depth relative to the thickness of the chewing gum 22. The depth of the scores 36, 38 may extend only partially through the thickness of the chewing gum 22 such that the sections of the chewing gum 22 formed by the scores 36, 38 remain connected via a relatively thin web of gum. In one embodiment, the thickness of the web is about 25% of the thickness of the chewing gum 22.

[026] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first scoring device 30 and the second scoring device 32 of the scoring system 20 are arranged along transport devices disposed substantially perpendicular to one another. A chewing gum 22 having a desirable continuous or discontinuous shape, such as a sheet for example, is provided to the first scoring device 30 via a first transport device 40, such as a conveyor for example. The chewing gum 22 is configured to pass through the first scoring device 30 in a first direction, illustrated by arrow A, such that a plurality of first scores 36 substantially parallel to the direction of travel is formed in the chewing gum 22 as indicated. The first scores 36 define two or more first sections or strips 24 of the chewing gum 22.

[027] A second transport device 42 configured to move the chewing gum 22 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the first transport device 40, as illustrated by arrow B, is arranged adjacent a portion of the first transport device 40 downstream from the first scoring device 30. Despite the change in direction of travel between the first and second transport devices 40, 42, the orientation of the chewing gum 22 is configured to remain constant relative to the first and second scoring devices 30, 32. In embodiments where a continuous sheet of chewing gum 22 is supplied to the first scoring device 30, the continuous sheet is cut into a plurality of substantially identical, individual slabs or sheets of chewing gum 22, prior to being provided to the second scoring device 32.

[028] The second scoring device 32 is configured to form a plurality of second scores 38 parallel to the direction of travel of the chewing gum 22 there through. As a result of the change in direction of travel of the chewing gum 22 between the first transport device 40 and the second transport device 42, the plurality of second scores 38 is substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first scores 36. Because the second scores 38 overlap the first scores 36, the plurality of second scores 38 divides each first section 24 formed in the chewing gum 22 into a plurality of smaller second sections 26. An example of a chewing gum 22 provided at the outlet of the second scoring device 32 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The scores 38 formed by the second scoring device 32 facilitate the separation of one or more first or second sections 24, 26 of the chewing gum 22. In one embodiment, the second sections 26 formed by the plurality of first and second scores 36, 38 have dimensions desirable for a finished gum. The dimensions of the second sections 26 may be altered by controlling the relative position of the plurality of first scores 36 and the plurality of second scores 38. As a result, the scoring system 20 may have the ability to manufacture standard and elongated pellets or gum slabs of final dimensions by manipulating the relationship of the plurality of first scores 36 and the plurality of second scores 38 where applicable.

[029] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the first scoring device 30 and the second scoring device 32 are arranged substantially parallel to one another. After passing through the first scoring device 30, the orientation of the chewing gum 22 is altered, such as by rotating the chewing gum 22 ninety degrees for example. Therefore, the orientation of the chewing gum 22 with respect to the first scoring device 30 is different than the orientation of the chewing gum 22 with respect to the second scoring device 32. In one embodiment, the orientation of the chewing gum 22 may be altered as the chewing gum moves from the first transport device 40 to the second transport device 42 (FIG. 3). In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, the first transport device 40 and the second transport device 42 are integrally formed and include a turning mechanism 46, such as a stop for example, positioned between the first scoring device 30 and the second scoring device 32. The turning mechanism 46 is configured to contact a portion of the chewing gum 22 as the chewing gum 22 travels along the path of the transport device 40, 42. The force generated by the contact between the chewing gum 22 and the turning mechanism 46 during operation of the transport device 42 causes the chewing gum 22 to rotate to a substantially perpendicular orientation before being supplied to the second scoring device 32. As a result, the chewing gum 22 is configured to pass through both the first scoring device 30 and the second scoring device 32 along the same direction of travel, indicated by arrow C. However, the plurality of second scores 38 formed in the chewing gum 22 by the second scoring device 32 is perpendicular to the plurality of first scores 36 formed by the first scoring device 30.

[030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 3, and 4, the scoring system 20 may additionally include at least one mechanical separating mechanism 50 positioned generally downstream from the second scoring device 32. The separating mechanism 50 may be configured to automatically separate the chewing gum 22 into pieces including one or more first sections 24 formed by the plurality of first scores 36. Alternatively, the separating mechanism 50 may be configured to simultaneously separate the chewing gum 22 into one or more first sections 24 formed by the plurality of first scores 36 and also separate each of the first sections 24 into individual second sections 26 formed by the plurality of second scores 38. In one embodiment, the separating mechanism 50 extends over the width of the chewing gum 22 and is configured to repeatedly separate a leading portion 28 (FIG. 2) of the chewing gum 22 along one of the first plurality of scores 36, such as the leading first score 36a for example. Though the leading portion 28 is illustrated as including only one first section 24 defined by the first plurality of scores 36, a leading portion 28 of any size, such as including multiple first sections 24 is within the scope of the invention.

[031] The separating mechanism 50 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the separating mechanism 50 includes a movable member or hammer 52 and a complementary base or anvil 54 having an opening or space 56 there between. The base 54 is positioned vertically below the adjacent transport device 42 configured to supply the chewing gum 22 from the second scoring device 32 to the separating mechanism 50. In embodiments where the separating mechanism 50 is configured to separate the leading portion 28 into a plurality of second sections 26, the movable member 52 and/or the base 54 may include ridges configured to align with the plurality of second scores 38 to piece the web of the chewing gum 22. An actuator 58 operably coupled to the movable member 52 is configured to move the movable member 52 between a first position (FIG. 5) and a second position (FIG. 6). When in the first position, the movable member 52 is generally retracted and spaced away from the base 54 and when in the second position, the movable member 52 is generally extended and arranged near the base 54. Exemplary actuators 58 include but are not limited to, a linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a rotary actuator, or any other suitable actuation means.

[032] A guide member 60 is arranged above the end 44 of the transport device 42, generally adjacent a trailing edge 53 of the movable member 52. The guide member 60 is mounted such that a gap (not shown) similar in size to the thickness of the chewing gum 22 exists between the guide member 60 and the transport device 42. The guide member 60 is configured to limit movement of the chewing gum 22 to ensure proper alignment of the leading portion 28 of the chewing gum 22 with the movable member 52. In one embodiment, a first end 64 of the guide member 60 is generally angled in a direction away from the transport device 42. The first end 64 provides a transition configured to smooth any irregularities or deformities of the chewing gum 22 before reaching the movable member 52.

[033] The transport device 42 continuously or intermittently moves the chewing gum 22 having a plurality of first and second scores 36, 38 between the second scoring device 32 and the separating mechanism 50. As the chewing gum 22 approaches the separating mechanism 50, relative movement of the chewing gum 22 is restrained by the guide member 60. A leading portion 28 of a desired size, such as one first section 24 of the chewing gum 22 for example, extends from the end 44 of the transport device 42 into the opening 56 between the movable member 52 and the base 54. In one embodiment, the successive leading portions 28 formed by the scores 36 have a width Wl substantially identical to or greater than a width W2 of the movable member 52. When the leading portion 28 is in position, activation of the actuator 58 causes the movable member 52 to move generally cyclically between the first position and the second position. The force applied to the leading portion 28 as the movable member 52 moves to the second position causes the leading portion 28 to separate from the remainder of the chewing gum 22. The movable member 52 then returns to the first position and a newly defined leading portion 28 of the chewing gum 22 continuously travels into the opening 56 between the movable member 52 and the base 54. Simultaneously, another transport device 48 may be configured to transfer the separated leading portion 28' from the scoring system 20, such as to a downstream component of the gum manufacturing system, such as embossing device or a packaging apparatus (not shown) for example.

[034] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the scoring system 20 additionally includes a second separating mechanism 70 arranged downstream from the first separating mechanism 50 and configured to further separate the separated leading portion 28'. The second separating mechanism 70 may be substantially identical to the first separating mechanism 50; however, other suitable separating mechanisms, such as a separating roller or tumbler for example, are within the scope of the invention.

[035] As shown, the second separating mechanism 70 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first separating mechanism 50 and is configured to separate the separated leading portion 28' along one or more of the plurality of second scores 38 formed therein. Despite the change in direction of travel, the orientation of the separated leading portion 28' of chewing gum 22 remains substantially constant between the first separating mechanism 50 and the second separating mechanism 70. The second separating mechanism 70 may be configured to continuously divide the separated leading portion 28' along the lead score 38a to separate the chewing gum 22 into individual second sections 26 for example. The separated portions of chewing gum 22 provided at the outlet of the second separating mechanism 70 may be characterized as pellets or slabs and have the dimensions of a final chewing gum 26. In addition, the separated portions of chewing gum 22 provided at the outlet of the second separating mechanism 70 may then be provided to a downstream apparatus for a packaging or wrapping operation.

[036] With respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the scoring system 20 is an "in-line" system such that chewing gum 22 may be continuously transported between the plurality of components, such as the first scoring device 30 and the second scoring device 32 without need for removal from the system 20. Chewing gum 22 does not need to be removed from the system for any necessary processing, such as conditioning or temperature control. This allows for greater production speed, volume, and efficiency relative to a conventional scoring process.

[037] Inclusion of at least one separating mechanism 50 allows for continuous and expedited gum production. Because the separating mechanism 50 eliminates manual portions of the scoring and packaging process, such as separating sheets for example, high speeds and continuous operation of the scoring system can be achieved. Additionally, through the design of the scoring system 20 and the separating mechanism included therein, deformation of pellets and finished gum formed in the system 20 is limited, and may include more curvature than can be achieved by conventional methods.

[038] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[039] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[040] Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.