TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to an improved center rod plunger with a clutch assembly, and methods of operating and using the same.
DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND
It is well known that production from oil and gas wells can suffer due to the build-up of fluids at the bottom of the well. Various methods and devices have been developed to remove those fluids so as to improve the well's productivity. The present invention assists in that process.
SUMMARY
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is later discussed.
Described herein are embodiments of systems and apparatuses that include a center rod plunger wherein movement of the center rod is at least partially controlled by a clutch. In an embodiment, of which there are others, including still others that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having read the present specification and drawings, the center rod has a shaft whose diameter may vary and a clutch that may include a one-piece device, as described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a center rod plunger assembly in its closed position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a center rod plunger assembly in its open position;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 1, including cross section line 9-9;
FIG. 4 is a back view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a front view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 2, including cross section line 10-10;
FIG. 6 is a back view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a top view of one embodiment of a center rod plunger assembly;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a center rod plunger assembly;
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along cross section line 9-9;
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 5 taken along cross section line 10-10;
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a portion of a center rod plunger assembly including a clutch assembly;
FIG. 12 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a center rod plunger assembly including a clutch assembly;
FIG. 13 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a center rod plunger assembly including a clutch assembly;
FIG. 14 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a center rod plunger assembly;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a center rod plunger assembly;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a center rod plunger assembly;
FIG. 17 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a center rod plunger assembly;
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a center rod plunger assembly;
FIG. 19 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly, including cross-sectional line 20-20;
FIG. 20 is a cross-section view taken along cross-sectional line 20-20 shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly;
FIG. 22 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly;
FIG. 23 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly;
FIG. 25 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly;
FIG. 26 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clutch assembly;
FIG. 29 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 28;
FIG. 30 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 28, including cross section line 31-31;
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 30 taken along cross section line 31-31 in FIG. 30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended or implied. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.
The present embodiments describe an improved center rod plunger with a clutch assembly. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the purpose, function, and operation of a center rod plunger. Essentially, a center rod plunger is a device for removing fluids from a well. The plunger is released into the top of a well, were it then travels/falls down the well. When it strikes the bottom (or a stopper) of the well, the plunger's center rod is forced into its “closed” position, such that fluid and gases are substantially prohibited from passing through the interior of the plunger. When the pressure below the plunger is sufficiently greater than the pressure above the plunger, the plunger begins to rise/ascend (or travel up) toward the top of the well. This upward travel, in combination with the fact that gases and fluids are substantially prevented from traveling through the interior of the plunger, causes the plunger to push such liquids toward the top of the well, where they are eventually removed from the well.
When the plunger reaches the top of the well, typically a rod or other device in the wellhead's lubricator forces the plunger's center rod back into its “open” position, where liquids and gases are allowed to flow through the interior of the plunger. Other mechanisms may be used to dislodge the center rod from its closed position, including gravity, i.e., where the center rod is weighted in proportions such that it is capable (under the correct operational/environmental circumstances) of opening on its own. Where the plunger is not otherwise held or maintained in the lubricator, this causes the plunger to once again fall down the well, where the process/cycle is repeated. In this fashion, liquids can be removed from the well, thereby enabling the well to flow more freely, to the economic benefit of its producer.
Details of the present invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the attached and described drawings. While the drawings collectively seek to illustrate aspects of the invention, the invention is not limited to the details of the drawings themselves.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of center rod plunger assembly 25 in its closed position. As shown, center rod plunger assembly 25 principally includes a plunger body (or mandrel) 26 and a center rod 27. As can be seen and as those skilled in the art will appreciate, center rod 27 can substantially block flow through a bore in plunger body 26 when it is in its “closed” position as shown in FIG. 1, and will it will allow flow through a bore in plunger body 26 when it is in its “open” position as shown in FIG. 2. Flow through the plunger beings at or toward one end, travels through an internal bore in the plunger, and then travels out of the plunger at or toward its opposite end. In this example, when the plunger is descending in the well (i.e., traveling from a top of the well to a bottom of the well) in its open position shown in FIG. 2, flow will travel into plunger body 26 as shown at inlet 26a and out of plunger body 26 at outlet 26b. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that plunger body 26 could have other/additional ports supporting flow into or out of the plunger.
As indicated, when center rod plunger assembly 25 is in its closed position as shown in FIG. 1, no (or at least substantially no) flow will enter inlet 26a. As described above, when the plunger is closed and pressure below the plunger is sufficiently greater than pressure above the plunger, the plunger will begin to rise in the well bore, thereby pushing liquid above the plunger to the surface of the well. The various exemplary ribs shown on the outside surface of plunger body 26 assist in pushing liquid in the well to the surface.
FIGS. 1-7 further show an exemplary embodiment in which center rod plunger assembly 25 includes one or more helical vents 28 positioned toward one end of plunger body 26. These vents, if employed, can induce a rotational movement of the plunger as it travels through a well bore, thereby inducing a more even wear on the outside surface of the plunger. Finally, center rod plunger assembly 25 is shown as including center rod stop 29, which as shown below in FIGS. 12-17 can (optionally) be removable from one end of center rod 27. As alluded to above, center rod stop 29 impacts a stop, rod, or other portion of a lubricator at the top of the well so as to drive center rod 27 from its closed position (FIG. 1) to its open position (FIG. 2), thereby readying center rod plunger 25 for another cycle in the well bore.
FIGS. 3-8 are additional views of the same center rod plunger assembly 25 shown in FIGS. 1-2. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a front view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a back view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 1. As explained, FIGS. 3-4 show the center rod plunger assembly in its close position. FIG. 5 is a front view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a back view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 2. As explained, FIGS. 5-6 show the center rod plunger assembly in its open position. FIG. 7 is a top view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the center rod plunger assembly shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along cross section line 9-9 of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 illustrates some of the exemplary features of center rod plunger assembly 25 not shown in FIGS. 1-8. For example, FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of bore 32 that, in this embodiment, extends from a first end of center rod plunger assembly 25 to an opposite end of center rod plunger assembly 25. It is this bore, in this embodiment, through which center rod 27 extends, and through which well gases and liquids travel when the assembly is in its open position. Indeed, as shown in FIG. 9, center rod 27 substantially seals the lower end of bore 32 (i.e., the end closest to bottom of the well) when center rod plunger assembly 25 is in its closed position (see FIG. 9), and it provides for inlet 26a when center rod plunger assembly 25 is in its open position (see FIG. 10). Note that FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 5 taken along cross section line 10-10 in FIG. 5.
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of body 26. FIG. 11, like FIGS. 9-10, further illustrates an exemplary embodiment of clutch receptacle 30 and clutch 31. Clutch receptacle 30 is a place or area in bore 32 shaped and positioned to retain (or assist in retaining) clutch 31. In an embodiment, clutch receptacle 30 is preferably located at one end of body 26 and radially spaced along bore 32 to be substantially in line with helical vents 28. Clutch 31 need not take on any particular shape or special characteristic other than to retard movement of center rod 25 between its open and closed positions. FIGS. 19-31, which will be described in more detail below, illustrate examples of possible clutches, but the invention is not limited to such examples. Specifically, as shown in the example of FIGS. 9-11, clutch 31 is retained in clutch receptacle 30 and center rod 27 passes there-through and/or thereby so that clutch 31 imparts a frictional force on center rod 27 so as to retard movement of center rod 27 between its open and closed positions. In an embodiment of the present invention it is preferred that center rod 27 remain in its closed (or substantially closed) position as the center rod plunger assembly 25 is traveling up the well, and likewise that center rod plunger assembly 25 remain in its open (or substantially open) position as the center rod plunger assembly 25 is traveling down the well. Clutch 31 at least assists in that function/operation.
FIGS. 12-17 illustrate exemplary embodiments and aspects of center rod 27. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a front view of one embodiment of center rod 27, including center rod stop 29 attached thereto, as described above. Also shown in FIGS. 12-13 is an embodiment of clutch 31 mounted on center rod 27. As explained above, clutch 31 is intended to retard movement of center rod 27 between is open and closed position relative to body 26 of center rod plunger assembly 25. In this particular embodiment, clutch 31 retards movement of center rod 27 by exerting a frictional force on rod 27 about its circumferential surface, although other clutch mechanisms are within the spirit of the present invention.
As the embodiments of FIGS. 12-15 show, center rod 27 also may be adapted to include at least one region (and in this case two such regions) of reduced diameter identified as region 33a and region 33b. In these regions, due to their reduced diameter, the frictional force exerted by clutch 31 on center rod 27 will be less than the frictional force exerted by clutch 31 on center rod 27 when, for example, clutch 31 is positioned on center rod 27 in a region (of relative increased diameter) between regions 33a and 33b. As those skilled in the art will note from this disclosure, when center rod 27 and clutch 31 are positioned such that clutch 31 is positioned in region 33a, center rod plunger assembly 25 will be substantially in its open position, and when center rod 27 and clutch 31 are positioned such that clutch 31 is positioned in region 33b, center rod plunger assembly 25 will be substantially in its closed position.
The relative increase in diameter of center rod 27 between regions 33a and 33b is sufficient to enable clutch 31 to retard movement of center rod 27 between is opened and closed positions. Stated otherwise, the region of increased diameter between regions 33a and 33b is sized so that center rod 27 is biased to remain in either its open or closed position, but also able to move between the two positions when center rod plunger assembly 25 hits the bottom of the well (thereby driving center rod 27 from its open to its closed position) or the top of the well (thereby driving center rod 27 from its closed to its open position). In other words, the force exerted on center rod 27 by hitting either the top or bottom of the well is greater than the frictional force exerted on center rod 27 by clutch 31 when the clutch is positioned on the center rod between regions 33a and 33b. In this manner, center rod plunger assembly 25 is designed to generally remain in its closed position as it is ascending in the well, and to generally remain in its open position when it is descending in the well. One perceived advantage of this shaft/clutch design is that it reduces tension and/or wear on the clutch when compared to a shaft of constant diameter since the dart only transitions between its open and closed positions a fraction of the time that it is in use.
All of this said, in another embodiment, center rod 27 could have a constant outside diameter (at least in the region of travel of clutch 31) such that there is no material difference in the diameter of the rod (relative to its interaction with center rod 27) when it is positioned in its open position, its closed position, or there-between, noting however that the outside diameter is at least sufficient to retard movement of the center rod while the assembly is traveling in the well bore, but not so much as to prevent it from moving between its open/closed position when it reaches the bottom/top of the well.
Finally, FIG. 16 is perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of center rod stop 29. FIG. 17 is a front view of the same. As shown in connection with FIGS. 13-15, one embodiment of rod stop 29 is such that it can be mounted on center rod 27 via a threaded connection. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other connections are possible, and that center rod 27 and rod stop 29 can be a single piece.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the upper portion of body 26 of center rod plunger assembly 25. Shown in FIG. 18 are helical vents 28, clutch receptacle 30, and bore 32. Likewise shown is ramped surface 34, which in this embodiment has an inside diameter that decreases as the ramped surface travels from one end of body 26 toward clutch receptacle 30. One purpose of this ramped surface is to facilitate the insertion or mounting of clutch 31 in clutch receptacle 30. Specifically, for those embodiments of clutches that are sufficiently deformable, such clutches can be mounted at the opening of bore 32 in body 26 (i.e., in this embodiment on ramp 34 at its greatest inside diameter) and pushed toward clutch receptacle 30, thereby being deformed by the decreasing inside diameter of ramp 34, and ultimately deformed enough and passed far enough along ramp 34 that the clutch will enter cultch receptacle 30 and, once therein, retake its original form. This can be accomplished in some embodiments using a tool to aid in the insertion of the clutch and in other embodiments without the aid of a tool.
FIG. 19 is a side view of one embodiment of clutch 31 shown in FIGS. 9-13. Clutch 31 has been labeled 120 for purposes of FIG. 19. As shown, this embodiment of clutch 120 is a single element (i.e., it is not a multi-piece clutch) having a specific shape, sometimes referred to as a collet clutch. Namely, in this embodiment the clutch is generally circular with at least one inside diameter sized to create a frictional interface with center rod 27 and at least one outside diameter sized to seat in clutch receptacle 30. Still further, this embodiment of clutch 120 includes at least one or more slots 121 so that the entire inner circumference of clutch 120 is not imparting a frictional force on center rod 27. Likewise, this embodiment of clutch 120 includes one or more tapered sides so, once again, the entire inner circumference of clutch 120 is not imparting a frictional force on center rod 27. Both slots 121 and the tapering of the sides of clutch 120 function at least in part so that clutch 120 does not wear out as fast as it otherwise would without the slots and/or tapered sides.
FIG. 20 is a cross-section view taken along cross-sectional line 20-20 shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 20 better depicts the varying inside and outside diameters of that embodiment of clutch 120 as well as slots 121.
FIG. 21 is a top view of the embodiment of clutch 120 shown in FIGS. 19-20. FIG. 22 is a side view of the embodiment of clutch 120 shown in FIGS. 19-20. FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the embodiment of clutch 120 shown in FIGS. 19-20. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the embodiment of clutch 120 shown in FIGS. 19-20. Like FIG. 20, FIGS. 21-24 better depict the varying inside and outside diameters of that embodiment of clutch 120 as well as slots 121.
FIG. 25 is a top view of another embodiment of clutch 31 shown in FIGS. 9-13. Clutch 31 has been labeled 130 for purposes of FIG. 25. FIG. 26 is a side view of that embodiment, and FIG. 27 is a perspective view of that embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 25-27, this embodiment of clutch 130 has a particular shape and characteristics. Namely, this embodiment of clutch 130 includes a slit or gap 131, which as shown extends from the outside diameter to the inside diameter of clutch 130 along its entire length. One purpose of this gap is to give it some flexibility so, for example, the clutch can be spread open to fit onto the outside diameter of center rod 27 and/or deformed while being inserted into clutch receptacle 30 as described above. Moreover, this embodiment of clutch 130 includes outer surface/diameter 133 that in this embodiment is uniform and sized to fit within clutch receptacle 30.
This embodiment of clutch 130 also includes undulating inside surface/diameter 132. In other embodiments, the inside surface/diameter 132 is not undulating. The purpose of undulating inside surface/diameter 132 is at least so the entire inside surface/diameter of clutch 130 does not contact center rod 27.
Finally, as best illustrated by FIG. 25, the center point (or origin) of the outside diameter of clutch 130 is not the same as the center point (or origin) of the inside diameter of clutch 130. As shown, the sidewall of clutch 130 opposite gap 131 is thicker than the sidewall of clutch 130 at gap 131. Accordingly, the thicker sidewall opposite gap 131 is less inclined to crack or break since it is thicker in that region than in other regions of clutch 130, which is believed to be an advantage since the side of clutch 130 opposite gap 131 receives more stress than other regions of clutch 130 due to its location opposite gap 131. That said, other embodiments of clutch 130 include inside and outside diameters on the same center.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of clutch 31 shown in FIGS. 9-13. Clutch 31 has been labeled 140 for purposes of FIG. 28. As shown, this particular embodiment of clutch 140 has an undulating inside diameter 141 akin to that of clutch 130 shown in FIGS. 25-27 in that it includes at least one inside diameter sized to create a frictional interface with center rod 27. Unlike the embodiment of clutch 130, however, this embodiment of clutch 140 includes an outside diameter 142 (than can be smooth or not, i.e., ribbed) that is further characterized by spiral cut 143, which in this embodiment begins on the top surface of clutch 140 and ends on the bottom surface of clutch 140. The outside diameter of clutch 140 is sized to seat in clutch receptacle 30. Other embodiments of clutch 140 are contemplated as specifically within the scope of the present invention. For example, spiral cut 143 need not extend from the top to the bottom of clutch 140. Likewise, the inside diameter of clutch 140 need not include undulating surface 141.
FIG. 29 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 28. Once again, this particular embodiment of clutch 140 is shown including undulating inside diameter 141, outside diameter 142, and the beginning (on the top surface) of spiral cut 143. Likewise, FIG. 30 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 28, including cross section line 31-31. Once again, outside diameter 142 and spiral cut 143 are visible. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 30 taken along cross section line 31-31 in FIG. 30 to once again illustrate undulating inside diameter 141, outside diameter 142, and spiral cut 143.
Further elaborating on the disclosed characteristics of the exemplary center rod 27 of FIGS. 1-10 and 12-15 is the relationship between at least one of the regions of reduced diameter of the center rod relative to the height dimension of clutch 31. The “height” of the clutch is defined as the distance between a bottom and a top of the clutch as it is sitting in its operational position in a plunger deployed in a well.
As indicated above, center rod 27 can have at least a first region of reduced diameter and optionally additional regions of reduced diameter relative to other regions of the center rod. For example, a first region of reduced diameter 33a could relate to the assembly's open position and a second region of reduced diameter 33b could relate to the assembly's closed position. In an embodiment, the length of this second region of reduced diameter is greater than the height of the clutch by an amount desired by the designer as discussed further below. Applicants have designed the difference to be approximately ⅛ inch, but other measurements (larger or smaller) are possible depending on the amount of relative “play” (or relatively free movement) of the center rod between what is described below as the center rod's minimum closed position and the center rod's maximum closed position.
One reason for the differential in length between the length of the second region of reduced diameter and the height of the clutch is because it is desired that the center rod move more freely in this region. As described above, the center rod will move more freely in this region because the reduced diameter of the center rod correspondingly reduces the amount of friction between the center rod and the clutch. As such, the center rod will move more freely between a maximum closed position (i.e., when the center rod is in sealing contact with the bore of the plunger) and a minimum closed position (i.e., when the center rod is not in complete sealing contact with the bore of the plunger). The distance between the maximum closed position and the minimum closed position is substantially the same as the difference between the length of the center rod's second region of reduced diameter and the height of the clutch.
In operation, as described above, the plunger will travel up the wellbore when its center rod is in its maximum closed position and the pressure below the plunger is sufficiently greater than the pressure above the plunger. As the plunger travels up the wellbore, it may experience pressure changes due to pockets of gas, liquid, or other reasons that will be understood by those skilled in the art. In the event the pressure change is such that the pressure below the plunger is not sufficiently greater than the pressure above the plunger to drive the plunger toward the surface, the plunger may stall and/or begin to fall back down the wellbore. In this scenario, due to the differential in length between the length of the second region of reduced diameter and the height of the clutch, the center rod is able to move from its maximum closed position to its minimum closed position, thereby allowing the flow of the well to flush the plunger's clutch mechanism and bore of sand or other debris deleterious to the operation and longevity of the plunger.
When the pressure again changes such that the pressure below the plunger is sufficiently greater than the pressure above the plunger, such pressure differential will cause the plunger's center rod to move from its minimum closed position to its maximum closed position. As such, closure of the center rod is not entirely dependent on the plunger striking a bottom stop in the well, but rather movement of the center rod—between its maximum closed position and its minimum closed position—can be controlled by well conditions when the clutch is positioned in this area of reduced rod diameter. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these pressure changes (that cause the plunger's center rod to move between is minimum and maximum closed positions) can be various and can occur rapidly, such that the path of the plunger to the surface is not always steady or constant. It has been observed and it is believed, however, that the ability of the center rod to move between is minimum and maximum closed positions at least results in more consistent plunger runs than those without it.
Other embodiments that allow the center rod to similarly move between its minimum and maximum closed positions also are possible and within the scope of the present invention. For example, the center rod can freely move between its maximum closed position and its minimum closed position where the height of clutch receptacle 30 is larger than the height of clutch 31. In other words, by sizing the height of clutch receptacle 30 to be larger than the height of clutch 31, the plunger can accomplish the same function of having its center rod move between a maximum and minimum closed position in the same manner as described above by including on the center rod a region of reduced diameter greater in length than the height of the clutch.
The embodiments could also be combined such that the distance between the maximum closed position and the minimum closed position is a function of both (1) the difference between the height of the clutch receptacle and the height of the clutch; and (2) the difference between the length of an area of reduced diameter of the center rod and the height of the clutch. In any of the embodiments, the various clutches disclosed herein could be used, i.e., the clutch disclosed in FIGS. 19-24, the clutch disclosed in FIGS. 25-27, or the clutch disclosed in FIGS. 28-31. Notably, however, other clutch designs are within the scope of the present invention.
Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and Figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.
Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operably coupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.
Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
Patent Application
20240102464
