Patent Grant
11090227
This disclosure relates devices for transferring the contents of one container into another container.
Transferring contents of containers can be a part of many operations, such as the preparation of reagents, buffer preparation, stock solution preparation, preparation of samples for testing, etc. In some examples of transferring contents of containers, material in one container can be transferred to another container containing another material which can be a fluid or a solid. Transferring the material from a container can result in the loss of at least a portion of the material being transferred, the contamination of the material or exposure of personnel or equipment to the material being transferred. In addition, particular instances of materials transfers can be constrained by requirements of accuracy and reproducibility as well as timing constraints.
It is desirable to have devices and methods that can assist in transferring material from a container and that can in some cases reduce potential for contamination or exposure, improve safety or to simplify or streamline the transfer.
In a first aspect disclosed herein a material transfer connector is provided, the material transfer connector comprising: a base; a first elongate structure having first and second end, the first elongate structure extending from a first side of the base at the first end to the second end distal the base, the second end forming a first opening sized and configured to receive a first container; a second elongate structure having a third and fourth end, the second elongate structure extending from a second side of the base at the third end to the fourth end distal the base, the fourth end forming a second opening sized and configured to receive a second container; a duct extending through the base and having a first tip skirted on one or more sides by the first elongate structure and a second tip skirted on one or more sides by the second elongate structure; a first guard positioned within the first elongate structure, wherein the first guard comprises a first surface, and the first surface is located further away from the base than the first tip; and a second guard positioned within the second elongate structure, wherein the second guard comprises a second surface, and the second surface is located further away from the base than the second tip; wherein, when the first container is moved into the first opening, the first surface moves toward the base, and the first tip enters the first container, and when the second container is moved into the second opening, the second surface moves toward the base, and the second tip enters the second container, creating a fluid path between the first and the second containers.
In a second aspect, a method of transferring a fluid between containers, the method comprising: moving a first container into the first opening of a material transfer connector, wherein the material transfer connector comprises: a base; a first elongate structure having first and second ends, the first elongate structure extending from a first side of the base at the first end to the second end distal the base, the second end forming a first opening sized and configured to receive a first container; a second elongate structure having a third and fourth end, the second elongate structure extending from a second side of the base at the third end to the fourth end distal the base, the fourth end forming a second opening sized and configured to receive a second container; a duct extending through the base and having a first tip skirted on one or more sides by the first elongate structure and a second tip skirted on one or more sides by the second elongate structure; a first guard positioned within the first elongate structure, wherein the first guard comprises a first surface, and the first surface is located further away from the base than the first tip; and a second guard positioned within the second elongate structure, wherein the second guard comprises a second surface, and the second surface is located further away from the base than the second tip; wherein, when the first container is moved into the first opening, the first surface moves toward the base, and the first tip enters the first container, and when the second container is moved into the second opening, the second surface moves toward the base, and the second tip enters the second container, creating a fluid path between the first and the second containers, and the first surface moves toward the base and the first tip enters the first container and creates a fluid path between the first container and a second container present in the second opening; and transferring fluid between the first and second containers
In a third aspect, a material transfer connector is provided, the material transfer connector comprising: a base; a first elongate structure having first and second ends, the first elongate structure extending from a first side of the base at the first end to the second end distal the base, the second end forming a first opening sized and configured to receive a first container; a duct extending through the base and having a first tip skirted on one or more sides by the first elongate structure; a first guard positioned within the first elongate structure, wherein the first guard comprises a first surface, and the first surface is located further away from the base than the first tip; and wherein, when the first container is moved into the first opening, the first surface moves toward the base, and the first tip enters the first container, creating a fluid path for the first container.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.
Some uses of material transfer apparatus can include use with quality control materials or be in a quality control setting. Commercially available quality control materials can be used in the clinical diagnostics laboratories to monitor the precision and accuracy of both manual and automated clinical test methods and procedures. These controls can be prepared by spiking various analytes (e.g. drugs, hormones, enzymes, antibodies, etc.) into a base matrix containing various additives such as stabilizers and antimicrobial agents and are offered in liquid and lyophilized formats. Processed human base matrices such as human serum or human urine can be used in some embodiments for manufacturing of quality controls in order to ensure that the controls are as sensitive as the actual patient samples to anticipated analytical variances. Quality controls can be offered as single analyte or multi-analyte controls in bi-level or tri-level configurations to monitor and challenge the performance of the test methods at above, near, and below the medical decision point for each assay. In some embodiments, controls can have analyte lists that contain related analytes, for example tumor markers, or analytes measured by one type of detection technology, for example, routine chemistry analytes measured by photometry or urinalysis analytes measured by reflectance photometry using dry chemistry strips. In some cases, controls can be originally designed, developed, and optimized to address the needs of a few popular test methods and technologies (e.g. analyte concentration, number of control levels, etc.), and can be changed as the detection technologies change. In addition, quality control materials can be designed to be stable, provide lot-to-lot reproducibility, and be cost effective.
Several embodiments of methods or processes can be envisioned for preparing customized controls, which can quickly and easily be prepared on demand at the point of use and can meet the quality control needs of a lab with regards to the following requirements:
In some instances, the amount of manual handling or transferring of materials (whether dry or fluid) can be reduced by the use of a connector between the containers holding the components to be combined, where the connector allows one material to pass from one container, through the connector and to the other container. Such a connector can in some embodiments facilitate the introduction of a volume of the base matrix (solid or fluid) to analyte beads (or other solid or fluid) in order to reconstitute the analyte beads or combine the materials and prepare the quality control material. In some embodiments, the base matrix and/or the analyte beads (or other solid or fluid) can be premeasured and charged to the containers to be used with the connector.
A material transfer connector can be configured to interface with a container, such as a bottle, flask, test tube, beaker, syringe, jar, pipette, or other container, whether closed or open. A material transfer connector can also be configured to interface with equipment, such as a reactor, tank, chromatography system, or other piece of laboratory, industrial or analytic equipment. In some embodiments, a material transfer connector can interface with two containers, two pieces of equipment or a container and a piece of test equipment. In some embodiments, the material transfer connector can facilitate the transfer of a fluid or solid or combination thereof in one container to a container holding a fluid, a solid, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments of a material transfer connector, a duct 12 can have a second tip 18 which is configured to interface a second container 24 or a piece of equipment. The second tip 18 can be of any appropriate design, such as those described herein for the first tip 16, where the design of the first tip 16 and the second tip 18 are independently selected.
In some embodiments, a first elongate structure 26 can extend from the base 14 at a first end 48 of the first elongate structure 26 to a second end 46 of the first elongate structure 26 in a position to skirt the first tip 16 on one or more sides. The first elongate structure 26 can extend parallel to the duct 12 and can serve as a guide for a first container 20, such as by interfacing with an end of the first container 20 or a side of the first container 20 or a side and an end of first container 20 to assist in aligning the first container 20 with the duct 12. In some embodiments, the elongate structure 26 can align the first container 20 radially in relation to the duct 12, the first tip 16 or the apex 22 of the first tip 16. In some embodiments, the first elongate structure 26 can align the first container 20 angularly in relation to the duct 12, the first tip 16 or the apex 22 of the first tip 16. In some embodiments, the alignment (radially and/or angularly) of the first container can locate the first container 16 in order for the first tip 16 to enter the first container 20 at a predetermined location, such as through a penetrable lid 30 on the first container 20.
Penetrable lids can be resealable or non-resealable. In some embodiments, the lid 30 can comprise an elastomeric or plastic material, such as at the predetermined point. Elastomeric materials can be any suitable elastomeric material, such as those that are chemically and structurally compatible with the intended contents and storage conditions (e.g. temperature, pressure, vacuum, etc.). Elastomeric materials can include, for example, rubber (natural or synthetic) as well as other types of elastomeric materials such as urethanes, nitrile, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene, polybutadiene, etc. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material can be in the form of a membrane, such as can be used in a medical vial, configured for piercing by a hypodermic needle. Plastic materials can be any suitable plastic material, including hard and soft plastics, such as materials that are chemically and structurally compatible with the intended contents and storage conditions (e.g. temperature, pressure, vacuum, etc.).
In some embodiments, the elongate structure 26 can be located along duct 12 on only one side of duct 12 and can be configured to allow a first container to move along duct 12 in a position for the first tip to enter the first container, such as by the first tip piercing lid 30 of the first container 20.
In some embodiments, the lid 30 can extend into the opening of the first or second container 20, 24. The lid 30 can extend entirely or partially into the first or second container 20, 24. In some embodiments, an elastomeric lid 30 or an elastomeric portion of lid 30 can extend into the first or second container. In some embodiments, the lid 30 can seal against a top of first or second container or against an interior surface of first or second container. In some embodiments such as that shown in
In some embodiments of a lid 30, external threads 60 can be present.
In some embodiments, the elongate structure 26 can be located on two or more sides of duct 12, such as by being comprised of two or more portions extending from base 14 at different locations on base 14. In some embodiments, multiple portions of elongate structure 26 can be positioned to skirt duct 12 by being positioned around duct 12 at two or more locations. In some embodiments, multiple portions of elongate structure 26 can be positioned to skirt duct 12 by forming a fence or wall around at least a portion of duct 12. In some embodiments, elongate structure 26 can comprise a plurality of separate portions extending from base 14.
In some embodiments, elongate structure 26 can wrap either entirely around duct 12, such as by being in the form of a cylinder or other closed structure (e.g. oval or polygonal) or partially around duct 12, such as by being in the form of a curved wall.
In some embodiments, the elongate structure can extend from the base 14 for a distance approximately equal to the distance the duct 12 extends from the base 14 into the first opening 2 or 1-2× or 2-3× or 3-4× or more times this distance. In some embodiments, the elongate structure 26 can extend from base 14 for less than the distance the duct 12 extends from the base 14 into the first opening 2. In some embodiments, the elongate structure 26 can extend a sufficient distance from base 14 for alignment of duct 12 to first container 20 and/or lid 30 of first container 20 prior to duct 12 contacting or entering first container 20 or lid 30 of first container 20. In some embodiments, the elongate structure 26 can align the first container by skirting the first container 20 on a sufficient number of sides (or over a sufficient portion of the circumference of first container 20 to limit the radial positioning of first container 20 for first tip 16 to enter first container 20 or its lid 30 at a predetermined point or within an acceptable margin of the predetermined point. In some embodiments, the predetermined point or the predetermined point and acceptable margin can be a region that is thinner and/or of a different material or otherwise more easily penetrated than adjacent areas of lid 30 or first container 20. In some embodiments, the elongate structure 26 can align the first container 20 angularly by skirting duct 12 and interacting with an end or a side of container 20 to limit changes the angular position of container 20 in relation to duct 12 or first tip 16, such as for the first tip 16 to enter container 20 through an area of low or no obstruction. In some embodiments, misalignment can result in first tip 16 contacting or being blocked by a portion of an end or a side of container 20 while the first container 20 is being moved into the first opening or along the first elongate structure 26 toward first tip 16. In some embodiments, misalignment can result in first tip 16 attempting to pass through a portion of lid 30 that is thicker than at the predetermined point or that is harder or otherwise more difficult for the first tip 16 to penetrate than the predetermined point.
In some embodiments, the connector 1 can have a second elongate structure 28 that can extend from the base 14 at a first end 52 of the second elongate structure 28 to a second end 50 of the second elongate structure 28 in a position to skirt the second tip 18 on one or more sides. In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can extend parallel to the duct 12 and can serve as a guide for a second container 24, such as by interfacing with an end of the second container 24 or a side of the second container 24 or a side and an end of second container 24 to assist in aligning the second container 24 with the duct 12. In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can align the second container 24 radially in relation to the duct 12, the second tip 18 or the apex 34 of the second tip 18. In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can align the second container 24 angularly in relation to the duct 12, the second tip 18 or the apex 34 of the second tip 18. In some embodiments, the alignment (radially and/or angularly) of the second container can locate the second container 24 in order for the second tip 18 to enter the second container 24 at a predetermined location, such as through a penetrable lid 30 on the second container 24.
In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can be located along duct 12 on only one side of duct 12 and can be configured to allow a second container to move along duct 12 in a position for the first tip to en2.
In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can be located on two or more sides of duct 12, such as by being comprised of two or more portions extending from base 14 at different locations on base 14. In some embodiments, multiple portions of second elongate structure 28 can be positioned to skirt duct 12 by being positioned around duct 12 at two or more locations. In some embodiments, multiple portions of second elongate structure 28 can be positioned to skirt duct 12 by forming a fence or wall around at least a portion of duct 12. In some embodiments, second elongate structure 28 can comprise a plurality of separate portions extending from base 14.
In some embodiments, second elongate structure 28 can wrap either entirely around duct 12, such as by being in the form of a cylinder or other closed structure (e.g. oval or polygonal) or partially around duct 12, such as by being in the form of a curved wall.
In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can extend from the base 14 for a distance approximately equal to the distance the duct 12 extends from the base 14 into the second opening 4 or 1-2× or 2-3× or 3-4× or more times this distance. In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can extend from base 14 for less than the distance the duct 12 extends from the base 14 into the second opening 4. In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can extend a sufficient distance from base 14 for alignment of duct 12 to second container 24 and/or lid 30 of second container 24 prior to duct 12 contacting or entering second container 24 or lid 30 of second container 24. In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can align the first container by skirting the second container 24 on a sufficient number of sides (or over a sufficient portion of the circumference of second container 24 to limit the radial positioning of second container 24 for second tip 18 to enter second container 24 or its lid 30 at a predetermined point or within an acceptable margin of the predetermined point. In some embodiments, the predetermined point or the predetermined point and acceptable margin can be a region that is thinner and/or of a different material or otherwise more easily penetrated than adjacent areas of lid 30 or second container 24. In some embodiments, the second elongate structure 28 can align the second container 24 angularly by skirting duct 12 and interacting with an end or a side of second container 24 to limit changes the angular position of second container 24 in relation to duct 12 or second tip 18, such as for the second tip 18 to enter second container 24 through an area of low or no obstruction. In some embodiments, misalignment can result in second tip 18 contacting or being blocked by a portion of an end or a side of second container 24 while the second container 24 is being moved into the second opening or along the second elongate structure 28 toward second tip 18. In some embodiments, misalignment can result in second tip 18 attempting to pass through a portion of lid 30 that is thicker than at the predetermined point or that is harder or otherwise more difficult for the second tip 18 to penetrate than the predetermined point.
Guard
In some embodiments of a material transfer connector 1, it can be desirable to design the material transfer connector 1 to reduce the likelihood of poking or otherwise injuring a person with the first tip 16 or second tip 18, such as by a fingerstick. In some embodiments, the first elongate structure 26 and/or second elongate structure 28 can be configured to define a channel 6 where a transverse opening dimension 8, such as an opening diameter limits the travel of a finger or other item along the inside of the first and/or second elongate structure 26, 28. In some embodiments, the transverse opening dimension and the distance between the second end 46, 50 of the first or second elongate structure 26, 28 and the first or second tip 16, 18 can be configured to limit the travel of a finger or other item with in the first opening 2 or second opening 4 and reduce the likelihood of a finger or other item contacting the first or second tip 16, 18.
In some embodiments of a material transfer connector 1, a guard can be used to reduce the likelihood of a finger or other item contacting first or second tip 16, 18. In some embodiments of a guard, a first guard 42 can comprise a first surface 54 that is positioned between the base 14 and the second end 46 of the first elongate structure 26. The first surface 54 can be positioned between a tip of the duct and the second end of the elongate structure.
In some embodiments, the first guard 42 can be or comprise a solid material or a compressible material. Suitable solid materials can include metals, woods, plastics, elastomers or other materials that are substantially non-compressible material under conditions of use. Suitable compressible materials can include foams such as closed cell or open cell foams or other material that is sufficiently soft to be compressed by the first container 20 as it enters the first opening 2 and presses against the first surface 54 of first guard 42.
In some embodiments, the material transfer connector 1 can also comprise a spring positioned between the base 14 and the guard. In
As shown in
In some embodiments, the second guard 44 can be or comprise a solid material or a compressible material. Suitable solid materials can include metals, woods, plastics, elastomers or other materials that are substantially non-compressible material under conditions of use. Suitable compressible materials can include foams such as closed cell or open cell foams or other material that is sufficiently soft to be compressed by the second container 24 as it enters the first opening 2 and presses against the first surface 54 of first guard 44. In
As shown in
Thread
In some embodiments, lid 30 can comprise external threads 60. In some embodiments, external threads 60 can be formed integrally with lid 30 or can be assembled with other parts of lid 30.
This disclosure describes systems, devices and methods for combining and mixing of two components. Components can be selected from solids and fluids, with examples including, but not being limited to, lyophilized single or multi-analyte beads and appropriate base matrices (components, whether solid or fluid can include, but are not limited, to water or water-based fluids as as well as solvents or solvent-based fluids and biological fluids and fluid fractions as well as combinations thereof, such as DI water, distilled water, water for injection, saline, D5W, fluid comprising one or more bodily fluid (such as blood, blood fraction (whether from human or animal, such as albumin, immunoglobulin, lipoproteins (such as HDL, LDL VLDL, chylomicrons), cytokines, erythrocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, lipid stripped serum charcoal stripped serum, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, drainage fluid (such as from a surgical site or a wound), pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, saliva), dry forms of or comprising one or more component of bodily fluids such as those described herein, tissue or cell culture media or component, bacterial growth media or component, fruit juice or component, swimming pool water or component, sewage water or component, water with additional components, alcohol, solvent, etc. and combinations thereof), utilizing a material transfer connector to prepare a liquid composition, which can be used as quality control material to monitor the performance of clinical laboratory tests. The material transfer connector device can be made of an appropriate material, such as metal, alloy, elastomer or plastic material and combinations thereof. The resulting liquid compositions can be used as controls, reference and proficiency materials, standards, and calibrators. The method of preparation of the two components and the resulting liquid composition will be described in the following example, which is provided to illustrate the invention in a non-limiting manner:
Preparation of Lyophilized Analyte Spheres:
Analyte spheres or beads were produced as follows. Small-diameter beads (˜3-9 mm) were made from measured amounts of a concentrated liquid (25-250 μL) containing one or multiple analytes by lyophilization.
For preparation of analyte spheres, a solution containing a known concentration of the desired analyte and additives was prepared. The concentration of analyte in the solution used for production of the spheres generally was higher (10 to 1000 times higher) than the target concentration of analyte after reconstitution of the beads in the control. Presented in Table 1 is the formulation of the solution used to prepare analyte beads containing Thyroxine (T4). After combining the compounds shown in Table 1 with DI water, the pH was adjusted to 7.8 using dilute HCl or NaOH.
Presented in Table 2 are the typical characteristics of the Thyroxine analyte beads prepared from the solution presented in Table 1.
Preparation of Base Matrix:
A base matrix (for preparation of an analyte solution from the beads of Table 2) was prepared by dissolving and mixing the appropriate amounts of the compounds listed in Table 3 in DI water to achieve their corresponding concentrations in deionized water. The pH of the base matrix was then adjusted to 7.8 using dilute HCl or NaOH. The composition was then aseptically filtered through a 0.2 μm membrane filter into 250-500 mL sterile polystyrene containers, filled and capped in small glass vials (3 or 5 mL each), and stored at 2-8° C. to prevent microbial growth.
The endogenous levels of various analytes in the base matrix were then determined using commercially available assays and were found to be below the detection limits of the assays.
A sample of the beads of Table 2 were tested by being stored in a first vial under vacuum. A second vial contained the base matrix described above. The first vial was then opened and the contents were emptied into the second vial with base matrix. The second vial was then capped and mixed by inverting. The contents of the second vial were observed visually and no undissolved material was observed.
The results of this test demonstrate that the beads of Table 2 can be stored in a first vial under vacuum and a combined with a base matrix in a second vial by using a material transfer connector 1. For example, a material transfer connector 1, as shown in
Presented in
In this preparation of control material, and as shown in
As described above, the material transfer connector 1 can utilize a double sided needle (duct 12) shielded from inadvertent needle sticks to the user by two layers of plastic as first and second guards 42, 44 that are held in a guard position over the tips of the needle by two springs. The rehydration fluid vial (second container 24) can be first screwed into material transfer connector 1 at first elongate structure 20, puncturing the lid 30. Then, the material transfer connector (first container 20) can be placed on top of the bead vial (second container 24) and pressed down to puncture the lid 30 of the analyte bead(s) vial with duct 12 and form a flow path between the two vials. (In some embodiments, the order of attachment can be reversed.) In some embodiments, the bead(s) can be under vacuum, to facilitate the movement the movement of the fluid into the container holding the bead(s), where when the material transfer connector couples the two vials, the vial containing the analyte bead (e.g. first container) pulls in the material in the second container, such as the rehydration fluid (base matrix). In preferred embodiments, a negligible but reproducible amount of fluid would be retained in the rehydration fluid vial after the transfer.
In some embodiments, the first and/or the second container 20, 24 can be at an elevated pressure, at a vacuum or at atmospheric pressure, with the condition of each container determined independently. When used with the material transfer container 1 in a first preferred embodiment, the first container will be at an elevated pressure and contain material that is to be transferred to the second container, and the second container can be connected to the material transfer connector first, with the pressure in the second container after connection being lower than the pressure in the first container prior to connection, wherein upon connection of the first container, the pressure in the first container will push material from the first container to the second container. Within this first preferred embodiment, the second container can be at a vacuum, at atmospheric pressure or at an elevated pressure prior to connection to the material transfer connector 1.
In a second preferred container, the second container will be the container where the contents of the first container are transferred to, and the second container will be at a vacuum prior to connection to the material transfer container. In this second preferred embodiment, the first container can be connected to the material transfer connector first, with the pressure in the second container prior to connection of the second container to the material transfer connector being lower than the pressure in the first container after the first container is connected to the material transfer connector, wherein the upon connection of the second container to the connector, the vacuum in the second container will draw material from the first container into the second container. Within this second preferred embodiments, the first container can be at vacuum, at atmospheric pressure or at an elevated pressure prior to connection of the first container to the material transfer connector.
In various embodiments, the level of vacuum or pressure of the first and second containers, the needle dimensions as well as the puncture depth of the needle into the container of rehydration fluid can be varied. In some embodiments, the level of vacuum or pressure, the needle dimensions and the puncture depth of the needle into the container of rehydration fluid can be selected to achieve a desired transfer into the bead container or a desired degree of reproducibility in the transfer of rehydration fluid to the bead container.
A rehydrator as shown in
The dimensions of the material transfer connector (e.g. diameter of the openings for receiving the tubes and the distance from the end of the opening that receives the tube to the tip of the needle can be selected to reduce the possibility of a person using the material transfer connector receiving an inadvertent needle stick because the cylinder is too narrow and/or too long for fingers to enter sufficiently to contact the needle. Such a device can also be inexpensive to manufacture and can be disposable. In use, a technician can insert a tube containing rehydration fluid or blood into one end of the material transfer connector sufficiently to puncture the top of the tube, and then the technician inserts a tube containing analyte beads or other material to be combined with the contents of the first tube into the opposite opening of the material transfer connector sufficiently to pierce the top of this second tube, and the contents of the first tube are allowed to move to the second tube. As with Examples 1 and 2, the level of vacuum/pressure, the dimensions of the needle and the puncture depth can be varied as desired.
Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the present invention to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed herein.
The foregoing Detailed Description of exemplary and preferred embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure in accordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described, but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how the invention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. The possibility of modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by the description of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances, feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineering specifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementations or with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should be implied therefrom. Applicant has made this disclosure with respect to the current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and that adaptations in the future may take into consideration of those advancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of the art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or step is explicitly recited in the Claims.
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