The present disclosure relates to systems (e.g., multiplexers, etc.) or systems operable for receiving signals from multiple antennas and combining the received signals for transmission on a single output, and to systems (e.g., demultiplexers, etc.) operable for receiving multiple signals on a single input and outputting the signals on separate outputs.
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
There are numerous, varied wireless communication standards in existence today, many of which operate within different frequency bands. Examples include Wi-Fi, Global Positioning System (GPS), Broadband Personal Communications Service (PCS)/Global System for Mobile Communications 1900 (GSM1900), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)/Advanced Wireless Service (AWS), Amplified Modulated Phone Service (AMPS)/Global System for Mobile Communications 850 (GSM850), Amplitude Modulation (AM)/Frequency Modulation (FM) radio, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc.
Often, a separate antenna is used to receive each type of signal. Some antennas are operable to receive signals from two or more frequency bands. Each antenna typically is attached to a separate cable, such as a coaxial cable, for coupling a signal received by the antenna to the location at which the signal will be used, such as a radio receiver, GPS navigation device, cellular phone, etc.
This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods relating to antenna multiplexers and demultiplexers are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, antenna multiplexers include two or more inputs for receiving a corresponding number of signals from multiple antennas. The antennas may include a cellular antenna (e.g., world cell antennas or cellular antenna operable within one or more of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE, AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, etc.). The antennas may also include AM/FM antennas, SDARS antennas, GPS antennas, and/or antennas combining the preceding. Exemplary antenna multiplexers also include an output for simultaneously outputting the combined signals received by the multiplexer. Demultiplexers for receiving such combined signals and outputting each signal via a separate output are also disclosed.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but is nevertheless a routine undertaking of design, fabrication and manufacture for those of ordinary skill.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, systems, apparatus, or assemblies (which may also be referred to as antenna combiners or multiplexers, etc.) for combining signals from a plurality of antennas are disclosed. As disclosed herein, a multiplexer may be operable to combine multiple input signals received by the multiplexer and output the combined signals on a single output. Thus, multiple antennas for receiving various signals (e.g., signals having different frequencies, types, etc.) can be connected to a multiplexer disclosed herein such that a single communication line or link (e.g., a coaxial cable, other communication line, etc.) may be used to carry the multiple signals simultaneously from the multiplexer to a location at which it is desired that the multiple signals be received. The location for receiving the signals may be, for example, the location of an AM/FM radio receiver, a cellular telephone phone or smart phone, a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver, a satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) receiver, a receiver comprising some or all of the preceding, etc.
At least some systems, apparatus, assemblies, or multiplexers according to the present disclosure may be used in connection with an automobile. Some automobile manufacturers have begun integrating various combinations of radio, GPS, SDARS, cellular devices (e.g., cellular phones, smartphones, etc.), etc. into their vehicles. Each of the various antennas used for such services are typically connected to a different cable, or wire, which is routed to a receiver located around a dashboard of the vehicle. By employing at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the number of cables from the antennas to the console may be reduced. A multiplexer according to the present disclosure may be installed in a vehicle at a location near the various antennas. A plurality of the antennas may be connected to the multiplexer, and a single communication line or link (e.g., coaxial cable, other suitable communication line, etc.) may be routed from the multiplexer output to the console of the vehicle to carry the signals received from the plurality of antennas connected to the multiplexer.
In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna multiplexer includes a first input configured for receiving a communication signal from a cellular antenna (e.g., world cell antenna or cellular antenna operable within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE, AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, etc.). In operation, the antenna multiplexer may receive communication signals that fall within one or more frequency bandwidths associated with cellular communications, such as one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, one or more frequency bandwidth(s) from Table 1 and/or Table 2 below, etc.
Continuing with this example, the multiplexer further includes a second input configured for receiving a satellite signal from a satellite antenna. The multiplexer also includes an output for outputting a combined signal including the communication signal and the satellite signal.
Another exemplary embodiment includes an antenna multiplexer including a first input for receiving a radio signal from an AM/FM antenna. The multiplexer also includes a second input for receiving a satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) signal from a SDARS antenna and an output for simultaneously outputting signals received by the antenna multiplexer.
Other exemplary embodiments include an antenna multiplexer having a first input for receiving a radio signal from an AM/FM antenna and a second input for receiving a communication signal from a cellular antenna (e.g., world cell antenna or cellular antenna operable within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE, AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, etc.).
The multiplexer includes a third input for receiving a satellite signal from a satellite antenna and an output for simultaneously outputting signals received by the antenna multiplexer. In operation, the antenna multiplexer may receive communication signals that fall within one or more frequency bandwidths associated with cellular communications, such as one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, one or more frequency bandwidth(s) from Table 1 and/or Table 2 below, etc.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, an antenna demultiplexer includes an input capable of simultaneously receiving radio signal from an AM/FM antenna, a satellite signal from a satellite antenna, and a communication signal from a cellular antenna (e.g., world cell antenna or cellular antenna operable within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE, AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, etc.). The demultiplexer further includes a first output for outputting the radio signal, a second output for outputting the communication signal, and a third output for outputting the satellite signal. In operation, the demultiplexer may receive communication that fall within one or more frequency bandwidths associated with cellular communications, such as one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, one or more frequency bandwidth(s) from Table 1 and/or Table 2 below, etc.
According to still another example embodiment, an antenna demultiplexer includes an input capable of simultaneously receiving radio signal from an AM/FM antenna, and a satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) signal from a SDARS antenna. The demultiplexer includes a first output for outputting the radio signal, and a second output for outputting the SDARS signal.
In another example embodiment, an antenna demultiplexer includes an input capable of simultaneously receiving a satellite signal from a satellite antenna and a communication signal from a cellular antenna (e.g., a world cell antenna or cellular antenna operable within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE, AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, etc.). The demultiplexer includes a first output for outputting the communication signal and a second output for outputting the satellite signal. In operation, the demultiplexer may receive communication that fall within one or more frequency bandwidths associated with cellular communications, such as one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, one or more frequency bandwidth(s) from Table 1 and/or Table 2 below, etc.
In another example embodiment of an antenna system, multiplexer, or combiner, a first input is configured for receiving a communication signal from a cellular antenna (e.g., a world cell antenna or cellular antenna operable within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE, AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, etc.). In such embodiments, the antenna multiplexer may be used in various geographical locations or regions throughout the world where these cellular frequency bandwidths are used. As disclosed herein, such exemplary embodiments may enable a one cable solution for a worldwide telematics program in that the combination allows for a common interface to be used in any of the various geographical locations or regions throughout the world where these frequency bandwidths are used. This, in turn, may thus provide a universal or common design style usable in these various locations. Such exemplary embodiments may also allow for reduced costs by reducing the number of cables and number of vehicle cable harnesses.
Exemplary embodiments may be used with or include an antenna configured to be operable or cover frequencies or frequency bands, such as LTE (700 MHz), Cellular (AMPS), AWS, PCS, EBS (Educational Broadband Services), BRS (Broadband Radio Services), WCS (Broadband Wireless Communication Services/Internet Services, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, exemplary embodiments may be used with or include an antenna configured to be operable with one or more of the frequencies or frequency bands listed immediately below in Table 1 and/or Table 2.
Turning now to
The world cell antenna 106, in this and some other exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, is operable to receive AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, and UMTS/AWS communication signals. The frequencies of such signals typically fall within the 824-960 MHz bandwidth and the 1710-2170 MHz bandwidth. Some exemplary embodiments may include a world cell antenna that is additionally or alternatively operable for receiving signals associated with one or more other frequency bands, such as one or more (or all) of GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, etc.
With continued reference to
In various embodiments, a single communication link or line (e.g., a single coaxial cable, etc.) may be routed from the multiplexer output 112, for example, to a console of a vehicle to carry the combined communication/satellite signal. By way of example, the power (e.g., DC power, etc.) for operating the multiplexer 102 may be provided by a GPS receiver via the same coaxial cable that is routed from the multiplexer output 112 and carries the combined communication/satellite signal. This is generally referred to as “DC PHANTOM POWER” in
According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the multiplexer 102 includes a plurality of filters 114A, 114B, sometimes collectively referred to herein as filters 114. In this example, the filters 114 allow certain frequency signals to pass through the filter, while preventing other frequencies from passing. Although each of the filters 114 is illustrated as a single block, the filters 114 may be a single filter or a plurality of filters. The filters 114 may be any suitable filter, such as a high pass filter, low pass filter, bandpass filter, notch filter, etc., or any combination thereof. In the example embodiment of
The multiplexer 102 may also include a plurality of matching circuits 116A, 116B, 116C (collectively matching circuits 116). The matching circuits 116 mitigate signal degradation. The matching circuits 116 are typically used to match impedances in order to reduce signal reflections, standing waves, etc. More particularly, the matching circuit 116A, for example, matches the impedance of the satellite antenna 110, which may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) 118, with the filter 114B. The matching circuit 116B compensates for impedance changes brought about by the filter 114B to reduce signal degradation when the output of filter 114B is combined with the output of filter 114A. Finally, matching circuit 116C may be used to alter the output impedance of the multiplexer 102. A fourth matching circuit 119 is part of, or coupled to, the world cell antenna 106 and is not illustrated as part of the multiplexer 102. But in some embodiments, particularly those for use with world cell antennas without an integrated matching circuit 119, the matching circuit 119 may be part of the multiplexer 102.
S21 insertion loss and S22 return loss simulation results for the multiplexer 102 of
In various embodiments, a communication signal may also be transmitted from the multiplexer 202 to the word cell antenna 206 via the input 204, in which case the input 204 may also be referred to as an input/output. Other embodiments may include an output separate from, and not combined with, the input 204.
The multiplexer 202 further includes a second input 208 for receiving a satellite signal from a satellite antenna 210. The multiplexer 202 also includes an output 212 for outputting a combined signal including the communication signal and the satellite signal. The satellite antenna 210 is a combined GPS and satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) antenna. In various embodiments, a single communication link or line (e.g., a single coaxial cable, etc.) may be routed from the multiplexer output 212, for example, to a console of a vehicle to carry the combined communication/GPS/SDARS signal. By way of example, the power (e.g., DC power, etc.) for operating the multiplexer 202 may be provided by a GPS receiver and/or SDARS receiver via the same coaxial cable that is routed from the multiplexer output 212 and carries the combined communication/GPS/SDARS signal. This is generally referred to as “DC PHANTOM POWER” in
The multiplexer 202 is similar to the multiplexer 102 in
The multiplexer 302 also includes an output 312 for simultaneously outputting signals received by the antenna multiplexer 302. In various embodiments, a single communication link or line (e.g., a single coaxial cable, etc.) may be routed from the multiplexer output 312, for example, to a console of a vehicle to carry the combined AM/FM/SDARS signal. By way of example, the power (e.g., DC power, etc.) for operating the multiplexer 302 may be provided by an AM/FM receiver (“DC PHANTOM POWER”) and/or SDARS receiver (“REGULATED PHANTOM POWER”) via the same coaxial cable that is routed from the multiplexer output 312 and carries the combined AM/FM/SDARS signal. In addition, a voltage regulator may also be provided as shown in
According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the multiplexer 302 includes a plurality of filters 314A, 314B, sometimes collectively referred to as filters 314. As with filters 114 and 214, each of the filters 314 allows certain frequency signals to pass through the filter 314, while preventing signals having other frequencies from passing. The filter 314A permits the radio signals from the AM/FM antenna 306 to pass the filter 314A, but prevents the SDARS signals from the SDARS antenna 310 from passing the filter 314A. To the SDARS signals, the filter 314A may appear as an open circuit. Thus, SDARS signals are prevented from passing to and radiating from the AM/FM antenna 306 and being received by the SDARS antenna 310 (which may create an unstable feedback loop). Conversely, the filter 314B permits the SDARS signals from the SDARS antenna 310 to pass the filter 314B, but prevents the radio signals from the AM/FM antenna 306 from passing the filter 314B. To the radio signals, the filter 314B may appear as an open circuit. Thus, radio signals are prevented from passing to and being radiated from the SDARS antenna 310 and being received by the AM/FM antenna 306 (which may create an unstable feedback loop).
The multiplexer 302 may also include a plurality of matching circuits 316A, 316B (collectively matching circuits 316). As with matching circuits discussed above, the matching circuits 316 mitigate signal degradation. The matching circuits 316 may be used to match impedances in order to reduce signal reflections, standing waves, etc.
In this example embodiment, the world cell antenna and the AM/FM antenna are provided via the combined world cell/AM/FM antenna 406. But other embodiments may include an AM/FM antenna that is separate from (and not combined with) a world cell antenna. Continuing with a description of the exemplary world cell/AM/FM antenna 406, the world cell antenna of this embodiment is operable to receive AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, and UMTS/AWS communication signals. Additionally, or alternatively, the world cell antenna may be configured to be operable to receive communication signals within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, one or more frequency bandwidth(s) from Table 1 and/or Table 2 above, etc.
The multiplexer 402 includes a third input 420 for receiving a satellite signal from a satellite antenna 410. The multiplexer 402 includes an output 412 for simultaneously outputting signals received by the antenna multiplexer 402. In various embodiments, a single communication link or line (e.g., a single coaxial cable, etc.) may be routed from the multiplexer output 412, for example, to a console of a vehicle to carry the combined AM/FM/communication/satellite signal. By way of example, the power (e.g., DC power, etc.) for operating the multiplexer 402 may be provided by an AM/FM receiver (“DC PHANTOM POWER”) and/or SDARS and/or GPS receiver (“REGULATED PHANTOM POWER”) via the same coaxial cable that is routed from the multiplexer output 412 and carries the combined AM/FM/communication/satellite signal. In addition, a voltage regulator may also be provided as shown in
The multiplexer 402 combines features of the multiplexers 202 (
The multiplexer 402 may also include a plurality of matching circuits 416. As with matching circuits discussed above, the matching circuits 416 mitigate signal degradation. The matching circuits 416 may be used to match impedances in order to reduce signal reflections, standing waves, etc.
The antenna system 400 shown in
In the particular embodiment illustrated in
In this example embodiment, the world cell antenna and the AM/FM antenna are provided via the combined world cell/AM/FM antenna 506. But other embodiments may include an AM/FM antenna that is separate from (and not combined with) a world cell antenna. Continuing with a description of the exemplary world cell/AM/FM antenna 506, the world cell antenna of this embodiment is operable to receive AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, and UMTS/AWS communication signals. Additionally, or alternatively, the world cell antenna may be configured to be operable to receive communication signals within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, one or more frequency bandwidth(s) from Table 1 and/or Table 2 above, etc.
The multiplexer 502 includes a third input 522 for receiving a SDARS signal from a SDARS antenna 524. The multiplexer 502 has a fourth input 526 for receiving a GPS signal from a GPS antenna 528.
The multiplexer 502 includes an output 512 for simultaneously outputting signals received by the antenna multiplexer 502. In various embodiments, a single communication link or line (e.g., a single coaxial cable, etc.) may be routed from the multiplexer output 512, for example, to a console of a vehicle to carry the combined AM/FM/communication/SDARS/GPS signal. By way of example, the power (e.g., DC power, etc.) for operating the multiplexer 502 may be provided by an AM/FM receiver (“DC PHANTOM POWER”) and/or GPS receiver (“REGULATED PHANTOM POWER”) via the same coaxial cable that is routed from the multiplexer output 412 and carries the combined AM/FM/communication/SDARS/GPS signal. In addition, a voltage regulator may also be provided as shown in
According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the multiplexer 502 includes a plurality of filters 514. As with filters 114, 214, 314, and 414, each of the filters 514 allows certain frequency signals to pass through the filter 514, while preventing signals having other frequencies from passing.
The multiplexer 502 may also include a plurality of matching circuits 516. As with matching circuits discussed above, the matching circuits 516 mitigate signal degradation. The matching circuits 516 may be used to match impedances in order to reduce signal reflections, standing waves, etc.
Additionally, demultiplexing the combined signals (the signals output by the multiplexers discussed above) may be accomplished by reversing the operations discussed above with reference to the multiplexers. Thus, similar circuits, if not exactly identical, to the multiplexers above may receive the output of a multiplexer as an input and output several separate signals.
For example,
The demultiplexer 600 may further include a first output 612A for outputting the radio signal, a second output 612B for outputting the communication signal, and a third output 612C for outputting the satellite signal. In various embodiments, the demultiplexer 600 may include a fourth output for outputting whichever satellite signal (the SDARS signal or GPS signal) is not already being output by the third output 612C.
As still another example,
In this example embodiment, the demultiplexer's input 804 is illustrated as receiving a combined GPS/world cell signal. The demultiplexer 800 may include a first output 812A for outputting the communication signal and a second output 812B for outputting the satellite signal.
Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods relating to antenna multiplexers and demultiplexers are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, antenna multiplexers include two or more inputs for receiving a corresponding number of signals from multiple antennas. The antennas may include a cellular antenna (e.g., world cell antennas or cellular antenna operable within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE, AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, etc.). The antennas may also include AM/FM antennas, SDARS antennas, GPS antennas, and/or antennas combining the preceding. Exemplary antenna multiplexers also include an output for simultaneously outputting the combined signals received by the multiplexer. Demultiplexers for receiving such combined signals and outputting each signal via a separate output are also disclosed.
Although the example embodiments in the foregoing detailed description may refer to GPS, other satellite based positioning systems may be included as an alternative to (or in addition to) GPS antennas and signals. For example, the multiplexers, demultiplexers, antennas, systems, etc. may be operable for other global navigation satellite systems such as the European Galileo system, the Russian GLONASS, the Chinese Beidou navigation system, the Indian IRNSS, etc. Also, cellular or world cell antennas referred to herein may additionally, or alternatively be configured for receiving communication signals from a world cell antenna operable to receive communication signals within one or more (or all) of AMPS/GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS/GSM1900, UMTS/AWS, GSM850, GSM1900, AWS, LTE (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generation, B17 (LTE), LTE (700 MHz), etc.), AMPS, PCS, EBS, BRS, WCS, cellular frequency bandwidth(s) associated with or unique to a particular one or more geographic regions or countries, one or more frequency bandwidth(s) from Table 1 and/or Table 2 above, etc.
When introducing elements or features and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
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.
Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as frequency ranges, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, and 3-9.
The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. 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.
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/397,679 filed Mar. 4, 2009 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,045,592 on Oct. 25, 2011). The disclosure of the application identified in this paragraph is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12397679 | Mar 2009 | US |
Child | 13280327 | US |