The present disclosure generally relates to antenna assemblies configured for reception of television signals, such as high definition television (HDTV) signals.
The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Many people enjoy watching television. Recently, the television-watching experience has been greatly improved due to high definition television (HDTV). A great number of people pay for HDTV through their existing cable or satellite TV service provider. In fact, many people are unaware that HDTV signals are commonly broadcast over the free public airwaves. This means that HDTV signals may be received for free with the appropriate antenna.
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of bow tie antennas and antenna assemblies that include the same. In an exemplary embodiment, a bow tie antenna includes a pair of antenna elements. Each antenna element includes spaced apart end portions defining an open portion such that the antenna element has an open shape. The open shape is closed by dielectric material disposed between the spaced apart end portions and extending across a gap separating the spaced apart end portions, whereby the dielectric material and pair of antenna elements cooperatively define a closed bow tie shape for the bow tie antenna.
Further aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. In addition, any one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of bow tie antennas and antenna assemblies that include bow tie antennas. In an exemplary embodiment, a bow tie antenna generally includes a pair of antenna elements. Each antenna element has spaced-apart portions defining an open portion or gap along the antenna element, such that the antenna element is not closed electrically. For closing the antenna elements' open shapes and forming closed shapes, dielectric material (e.g., dielectric tubing, etc.) is disposed generally between and/or is connected to the spaced-apart portions of each antenna element.
By having dielectric material extend across the open portion or gap of each antenna element, the open shape of each antenna element is thereby closed by dielectric material. Accordingly, the pair of antenna elements and dielectric material cooperatively define or provide a closed bow tie shape for the bow tie antenna.
In this exemplary embodiment, dielectric material is used to close the open shape of each antenna element. But each antenna element is not closed electrically by that dielectric material, which is electrically non-conductive and inoperable for galvanically connecting the spaced-apart portions of the antenna elements. In addition, the dielectric material may comprise pieces of tubing or other tubular, hollow members formed from various dielectric, non-conductive materials, such as plastic, rubber, composite materials, other dielectric materials, etc.
Advantageously, the dielectric material may also enhance the aesthetic appearance of the bow tie antenna or antenna assembly including the same. For example, the dielectric material may be a different color than the antenna elements such that the dielectric material adds color(s) (e.g., orange, red, etc.) to the bow tie antenna or antenna assembly including the same. Additionally, or alternatively, the dielectric material may also reduce the probably of eye injuries when the bow tie antenna is used indoors given that the dielectric material covers free end portions of the antenna elements, which might otherwise poke the inattentive passerby in the eye.
In another exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly includes at least one bow tie antenna. At least one reflector is disposed relative to the at least one bow tie antenna for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the at least one bow tie antenna.
In another exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly generally includes an antenna support and at least one pair of spaced apart bow tie antennas. The bow tie antennas are coupled to the antenna support and symmetrically arranged in a generally coplanar manner. At least one reflector element is coupled to the antenna support and behind the at least one pair of bow tie antennas. The antenna assembly also includes a single balun. For example, in an antenna assembly that includes a single pair of bow tie antennas, a balun is at a point electrically equidistant from each bow tie antenna to ensure that the bow tie antennas are in phase. As another example, in an antenna assembly that includes two subarrays each including a pair of bow tie antennas, a balun is at a point electrically equidistant from each subarray such that the bow tie antennas are in phase.
In a further exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly includes an antenna support having first and second pairs of spaced apart bow tie antennas coupled to an antenna support. The bow tie antennas of the first pair are symmetrically arranged in a generally coplanar manner on the antenna support. The bow tie antennas of the second pair are also symmetrically arranged in a generally coplanar manner on the antenna support. The second pair of bow tie antennas is offset from (e.g., below, above, side-by-side, etc.) relative to the first pair of bow tie antennas. A first reflector element is behind the first pair of bow tie antennas. A second reflector element is behind the second pair of bow tie antennas. The first and second reflector elements are coupled to the antenna support. Antenna mounting members may be used to mount the bow tie antennas to the antenna support. The antenna assembly also includes a single balun.
With reference to the figures,
Each antenna element 106, 108, 116, 118 has spaced-apart portions defining an open portion or gap along the antenna element (e.g., antenna element 107 shown in
Each antenna element 106, 108, 116, 118, however, is not closed electrically by the dielectric material 111, which is electrically non-conductive and inoperable for galvanically connecting the spaced-apart portions of the antenna elements 106, 108, 116, 118. The dielectric material 111 may comprise pieces of tubing or other tubular, hollow members formed from various dielectric or non-conductive materials, such as plastic, rubber, composite materials, other dielectric materials, etc.
The bow tie antennas 104, 114 are symmetrically arranged in a generally coplanar manner on an antenna support 110. By way of example only,
The antenna assembly 100 further includes a transformer (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) balun, etc.) concealed under and/or housed within the housing 120. Antenna mounting members 140 are used to couple (e.g., mount, attach, etc.) the bow tie antennas 104, 114 to the antenna support 110. A reflector element 150 is coupled to the antenna support 110, such that the reflector 150 is offset from and behind the bow tie antennas 104, 114.
The first bow tie antenna 104 includes a pair of generally elongated triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements 106 and 108. The pair of triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements 106, 108 are arranged to cooperatively define or provide a generally bow tie shape for the antenna 104. Similarly, the second bow tie antenna 114 includes a pair of generally elongated triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements 116, 118 that are arranged to cooperatively define or provide a generally bow tie shape for the antenna 114.
The antenna elements 106, 108, 116, 118 may be formed from various materials, such as electrically-conductive wires, rods, hollow tubing, or other suitable electrical conductor formed to have an outer periphery or perimeter defining the triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements 106, 108, 116, 118. The antenna elements 106, 108116, 118 may each form a triangle having an open end or open portion which will be towards the outside of the bow tie shape when assembled, and having a closed end or closed portion which will be towards a middle or center of the bow tie shape when assembled. The spaced apart end portions of each antenna element may be connected (e.g., by a piece of dielectric tubing, dielectric tubular or hollow member, etc.).
A wide range of materials and manufacturing processes may be used for the bow tie antennas 104, 114. By way of example only, the bow tie antennas 104, 114 and/or triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements thereof may be formed from an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, other metals, alloys, etc. In another embodiment, the bow tie antennas 104, 114 and/or triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements thereof may be stamped from sheet metal. In an example embodiment, each bow tie antenna 104, 114 has a width of about 448 millimeters on the wider portion and about 421 millimeters on narrower portion (center to center), a gap of about 62 millimeters between the spaced apart ends, and a thickness or depth of about 5 millimeters which thickness corresponds to the thickness of the conductor from which the antenna elements are formed.
As shown in
The antenna mounting members 140 (e.g., brackets, mounts, etc.) are preferably made of a non-conductive, dielectric material (e.g., plastic, etc.), such that the bow tie antennas 104, 114 may be electrically insulated from the antenna support 110. The antenna mounting members 140 may include slots or apertures 141 (
The reflector element 150 is also coupled to the support 110. The reflector element 150 includes a generally flat or planar surface. The reflector element 150 may be generally operable for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the antennas 104, 114.
In regard to the size of the reflector 150 and spacing relative to the bow tie antennas 104, 114, the inventors hereof have recognized that the size of the reflector element 150 and spacing relative to the antennas 104, 114 strongly impact performance. Placing the bow tie antennas 104, 114 too close to the reflector element 150 provides an antenna with good gain, but may result in a narrow impedance bandwidth and poor voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). If the bow tie antennas 104, 114 are placed too far away from the reflector element 150, the gain may be reduced due to improper phasing. When the size and proportions of the bow tie antennas 104, 114, the reflector size, and spacing between the reflector element 150 and bow tie antennas 104, 114 are properly chosen, there is an optimum or improved configuration that takes advantage of the near zone coupling with the reflector element to produce enhanced impedance bandwidth, while mitigating the effects of phase cancellation. The net result is an exemplary balance between impedance bandwidth, directivity or gain, radiation efficiency, and physical size. In this example, the reflector element 150 is offset by a distance of about 124 millimeters from the bow tie antennas 104, 114, to separate the reflector's planar surface from the surface of the antennas 104, 114. The dimensions in this paragraph (as are all dimensions disclosed herein) are provided for illustrative purposes only.
In this illustrated embodiment, the reflector element 150 is generally rectangular in shape. The reflector element 150 includes a grill or wire mesh surface 160. In addition, the reflector 150 may include a reflector support 162 disposed on, along, or adjacent to the mesh surface 160, to provide reinforcement to the mesh surface 160 and/or a means for supporting or coupling the reflector element 150 to the antenna support 110. The reflector 150 may also be curved to improve aesthetic appearance and/or reduce the risk of accidental injury when used indoors.
By way of example only,
Also by way of example only, the reflector element 150 may be configured to have a width (from left to right in
A wide range of materials may be used for the reflector element 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the reflector element 150 includes powder coated steel. Alternative embodiments may include a differently configured reflector (e.g., different material, etc.), such as a reflector made of stainless steel, aluminum, or anti-corrosion treated copper. Spaces or notches may also be provided in the reflector element 150 to facilitate mounting of the reflector element 150 or antenna assembly 100. Alternative embodiments may have reflectors without such spaces or notches.
The antenna assembly 100 further includes a balun concealed under and/or housed within the housing portion 120. By way of example only,
In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly 100 includes a printed circuit board having the balun, which is operable for converting a balanced line into an unbalanced line. The balun may be coupled to the antenna support 110 between the spaced apart pair of bow tie antennas 104, 114, such that the balun is at a point electrically equidistant from each bow tie antenna 104, 114 to ensure that the bow tie antennas 104, 114 are in phase. The balun may be electrically connected to the bow tie antennas 104, 114 via one or more pairs of wires or electrical conductors 122 that extend between the balun and the bow tie antennas 104, 114.
By way of example only,
The antenna mounting members, supports, or pieces used to mount the bow tie antenna elements may also be configured in such a way to provide proper support for both a two element configuration (e.g., antenna assembly 100 etc.) with narrow spacing as well as the four element configuration (e.g., antenna assembly 200, etc.) with uniform wide spacing. The antenna mounting members, supports, or pieces (e.g., antenna mounting members 140, 240, etc.) may also be configured in such a way to provide proper support for both a two element configuration (e.g., antenna assembly 100 etc.) with narrow spacing as well as the four element configuration (e.g., antenna assembly 200, etc.) with uniform wide spacing. For example, and as shown in
Alternative embodiments may include different means for connecting the balun to the bow tie antennas 104, 114. A balun using a PCB as a substrate with a ferrite core may also be used. The antenna assembly 100 may further include a connector (not shown) for connecting a coaxial cable 126 (
The antenna assembly 100 may be assembled and mounted to a mast 124 as shown in
As shown in
Electrical data for the antenna assembly 100 included a design pass band for UHF 470 MHz to 698 MHz with channels 14-51, a nominal impedance of 75 ohms, and an F-Female connector. In addition, the performance data included computer-based front-to-back ratio of boresight gain to maximum gain in the rear hemisphere based on the azimuth and elevation cuts of about 13.46 dB at 470 MHz, about 15.52 dB at 546 MHz, about 17.5 dB at 622 MHz, and about 18.53 dB at 698 MHz.
With further regard for the performance characteristics of the antenna assembly 100, this exemplary embodiment of the antenna assembly 100 has a peak gain of 12 dBi, and a front to back ratio greater than 18 dBi. Also, this exemplary antenna assembly 100 had a strong performance across the digital television (DTV) spectrum as shown by the line graphs in
In this example, the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 are identical to each other and identical to the bow tie antennas 104, 114 shown in
With continued reference to
By way of example only,
A first or lower reflector 250 is coupled to the antenna support 210, such that the first reflector 250 is offset from and disposed behind the first pair of bow tie antennas 204, 214. A second or upper reflector 252 is also coupled to the antenna support 210. But the second reflector 252 is offset from and disposed behind the second pair of bow tie antennas 274, 284.
The antenna assembly 200 further includes a transformer (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) balun, etc.) concealed under and/or housed within the housing 220. In this example, the housing 220 is identical to the housing 120 shown
Antenna mounting members 240 are used to couple (e.g., mount, attach, etc.) the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 to the antenna support 210. In this example, the antenna mounting members 240 are identical to the antenna mounting members 140 shown
The antenna assembly 200 may be used atop a house (e.g., mounted above a rooftop, etc.) for receiving digital television signals (of which high definition television (HDTV) signals are a subset) and communicating the received signals to an external device, such as a high definition flat screen television inside a home. In a similar manner as described above for antenna assembly 100 and shown in
Each bow tie antenna 204, 214, 274, 284 includes two generally elongated triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements arranged to cooperatively define or provide a generally bow tie shape for the antenna 204, 214, 274, 284. As shown in
A wide range of materials and manufacturing processes may be used for the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284. By way of example only, the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 and/or triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements thereof may be formed from an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, other metals, alloys, etc. In another embodiment, the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 and/or triangular or trapezoidal shaped antenna elements thereof may be stamped from sheet metal.
The first and second reflector elements 250, 252 are coupled to the support 210. The reflector elements 250, 252 include generally flat or planar surfaces. The first reflector element 250 is offset behind or separated by a predetermined distance from the first pair of bow tie antennas 204, 214, such that the first reflector element 250 is generally operable for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the first pair of bow tie antennas 204, 214. The second reflector element 252 is offset behind or separated by a predetermined distance from the second pair of bow tie antennas 274, 284, such that the second reflector element 252 is generally operable for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the second pair of bow tie antennas 274, 284.
A second reflector element 252 is offset behind or separated by a predetermined distance from the second pair of spaced apart bow tie antennas 274, 284. The first and second reflector elements 250, 252 are coupled to the antenna support 210, as illustrated in
In regard to the size of the reflectors 250, 252 and spacing relative to the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284, the inventors hereof have recognized that the size of the reflector elements 250, 252 and spacing relative to the antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 strongly impact performance. Placing the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 too close to the respective reflector elements 250, 252 provides an antenna with good gain, but may result in a narrow impedance bandwidth and poor voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). If the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 are placed too far away from the reflector elements 250, 252, the gain may be reduced due to improper phasing. When the size and proportions of the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284, the reflector size, and spacing between the reflector elements and bow tie antennas are properly chosen, there is an optimum or improved configuration that takes advantage of the near zone coupling with the reflector elements to produce enhanced impedance bandwidth, while mitigating the effects of phase cancellation. The net result is an exemplary balance between impedance bandwidth, directivity or gain, radiation efficiency, and physical size. In this example, the reflector element 250 is offset by a distance of about 124 millimeters from the bow tie antennas 204, 214, to separate the reflector's planar surface from the surface of the antennas 204, 214. Also in this example, the reflector element 252 is offset by a distance of about 124 millimeters from the bow tie antennas 274, 284, to separate the reflector's planar surface from the surface of the antennas 274, 284. The dimensions in this paragraph (as are all dimensions disclosed herein) are provided for illustrative purposes only.
In this illustrated embodiment, the reflector elements 250, 252 are generally rectangular in shape. Each reflector element 250, 252 include a grill or wire mesh surface 260, 263. In addition, the reflector element 250, 252 may include reflector support 262 disposed on, along, or adjacent the mesh surfaces 260, 263 to provide reinforcement to the mesh surfaces 260, 263 and/or a means for supporting or coupling the reflector elements 250, 252 to the antenna support 210.
By way of example only,
By way of further example only, each reflector element 250, 252 may be configured to have a width (from left to right in
A wide range of materials may be used for the reflector elements 250, 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the reflector elements 250, 252 include powder coated steel. Alternative embodiments may include a differently configured reflector (e.g., different material, etc.), such as a reflector made of stainless steel, aluminum, or anti-corrosion treated copper. Spaces or notches may also be provided in the reflectors 250, 252 to facilitate mounting of the reflectors or antenna assembly 200. Alternative embodiments may have reflectors without such spaces or notches.
In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna assembly 200 includes a printed circuit board having the balun, which is operable for converting a balanced line into an unbalanced line. The balun may be coupled to the antenna support 210 between the first and second pairs or sub arrays of bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 such that the balun is equidistant from the upper and lower subarrays to ensure that the bow tie antennas are in phase.
The balun may be electrically connected to the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284 via one or more pairs of wires or electrical conductors 222 that extend between the balun and bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284. By way of example only,
The antenna mounting members, supports, or pieces used to mount the bow tie antenna elements are also designed in such a way to provide proper support for both a two element configuration (e.g., antenna assembly 100 etc.) with narrow spacing as well as the four element configuration (e.g., antenna assembly 200, etc.) with uniform wide spacing. The antenna mounting members, supports, or pieces (e.g., antenna mounting members 140, 240, etc.) may also be configured in such a way to provide proper support for both a two element configuration (e.g., antenna assembly 100 etc.) with narrow spacing as well as the four element configuration (e.g., antenna assembly 200, etc.) with uniform wide spacing. For example, and as shown in
Alternative embodiments may include different means for connecting the balun to the bow tie antennas 204, 214, 274, 284. The antenna assembly 200 may further include a connector (not shown) for connecting a coaxial cable 226 (
The antenna assembly 200 may be assembled and mounted to a mast 224 as shown in
Electrical data for the antenna assembly 200 included a design pass band for UHF 470 MHz to 698 MHz with channels 14-51, a nominal impedance of 75 ohms, and an F-Female connector. In addition, the performance data included computer-based front-to-back ratio of boresight gain to maximum gain in the rear hemisphere based on the azimuth and elevation cuts of about 15.18 dB at 470 MHz, about 16.79 dB at 546 MHz, about 17.78 dB at 622 MHz, and about 17.05 dB at 698 MHz.
With further regard for the performance characteristics of the antenna assembly 200, this exemplary embodiment of the antenna assembly 200 has a peak gain of 14.4 dBi, and a front to back ratio greater than 18 dBi. Also, this exemplary antenna assembly 200 had a strong performance across the digital television (DTV) spectrum as shown by the line graphs in
Any of the various embodiments may include one or more components (e.g., bow tie antenna, balun, reflector, etc.) similar to components of antenna assembly 100 or 200. In addition, any of the various embodiments may be operable and configured similar to the antenna assembly 100 or 200 in at least some embodiments thereof. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure include antenna assemblies that may be scalable to any number of (one or more) bow tie antennas depending, for example, on the particular end-use, signals to be received or transmitted by the antenna assembly, and/or desired operating range for the antenna assembly.
Other embodiments relate to methods of making and/or using antenna assemblies. Various embodiments relate to methods of receiving digital television signals, such as high definition television signals within a frequency range of about 174 megahertz to about 216 megahertz and/or a frequency range of about 470 megahertz to about 690 megahertz. In one example embodiment, a method generally includes connecting at least one communication link (e.g., coaxial cable 126, etc.) from an antenna assembly (e.g., 100, 200, etc.) to a television for communicating signals to the television that are received by the antenna assembly. In this method embodiment, the antenna assembly may include at least one pair of spaced apart bow tie antennas (e.g., 104, 114, 204, 214, 274, 284, etc.) and at least one reflector element (e.g., 150, 250, 252, etc.). In another example, a method may include mounting an antenna assembly including at least one pair of spaced apart bow tie antennas and at least one reflector element, where the antenna assembly is to be supported on a horizontal or vertical surface.
The antenna assembly may be operable for receiving high definition television signals having a frequency range of about 470 megahertz and about 690 megahertz. The antenna elements (along with reflector size and spacing) may be tuned to at least one electrical resonant frequency for operating within a bandwidth ranging from about 470 megahertz to about 690 megahertz. The reflector element may be spaced apart from the antenna elements for reflecting electromagnetic waves generally towards the antenna elements and generally affecting impedance bandwidth and directionality.
Embodiments of an antenna assembly disclosed herein may be configured to provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be specifically configured for reception (e.g., tuned and/or targeted, etc.) for use with the year 2009 digital television (DTV) spectrum of frequencies (e.g., HDTV signals within a first frequency range of about 174 megahertz and about 216 megahertz and signals within a second frequency range of about 470 megahertz and about 690 megahertz, etc.) and be relatively highly efficient and have relatively good gain and consistency across the 2009 DTV spectrum. With such relatively good efficiency and gain, high quality television reception may be achieved without requiring or needing amplification of the signals received by some exemplary antenna embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, exemplary embodiments may also be configured for receiving VHF and/or UHF signals.
Exemplary embodiments of bow tie antennas and antenna assemblies have been disclosed herein as being used for reception of digital television signals, such as HDTV signals. Alternative embodiments, however, may include antenna elements tuned for receiving non-television signals and/or signals having frequencies not associated with HDTV. Other embodiments may be used for receiving FM signals, UHF signals, VHF signals, etc. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to receiving only television signals having a frequency or within a frequency range associated with digital television or HDTV. Antenna assemblies disclosed herein may alternatively be used in conjunction with any of a wide range of electronic devices, such as radios, computers, etc. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to use with only televisions and signals associated with television.
Numerical dimensions and specific materials disclosed herein are provided for illustrative purposes only. The particular dimensions and specific materials disclosed herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, as other embodiments may be sized differently, shaped differently, and/or be formed from different materials and/or processes depending, for example, on the particular application and intended end use.
Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, and “rearward” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent, but arbitrary, frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.
When introducing elements or features and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as frequency ranges, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, and 3-9.
The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/358,047 filed on Jan. 25, 2012 (issuing on Mar. 18, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,674,897) which, in turn, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/555,629 filed Nov. 4, 2011. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20140198007 A1 | Jul 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61555629 | Nov 2011 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13358047 | Jan 2012 | US |
Child | 14215675 | US |