FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to microwave ovens and in particular to microwave ovens having a grill function or feature.

The invention has been developed primarily for use as a grill pan for use in a microwave oven and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

Microwave suppliers have provided a crisper pan as an accessory item when selling a microwave oven with a grill function. The grill function or elements are placed on the roof of the microwave cavity allowing for food to be firstly heated by the microwave oven then browned using the grill element afterwards.

Typical crisper pans are aluminium in material and are sold with a wire rack.

There is a need in the art for an improved grill or crisper pans for use in a microwave oven.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide a grill pan (or crisper pan) for use in a microwave oven. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a grill pan (or crisper pan) apparatus for use in a microwave oven, the apparatus including: a pan portion; and two or more legs coupled to an underside of the pan portion.

Preferably, the apparatus includes three legs.

Preferably, each leg is movable from a lowered configuration to a raised configuration. More preferably, each leg is removable.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a base portion affixed (or coupled) to the underside of the pan portion. More preferably, the apparatus includes a rim portion affixed (or coupled) to circumference of the pan portion.

Preferably, the apparatus includes at least two sets of three or more legs couples to an underside of the pan portion; a first set of three or more legs having a lower height than a second set of three or more legs when respectively (or selectively) moved to the raised configuration.

Preferably, each leg is a metal wire having two ends in the form of an open outline. More preferably, both ends of the metal wire leg is captured in an aperture for preventing sparking. The aperture is preferably defined by coupling element, typically formed of a resilient material (that may provide electrical insulation). Most preferably, the outline is defined without sharp corners.

Preferably, a recess is defined in the underside of pan portion for at least partially receiving each of the three or more legs when in the lowered configuration.

Preferably, a coupling element is located on underside of the pan portion for each of the three or more legs. The coupling element preferably defines an aperture for receiving each end of a metal wire leg. The metal wire leg is biased into coupling engagement with the aperture. The coupling element preferably defines a pair of protrusions that abut the wire leg causing it to move against the bias when moving between a lowered configuration to a raised configuration, such that the wire leg returns into biased engagement with the aperture when in the lowered configuration and the raised configuration. The protrusion provides resistance against movement of the leg between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration.

According to the invention there is provided a grill pan (or crisper pan) apparatus for use in a microwave oven, wherein the apparatus is integrated into a user interface directed grill functionality of the microwave oven.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pan apparatus, shown in a raised configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pan apparatus shown in a lowered configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pan apparatus, showing the underside of the apparatus with the legs in a lowered configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pan apparatus, shown with the legs removed;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a coupling element located at the underside of a pan portion;

FIG. 6A-6F depicts steps in installing a wire formed leg into a coupling element of the pan apparatus;

FIG. 7A-7F depict the step of raising a wire leg from a lowered configuration to a raised configuration;

FIG. 8A shows a side sectional view of the pan apparatus, with the leg in a lowered configuration;

FIG. 8B shows a side sectional view of the pan apparatus with the leg in the raised configuration;

FIG. 9A shows an embodiment pan apparatus, having two sets of three legs; FIG. 9B shows an embodiment pan apparatus, having two sets of two legs; FIG. 10 shows a microwave oven with a pan apparatus in the cooking cavity;

FIG. 1 lA-1 IB show a schematic of a user interface directing grill functionality of a microwave oven;

FIG. 12A-12B shows a schematic of a user interface directing grill functionality of a microwave oven;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pan apparatus, shown in a raised configuration;

FIG. 14A-14B are partial side views of the pan apparatus of FIG. 13, shown with the legs in the extended and the retracted configuration;

FIG. 15A is a perspective bottom view of the pan apparatus of FIG 13, shown with the legs removed;

FIG. 15B is an enlarged perspective view of the pan apparatus, showing a leg

retaining element of FIG. 15 A;

FIG. 16A is a bottom view of the pan apparatus of FIG 13, shown with the legs removed;

FIG. 16B is an enlarged sectional side view of a leg retaining element of FIG. 16A.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a grill pan (or crisper pan) apparatus 100 for use in a microwave oven, by way of example only, the apparatus including: a pan portion 110; and three or more legs 120 coupled to an underside 1 11 of the pan portion.

It will be appreciated that the grill pan apparatus is shown in a raised configuration. By way of example only, the legs are folded open and retained in a 100 degree angle from horizontal.

In an example embodiment, a grill pan apparatus can include a pan portion 1 10 and three or more legs 120 coupled to the underside of the pan portion. A base portion 130 is affixed to the underside of the pan portion. Coupling elements 140 are provided to (or located about) the underside of the pan portion for respectively receiving one of each one of the three legs. The pan portion has a substantially flat base 1 12 with

circumferential raised sidewalls 114 that transition into a radially outwardly directed flange 116 at the perimeter of the pan portion. A non-metallic rim portion 150 is formed circumferentially about the perimeter of the pan portion. Each leg can also include a grip element 122 for making contact with a supporting surface when in the raised configuration.

In an example embodiment, a grill pan apparatus can include a pan portion 1 10 and a plurality legs 120 coupled to the underside of the pan portion, wherein the legs are adapted or configured to support the grill pan in a raised configuration. A grill pan apparatus having a pair of legs coupled to the underside of the pan portion, which are adapted or configured to support the grill pan in a raised configuration, is shown in FIG. 9B).

It will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the leg can be steel (for example mild steel wire), a resilient material or a rigid material. The leg can be optionally chrome plated and/or silicone over moulded (on part or all of the leg). A grip portion on the leg can be located between the leg and the glass turntable or kitchen bench surface when the pan is in the elevated position. Silicone over moulding can provide an extra seal/barrier to prevent arcing between portion of the leg and/or other metal objects and/or define a grip portion.

In an example embodiment, the pan portion is formed of aluminium material which includes a non-stick coating on the inside and outside surfaces. The non-stick coating is high temperature resistant and allows for the ease of removal of food and cleaning purposes.

In an example embodiment, the base portion is fomied of a composite high temperature silicone. The silicone is adhered to the base of the aluminium pan portion.

In an example embodiment, the legs can be constructed of mild steel in material with a post chrome plating process applied. Each metal leg has a silicone foot to provide grip when the legs are in the open position and placed onto the glass turn table or on the kitchen bench. In an example embodiment, the rim portion is a silicone rim which is located on the edge of the crisper pan portion. The purpose of the silicone rim is to prevent metal on metal contact inside the microwave if the edge of the crisper pan was to touch one of the three walls inside the microwave cavity.

FIG. 2 shows the pan apparatus in the lower configuration, with the legs retracted. By way of example only, the pan apparatus sits directly on the glass turn table of the microwave oven. The legs are in the closed position enabling the pan to sit at its lowest point, typically the three protruding coupling elements.

FIG. 3 shows the underside of the pan apparatus with the legs in the lowered

configuration.

FIG. 4 shows the underside of the pan apparatus with the legs removed. A recessed channel 420 is defend in the base portion for at least partially (or fully) receiving each respective leg when in the lowered configuration.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the coupling element 140, which may be integrally formed with the base portion 130, integrally formed with the underside of the pan portion 110, or separately affixed to the base portion or the underside of the pan portion. It will be appreciated that the coupling element can protrude below the underside of the pan portion for forming supports for the apparatus on a surface when in the lowered configuration.

In this example embodiment, the coupling element protrudes (or extends) from the base portion and defines two apertures 542 for respectively receiving the end of the wire legs (not shown), and a pair of inwardly directed opposing projection 544 that can abut and/or retain the respective legs when in either the raised configuration or lowered configuration.

FIG. 6A through FIG. 6F shows a pictorial schematic for inserting a leg into a coupling element.

In this example embodiment, each leg is a metal wire 610 having two ends 61 1 and 612, and the wire legs forms an open outline, in which the ends are outwardly directed, and the leg is biased into a configuration that causes the ends to engage and be retained by the aperture 542. In this embodiment, the following steps are taken for inserting a leg:

STEP 620, the spring nature of the wire allows the leg to be compressed inwards by the user, and the leg can be located recessed channel and slid under the protrusion;

STEP 622, upon guiding the end of the leg into the silicone coupling element, to align with horizontally positioned apertures for receive the outwardly directed leg ends, wherein the apertures are sized/toleranced to be slightly larger than the leg wire diameter;

STEP 624, once the leg is in position and aligned, the user releases the leg allowing the bias to cause the ends to be received by the aperture; and

STEP 626, the bias of the leg maintains the leg captures by the aperture.

FIG. 7A through FIG. 7F depict stages in raising a leg from a lowered configuration to a raised configuration for an example embodiment pan apparatus.

In the lowered configuration (as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B), the leg wire 120 is located beneath the protrusion 544, which abut and retain the leg in the lowered configuration.

As the leg is raised (as shown in FIG. 7C and FIG. 7C), the protrusions 544 inwardly direct the leg wire, enabling it to pass around the protrusion on a path to the raised configuration. As the leg engages the left and right protrusions, the leg arms are deflected inwards. Further opening of the arm in conjunction with the inward force applied creates a spring bias that caused the leg to continue moving toward a raised configuration as guided by the protrusion.

As the leg passes the protrusion 544 (as shown in FIG. 7E and FIG. 7F), the outward bias of the leg causes the leg arms to fully re-engage the aperture, wherein the protrusion abuts the leg for maintaining it in a raised configuration. Upward movement of the leg causes it to snap back and lock into position. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show a partial sectional side views of the apparatus with legs in the lower configuration (FIG. 8A) and leg in the raised configuration (FIG. 8B).

In the sectional side view, it is possible to identify the pan portion 1 10, base portion 130, coupling element 140 and rim portion 150. It will be appreciated that the rim portion can over mould a radially outwardly directed flange 1 16 of the pan portion.

FIG. 9A shows an alternative embodiment, in which there are two independent sets of legs 910 and 920. In this example, the legs of each set are inter-leaved such that each leg is located on an arc separated by about 60 degrees. It will be appreciated that three legs of a single set are generally separated by about 120 degrees.

FIG. 9B shows an alternative embodiment grill pan apparatus 950 having a pair of legs 970 (or 980) coupled to the underside of the pan portion 960, which are adapted or configured to support the grill pan in a raised configuration. It will be appreciated that there are two independent pairs of legs 970 and 980. In this example, the legs of each set are inter-leaved such that each leg is located on an arc separated by about 90 degrees. It will be appreciated that three legs of a single set are generally separated by about 180 degrees. It will be further appreciated that a leg 970 (or 980) can have a lower portion 972 (or 982) that defines an expended or widened abutment portion for contacting a microwave oven turntable or kitchen bench surface. By way of example, the lower portion of the leg can be wider than the upper portion of the leg 973 (or 983) that engages the underside of the pan portion 960. In this example, the lower portion 972 (or 982) that defines a plurality (e.g. two) of separates abutment or contact portions 974 (or 984). The leg can be steel (for example mild steel wire), a resilient material or a rigid material. The leg can be optionally chrome plated and/or silicone over moulded (on part or all of the leg). A grip portion on the leg can be located about each abutment portion for contacting the turntable or kitchen bench surface when the pan is in the elevated position. Silicone over moulding can provide an extra seal/barrier to prevent arcing between portion of the leg and/or other metal objects and/or define a grip portion.

FIG. 10 shows a microwave oven 1000 having a user interface 1010 that directs grill functionality of the microwave oven. The user interface can provide a grill functionality, or combined microwave and grill functionality. Integrated into the microwave functionality are a number of processes by which the crisper pan is used. Set out below are two examples of a microwave oven user interface that guides a user through a series of processes involving use of a crisper pan.

FIG. 1 1A and FIG. 1 IB depict, by way of example only, an integrated use of the pan apparatus with the user interface.

Referring to FIG. 11 A, by way of example only, the grill pan can be preheated.

In this example embodiment 1100, the user selects a function requiring a grill feature 1 1 10 such as pies and pastries 1 112. A selection arrow has been positioned adjacent to "Pies&Pastries". Quantity has been set to 1 serve. The user can press a START button on the user interface to confirm their selection.

The user interface can further receive input regarding whether the grill item is frozen or fresh 11 14. Frozen (or Fresh) can be selected with the selection arrow, and the START button can be pressed to confirm.

The user interface can display an image of a crisper pan 1116, and seek user input for whether or not the pan is to be preheated 1 1 18. The display (for example LCD display) depicts an image of the crisper pan with a yes or no selection above "Pre heat" the pan. "Yes" will flash on and off until a selection is made or the user selects "No" whereby "No" will flash on and off. "Yes" can be selected and the START button pressed to confirm.

Upon user selection of a grill with preheat function 1 120, preheat can be displayed including a countdown timer 1122. The display depicts the crisper pan image with "pre heat pan" above the pan and "insert pan" to the left. The user opens the microwave door and inserts the crisper pan and places it on the glass turn table. The crisper pan can be preheated in either the legs closed position (sitting flat) or in the legs open position (elevated). The user closes the microwave door. An auto time has been set to 3 minutes. The user presses the START button to start the pre heating process. Upon commencement of the preheat function, the user interface can display that the pan is being heated 1124 and present a countdown timer 1126 until the end of the preheat cycle 1 128. The display shows the time counting down from the 3 minutes. The crisper pan graphic on the display fills with the text "heating" to inform the user of the current process. "Pre heat pan" remains on the screen to show the current step in the

functionality process. The display depicts the "END" screen, whereby "END" will flash on and off and will synchronize three beeps with the first three flashes to alert the user the process is complete. The total time has elapsed. After an amount of time the display will change to the next step in the cooking/heating sequence.

Referring to FIG. 1 IB, by way of example only, once the grill pan has been preheated, or the preheat function disabled, the interface can proceed to the next step in the cooking/heating sequence.

The user interface can direct a user to place a food item on the grill pan 1 130 and further indicating the current user selected food type 1 132.

The display shows the crisper pan image with the text "place food on pan" below. The user opens the microwave door and places the food item the crisper pan correlating to the food type shown on the display. The user closes the microwave door. The users previous food selection and quantity are shown on the display. Feedback can be provided to the user such as - "Dont cover food". Based on the food type and quantity selected, the microwave can determine a power level and a time based on matrix look up table having pre-determined power level and time parameters. The microwave oven can commence when the START button is pressed.

It will be appreciated that, depending on the type of food item, the microwave oven with grill feature can initiate cycles for microwave heating 1142, grill only 1144 and microwave heating with grill 1 146. A countdown timer 1 150 can be displayed until the end of the heating and grilling cycle 1152. The display shows a total time of 5:00 minutes. The crisper pan image remains on the display with the text "heating" and icon above providing feedback to the user that the microwave is heating. The display shows lmin has elapsed, showing 4:00 minutes on the display. The processor module has predetermined stetting that changes the cooking mode from microwave heat to grill heat. The crisper pan image remains on the screen with the word "grilling" above and icon below. This provides feedback to the user that the microwave is now grilling the food type on the crisper pan. The display shows that a total of lmin and 30sec has elapsed from the total input time, showing 3:30 minutes on the display. The crisper pan image remains on the screen with both "heating" text and "grilling" text shown above the pan and their correlating icons. This shows the user that both the microwave heat and grill heat modes are active at the same time. The display depicts the "END" screen. "END" will flash on and off and will synchronize three beeps with the first three flashes to alert the user the process is complete.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B depict, by way of example only, an integrated use of the pan apparatus with the user interface.

Steps of a user interface in allowing a grill feature include: the user interface (at 1210) enabling selection of a grill preheat, with proceeds to an initial setup (at 1212) of directing a user to insert a grill pan and if preheat is selected setting a preheat time; the user can select commencement of a preheat cycle, in which displays (at 1214) preheating of the pan and a countdown timer; at the end of the preheat cycle (at 1216), the user interface can then commence a grill cycle (at 1218), instructing the user to place food on the pan and to set a grill time; once the grill time has been configured (at 1220) the user interface then proceeds to a grilling cycle (at 1222) for the predetermined time until the end of the grill cycle (at 1224).

By way of example only the interface can interface directing grill functionality of a microwave oven. The display screen depicts an image of the crisper pan with selection above to "preheat pan" as "yes" or "no". "Yes" will flash on and off until a selection is made or the user selects "No", whereby "No" will flash on and off. "Yes" can be selected and confirm (for example by pressing a START button). The display depicts the crisper pan image with "pre heat pan" above the pan, and "insert pan" to the left. The user opens the microwave door and inserts the crisper pan and places it on the glass turn table. The crisper pan can be preheat in either the lowered configuration (sitting flat) or in the raised configuration (elevated). The user closes the microwave door. An automatic time parameter has been set to 3:00 minutes. The user presses the START button to commence the pre heating process. The display shows the time counting down from the 3:00 minutes. The crisper pan graphic on the display fills with the text "heating" to inform the user of the current process. "Pre heat pan" remains on the screen to show the current step in the functionality process. The display depicts the "END" screen. "END" will flash on and off and will synchronize three beeps with the first three flashes to alert the user the process is complete. The total time has elapsed. After a predetermined time the display will change to the next cooking/heating step in the sequence. The display shows the crisper pan icon with "place food on pan" text below. A time input is required by the user. The display shows that a total of 6:00 minutes has been inputted by the user. The display shows that the START button has been pressed and the time begins to decrease from the total input time. The crisper pan icon is shown on the screen with the text "grilling" above together with the grilling icon. The display depicts the "END" screen. "END" will flash on and off and will synchronize three beeps with the first three flashes to alert the user the process is complete.

In an example embodiment, a grill pan apparatus can include a pan portion and a plurality of legs coupled to the underside of the pan portion, wherein the legs are adapted or configured to support the grill pan in a raised configuration. It will be appreciated that a grill pan apparatus can have a pair of legs (or three legs, or more legs) coupled to the underside of the pan portion, which are adapted or configured to support the grill pan in a raised configuration.

It will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the leg can be steel (for example mild steel wire), a resilient material or a rigid material. The leg can be optionally chrome plated and/or silicone over moulded (on part or all of the leg).

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment grill pan (or crisper pan) apparatus 1300 for use in a microwave oven. The apparatus includes, by way of example only, a pan portion 1310; and two or more legs 1320 coupled to an underside 131 1 of the pan portion. This embodiment has three legs coupled to the underside of the pan portion It will be appreciated that the grill pan apparatus is shown in a raised configuration. By way of example only, the legs are folded open (or an extended configuration) and retained at an angle from horizontal (for example 110 degrees).

In an example embodiment, a grill pan apparatus can include a pan portion 1310 and three or more legs 1320 coupled to the underside of the pan portion. A base layer 1330 can be affixed to the underside of the pan portion. Coupling elements 1340 can be provided (or located about) the underside of the pan portion for each receiving a respective one of the legs.

The pan has a base portion 1312 that is substantially flat with circumferential raised sidewalls 1314 that transition into a radially outwardly directed flange 1316 at the perimeter of the pan portion. In an alternative embodiment the base portion of the pan can have raised grill ridges (not shown).

In an example embodiment, a non-metallic rim portion 1350 is formed circumferentially about the perimeter of the pan portion. For example, the rim portion is a silicone rim which is located on the edge of the crisper pan portion. The purpose of the silicone rim is to prevent metal on metal contact inside the microwave if the edge of the crisper pan touches one of the four walls inside the microwave cavity (including the cavity door).

In an example embodiment, the pan portion is formed of aluminium material which includes a non-stick coating on the inside and outside surfaces. The non-stick coating is high temperature resistant and allows for the ease of removal of food and cleaning purposes.

In an example embodiment, the non-metallic rim portion 1350 is formed

circumferentially about the perimeter of the pan portion using silicone over moulding, which provides an extra seal/barrier to prevent arcing between portion of the pan and/or other metal objects in the microwave cavity.

FIG. 14A shows, in this example embodiment, the legs in the extended configuration are kinked outwardly (or otherwise bent) about 1321, such that the foot 1322 of the leg 1320 extends radially wider or outwardly. The leg has no grip portion, thereby allowing the pan to slide on a conventional glass turntable used in a microwave cavity when the rim engages the wall of the cavity.

FIG. 14A shows, in this example embodiment, the legs in a retracted configuration. The legs 1320 are kinked downwardly, and a resting foot (or feet) 1360 associated with the underside of the pan is sufficiently low to allow the pan to be set down with the foot/feet abutting a surface 1362 while retaining separation between the legs and the surface.

Referring to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, a base layer 1330 can be affixed to the underside of the pan portion 1310. In an example embodiment, the base layer 1330 can be formed of an over-moulded silicone that adheres to the metal pan. The silicone base layer 1330 can include a ferrite additive for absorbing microwave energy and assisting with heating of the pan.

In this embodiment, coupling elements 1340 can be provided (or located about) the underside of the pan portion for each receiving a respective one of the legs. For supporting a respective leg, the coupling element can be formed of a resilient material, for example Poly-Phenylene Sulphide (PPS).

It will be appreciated that, in this example embodiment, the resting foot (or feet) 1360 are supported by the coupling elements 1340. Alternatively, the resting foot (or feet) may be separately spaced about the underside of the pan portion (not shown). The resting foot can be made of a silicone that is suitable for use in microwaves. Preferably, the material used for the resting foot does not absorb significant energy directly from the microwave, not being significantly heated, thereby allowing it to be placed on a kitchen surface after use.

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B show an embodiment construction of the pan, wherein the coupling element 1340 supports a separate resting foot 1360. In this example, the resting foot 1360 is received in a cavity formed by the coupling element 1340, wherein both the coupling element and resting foot are both are retained on the underside of a pan portion by an over-moulded base layer 1330. By way of example, the coupling element 1340 is formed from Poly-Phenylene Sulphide, the resting foot 1360 is formed from a silicone material, and the over-moulded base layer 1330 is formed from a silicone material that includes a ferrite additive.

In an example embodiment, the base portion is formed of a composite high temperature silicone. The silicone is adhered to the base of the aluminium pan portion, for example using over moulding or other bonding techniques.

By way of example only, the pan portion can be formed of aluminium and press formed into the desired shape. An alternate method to manufacturing a pan portion would be through casting. A preferred material for the pan portion would be aluminium as it is a good conductor of heat.

By way of example only, a base portion is moulded from a silicone into a desired shape. A combined mixture of resin and ferrite powder (magnetic) is mixed which acts as the bonding agent between the underside of the pan portion (typically aluminium) and the silicone base portion. The ferrite powder assists during the pans pre-heat phase by having heat being absorbed by the powder making the pan very hot and further assists by retaining the heat.

By way of example only, the rim portion can be formed of silicone that is over moulded about the circumference for a formed pan portion. It will be appreciated that this allows the silicone rim to become an integral part of the apparatus, i.e. although they are two separate parts/materials they are essentially becoming one through the over moulding process. The silicone rim will remain on the edge of the pan portion and is not generally removable. Silicone for the edge rim creates a barrier between the aluminium and the metal walls of the microwaves to restrict electrical arcing there between.

It will be appreciated that, in this example, silicone is a preferred material for the edge rim portion and base portion. An appropriate grade of silicone can be chosen for withstanding the high temperature encountered during use.

It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments disclose a grill pan (or crisper pan) for use in a microwave oven. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected", along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader, or with reference to the orientation of the structure during nominal use, as appropriate.

Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary

embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further

modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can consist essentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.