Patent Application
20200269539
The disclosure generally relates is hoses suitable for use in the conveyance of fuels such as gasoline, gasohol, diesel, biodiesel, avgas and jet fuel. These hoses are of particular value for use in conjunction with both conventional and vapor recovery fuel dispensing pumps, such as those used for fueling automobiles, trucks, agricultural equipment, locomotives, aircraft, and the like.
This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
A wide array of performance demands is put on the hoses used on fuel pumps, such as those used at gasoline filling stations, truck stops and airports. For instance, such hoses must be strong, durable, flexible, resistant to organic solvents, resistant to volumetric expansion, offer a long service life, and have low permeability to gasoline, gasohol, diesel, biodiesel, avgas and/or jet fuel. Such fuel hoses must also be capable of being coupled to fittings in a manner that prevents fuel from escaping.
There is currently a demand to further improve such hoses to make them even less permeable to fuels, such as gasoline, gasohol (gasoline which contains a significant amount of ethyl alcohol such as 10 percent or more), diesel, biodiesel, avgas and/or jet fuel. This is because the fuel which migrates through the hose ultimately evaporates and escapes into the atmosphere, which is an environmental concern. Accordingly, such hoses must comply with various standards imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board, and a host of other governmental authorities. However, improving the resistance of such hoses to permeation by fuel and particularly gasohol without compromising the needed physical and chemical characteristics of the hose has proven to be an extremely difficult task.
Today there is also a strong demand for hoses that do not include sulfur or organic compounds which can be extracted by fuel thereby increasing the fuel's level of sulfur and other extractable organic compounds. This is particularly true in China where hoses which do not appreciably increase the levels of sulfur and undesirable organic compounds in fuels conveyed there through is mandated. For example, certain areas of China now require that DB11/238 be met for gasoline and DB11/239 be met for diesel fuel, which calls for a sulfur content that is less than 10 ppm (or 10 mg/kg), unwashed gum content of less than 30 mg/100 ml, and solvent washed gum content that is less than 5 mg/100 ml. Throughout the world, more stringent standards which have proven to be extremely elusive to meet have continually lowered the maximum level of sulfur which is allowed to migrate into the fuel. Additionally, stricter standards are in place for hoses to meet with regard to unwashed and washed gum content testing. Fuel having a low sulfur content and a low extractable gum content is an important aspect of meeting stricter standards throughout the world and lowering total vehicle emissions.
The development of fuel hoses, which do not increase the level of sulfur and/or gum in fuels conveyed there through, has proven to be elusive. For example, dispensing fuels through most existing commercial hoses results in levels of sulfur in fuel that are unacceptably high, such as in the range of 50 to 100 ppm of sulfur, and 300 to over 1000 mg/100 ml unwashed gum extractables after being used subsequent to a period of inactivity, such as not being used overnight.
It is difficult to meet today's standards because fuel hoses must possess an array of physical and chemical characteristics that cannot be compromised. For instance, such fuel hoses should be capable of performing over a long service life without deterioration by the elements and without having extractables dissolved by the fuel. Such hoses must also be capable of providing adequate flexibility to perform in a desired manner and must be resistant to expansion during service. As previously explained, such fuel hoses must also exhibit a low degree of permeability to fuels and must also be capable of being coupled to fittings in a permanent and reliable manner.
Thus, there is an ongoing need in the industry for a hose having this critical combination of physical and chemical characteristics, such need met, at least in part, with embodiments according to the following disclosure.
This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a necessarily a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
In a first aspect of the disclosure, a hose, such as a hose or fuel hose, is provided which offers the advantage of not attributing significantly to the level of sulfur or extractable organic compounds to fuels conveyed there through. Additionally, such hoses can accomplish this important objective without compromising other important chemical and physical characteristics of the hose. More specifically, the hoses of the disclosure achieve these objectives without compromising resistance to permeation by fuels, strength, durability, flexibility, and resistance to volumetric expansion. In some aspects, the hoses of according to the disclosure offer resistance to permeation by gasoline and gasohol of less than 10 grams/m2/day. These hoses also offer a long service life and are capable of being coupled to fittings in a manner that prevents fuel from escaping.
In some cases, the hoses of the disclosure do not significantly attribute to the gum or sulfur content of fuel conveyed there through which helps with the dispensing of “clean” fuel. Furthermore, this hose offers high compatibility with fuels having varying amounts of ethanol (diesel fuels, flexfuels, biofuels, etc.) and gasoline.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, a hose is provided which includes a tube layer, where the tube layer is comprised of a fluorothermoplastic, a friction layer which is situated over the fluorothermoplastic layer, where the friction layer is comprises one of a nitrile rubber, a fluoroelastomer, epichlorohydrin, a hydrogenated nitrile rubber, a carboxylated nitrile rubber, or a blend thereof, a reinforcement layer disposed over the friction layer, and a cover layer which is situated over the reinforcing layer. The reinforcement layer in some cases is comprised of braided steel wire providing a wire pack coverage that is within the range of about 30 percent to about 65 percent. The cover layer situated over the reinforcing layer may comprise one of a chlorinated polyethylene, polychloroprene, a nitrile rubber/PVC rubber blend, a nitrile rubber, epicholorhydrin rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomer, styrene-butadiene rubber, or any combination thereof.
In another aspect of the disclosure, a vapor assist hose having a lumen is provided, which includes a tube layer, where the tube layer is comprised of a fluorothermoplastic or a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, and a friction layer disposed over the fluorothermoplastic layer, where the friction layer may comprise one or more of a nitrile rubber, a fluoroelastomer, epichlorohydrin, a hydrogenated nitrile rubber, a carboxylated nitrile rubber, or a blend thereof. A reinforcement layer is disposed over the friction layer, a cover layer disposed over the reinforcing layer, and a vapor return line disposed within the lumen of the hose, where the vapor return line is comprised of a polymeric material, such as thermoplastic polyester elastomer, which may be essentially void of sulfur and extractables. The reinforcement layer may, in some cases, comprise braided steel wire providing a wire pack coverage which is within the range of about 30 percent to about 65 percent. The cover layer may comprise one or more of chlorinated polyethylene, polychloroprene, a nitrile rubber/PVC rubber blend, a nitrile rubber, epicholorhydrin rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomer, styrene-butadiene rubber.
In some other embodiments of the disclosure, a vapor assist hose includes a tubular inner core layer defining a lumen within the hose, and the tubular inner core layer is comprised of a nitrile rubber having an acrylonitrile content which is within the range of about 25 weight percent to about 50 weight percent. A barrier layer is disposed over the tubular inner core layer, the barrier layer comprised of a fluorothermoplastic or thermoplastic polyester elastomer material, and a friction layer disposed over the barrier layer, where the friction layer is comprised of a nitrile rubber having an acrylonitrile content which is within the range of about 25 weight percent to about 50 weight percent. The hose further includes a reinforcement layer disposed over the friction layer, which may in some aspects comprise braided steel wire providing a wire pack coverage of about 30 percent to about 65 percent, a cover layer disposed over the reinforcing layer, and a vapor return line disposed within the lumen of the hose. The vapor return line is comprised of a polymeric material, such as thermoplastic polyester elastomer, which may be void of sulfur and extractables. In some aspects, the vapor assist hose further includes at least one fluorothermoplastic adhesion-promoting agent. In some other aspects, the hose further includes a tie layer disposed over the tubular inner core layer, the tie layer comprised of a nitrile rubber which includes at least one fluorothermoplastic adhesion-promoting agent.
Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and:
The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses. The description and examples are presented herein solely for the purpose of illustrating the various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability of the disclosure. While the compositions of the present disclosure are described herein as comprising certain materials, it should be understood that the composition could optionally comprise two or more chemically different materials. In addition, the composition can also comprise some components other than the ones already cited. In the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, it should be understood that a concentration or amount range or dimension listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every concentration or amount or dimension within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific data points within the range, or even no data points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a few specific, it is to be understood that inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that inventors had possession of the entire range and all points within the range.
Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of concepts according to the disclosure. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise stated.
The terminology and phraseology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited.
Also, as used herein any references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Tube layer 102 is comprised of a fluorothermoplastic and is typically about 0.003 inches (0.08 mm) to about 0.020 inches (51 mm) in wall thickness. The tube layer wall thickness is more typically from about 0.004 inches (0.10 mm) to about 0.015 inches (0.38 mm). For instance, the tube layer can have a wall thickness which is in the range from about 0.003 inches (0.08 mm) to about 0.007 inches (0.20 mm), or within the range of about 0.004 inches 0.10 mm) to about 0.006 inches (0.15 mm). The fluorothermoplastic is typically a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer having a peak melting temperature which is within the range of about 100° C. to about 310° C. and which is typically within the range of 120° C. to 250° C., as determined by ASTM D4591. In many cases the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer will have a peak melting temperature, which is within the range of 130° C. to 200° C. In some cases, the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer has a peak melting temperature which is within the range of 140° C. to 185° C. In some other aspects, the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer has a peak melting temperature, which is within the range of 150° C. to 175° C., and even within the range of about 160° C. to about 170° C. Any suitable fluorothermoplastic having the above properties, may be used in accordance with the disclosure, including, but not necessarily limited to polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidenefluoride, polyvinylfluoride, chlorotrifluoroethylene, copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoropropylvinylether, copolymers of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene, copolymers of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene, copolymers of fluorinated ethylene and propylene, terpolymers of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride, copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonic acid, and the like. In some aspects, the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer will typically have a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 1,000,000, a hydrogen content of less than about 5 weight percent, and a fluorine content which is within the range of about 65 weight percent to about 76 weight percent.
The semi-crystalline fluoropolymer may in some embodiments, be comprised of interpolymerized repeat units of hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride, and tetrafluoroethylene wherein the repeat units in the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer are distributed in an essentially random order. Such hexafluoropropylene repeat units are typically present at a level which is within the range of about 50 weight percent to about 70 weight percent, wherein the vinylidene fluoride repeat units are present at a level which is within the range of about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, and wherein the tetrafluoroethylene repeat units are present at a level which is within the range of about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent. The hexafluoropropylene repeat units in such semi-crystalline fluoropolymers are frequently present at a level which is within the range of about 55 weight percent to about 65 weight percent, where the vinylidene fluoride repeat units are present at a level which is within the range of about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, and wherein the tetrafluoroethylene repeat units are present at a level which is within the range of about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent. In many cases the hexafluoropropylene repeat units are present in such semi-crystalline fluoropolymers at a level which is within the range of about 57 weight percent to about 61 weight percent, wherein the vinylidene fluoride repeat units are present at a level which is within the range of about 20 weight percent to about 24 weight percent, and wherein the tetrafluoroethylene repeat units are present at a level which is within the range of about 17 weight percent to about 21 weight percent.
The semi-crystalline fluoropolymer used in embodiments of the disclosure, may typically have a flexural modulus which is within the range of about 10 MPa to about 550 MPa, a flexural modulus which is within the range of about 180 MPa to about 250 MPa, and in some aspects, within the range of about 200 MPa to about 220 MPa, as determined by ASTM D790. The semi-crystalline fluoropolymer may also typically have a melt flow index, which is within the range of about 8 to about 12 g/10 min, as determined at 265° C./5 kg by ASTM D1238. U.S. Pat. No. 6,489,420 describes various semi-crystalline fluoropolymers that may be utilized in layer 102 in hose embodiments in accordance with the disclosure. The teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,489,420 are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing such fluorothermoplastic polymers and techniques that can be employed in synthesizing such polymers.
A friction layer 104 is disposed over and outwardly from tube layer 102 in the hose 100 of this disclosure. The friction layer is typically from about 0.030 inches (0.76 mm) to about 0.120 inches (3.0 mm) thick, is more typically from about 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) to about 0.120 inches (3.0 mm) thick, and in some aspects, will be from about 0.080 inches (2.03 mm) to about 0.100 inches (2.54 mm) in thickness. Friction layer 104 will typically be in direct contact with layer 102. The friction layer 104 may be comprised of a peroxide cured rubber. In some embodiments of the disclosure, a nitrile rubber having a bound acrylonitrile monomer content which is within the range of about 25 percent to about 50 percent, or within the range of about 28 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, can be used. In another embodiment, the friction layer can be comprised of a fluoroelastomer, epichlorohydrin, nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, or blends thereof.
The nitrile rubber employed in the friction layer 104 of hoses in accordance with the disclosure, may also contain various additives in conventional or suitable amounts known to persons having ordinary skill in the art. Such additives may include, and are not limited to, retardants to prevent an unduly quick cure, antioxidants, adhesion promoters, processing aids, reinforcing agents and fillers, such as carbon black, silica, other mineral fillers, lignin, and the like. Reinforcing fillers are typically utilized at a level which is within the range of about 50 parts per hundred parts of resin (phr) to about 150 phr.
Hoses according to the disclosure further include a reinforcing layer 106, which is situated over and outwardly from layer 104, which is depicted in
In preparing a braided reinforcing layer, in some aspects, the inner tube is extruded onto a suitable mandrel and then passed through the braiding head. Here, a number of single-end packages are arranged and rotate around the tube, to give the braiding pattern of winding and interlacing as required. Where preparing a spiral reinforcing layer, yarns or wires are wound on helically, with individual yarns or wires being laid together in the neutral angle of wrap, providing cover of the yarns. In order to prevent twisting or curving, an even number of layers, with alternate direction of lay, is applied, with a layer of rubber between each layer of reinforcement. Wrapped reinforcement layer hoses are built on a large lathe or building table, usually with a mandrel. The inner rubber lining is firstly wrapped onto the mandrel, and then the fabric reinforcement layers wound on. The fabric may be cut into relatively narrow widths, so that it can be spiraled on, or can be bias cut into wider sections, so that it can be wrapped directly onto the inner tube. Both of these methods allow the warp to lie at approximately the neutral angle. Hoses with knitted reinforcement layers are frequently used for hoses requiring changes in bore size, and/or with many bends and curves. When preparing such hoses, the inner tube is extruded and the reinforcement fabric is then knitted directly onto it, in a similar manner to the braiding system.
In some aspects of the disclosure, the reinforcing layer 106 is formed by braiding steel wires, which in some cases are brass plated wires. For instance, the reinforcing layer 106 can be manufactured utilizing a braiding machine having 16 to 36 carriers (bobbins of wire), with 2 to 12 wire ends of about 0.006 to about 0.015 inch (0.15 mm to 0.38 mm) gage. In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer 106 is manufactured utilizing a braiding machine having 24 carriers (bobbins of wire) with 6 wire ends of 0.012 inch (0.3 mm) gage wire. In some aspects, the braided steel wire used in the reinforcing layer 106 has a wire pack coverage, which is within the range of about 30 percent to about 65 percent. In other words, the wires of the reinforcement layer cover from about 30 percent to about 65 percent of the surface area of the friction layer 104 with the remaining 35 percent to 70 percent of the friction layer 104 being exposed through windows 202 in the braid pattern. While the braided steel wire will typically have a wire pack coverage, which is within the range of about 30 percent to about 65 percent and, in some aspects, the wire pack coverage is within the range of about 40 percent to about 60 percent. The braided steel wire, may in some embodiments, have a wire pack coverage which is within the range of about 50 percent to about 55 percent. In one specific embodiment of the disclosure, to attain improved kink resistance, the reinforcement layer is comprised of multiple spiral laid wires of different sizes in conjunction with a textile braided construction.
Referring again to
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hose is a vapor assist hose (otherwise known as a ‘vapor recovery hose’) as illustrated in
Vapor return line 302 is comprised of a polymeric material which does not contain appreciable levels of sulfur, or gum, which can migrate into fuel which flows through the hose. Furthermore, the vapor return line 302 is comprised of a material, which provides it with all of the physical and chemical attributes that are required for the vapor return line in such a hose. For instance, in some embodiments, the material should have an ultimate tensile strength of at least 2000 psi about (14 MPa), at least about 4000 psi (28 MPa), and in some cases, at least about 5000 psi (35 MPa). The polymeric material used in making the vapor return line 302 will also typically have a tensile strength at 5% elongation which is within the range of about 500 psi (3.4 MPa) to about 5000 psi (34 MPa), within the range of about 1000 psi (7 MPa) to about 4000 psi (28 MPa), and in some instances, within the range of about 1500 psi (10 MPa) to about 3500 psi (24 MPa). The polymeric material used in making the vapor return line 302 will also typically have a tensile strength at 10% elongation which is within the range of about 1000 psi (7 MPa) to about 5000 psi (34 MPa), within the range of about 1500 psi (10 MPa) to about 4000 psi 28 MPa), and in some cases, within the range of about 2000 psi (14 MPa) to about 3600 psi (25 MPa). The polymeric material used in making vapor return line 302 will also typically have a tensile strength at 50% elongation which is within the range of about 1500 psi (10 MPa) to about 5000 psi (34 MPa), within the range of about 1500 psi (10 MPa) to about 4500 psi (31 MPa), or even within the range of about 1500 psi (10 MPa) to about 4000 psi (28 MPa). In some aspects, the vapor return line 302 is comprised of a material, which allows hose 300 to pass the EN 1360 flex test, after 50,000 cycles using Fuel C.
In some embodiments, the polymeric material useful for making the vapor return line 302 was a thermoplastic polyester elastomer including rigid crystalline polybutylene terephthalate polymer chain segments and soft amorphous polyester polymer chain segments. One nonlimiting example of such a thermoplastic polyester elastomer is PIBIFLEX® E6067T-TPC, available from Celanese Corporation, Irving, Tex. Some alternate embodiments, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer including rigid crystalline polybutylene terephthalate polymer chain segments and soft amorphous polyester polymer chain segments may also be useful in making veneer or barrier layers as well.
The thermoplastic polyester elastomer has an ultimate tensile strength of at least about 5000 psi (35 MPa), an ultimate elongation of about 500% or greater, and a flexural modulus of from about 325 MPa to about 375 MPa. The thermoplastic polyester elastomer used in making the vapor return line 302 typically has a tensile strength at 10% elongation which is within the range of about 2000 psi (14 MPa) to about 3500 psi (24 MPa), or within the range of about 2500 psi (17 MPa) to about 3200 psi (22 MPa), and in one case, the tensile strength at 10% elongation was about 2845 psi (19.6 MPa). The thermoplastic polyester elastomer used in making vapor return line 302 will also typically have a tensile strength at 50% elongation which is within the range of about 2500 psi (17 MPa) to about 5000 psi (34 MPa), or within the range of about 3000 psi (21 MPa) to about 4200 psi (29 MPa), and in one case, the tensile strength at 50% elongation was about 3660 psi (25.2 MPa).
In addition to the thermoplastic polyester elastomer based on rigid crystalline polybutylene terephthalate described above, vapor return line 302 may be made of any other suitable material, such as, but not limited to, polyamides (i.e. nylon, and the like) which is plasticized with a non-migrating plasticizer, or fluoropolymers, and the materials are those which are void of sulfur and gums that can migrate into fuel which flows through the hose. In some embodiments, the nylon can be impact modified nylon, such as impact modified Nylon 6, having a melting point which is within the range of about 210° C. to about 230° C., an ultimate tensile strength within the range of about 10 MPa to about 50 MPa and will typically have a flexural modulus within the range of about 200 MPa to about 1200 MPa. Such impact modified nylon will also have characteristics that allow it to have high impact strength at low temperatures, high flexibility, and low density. Some representative examples of fluoropolymers that can be used in making the vapor return line 302 include polymers of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene difluoride, fluorinated ethylene propylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, perfluorovinyl ether tetrafluoroethylene, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride and terpolymers of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride. Such fluoropolymers typically have a melting point within the range of about 100° C. to about 310° C., an ultimate tensile strength within the range of about 20 MPa to about 30 MPa, and will typically have a flexural modulus within the range of about 32 MPa to about 530 MPa. The fluoropolymers will more typically have a melting point in the range of about 115° C. to about 225° C. In some embodiments of the disclosure, a non-migrating plasticizer or impact modifier can be included in the polymeric composition used in making the vapor return line to provide a higher level of flexibility and toughness. The vapor return line can be comprised of a single layer or can be comprised of one or more coextruded layers of various combinations of polyamides and/or fluoropolymers.
In some other embodiments of the disclosure, vapor return line 302 may be disposed in the lumen of other hose assemblies, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication US20150198269 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
In some aspects, hose embodiments according to the disclosure are capable of meeting HG/T 3037, UL330, EN 1360, and EN 13483 testing standards (incorporated herein by reference), and provide a sulfur extraction level of less than 10 ppm, an unwashed gum extraction value of less than 30 mg/100 ml, a washed gum extraction value of less than 5 mg/100 ml, and a permeation rate of less than 10 g/m2/day, which provides a hose essentially void of sulfur and extractables. In some other aspects, hose embodiments according to the disclosure are capable meeting aviation fuel hose standards EI 1529 and EN ISO 1825, incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, hose embodiments of the disclosure may be useful in fueling applications for vehicles using fuels such as gasoline, gasohol, diesel, biodiesel, avgas or jet fuel.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be sufficiently thorough, and will convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the disclosure that individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Also, in some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Further, it will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that in the design, manufacture, and operation of apparatus to achieve that described in the disclosure, variations in apparatus design, construction, condition, erosion of components, gaps between components may present, for example.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner”, “adjacent”, “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/537,425, filed Jun. 18, 2017, which in turn, is a national stage application of PCT patent application ser. no. PCT/US15/66170, filed Dec. 16, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/094,174, filed Dec. 19, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62094174 | Dec 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15537425 | Jun 2017 | US |
| Child | 16870343 | US |
