Patent Application
20130207492
Some conventional electric machines include a stator assembly disposed around a rotor assembly. Some stator assemblies include a plurality of conductors positioned within a stator core. During operation of some electric machines, a current flows through the at least some of the conductors. In order to prevent potential short circuit events and or grounding incidents, some conventional configurations for stator assemblies require multiple insulation layers between and amongst the conductors. Moreover, during operation of some electric machines, heat energy can be generated by both the stator assembly and the rotor assembly, as well as some other components of the electric machine. The increase in heat energy produced by some elements of the electric machine can lead to inefficient machine operations.
Some embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including a housing. The housing can include a machine cavity. In some embodiments, an electric machine can be at least partially positioned within the machine cavity and can include a stator assembly. The stator assembly can include a stator core with slots. The stator core can include a first axial end and a second axial end. In some embodiments, conductors can be positioned in at least some of the slots. In some embodiments, the conductors can include a turn portion extending between leg portions. The leg portions can include an angled portion and a connection portion. In some embodiments, conductors can be positioned within the plurality of slots so that the angled portions and the connection portions extend from the stator core at the first axial end and the turn portions extend from the stator core at the second axial end. In some embodiments, at least one insulation member can be disposed over one or more of the leg portions extending from the stator core at the first axial side so that the connection portions are at least partially uncovered by the insulation members, and at least some of the angled portions are at least partially covered by the insulation members.
Some embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including a housing. The housing can include a machine cavity. In some embodiments, an electric machine can be at least partially positioned within the machine cavity and can include a stator assembly. The stator assembly can include a stator core with slots. In some embodiments, the stator assembly can comprise an insertion end and a weld end, and at least one slot member can be disposed in at least a portion of the slots. In some embodiments, a plurality of conductors can be disposed in at least some of the plurality of slots so that the conductors are at least partially disposed within the slot members. In some embodiments, the conductors can include a first portion extending from the weld end and a second portion extending from the insertion end. The first portion can comprise at least a connection portion and an angled portion. In some embodiments, at least one half of the slot members are configured and arranged to extend from a point substantially adjacent to the connection portions toward a point substantially adjacent to the second portions of the plurality of conductors.
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives that fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.
The electric machine 20 can include a rotor assembly 24, a stator assembly 26, and bearings 28, and can be disposed about a shaft 30. As shown in
In some embodiments, the electric machine 20 can be operatively coupled to the housing 12. For example, the electric machine 20 can be fit within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the electric machine 20 can be fit within the housing 12 using an interference fit, a shrink fit, other similar friction-based fits that can at least partially operatively couple the machine 20 and the housing 12. For example, in some embodiments, the stator assembly 26 can be shrunk fit into the module housing 12. Further, in some embodiments, the fit can at least partially secure the stator assembly 26, and as a result, the electric machine 20, in axial, radial and circumferential directions. In some embodiments, during operation of the electric machine 20 the fit between the stator assembly 26 and the housing 12 can at least partially serve to transfer torque from the stator assembly 26 to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the fit can result in a generally greater amount of torque retained by the module 10.
The electric machine 20 can be, without limitation, an electric motor, such as a hybrid electric motor, an electric generator, or a vehicle alternator. In one embodiment, the electric machine 20 can be a High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) electric motor, an interior permanent magnet electric motor, or an induction motor for hybrid vehicle applications.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the stator winding 36 can comprise a plurality of conductors 44. In some embodiments, the conductors 44 can comprise a substantially segmented configuration (e.g., a hairpin configuration), as shown in
In some embodiments, the stator assembly 26 can comprise one or more insulating members, apparatuses, and/or other structures configured and arranged to provide mechanical, electrical, and physical insulation to some portions of the stator assembly 26. In some embodiments, at least a portion of some of the conductors 44 can comprise a first insulation 50. For example, in some embodiments, the first insulation 50 can comprise a resinous material such as an epoxy or an enamel that can be reversibly or irreversibly coupled to at least a portion of the conductors 44. In some embodiments, because an electrical current circulates through the conductors 44 during operation of the electric machine 20, the first insulation 50 can function, at least in part, to substantially prevent short circuits and/or grounding events between neighboring conductors 44 and/or conductors 44 and the stator core 34.
In some embodiments, the first insulation 50 can comprise a shrunk-fit structure coupled to at least some of the conductors 44 so that the first insulation 50 is retained when the conductors 44 are disposed within the stator core 28. In some embodiments, the first insulation 50 can be wrapped, wound, or otherwise disposed on, or coupled to, the conductors (e.g., via an adhesive). In some embodiments, as discussed further below, at least a portion of the conductors 44 can substantially function without some or all of the first insulation 50.
In some embodiments, the conductors 44 can be generally fabricated from a substantially linear conductor 44 that can be configured and arranged to a shape substantially similar to the conductor in
In some embodiments, the stator assembly 26 can comprise a second layer of insulation. In some embodiments, the second layer of insulation can comprise at least one slot member 52. In some embodiments, the stator assembly 26 can comprise at least one slot member 52 disposed in one or more of the slots 42. For example, one or more slot members 52 can be disposed in some or all of the slots 42. In some embodiments, each slot 42 can comprise at least one slot member 52. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the slot members 52 can comprise a substantially cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the slot members 52 can comprise other shapes, such as square, rectangular, hemispherical, regular or irregular polygonal, etc. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the slot members 52 can comprise any shape desired and/or needed by the manufacturer or user. Moreover, in some embodiments, the slot members 52 can be configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of one or more conductors 44, as described in further detail below.
In some embodiments, the slot member 52 can comprise materials that can resist abrasion, can provide electrical and/or mechanical insulation, can comprise thermally-conductive properties, and/or can comprise other properties desired by a manufacturer or user. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the slot members 52 can comprise materials such as polyimides (e.g., Kapton®), polyamides, polyester, polyamideimide, polyethylene terephthalate film (e.g., Mylar®), para-aramid (e.g., Kevlar®), meta-aramid (e.g., Nomex®) or other materials. In some embodiments, the slot member 52 can comprise a composite of some or all of the previously mentioned materials, such as a Nomex®-Katpton® composite.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, one or more slot members 52 can be disposed within some or all of the slots 42 during assembly of the module 10. In some embodiments, the slot members 52 can be disposed within the slots 42 prior to one or more of the conductors 44 being disposed within the stator core 34. For example, in some embodiments, the slot members 52 can be positioned within the slots 42 so that at least a portion of some of the conductors 44 (e.g., the leg portions 48) can be at least partially disposed within the slot members 52. By way of example only, in some embodiments, one or more slot members 52 can be disposed within each of the slots 42 so that the slot members 52 can receive at least a portion of each of the conductors 44.
Moreover, in some embodiments, one slot member 52 can receive one or more conductors. In some embodiments, one slot member 52 can be configured and dimensioned to receive two or more conductors 44. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the slot members 52 can be configured and arranged to receive two conductors (e.g., a leg portion 48 of two different conductors 44 or both leg portions 48 of the same conductor 44), as shown in
In some embodiments, at least some of the leg portions 48 can comprise multiple regions. In some embodiments, the leg portions 48 can comprise in-slot portions 60, angled portions 62, and connection portions 64. In some embodiments, as previously mentioned, the leg portions 48 can be disposed in the slots 42 and some regions of the leg portions 48 (e.g., the in-slot portions 60) can be at least partially received within the slot members 52. Moreover, the leg portions 48 can axially extend from the insertion end 56 to the weld end 58. In some embodiments, after insertion, at least a portion of the leg portions 48 positioned within the stator core 34 can comprise the in-slot portions 60.
In some embodiments, at least some regions of the leg portions 48 extending from stator assembly 26 at the weld and insertion ends 56, 58 can comprise the angled portions 62 and the connection portions 64. In some embodiments, after inserting the conductors 44 into the stator core 34, the leg portions 48 extending from the stator core 34 can undergo a conventional twisting process (not shown) which can lead to the creation of the angled portions 62 and the connection portions 64. For example, in some embodiments, the twisting process can locate the angled portions 62 at a more axially inward position and the connection portions 64 at a more axially outward position, as shown in
In some embodiments, after the twisting process, the connection portions 64 of at least a portion of the conductors 44 can be immediately adjacent to connection portions 64 of other conductors 44. As a result, the connection portions 64 can be coupled together to form one or more stator windings 36. In some embodiments, the connection portions 64 can be coupled via welding, brazing, soldering, melting, adhesives, or other coupling methods. Additionally, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the first insulation 50 can be substantially removed at the connection portions 64 in order to enable the coupling process. Although, in some embodiments, the first insulation 50 can be coupled to the conductors 44 so that it does not coat and/or cover the connection portions 64.
In some embodiments, the stator assembly 26 can comprise other configurations. For example, the conductors 44 can comprise a substantially linear configuration (e.g., the conductors 44 can be dimensioned to function without a turn portion 46). The conductors 44 can be inserted into the stator core 34 substantially similar some previously embodiments. In some embodiments, after positioning at least a portion of the conductors 44, the leg portions 48 extending from the ends 56, 58 of the stator core 34 can twisted to comprise connection portions 64 and angled portions 62 on both sides of the stator assembly 26. As a result, neighboring connection portions 64 on the ends 56, 58 of the stator assembly 26 can be connected together to form one or more stator windings 36 in a double-coupling configuration (not shown).
In some embodiments, the first insulation 50 can at least partially wear down as a result of the twisting process. For example, in some embodiments, pressure points created by the twisting process can create areas of the first insulation 50 that receive more mechanical stress relative to other portions of the first insulation 50. Over the course of the life of the module 10, the first insulation 50 can wear, and, under some circumstances, the first insulation 50 can eventually become compromised. As a result of wear of the first insulation 50, in some embodiments, bare conductors 44 (e.g., bare copper or bare copper-containing materials) can contact each other, the stator core 34, the housing 12, or other elements, which can lead to malfunctioning of the module 10 (e.g., short circuit events, grounding events, etc.).
Furthermore, in some embodiments, module 10 operations can be improved if an axial length of the stator end turns 54 is minimized so that the overall size of the electric machine module 10 can be reduced. For example, in some embodiments, the leg portions 48 can be twisted to a greater extent (e.g. the connection portions 64 can be moved a greater circumferential distance and axially inward) so that the angled regions 62 can be disposed closer to the stator core 34 (e.g., the angled regions 62 can be disposed at a greater angle relative to a horizontal axis of the stator core 34) relative to other embodiments. As a result, the axial length of the stator assembly 26 can comprise a lesser length relative to some embodiments where the leg portions 48 are twisted to a lesser extent. In some embodiments, as a result of increasing the extent of twisting and disposing the angled regions 62 closer to the stator core 34, portions of the conductors 44 can be positioned substantially adjacent to each other (e.g., touching or almost touching each other). As a result, over the life of the module 10, the conductors 44 can contact each other, which can lead to wearing of the first insulation 50, resulting in short circuits, grounding events, and other malfunctions and/or failures of the module 10.
In some embodiments, the stator assembly 26 can comprise at least one insulation member 66. In some embodiments, the stator assembly 26 can comprise a plurality of insulation members 66. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the insulation members 66 can comprise substantially similar materials to the slot member 52. For example, the insulation members 66 can comprise a Nomex®-Kapton® composite, although in other embodiments, at least some of the insulation members 66 can comprise alternative materials, as previously mentioned with respect to the slot members 52.
In some embodiments, at least one of the insulation members 66 can be positioned so that it covers at least a portion of at least one conductor 44. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the insulation members 66 can be configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of a conductor 44. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the insulation members 66 can be shaped and dimensioned so that at least a portion of some of the conductors 44 can fit within the insulation members 66. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the insulation members 66 can comprise a tube shape, a cylindrical configuration, or other shapes and configurations (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.). In some embodiments, the insulation members 66 can comprise any other shape that can receive at least a portion of the conductors 44.
In some embodiments, after inserting at least a portion of the conductors 44 within the stator core 34 (e.g., inserting the leg portions 48 so that the in-slot portions 60 are within the slots 42) some insulation members 66 can be positioned over at least some of the leg portions 48 extending from the weld end 58 prior to twisting, as shown in
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the insulation members 66 can be positioned during the assembly process. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the insulation members 66 can be substantially automatically positioned (e.g., by a machine) over portions of the conductors 44. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the insulation members 66 can be positioned by a manual process (e.g., by hand assembly).
As shown in
In some embodiments, four conductors 44 can be disposed in each slot 42 and four insulation members 66 can be positioned (e.g., automatically and/or manually) so that the insulation members 66 cover portions the four conductors 44 in each of the slots 42. After positioning the insulation members 66, the conductors 44 can be twisted into position and the connection portions 64 can be coupled together to form the stator winding 36. As a result, in some embodiments, the insulation members 66 can extend from a point substantially adjacent to the connection portions 64 to a point substantially adjacent to the stator core 34. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, other configurations can be employed. For example, in some embodiments, less than four conductors 44 can be disposed in the slots 42 (e.g., one, two, or three conductors 44), and less than four insulation members 66 can be used per slot 42 (e.g., one, two, or three insulation members 66). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conductors 44 can function without insulation members 66. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the insulation members 66 can be configured and arranged to at least partially improve assembly of some portions of the module 10. In some embodiments, at least two insulation members 66 can be coupled together so that not as many individual insulation members 66 need to be disposed on and/or over the conductors 44. For example, two insulation members 66 can be coupled together (e.g., via an adhesive or other compound/material that can be reversibly coupled), as shown in
In some embodiments, as a result of coupling together at least a portion of the insulation members 66, assembly of the module 10 can be at least partially enhanced. For example, because the same numbers of insulation members 66 can be used but in fewer sets (e.g., one set can comprise multiple insulation members 66), greater numbers of insulation members 66 can be disposed on conductors 44 at any given time. Moreover, in order to facilitate fabrication of the stator assembly 26, in some embodiments, after being disposed on the conductors 44, the insulation members 66 that are coupled together can be configured and arranged to separate from each other without causing damage to the insulation members 66. For example, the insulation members 66 can be coupled together via an adhesive or other coupling material that can hold together at least two insulation members 66, however, the coupling bond between the coupled insulation members 66 can also be broken when the conductors 44 are twisted to form the angled portions 62 and the connection portions 64. As a result, the insulation members 66 can be disposed on the conductors 44 in sets of multiple insulation members 66 and can be uncoupled during the twisting process to give rise to the configurations illustrated in
In some embodiments, the insulation members 66 can be configured and arranged to provide insulative protection to at least a portion of the conductors 44. In some embodiments, portions of the conductors 44 disposed within the insulation members 66 (e.g., areas of the leg portions 48 and other portions of the conductors 44) can be protected from some of the previously mentioned difficulties associated with the twisting process and troubles that arise during the life of the module 10 and during the twisting process (e.g., conductors 44 contacting each other during the twisting process). For example, at least some of the insulation members 66 can insulate portions of the conductors 44 and first insulation 50 from at least a portion of the abrasion that occurs during the life of the module 10. Moreover, in some embodiments, the insulation members 66 can also provide dielectric protection for the conductors 44 (e.g., in addition to, or in lieu of, dielectric protection provided by the first insulation 50).
Some conventional electric machines can include an insulation band 70 positioned between adjacent leg portions 48 at the weld end side 58 of the stator assembly 26, as shown in
The insulation bands 70 can serve to protect some portions of the conductors 44 that can be exposed during the coupling process. For example, both the conductors 44 and the first insulation 50 can be at least partially damaged by the coupling process (e.g., welding, brazing, etc.). The insulation bands 70 can be used in some conventional electric machines to reduce the damage during the coupling process because the bands 70 can shield, protect, and/or guard at least a portion of the conductors 44 and first insulation 50 from the harmful effects of the coupling process. In some embodiments, the insulation members 66 can at least partially reduce the need for some or all of the insulation bands 70. For example, in some embodiments, portions of the conductors 44 and the first insulation 50 positioned within the insulation members 66 can be protected from the coupling process by the insulation members 66 in lieu of the insulation bands 70 because of the physical separation provided by the insulation members 66. Accordingly, in some embodiments, inclusion of the insulation members 66 can reduce or eliminate the need for insulation bands 70.
In some embodiments, the insulation members 66 can comprise multiple configurations. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the slot members 52 can comprise some of the insulation members 66 as an extended slot member 52a. In some conventional stator assemblies, the slot members 52 can extend from a first axial distance (e.g., one to five millimeters) at both the weld end 58 and the insertion end 56. In some embodiments of the invention, the extended slot members 52a can comprise a second axial distance (e.g., a distance substantially similar to an axial length of the insulation members 66 combined with a length of the slot member 52) at the weld end 58 and/or the insertion end 56. As a result, after inserting the conductors 44 in the stator assembly 26, at least some of the leg portions 48 that extend from the stator core 34 can be disposed within the extended slot members 52a and can be insulated in a substantially similar manner to some of the previously mentioned embodiments.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the extended slot members 52a can be configured and arranged to extend a distance along at least some of the conductors 44 so that an axially outer edge 68a of the extended slot members 52a is substantially adjacent to the connection portions 64 and/or some areas of the turn portions 46. In some embodiments, the extended slot members 52a can be configured and arranged so that, after twisting, the axially outer edges 68a on the weld end 58 are substantially adjacent to the connection portions 64 to provide insulative benefits, as previously mentioned. In some embodiments, the extend slot liner 52a can provide additional insulative benefits because of its extended length. In some embodiments where the extended slot liner 52a extends to points substantially adjacent to the turn portion 46 and the connection portion 64, the conductors 44 can be at least partially insulated without a need for the first insulation 50. The need for the first insulation 50 can be reduced or eliminated because the extended slot liners 52a can be disposed over some or all of the conductors 44 (e.g., portions the leg portions 48 and the turn portions 46), which can be provide the insulation necessary for operations of the electric machine module 10.
Further, in some embodiments, after coupling the connection portions 64, at least a portion of the module 10 can be substantially coated in a second insulation (not shown). For example, in some embodiments, a varnish, a resinous material (e.g. an epoxy), another insulating material, or any combination thereof, can be applied to at least some portions of the electric machine 20 to provide an additional layer of insulation to at least partially reduce the chances of a short circuit and/or grounding events between electric machine module 10 components. In some embodiments, the second insulation can be applied by vacuum pressure impregnation, dipping, or other similar application methods. For example, in some embodiments, the second insulation (e.g., a resin, such as epoxy, a varnish, or other insulating material) can be applied to the stator assembly 26 via vacuum pressure impregnation in a manner substantially similar to the process disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/233,187, which is owned by the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Regardless of the manner in which the second insulation is applied, the second insulation can permeate some or all of the stator assembly 26 (e.g., the slots 42, covering the conductors 44, any insulation, etc.). As a result, in some embodiments, after curing, the second insulation can function to both insulate the conductors 44 and couple together some or all of the portions of the stator assembly 26 (e.g., the cured varnish can be configured to permanently couple together portions of the stator assembly 26).
In some embodiments, the extended slot members 52a can be configured and arranged to enable coating of the stator assembly 26 of the second insulation. For example, some of the extended slot members 52a, the insulation members 66, and/or the slot members 52 can comprise materials that the second insulation cannot penetrate or they can comprise materials that the second insulation can only ineffectively or partially penetrate. As a result, in some embodiments, one or more of the extended slots liners 52a can comprise one or more insulation apertures 72. For example, the insulation apertures 72 can be disposed through portions of the extended slot members 52a at a position substantially adjacent to one or both of the ends 56, 58 of the stator assembly 26. As a result, at least a portion of the second insulation can enter the slots 42 and/or other portions of the stator assembly 26 via the insulation apertures 72 so that it can be cured and provide insulative and coupling benefits. In some embodiments, some of the insulation apertures 72 can be formed during manufacture of the extended slot members 52a and some of the insulation apertures 72 can be formed after manufacture of the extended slot members 52a (e.g., the apertures 72 can be formed after disposing the extended slot members 52a within the slots 42).
In some embodiments, the insulation apertures 72 can comprise multiple configurations. For example, one or more of the extended slot members 52a can comprise a plurality of insulation apertures 72 (e.g., the extended slot members 52a can comprise a generally perforated configuration). As result, the second insulation can penetrate the extended slot members 52a at multiple positions for any one extended slot member 52a. Moreover, in some embodiments, the plurality of insulation apertures 72 can be configured and arranged so that during the twisting process, the force of the movement of the conductors 44 and the extended slot members 52a can cause the outer portion of the members 52a to separate, which can lead to creation of the insulation members 66 and separate slot members 52.
In some embodiments, the insulation apertures 72 can be disposed on one or more sides of the extended slot members 52a. As previously mentioned, during the twisting process, the conductors 44 can be moved in multiple circumferential directions (e.g., about 50% of the conductors 44 can be moved in a clockwise direction and about 50% of the conductors 44 can be moved in a counter-clockwise direction). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the insulation apertures 72 can be disposed on a first side of the extended slot members 52a for leg portions 48 that are moved in a first circumferential direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) and on a second side that is substantially opposite the first side for leg portions 48 that are moved in a second circumferential direction (e.g., clockwise). As a result, the second insulation can enter the insulation apertures 72 at the opposite sides (e.g., alternating sides of the slot 42) for penetration into the stator assembly 26.
As shown in
Further, in some embodiments, the coolant jacket 74 can contain a coolant that can comprise transmission fluid, ethylene glycol, an ethylene glycol/water mixture, water, oil, motor oil, a mist, a gas, or another substance capable of receiving heat energy produced by the electric machine module 10. The coolant jacket 74 can be in fluid communication with a coolant source (not shown) which can pressurize the coolant prior to or as it is being dispersed into the coolant jacket 74, so that the pressurized coolant can circulate through the coolant jacket 74.
Also, in some embodiments, the inner wall 64 can include coolant apertures 80 so that the coolant jacket 74 can be in fluid communication with the machine cavity 22. In some embodiments, the coolant apertures 80 can be positioned substantially adjacent to the stator end winding 36 as it exits the stator core 34 on at least one of the weld end 58 and the insertion end 56. For example, in some embodiments, as the pressurized coolant circulates through the coolant jacket 74, at least a portion of the coolant can exit the coolant jacket 74 through the coolant apertures 80 and enter the machine cavity 22. Also, in some embodiments, the coolant can contact the stator winding 36, which can lead to at least partial cooling. After exiting the coolant apertures 80, at least a portion of the coolant can flow through portions of the machine cavity 22 and can contact various module 10 elements, which, in some embodiments, can lead to at least partial cooling of the module 10.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
