Abstract: A mold for forming an ice ring on the inner surface of a bottle. The mold is in the form of a cylinder. One end of the mold carries a seal sized to form a fluid tight seal with the inner surface of the bottle neck. The mold is preferably hollow and has a handle attached to the end near the seal. The mold is inserted through the bottle neck until the seal forms a fluid tight seal with the bottle neck. Water is then poured into the bottle through the handle. The bottle is inverted and excess water allowed to flow out through the mold. The bottle is then set on the handle in a freezer until the water freezes. The mold is then removed. The bottle may then be filled with a selected drink through the ice ring.

Abstract: Quick access to the interior of a soft-sided cooler is provided by means of a quick access flap (26) hinged to the top panel (18) of a cooler body (10) and overlying an access opening (30). A tab (36) is made of material of significantly greater flexibility than that of which the flap (26) or the top panel (18) are formed and extends beyond the envelope of the top panel (18) so as to be readily graspable by the user of the cooler without forming a snag point on the cooler.

Abstract: A bottle carrier/cooler is provided for easy, convenient transportation, cooling and storage of a single conventional plastic beverage bottle. The bottle carrier/cooler is configured to substantially contain one standard bottle while exposing the bottle neck and bottle cap. The body of the bottle carrier/cooler is of a diameter sufficient to maintain ice or other refrigerants so the bottled beverage will remain at a desirable low temperature. The beverage which may be a soft drink, can be poured from the bottle without removing the bottle from the carrier/cooler. Finger detents formed within the sidewalls of the carrier/cooler keep the bottle in a radial stable location. A seal connected to the carrier/cooler lid prevents leakage of the refrigerant while the beverage is poured and in conjunction with projections along the bottom of the carrier/cooler stabilize the bottle longitudinally.

Abstract: The present invention is a heat-exchanging apparatus that also serves as a handler-transporter of media-containing vessels. The heat-exchanging apparatus is composed of a flexible, holow tube that is generally in the shape of a coil, which allows for the flow of liquid therein. There is an insulated gripping means for covering the handle of the flexible, hollow tube's first end and second end to prevent contact with hot or cold temperatures when the present invention is handled or transported. In addition, the flexible, hollow tube is connected to two flexible, heat-insulated tubes. The flexible, heat-insulating tubes are connected to a fluid dispenser and a reservoir to provide a channel for in-coming fluid and out-going fluid. Also, to allow for secure and safe handling/transporting of media-containing vessel, the first and second ends of the flexible, hollow tubes are held together by a locking means.

Abstract: An insert is retained at the bottom of a portable liquid drink dispenser close to its nozzle. The insert has an inclined top surface for eliminating the need to tip the drink dispenser in order to dispense the final drinks. The insert has a coolant for cooling the fluid at the bottom of the drink dispenser in the area of the nozzle. The coolant may be water, gel or other high heat density material. The insert is chilled in a freezer prior to being retained in the drink dispenser. The insert is removably retained in the bottom of the drink dispenser using any or all of several retention means. The insert has the further advantage of allowing for the stacking of inserts during freezing and transport. Elimination of the need for tipping the drink dispenser allows for the stacking or mounting of drink dispensers while dispensing drinks.

Abstract: A portable carrier for a beverage container includes a case (10) having an externally frusto-conical housing that fully encloses the beverage container, and a removable cooling core (70) that fits within the housing. A zipper (30) preferably extends along at least part of at least two sides of the case, and more preferably extends on the top and bottom of the case. A carrying strap (40) may include a pounch for storing a bottle opener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid cooling apparatus for rapidly cooling objects at room temperature via conductive heat transfer and convective heat transfer as well. The rapid cooling apparatus comprises: means having a storage space disposed inside a first storage housing for storing the objects to be cooled and cold material bags disposed around the received objects to be cooled; means for driving the storage means in a direction; and means for spacing the storage and driving means from a second storage housing. The invention provides a user with convenience via rapid cooling and also can enhance cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A beverage container holder that is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, including containers of different heights and diameters for both tapered-wall containers and straight-wall containers. The beverage container includes a convection air flow generator for supplying conditioned air around the beverage.

Abstract: A liquid receptacle for rapidly lowering the temperature of a liquid contained therein to a warm range suitable for human contact and maintaining the liquid in the warm range for an extended period of time includes an inner vessel with an open upper end and a closed lower end and a wall connecting the upper and lower end. An insulated outer shell is spaced from the inner vessel to define an interstitial chamber between the inner vessel and the outer shell. A phase change material occupies the chamber and regeneratively absorbs thermal energy from the liquid to cool the liquid and then releases the thermal energy back to the liquid to maintain the temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A mold for forming an ice ring on the inner surface of a bottle. The mold is in the form of a cylinder. One end of the mold carries a seal sized to form a fluid tight seal with the inner surface of the bottle neck. The mold is preferably hollow and has a handle attached to the end near the seal. The mold is inserted through the bottle neck until the seal forms a fluid tight seal with the bottle neck. Water is then poured into the bottle through the handle. The bottle is inverted and excess water allowed to flow out through the mold. The bottle is then set on the handle in a freezer until the water freezes. The mold is then removed. The bottle may then be filled with a selected drink through the ice ring.

Abstract: A beverage container including a body and a lower cap having a cooling element mounted thereon that extends into an interior portion of the body. The lower cap is removable for convenient charging (e.g., freezing) of the cooling element. The lower cap is then attached to the body and liquid is inserted into the body through an upper opening. A mixing fixture is integrally formed on the free end of the cooling element, and is used to mix the cooled liquid stored in the body with a powdered substance entered through the upper opening. In one embodiment, the beverage container is a multi-chambered container that includes a rotatable hollow member for storing the powdered substance, and a housing for securing the hollow member to the body such that a curved wall of the hollow member separates the powdered substance from the cooled liquid stored in the body.

Abstract: To provide an economical storehouse of liquor with little temperature change if possible at a low price. A storehouse 1 of liquor having heat insulation housings which consist of polystyrene foam is provided, comprising; a cold-preserving agent accommodation part 10a capable of having cold-preserving agents 15 which can be exchanged, liquor storage parts 11a, 12a, 13a, and 14a capable of accommodating a bottle of liquor, and an air hole for communicating said cold-preserving agents accommodation part 10a to said liquor storage parts 11a, 12a, 13a, and 14a.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration table for displaying, in elevated and supported fashion, a plurality of items. The table includes a body having a substantially rectangular shaped and planar base surface, a plurality of elevated and interconnecting sides defining a basin therebetween and which is capable of holding a volume of ice particulates. A plurality of first, second, third and fourth associated edge locations of the body and are capable of being pivoted between a first locking position and a second unlocking position in which the legs may be pivoted to a folded position against the body. A plurality of elongated dividers are arranged in upwardly extending fashion from the planar base surface, each of the dividers terminating in an upwardly facing surface capable of supporting the items at locations above the planar base surface.

Abstract: A beverage bottle container includes a pair of rigid, double-walled mating container portions having inner surfaces for engagement with a beverage bottle. Each of the container portions includes a bottom surface, hinge means, and a top surface which defines a bottle neck receiving passageway. The inner surfaces include bottle engagements means in the form of internal projections suitable to engage and otherwise secure beverage bottles of varying shape and size.

Abstract: A decorative thermally insulated beverage bottle holder having a detachable carrying strap, a bottle opener, and a bottle cap. The bottle holder is made of a flexible insulating material such as neoprene. A vertically disposed zipper allows for the easy opening and closing of the contour fitting holder. Indicia can be placed on the holder to enhance its appearance.

Abstract: A cooling container suitable for cooling a beverage is provided. Inside of the container with an opened upper end and a closed bottom is divided by a partition element made of a material such as a perforated plate into at least two parts for receiving water and ice and for receiving an object to be cooled. An appropriate amount of ice blocks and cold water are put in one of the parts, and only the cold water is allowed to flow into the other part through the partition element. The object to be cooled such as canned beer or bottled wine is cooled or cool-kept by inserting it into the part of the cold water. The position of the object to be cooled received is stably retained by the partition element 20 so that the handling of the object to be cooled is conveniently made.

Abstract: A beverage container including a body and a lower cap having a cooling element mounted thereon that extends into an interior portion of the body. The lower cap is removable for convenient charging (e.g., freezing) of the cooling element. The lower cap is then attached to the body and liquid is inserted into the body through an upper opening. A mixing fixture is integrally formed on the free end of the cooling element, and is used to mix the cooled liquid stored in the body with a powdered substance entered through the upper opening. In one embodiment, the beverage container is a multi-chambered container that includes a rotatable hollow member for storing the powdered substance, and a housing for securing the hollow member to the body such that a curved wall of the hollow member separates the powdered substance from the cooled liquid stored in the body.

Abstract: A combination includes a tray providing a flat upwardly facing surface and a plurality of raised edges forming compartments on the flat surface. The tray is made, in part, of a material adapted for phase changing thermal absorption such as, so called, blue-ice. A plurality of food containers each have a flat bottom surface adapted for intimate contact with the flat surface of the tray. The containers also provide a peripheral bottom edge adapted for snap engagement with the raised edges of the tray for holding the containers on the tray.

Abstract: A portable and securable liquid holder and dispenser having an outer shell formed from a stiff material, the liner having a top defining an opening surrounded by a top edge, a liner sized to insertably fit within the outer shell, the liner further having a top lip and sides, the top lip extending outward from the sides, the lip further sized to abut the top of the outer shell when inserted therein to locate the liner, a cup sized to insertably fit within the liner, the cup having a flange formed around the top periphery thereof, the flange sized to abut the top surface of the liner when the cup is inserted therein, the cup further having a top seal extending upwardly from the flange, a cover sized to removably sealably attach to the cup, the cover having a mating seal formed thereon to mate with the top seal of the cup and an aperture formed therein, means for withdrawing liquid from the cup, the means for withdrawing liquid insertable through the aperture defined in the cover, and means for selectively attac

Abstract: Methods for storing items are provided. In this regard, one such method includes: providing an item; providing a container; placing the item in a storage chamber of the container; and moving a cap of the container to a closed position. Systems and other methods also are provided.

Abstract: A device for cooling and tapping of beverages that are delivered in containers. It integrates a cooling unit to an insulated casing. Inside the casing a cooling volume is formed, that is closed by a bonnet. The cooling volume is formed as a tub. Beverage containers are inserted into this tub. The casing is swivel-mounted on a stand and is equipped with a tapping unit.

Abstract: An insulated container has a container wall, and a space to be warmed or cooled defined within the container wall. The container has an opening in the wall and a receptacle positioned so that objects introduced through the opening can seat in the receptacle and extend outwardly through the opening so that part of the object, such as a canned or bottled drink, seats within the receptacle, and part extends outwardly of the container so that a user can reach it. Either or both of the receptacle and the container can be collapsible.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving a chilled beverage from a keg includes an insulated housing having two opposed side walls and a door hinged to one of the side walls. Support racks are spaced from one to permit fit a keg between the racks, which form slidable grooves for insertion and removal of chiller panels when the door is open. Casters on the housing permit mobility, and channels on the outside of the housing receive selectively replaceable graphic material. A spout on the housing connectable to a keg provides discharge of the keg contents. A pressurized gas canister connectable to a keg urges discharge of the keg contents through the spout. A plurality of chiller panels contain a freezable liquid and are adapted to be removeably mounted on the racks. The panels may be frozen in a freezer and loaded into the racks keep the keg and its contents cold.

Abstract: Self-contained closed-loop cooling systems and related methods for rapidly cooling individual beverage containers of different sizes to a suitable target temperature, in the range of 35° F. to 50° F. Each system includes a chiller, a coolant circuit with a hyper-chilled supply reservoir, a refrigerant circuit for cooling the reservoir, and an electronic controller to operate the system upon operator command. The chiller is preferably formed like a barrel, with a cylindrical array of hollow chill elements arranged about a cylindrical area into which a beverage container, such as beverage bottle or can is placed. Then, very cold coolant from the coolant supply is pumped through the array of chill elements to rapidly cool the beverage container, which makes physical contact with the hyper-chilled elements, which are thus excellent heat absorbers. The chill elements are preferably separated from one another by keystone spacers, and are flexibly held in place with a plurality of coil springs.

Abstract: A container includes a container body with an accommodating space including central and surrounding regions. A plurality of coolant vessels are retained detachably in the surrounding region by a plurality of retaining members against falling towards the central region. The vessels can be filled with coolant so as to keep the accommodating space, in which wine bottles are received, in a cool condition. A bottom wall of the container body is provided with a plurality of spacers so as to space the wine bottles from the bottom wall.

Abstract: To chill an alcoholic beverage, the beverage is poured into at least one shotglass which is then lidded to form an air-tight seal. The lidded shotglass is inserted into a refrigeration compartment, whereby the alcoholic beverage is chilled to a temperature at or below 0° F. The lidded shotglass is removed from the refrigeration compartment when it is desired to consume the alcoholic beverage, and the chilled alcoholic beverage is drunk directly from the shotglass after removing the lid. A number of the lidded shotglasses can be placed in a thermally insulative container, whereafter the container is placed in the refrigeration compartment to chill the alcohol.

Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, typically a can or a bottle, to provide supplemental cooling to the beverage. The holder includes a tab, pedestal, or other support means to support the bottom of the care or bottle above the holder bottom to create a space for an ice or an ice and water cooling medium. A sealing means between the holder and the beverage container permits the container and the holder to be tipped for drinking without spilling the ice or ice and water used to provide the cooling. Various seal means include single piece gaskets that fit on the holder, a seal ring that fits in a groove in the holder, a solid lip with a seal, multiple seal embodiments, and stretch membrane supports.

Abstract: To chill an alcoholic beverage, the beverage is poured into at least one shotglass which is then lidded to form an air-tight seal. The lidded shotglass is inserted into a refrigeration compartment, whereby the alcoholic beverage is chilled to a temperature at or below 0° F. The lidded shotglass is removed from the refrigeration compartment when it is desired to consume the alcoholic beverage, and the chilled alcoholic beverage is drunk directly from the shotglass after removing the lid. A number of the lidded shotglasses can be placed in a thermally insulative container, whereafter the container is placed in the refrigeration compartment to chill the alcohol.

Abstract: A cooling container for vehicles arranged in use laterally next to a seat cushion of a vehicle seat. The cooling container has a cooling compartment accessible from the top through a container opening after a lid is opened, the cooling compartment being sufficient at least for accommodating one commercially available drinks bottle stored lengthways in it, and being of a depth which clearly exceeds the bottle diameter. The cooling compartment is sufficient at least for accommodating a commercially available drinks bottle stored lengthways in it, but is of a depth which is too small to accommodate an upright drinks bottle below the closed lid. Retaining structure is arranged in the cooling compartment of the cooling container in order to secure the drinks bottle below the closed lid in a ready-to-hand storage position in which the drinks bottle extends obliquely upwards with its bottle neck towards an end region of the cooling compartment, which end region is arranged so that the bottle can be readily grasped.

Abstract: A cooler is disclosed that utilizes beverage compartments that are integral to the container holding the refrigerant. The beverage compartments are such that they are completely encircled by yet physically separated from the refrigerant. The design provides easy access to the beverage, close contact between the beverage and refrigerant, and the elimination beverages buried in melting ice.

Abstract: A beverage bottle container includes a pair of rigid, double-walled mating container portions having inner surfaces for engagement with a beverage bottle. Each of the container portions includes a bottom surface, hinge means, and a top surface which defines a bottle neck receiving passageway. The inner surfaces include bottle engagements means in the form of internal projections suitable to engage and otherwise secure beverage bottles of varying shape and size.

Abstract: A stay cool beverage container having a series of radially projecting vertical ribs spaced about the perimeter at the level of a perimeter cavity filled with a refrigerant gel, the ribs gripped by the person holding the drinking vessel, and reducing heat gain into the drink vessel as well as minimizing the sensation of cold felt in the user's fingers and insuring a more secure grip.

Abstract: The cooling apparatus (2) for a wine bottle includes a pump (18, 20) for circulating iced water (30) around the inside of chamber (4). A bottle (14) is placed within the chamber (4). The pump (18) may be operated by a timer mechanism (10).

Abstract: A rigid lightweight portable Beverage Bottle Container is described. It features a two-piece double walled construction, which provides impact, shock protection, and a thermal retention barrier and or coolant for beverage bottles, and features a carry handle.

Abstract: An insulated container has a container wall, and a space to be warmed or cooled defined within the container wall. The container has an opening in the wall and a receptacle positioned so that objects introduced through the opening can seat in the receptacle and extend outwardly through the opening so that part of the object, such as a canned or bottled drink, seats within the receptacle, and part extends outwardly of the container so that a user can reach it. Either or both of the receptacle and the container can be collapsible.

Abstract: A device for cooling and tapping of beverages that are delivered in containers. It integrates a cooling unit to an insulated casing. Inside the casing a cooling volume is formed, that is closed by a bonnet. The cooling volume is formed as a tub. Beverage containers are inserted into this tub. The casing is swivel-mounted on a stand and is equipped with a tapping unit.

Abstract: A device is provided for the thermal control of liquids, such as, in particular beverages, contained in vessels, comprising a housing with an insert for the vessels and a cooling element, the insert having a perforated holding plate with an orifice for the vessels, said holding plate resting on a housing projection of the device. Arranged on the holding plate are at least three wire staples which are spaced apart from one another and extend to the bottom of the device, the wire staples being assembled together on the foot side by webs, and the wire staples being surrounded by a foil sock resting loosely against these. The housing is capable of being filled with a cooling medium, and there is arranged as cooling element in a recess of the wall of the housing a Peltier element which has a heat transmission surface and a countersurface, the heat transmission surface being washed around by the medium and the countersurface being ventilated.

Abstract: An insulated container has a container wall, and a space to be warmed or cooled defined within the container wall. The container has an opening in the wall and a receptacle positioned so that objects introduced through the opening can seat in the receptacle and extend outwardly through the opening so that part of the object, such as a canned or bottled drink, seats within the receptacle, and part extends outwardly of the container so that a user can reach it. Either or both of the receptacle and the container can be collapsible.

Abstract: A refrigerator is described, specially for beverage bottles, in particular beer bottles, a humidity production system for a refrigerator and a method for generating a COVERING OF ICE CRYSTALS on the bottle. The objective of the invention is to provide an equipment for producing a COVERING OF ICE CRYSTALS on a beverage bottle, in particular beer bottles, which produces a covering of ice crystals regardless of the weather conditions of the place and without causing the freezing of the beverage. This objective is achieved with a refrigerator comprising a humidity production system (4) to produce humidity in the internal compartment (3), the humidity production system (4) having a water feed.

Abstract: A wine box cooling device for cooling and keeping cool a wine box. The wine box cooling device includes a housing. The housing has a base portion and cover portion. The base portion comprises a bottom wall. The bottom wall has a peripheral edge. A peripheral wall is integrally coupled to and extends upwardly from the peripheral edge such that a front wall, a back wall and a pair of side walls are defined. The front wall has a top edge. The top edge of the front wall a depression therein. A cover portion comprises a top wall. The top wall has a peripheral edge. A perimeter wall is integrally coupled to and extends downwardly from the peripheral edge of the top wall such that a proximal wall, a distal wall and two side walls are defined. The cover portion has a size adapted to cover the base portion. An ice block is positioned within the base portion and a wine box is positioned on the ice block such that a pour spout of the wine box extends over the depression.

Abstract: A cooling device (1) for chilling a wine bottle (2) comprises a substantially cylindrical housing (3). A panel member (8) formed by a plurality of hingedly connected panel segments (9) is located in the housing (3) and forms a receiving compartment (12) for the wine bottle (2). The panel segments (9) each form a storing chamber (14) for storing a temperature conditionable liquid. An annular ring (7) is mounted on a carrier sleeve (16) which is rotatable and axially slideable within the housing (3) for varying the diameter of a receiving compartment (12) for accommodating bottles (2) of different diameter. A bearing rim (20) of the carrier sleeve (16) abuts wedge-shaped portions (21) of the panel member (8) so that as the carrier sleeve (16) is urged axially into the housing (3) the diameter of the receiving compartment (12) is reduced and vice versa.

Abstract: A container filled with a freezable mixture for use in refrigeration or temporary cooling purposes. The container of the invention is generally one of the common metal cylindrical containers or cans but may also include both plastic and glass bottles. Normally such containers are unsuitable for holding a freezable mixture due to the expansion of the freezing mixture causing the deformation or rupture of said container. By using a fully soluble eutectic mixture, such as propylene glycol and water mixed at a ratio of 20% propylene glycol, an ice slurry is formed at the temperatures normally present in home freezers. A small gas space is also needed for expansion and contraction of the container contents. When a can or other inwardly flexible container is utilized, a positive pressure within the container, relative to the external pressure, can be maintained with a gas charge.

Abstract: A chilling apparatus for chilling a liquid in a container includes a compartment sized to accept and retain the container; and a coolant receptacle adjoining a side portion of the compartment, for retaining a coolant, e.g., an ice/water mixture. The adjoining side portion has at least one aperture that allows the coolant to flow through to enter the compartment and surround the container therein. The liquid in the container is rapidly chilled via heat transfer between the container wall and the coolant when the container is rotated within the compartment. The rotation may be performed manually, e.g., via a holding member and hand-crank attached to the top of the container, or automatically via an electric motor. The apparatus is particularly useful for chilling canned beverages. The apparatus can be configured to impart wobbling rotation to the container to achieve even faster chilling times.

Abstract: A dual-temperature refrigerating device for partially freezing beverage inside a sealed beverage container. One compartment within the device is held at a temperature below freezing and another compartment is kept at a temperature above freezing. An opening between the two compartments allows a beverage container to be placed so that is simultaneously exposed to below-freezing temperatures above-freezing temperatures. This arrangement causes the beverage in the portion of the container exposed to the below-freezing temperatures to freeze while the beverage in the part of the container exposed to above freezing temperatures does not freeze.

Abstract: A beverage container having a beverage compartment and an ice compartment. Prior to beverage consumption, the container is placed in a dual-temperature environment that freezes the beverage in the ice compartment but doesn't freeze the beverage in the beverage compartment. A barrier inside the beverage container minimize the mixing of the beverage in one compartment with the beverage in the other compartment, allowing the beverage in the ice compartment to freeze while the beverage in the beverage compartment does not. Once removed from refrigeration, the frozen beverage in the ice compartment keeps the beverage in the beverage compartment cool for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A temperature control assembly is described including a covering with a top panel and side panels constructed and arranged to provide an open bottom side and an interior compartment for receiving an article whose temperature is to be adjusted. The temperature control assembly also includes at least one thermal unit sized for controlling the temperature of the article provided within the interior compartment and at least one pocket provided on one of the interior surfaces of the side panels for holding the thermal unit. In one embodiment, the top panel of the covering has an opening for accessing the interior compartment, that allows a user of the temperature control assembly to easily carry an article within the temperature control assembly. A method of providing temperature control is also described where a temperature control assembly is provided and the temperature of an article within the interior compartment of the temperature control assembly is adjusted.

Abstract: A beverage bottle holder system that includes insulated structures for surrounding a beverage bottle and insulating the beverage bottle to reduce the rate of warming of the beverage bottle. The top insulated structure includes an easily operated flip top dispensing spout for sealing a beverage bottle. A number of freezable ice rod elements are provided which are insertable into one of the insulated structures.

Abstract: A beverage cooling apparatus including a cylinder shaped receptacle extending into a second receptacle for receiving ice, the cylindrical receptacle having one open end to receive bottles or beverage containers. The apparatus can be utilized in an ice bin, ice chest, ice maker, freezer, or any refrigerated placement area to chill, refrigerate or store open, partially used or unused bottles, such as wine or liquor, or any other beverage container that is best when served cold or should be preserved cold. The receptacle is provided in a slanted position, and contains slots or openings small enough to prevent ice cubes or ice chunks from entering the chilling or storing area.

Abstract: A system for transporting ice cream to locations where freezer facilities are unavailable. The ice cream caddy system includes an insulated holder for containing a quantity of ice cream surrounded by a supply of ice and rock salt. The ice cream caddy system also includes holding facilities for holding and transporting a number of serving bowls and spoons as well as an ice cream scoop.

Abstract: A beverage cooling and carrying apparatus is described. The beverage cooling and carrying apparatus includes a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment includes an area constructed for receiving a beverage and a heat sink, a door for selective access to the first compartment, and insulation for decreasing the rate of heat transfer into the first compartment. The second compartment is provided for receiving drinking containers, and includes cushioning material. The apparatus includes a strap for carrying the apparatus. The beverage cooling and carrying apparatus preferably includes a bottle of wine in the first compartment, and a pair of wine glasses in the second compartment. A method for cooling and carrying beverage is provided by the present invention.