Claims:1. A digital mouth mirror comprising of :-
a PVC material housing provided with a first end and a second end;
a Ceramic Coated Mirror including a metal frame and mirror assembly disposed at the first end and is circumscribed surrounded by ring light for illumination;
an adjustable mirror head assembly including a ball and socket joint;
a camera disposed behind the said mirror on a camera assembly configured to real time record the 3-Dimentional structure of the tooth and its surrounding structures;
a plurality of buttons for control of camera and the ring light; and
a power source disposed at the second end for switching the camera and the light via said buttons;
wherein the installed ring light, is configured to illuminate the palatal/lingual aspect intra oral;
wherein the said adjustable mirror includes ball end of the joint and placed on the back side of the mirror, while the socket is placed on the attachment of the mirror assembly to the mirror body; and .
wherein the said camera operably connected with a processor configured for capturing / record / transmit real time images of the tooth from multiple angles and then combining them to make a 3-D model of the tooth.
2. The digital mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ring light is composed of LEDs which allows for the mouth mirror to directly illuminate the tooth surface, providing superior illumination and visibility; and
wherein the incident light is used as the principal light source for the Camera and be used to create a 3-Dimensional digital model of the tooth and its surrounding structures.
3. The digital mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ball attachment is locked in a socket placed on the shaft extension configured for movement of the mirror head to freely rotate about 180o.
4. The digital mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Ceramic Coated Mirror includes antifogging layer and possess higher resistance to UV light and harmful chemicals and has more of matte finish installed in a rust-free metal body.
5. The digital mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mouth mirror further includes a wifi module and a processor programmed to control, illuminate, record and transmit the real time images from the camera to peripheral devices.
6. The digital mouth mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power source includes rechargeable battery and charging pin connector configured for external charging.
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to field of dentistry and more particularly to a modified mouth mirror including a multimedia setup for real time recording, imaging of intraroral activity and further the modified mouth mirror is configured to to accurately measure the dimensions of the tooth surface and responsive augmented reality which would help the dentist illustrate the possible results of treatment which the patient would receive.
BACKGROUND ART
The Traditional Mouth Mirror as shown in Fig 1, is an instrument used in dentistry. The head of the mirror is usually round, and the most common sizes used are the No. 4 (? 18 mm) and No. 5 (? 20 mm). The mouth mirror has a wide range of uses. Three of its most important functions are allowing indirect vision by the dentist, reflecting light onto desired surfaces, and retraction of soft tissues.
Disadvantages when compared to our invention: -
a. Metal used is prone to rust.
b. The mirror head is not adjustable, which causes stress on the operators’ hands.
c. The metal used makes the mouth mirror heavy which makes handling the instrument difficult.
d. The mirrors used are prone to scratching and lose their reflective properties early.
e. The mirrors are prone to fogging which hampers the visibility.
f. It does not have an integrated sensor which will take a digital impression.
g. The patient is not able to visualize the disease severity on a laptop or tablet screen.
h. It is not possible to show to the patient the possible outcome of treatment using augmented reality.
The Digital Scanners include a computer display and a hand-held wand with a camera to capture the intraoral images in three dimensions. Digital impressions are more accurate, time saving and increases the comfort of patient compared to conventional impressions.
The digital scanner is bulky and expensive.
Disadvantages when compared to our invention: -
1. Bulky and heavy, takes up a lot of space in the dental clinic.
2. Expensive.
3. Requires a lot of maintenance.
4. Cannot be used during clinical procedures for retraction and working with indirect vision.
5. Does not allow for incorporation of augmented reality to show the patient the possible outcome of treatment.
6. The wand used is tethered to a computer with a wire and hence impairs ease of use and manoeuvrability.
7. Certain companies use proprietary software’s and image formats which can add to the expense.
In routine dental practice, the use of a mouth mirror is necessary. The mouth mirror is a necessary tool for a clinician to retract soft tissues, visualize and work in indirect vision and reflect light to illuminate the operating site. However, it is not possible to take a digital record of the patient’s oral cavity using a mouth mirror. For traditional impression it is necessary to have on hand the impression trays, impression material while to take a digital impression, the clinician has to purchase special dental imaging equipment which is expensive and bulky. Also, the patient is not able to visualize the full extent and severity of the disease, or the possible outcome of the treatment. Therefore, it is a need of the hour to make a compact mouth mirror which can provide the aforementioned functions.
The oral cavity is a very difficult area to gain access, visibility and work. Vision and access are impaired by the lips, cheeks, tongue and the patient’s ability to open the mouth. During any dental procedure, it is of utmost important to work with care so as to prevent any injuries to the patient while ensuring efficient and ideal working environment. The diagnostic instruments that are available for this purpose are the mouth mirror, rubber dam and svedopter. The dental mouth mirror is the most frequently used instrument for this purpose. The dental mouth mirror allows the dentist to work in direct as well as indirect vision, while permitting retraction of the soft tissues to provide adequate access to the operating site. Indirect vision is the viewing of the surgical field through the mirror. This permits the dentist to maintain proper chair position to ensure an efficient and ergonomic working environment. The disadvantages of the traditional mouth mirror are:
a) Usually made of steel and prone to rusting.
b) Fixed mirror angle forces the dentist to adjust, inducing stress
c) The clarity of the mirror decreases over time due to the frequent use and sterilization.
d) It is not possible to take a digital impression with the help of normal mouth mirror.
e) Some mirrors give distorted image.
f) Use of steel increases the weight.
g) The mirrors are prone to fogging
h) It is not possible for the patient to visualize the disease severity and possible outcome of the treatment.
In a prior art an US publication US10188278B2 discloses using of an intraoral mirror with an integrated camera to record dental status, and applications thereof d isclosed embodiments integrate a camera into an intraoral mirror. Integrating a camera into an intraoral mirror provides an efficient way to record and display what is visible to the healthcare provider in the mirror.
In another prior art an US publication US20180263483A1 discloses Dental Mirror Device with Affixed Camera. In an embodiment, a dental mirror includes an image sensor, a plurality of light sources, a mirror surface, an appendage affixed to the mirror surface to extend the mirror surface into a patient's mouth, and a handle affixed to the appendage. The mirror surface includes a transparent planar material covering the image sensor and the plurality of light sources, and a reflective coating portion on the transparent planar material. The plurality of light sources is positioned around a perimeter of the mirror surface close enough to one another to emit a continuous ring of light.
In yet another prior art a Chinese publication CN103462584B discloses Multifunctional stick for intraoral imaging system Rod (104) with shell (206,302) is coupled in intraoral imaging system (102).The rod (104) includes first device and the second device coupled with the shell (206,302).The first device is the intraoral imaging device (106) for capturing patient teeth's image, and the second device provides additional function.
In yet another prior art a Taiwan publication TWM616768UA discloses a digital mouth mirror, comprising a holding body, a lens body, a photographing module, and a display module. The holding body is provided with a first end, and the lens body includes a A mirror surface, and an extension rod connecting the holding body and the mirror surface, the photographing module includes a photographing lens arranged on the holding body, the photographing direction of the photographing lens is aligned with the mirror surface, and the display module includes a display screen that displays the shooting image of the photographic lens.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In the principle embodiment of the present invention there herein disclosed digital mouth mirror, is an amalgamation of technology, engineering and biology. The invention makes use of a scratch proof ceramic coated mirror, which results in better wear resistance of the mouth mirror, while preserving its reflective properties alongwith the integration of a camera sensor and illumination into the mirror body makes it possible for the dentist to record an impression using just the mouth mirror, thereby saving resources, patient’s time and making it possible to integrate CAD/CAM technologies easily. The invention make the use of well finished, precision cut mirrors which will ensure that the image is clear and not distorted. There is also provided an antifogging layer will make it possible for the dentist to visualize the operational without fogging of the mirror, thereby saving time for the dentist.
The invention is coated with an anti-fog coating, which prevents fogging, which is prone in case of mouth mirrors. The invented device is made using PVC which makes it resistant to rust while maintaining the necessary strength and rigidity required in a dental working environment. The change in the material used makes the mouth mirror lighter and easier to handle, thus relieving stress on the hands of the operator, creating an ergonomic working environment.
The angle of the mirror can be changed vide a ball and socket joint; thus, the mirror can adapt to the dentist rather than the dentist having to adapt his position to the mirror, thus the dentist can work using proper chair position, thereby relieve the stress and strain on the back muscles caused by bending of the back while working.
In an embodiment, the use of ceramic coated mirrors helps to ensure that the reflective quality of the mirror will not degrade over time, thereby making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
In an exemplary embodiment, the patient will be able to visualize the result of treatment beforehand with the use of augmented reality and will be able to make a better-informed decision.
In an exemplary embodiment, the invention makes use of an adjustable mirror head, with a ball and socket design which makes it possible for the dentist to adjust the mirror to his/her needs, making it possible to maintain and work in proper ergonomic conditions, reducing the likelihood of Musculoskeletal Disorders.
The invention makes the use of a Ring Light around the ceramic coated mirror, which will result in better illumination around the tooth structure, increasing the visibility and thus reducing strain to the operator’s eyes.
Therefore such as herein described there is provided a digital mouth mirror comprising of a PVC material housing provided with a first end and a second end; a Ceramic Coated Mirror including a metal frame and mirror assembly disposed at the first end and is circumscribed surrounded by ring light for illumination; an adjustable mirror head including a ball and socket design; a camera disposed behind the said mirror on a camera assembly configured to real time record the 3-Dimentional structure of the tooth and its surrounding structures; a plurality of buttons for control of camera and the ring light; and a power source disposed at the second end for switching the camera and the light via said buttons; wherein the installed ring light, is configured to illuminate the palatal/lingual aspect intra oral; wherein the said adjustable mirror includes ball end of the joint and placed on the back side of the mirror, while the socket is placed on the attachment of the mirror assembly to the mirror body; and wherein the said camera operably connected with a processor configured for capturing / record / transmit real time images of the tooth from multiple angles and then combining them to make a 3-D model of the tooth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Fig 1 illustrates traditional mouth mirror;
Fig 2(a) illustrates the modified mouth mirror in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 2(b) illustrates the exploded view of the modified mouth mirror showing different parts of the mouth mirror in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 3(a) illustrates a Ceramic Coated mirror coated with antifog coating mirror in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 3(b) illustrates a Ring light which provides illumination in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 3(c) illustrates an Adjustable Mirror Head which reduces strain for the operator in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 3(d) illustrates a camera for digital imaging and augmented reality in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 3(e) illustrates a ball and socket joint assembly in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 3(f) illustrates a Enclosure for rechargeable batteries in accordance with the present invention;,
Fig 3(g) illustrates a pin connector for charging in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 4(a) illustrates an example where the patient has a missing tooth, wherein the modified Mouth Mirror, is used to produce an accurate 3-D model in accordance with the present invention;
Fig 4(b) illustrates an example where the patient is suffering from periodontitis in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The invented product design is one of a kind, there is no similar product available in the market or literature. As shown in Fig 2(a) and (b), the disclosed digital mouth mirror comprises of a PVC material holding body which is generally cylindrical and provided with a first end including a ceramic coated mirror body, illumination arrangement and a mirror / camera, assembly /module wherein the said mirror is fixed with ball and socket joint. The other end / second end includes the power supply, a plurality of buttons for initiating the components and furthers a wifi module and a processor programmed to control, illuminate, record and transmit the real time images from the camera to peripheral devices.
The inclusion of a Camera makes it possible to record the 3-Dimentional structure of the tooth and its surrounding structures without the need for specialized equipment (Recorded by taking images of the tooth from multiple angles and then generating a 3-D model)
The invention makes use of PVC material for the housing body (and the components including a plurality of joints and fixtures battery cover etc, which makes it lighter in hand and resistant to corrosion. The inclusion of an adjustable mirror head makes it possible to work ergonomically without strain. It is possible for the patient to visualize on a laptop or tablet screen the possible outcome of the treatment and be able to appreciate the severity of the disease. The use of a mouth mirror to record an accurate 3-Dimensional impression is a plus point as it eliminates the need for a dedicated digital scanner which are expensive and bulky, thus saving money and valuable space in the dental setup.
Components: -
1. Ring Light
2. Ceramic Coated Mirror
3. Adjustable Mirror Head
4. Camera
5. Button for Camera activation
6. Button for Ring Light activation
7. Rechargeable battery enclosure
8. Pin connector for charging
Ring Light
As shown in Fig 3(b) the Led light will be placed around the body of the mouth mirror and it will permit light to the oral cavity where the extra oral light cannot reach. The light will be illuminated with the help of batteries and can be turned on and off with a button. The ring light is composed of LEDs which allows for the mouth mirror to directly illuminate the tooth surface, providing superior illumination and visibility when compared to normal mouth mirror. This incident light can be used as the principal light source for the Camera and be used to create a 3-Dimensional digital model of the tooth and its surrounding structures. As the type of bulbs used is LED, they are efficient and thus provide better illumination while providing better battery life, thus working for a longer period of time.
Adjustable Mouth Mirror Head
As shown in Fig 3(c), the mirror is adjustable as it allows the practitioner to adjust according to the tooth location and thereby avoids any strain to the neck and fingers of the dentist. With the installed ring light, it is possible for the dentist to view the palatal/lingual aspect of the tooth making it easy for diagnosis. The adjustable mirror will have a ball attachment which will be locked in a socket placed on the shaft extension.
The adjustable mirror head makes use of a ball and socket design as illustrated in Fig 3(e). The ball end of the joint is placed on the back side of the mirror, while the socket is placed on the attachment of the mirror to the mirror body. This attachment makes it possible for the mirror head to freely rotate about 180o. This freedom of rotation makes it possible to reduce the strain on the clinician/ operator as he/she can adjust the mouth mirror to the required angulation, providing superior visibility while allowing the clinician/operator to work in an ergonomic position.
Ceramic coated mirror
As shown in Fig 3(a) the ceramic coated mirrors are slightly more resistant to water spots, compared to other mirrors, more durable and slightly thicker. They offer slightly higher resistance to UV light and harmful chemicals and has more of matte finish. The circular ceramic coated mirror will be installed in a rust-free metal body disposed over the first end of housing.
Camera
As shown In Fig 3(d), the use of Camera makes it possible to create a 3-Dimensional model of the tooth and its surrounding surface. The Camera is incorporated into the mirror body. The principal light source for the camera is generated from the ring light. The camera works by capturing images of the tooth from multiple angles and then combining them to make a 3-D model of the tooth. The scanned data is transferred to a laptop or tablet. The central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) of the laptop or tablet is used to generate a 3-Dimensional model from the scanned data. This 3-Dimensional model generated can be used as a digital impression, and for the integration of CAD/CAM technologies.
The incorporation of a Camera makes it possible for the dentist to create a 3-Dimentional map of the tooths surface, by capturing multiple images which will help in the integration of CAD/CAM in routine dental practice without requiring the dentist to purchase specialized imaging equipment. Because of the camera, the invention can make the use of augmented reality to simulate how the proposed treatment will look, same can be shown to the patient so that he/she can make a better-informed decision.
The use of a Wi-Fi module inside the mirror body will make sure that the latency is reduced to a minimum, thus the operator will be able to work without experiencing lag and allows the invention to be free of any wires attaching it to the computer. Further the use of AR makes it possible for the patient to visualize the severity of the disease, the possible outcome of the treatment on the laptop or tablet screen. The patient will be able to visualize the aforementioned things in 3-D on the laptop or tablets screen by just changing the mouth mirrors position.
Rechargeable Battery Enclosure:
As illustrated in Fig 3(f), the invention will make the use of AAAA batteries, making the invention as portable and slim as possible. These batteries will be rechargeable, and charged via the pin connector on the mirrors body, thereby eliminating the hassle of replacing the batteries. The enclosure will be made water resistant by the use of a rubber gasket around the enclosure. The enclosure of the mirror will be sealed from the rest of the mirrors components to prevent water damage even if water leaks into the chamber. The enclosure will be tightly sealed from outside by the use of a removeable screw. The clinician can replace the batteries if and when needed with minimal risk of water damage.
The invention makes use of rechargeable batteries which means that the cost of the maintaining and using the equipment is reduced as the batteries can be charged effortlessly, not requiring changing, reducing waste. Further the material used being PVC is lighter and is resistant to corrosion, thereby making its shelf life better than that of normal mouth mirrors.
Pin Connector for Charging
The present invention uses a magnetically attached pin connector as shown in Fig 3(g) for charging which makes it possible for the mouth mirror to be completely sealed, thereby improving its water resistance. This also reduced the hassle for lining up the connector to charge the device. The charging connector with the help of magnets automatically lines up with the pins on the back of the mirror body and begins to charge. This method of charging allows for better water resistance as it is of utmost importance as the mouth mirror needs to be sterilized using an autoclave machine.
Button
Two buttons are placed for the activation of the light and the activation of the Camera. Placement of the button will be on the shaft where it will be easy for the dentist to press after holding the mirror in a modified pen grasp.
Wi-Fi Module
The shaft of the mirror is included with a Wi-Fi module which will help the dentist and the general population to be able to view the severity of the lesion on their mobile phones/tabs and can have a tentative treatment planned out for the same.
Battery enclosure
The said ring light will be charged with the help of batteries which will be placed in the enclosure near the end of the shaft. It can be recharged with the placement of charging ports for the batteries.
Charging Port
Rather than the traditional charging sockets these newer charging slots replaces the need for use of charging cords and in exchange gives a wireless mode of charging of the appliance.
Working
The invention will make the use of rechargeable triple A (AAA) or the quadruple A (AAAA) batteries, by which the ring light in the mouth mirror can be turned on when the operator presses the button placed on the shaft of holder of the mirror. A separate button on the shaft will be used to activate the scanner and camera sensor. Once the ring light illuminates the tooth, it increases the visibility of the tooth along with that the light is reflected from the tooth surface and falls on the sensor placed on the shaft. The use of a camera will aid in the accurate measurement of all the dimensions of the tooth surface. Also, the use of camera allows the device to provide better support for augmented reality, making it more stable, dimensionally accurate and responsive. The data captured by the camera will require a high-powered processor, thus all the data will be transferred to the laptop/ tablet/ PC’s Central Processing Unit and Graphics Processing Unit to be processed and the output will be displayed on the screen of the device.
The image is processed by the central processing unit (CPU) and the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) which gives a live feedback that can be obtained by the dentist as well as the patients on the monitor, giving a visual representation to the patient, so that patient can make a better-informed decision and can grade the severity of the disease, after which the tentative treatment plan can be determined. Using specially coded software, from the images captured via the sensor, a 3-Dimentional image can be generated on the PC which will make it easy form integration of CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/ Computer Aided Manufacturing) technologies in the routine dental practice. It may be evident to a person skilled in the art, the herein disclosed camera will capture multiple images of the tooth and generate a 3-D Model using adjacent teeth and gingiva as a reference point.
In the present invention, self-illumination is available due to the LED ring light which is generated by the rechargeable batteries. The Rechargeable batteries provide ease of use to the operator as it eliminates the necessity of having a wired powered device. Further the device is updated to the newer technology as the dentist and the patients can get faster diagnosis and tentative treatment at their fingertips. The mirror head is adjustable at various angles for the dentist. The instrument is autoclavable with minimum risk to the circuit due to water resistance. The use of camera allows for augmented reality support, which allows the patient and clinician to visualize the outcome of the treatment beforehand, making it possible for the patient to make a better-informed decision.
Camera allows for determination of the dimensions of the tooth, and helps in replication of the same for CAD/ CAM purposed, making it possible for the clinician to give better treatment while making it possible to integrate CAD/ CAM into routine dental practice without the need for specialized scanning equipment and 8 the placement of the sensor for capturing images helps in easy diagnosis and treatment..
Problem or problems solved by your invention.
? The invented device is made using PVC which makes it resistant to rust while maintaining the necessary strength and rigidity required in a dental working environment.
? PVC used makes the mouth mirror lighter and easier to handle, thus relieving stress on the hands of the operator, creating an ergonomic working environment.
? The angle of the mirror can be changed; with the help of a ball and socket joint, thus, the mirror can adapt to the dentist rather than the dentist having to adapt his position to the mirror, thus the dentist can work using proper chair position, thereby relieve the stress and strain on the back muscles caused by bending of the back while working.
? Use of ceramic coated mirrors helps to ensure that the reflective quality of the mirror will not degrade over time, thereby making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
? The use of a ceramic coated mirror makes it more resistant to scratches.
? Integration of camera into the mirror body makes it possible for the dentist to take a digital impression using just the mouth mirror, thereby saving resources, patient’s time and making it possible to integrate CAD/CAM technologies easily.
? This invention makes the use of well finished, precision cut mirrors which will ensure that the image is clear and not distorted.
? Anti-fog coating on the mirror will make it possible for the dentist to visualize the operational without fogging of the mirror, thereby saving time for the dentist.
? The patient will be able to visualize the result of treatment beforehand with the use of augmented reality and will be able to make a better-informed decision.
Benefits
Routine dental practitioner will be benefitted by this invention as they will be able to incorporate CAD/CAM into their routine dental practice, thereby improving the quality of treatment provided to the patients.
The patients will be able to make a better-informed decision as they will be able to visualize then and there the severity of the disease on the screen of a laptop or tablet.
The dentist will not have to spend extra money to purchase imaging equipment for taking a digital impression.
The use of augmented reality makes it possible for the patient to visualize the possible result of treatment beforehand, thereby making it possible for them to make a better-informed decision.
The instrument is made from PVC thereby making it rust proof, thus the clinician can use the same equipment for a longer period of time.
The mirror is ceramic coated, thus increasing the longevity of the mirror’s reflective properties.
The inclusion of a ring light and adjustable mirror head will it possible for the dentist to work ergonomically with proper illumination, access and visibility.
Advantages of Digital Mouth Mirror when compared to normal mouth mirror.
1. Made from PVC, which is resistant to corrosion.
2. Has adjustable mirror head which reduces stress on the operator’s hands and back.
3. It has a built in led light around the mirror which provides superior illumination compared to a normal mouth mirror.
4. The mirror used will be scratch resistant.
5. The mirror used will have an anti-fog coating which will prevent fogging and impairment of vision.
6. It has an integrated sensor which will take a digital impression.
7. The patient is able to visualize the disease severity on a laptop or tablet screen.
8. It is possible to show to the patient the possible outcome of treatment using augmented reality.
Advantages of Digital mouth mirror when compared to Digital Scanner: -
1. Small and easy to use.
2. Relatively inexpensive.
3. Does not require routine maintenance.
4. Can be used to retract soft tissues and can be used to work with indirect vision, has inbuilt lights to provide superior visibility.
5. Incorporated augmented reality support.
6. The mouth mirror is wireless and hence allows for superior ease of use and manoeuvrability.
7. The product used open-source format which can be opened in any compatible app, thus reducing the cost.
Example 1:
As shown in Fig 4(a), if the patient has a missing tooth, for this example lets us consider an anterior tooth. Using the Digital Mouth Mirror, the clinician can produce an accurate 3-D model of the tooth and visualize it on the laptop or tablet. Using the data obtained through the scanner as reference points, it is possible to implement stable, dimensionally accurate and responsive AR sticker of a tooth into the area in which the tooth is absent.
Example 2:
For the second examples, As shown in Fig 4(b), let us consider a patient suffering from periodontitis. After scanning the teeth and surrounding structures with the scanner, the patient will be able to visualize the severity of the disease on the computer or tablets screen. He/she will be able to assess the condition with help from the clinician, and make a better-informed decision. The arrow in the figure indicates the depth of the periodontal pocket, for this case let us consider it as 2mm. The patient is also able to assess the abundance of periodontal swelling, stains and amount calculus on the tooth surface.
Dimensions (Example):
Total Height = 10 + 5 + 3 = 18cm
Total Width at base= 1.5cm
Total Width at apex = 1 cm
Mirror Size = 32mm diameter
Mirror height = 2mm
Camera Assembly Size= 2mm x 2mm x 4mm
Total number of LEDs used = 20
Total Height of Mirror Head = 10mm
The foregoing description of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration by way of examples and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.