Patent Grant
11396730
The present disclosure generally relates to the removal of ice from various bodies of water, and more specifically to boom-positioning mechanisms for agitation de-icing machines.
Ice forms naturally on various stagnant bodies of water during cold temperatures. In order for water to freeze into ice, heat loss must exceed the heat replaced. Thus, flowing water requires much lower temperatures in order to freeze. Further, stagnant water tends to freeze from the top down, with lower water remaining warmer as it is further from and insulated from the ambient air. Typically, the body of water forms a surface ice layer above an underlying liquid water layer. The rate of ice formation thus depends on various factors, such as the flow rate of the water, the ambient air temperature, the depth of the water.
For any of various applications, it may be desirable to remove at least a portion of the surface ice layer from a body of water. Conventional de-icing machines require a static installation and powering, such as the usage of a wired alternating current source. This limits the availability and practicality of existing de-icing machines.
This background discussion is intended to provide information related to the present invention which is not necessarily prior art.
Embodiments of the invention solve the above-mentioned problem (as well as other problems) by providing a portable circulation de-icing system capable of sustained usage in remote areas. The portable circulation de-icing system includes an agitator configured to be disposed in an underlying water layer, while being remotely powered by a floating motor. The floating motor imparts a rotation on a flexible drive shaft. The flexible drive shaft drives the agitator inducing a flow and thus melting a surface ice layer. The floating motor is configured to be disposed in the water near the agitator, so as to provide the power without being tied to a shore of the body of water.
A first embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to a portable circulation de-icing system configured to melt ice from a body of water having a surface ice layer and an underlying water layer, with an opening in the surface ice layer. The portable circulation de-icing system comprises an agitator assembly, a floating motor assembly, and a flexible drive shaft. The agitator assembly is configured to be at least partially placed into the underlying water layer through the opening. The agitator assembly is configured to induce a water flow into the underlying water layer. The floating motor assembly is configured to float on the underlying water layer in the opening and to provide rotational power. The flexible drive shaft is configured to transfer the rotational power from the floating motor assembly to the agitator assembly.
A second embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to a method of removing ice from a body of water having a surface ice layer and an underlying water layer, the method comprising: creating an opening in the surface ice layer; placing an agitator assembly at least partially into the underlying water layer; placing a floating motor assembly onto the underlying water layer in the opening, wherein the motor assembly is configured to provide rotational power to the agitator assembly via a flexible drive shaft; and starting the floating motor assembly such that the rotational power turns a propeller of the agitator assembly so as to induce a water flow into the underlying water layer such that the water flow removes ice from the surface ice layer.
A third embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to floating motor platform for a de-icing system. The floating motor platform comprises a float body, a fuel tank, and a motor mount. The fuel tank is disposed at least partially within the float body. The motor mount configured to receive a motor thereon for powering the de-icing machine.
Other embodiments of the invention may be broadly directed to a method of controlling a portable circulation de-icing system. Still other embodiments may be directed to an electronic control device configured to control the portable circulation de-icing system.
Advantages of these and other embodiments will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the exemplary embodiments which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments described herein may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
The Figures described below depict various aspects of systems and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systems and methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following Figures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designated with consistent reference numerals. The present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the Figures.
The Figures depict exemplary embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. While the drawings do not necessarily provide exact dimensions or tolerances for the illustrated components or structures, the drawings, not including any purely schematic drawings, are to scale with respect to the relationships between the components of the structures illustrated therein.
The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. While the drawings illustrate, and the specification describes, certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that such disclosure is by way of example only. There is no intent to limit the principles of the present invention to the particular disclosed embodiments. For instance, the drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. Furthermore, directional references (for example, top, bottom, up, and down) are used herein solely for the sake of convenience and should be understood only in relation to each other. For instance, a component might in practice be oriented such that faces referred to as “top” and “bottom” are sideways, angled or inverted relative to the chosen frame of reference.
In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.
Exemplary Environment and Usages
Embodiments of the invention may be utilized in any of various environments. An exemplary environment is shown in
Turning to
The body of water 12 may have a surface ice layer 16 above an underlying water layer 18. The surface ice layer 16 may include an opening 20 therein. The opening may have been manually created by a user and then enlarged and sustained by embodiments of the invention. The opening may be created via a pick, an axe, or other tool. Some embodiments of the invention may include one or more structures configured to create the opening in the surface ice layer.
The user may desire to remove all or a portion of the surface ice layer for any of various purposes. A first exemplary purpose is hunting. For example, in waterfowl hunting, the waterfowl will tend to land on liquid water such that the waterfowl may feed and swim in the water. If the waterfowl see a pond or lake with liquid water, the waterfowl are more likely to land on that pond or lake. This is advantageous for hunters of the waterfowl disposed on the shore 14 nearby or a boat on the liquid water. Decoys disposed on the liquid water may further bring in waterfowl. Thus, some embodiments of the invention are configured to be utilized by hunters in a pond or lake for waterfowl or other hunting purposes.
A second exemplary purpose is for boating. A boat may become trapped in a sudden or unexpected ice layer. Utilizing tools (such as the above discussed pick or axe) proximate to the boat may be disadvantageous because an inadvertent strike can cause damage to the boat. Further, physically removing the ice (as opposed to melting the ice) can cause damage to the finishes and other aspects of the boat. Thus, some embodiments of the invention are configured to be utilized from a boat or dock for purposes of freeing a boat or other watercraft trapped in the ice.
A third exemplary purpose is for fishing. The sport of ice fishing typically utilizes a small hole cut into the surface ice layer. A fishing lure and fishing line of a fishing pole are lowered through the hole to catch fish. Thus, some embodiments of the invention may be utilized to make, enlarge, and/or sustain a hole for ice fishing.
A fourth exemplary purpose is for domesticated animals. Domesticated animals need to drink during the cold winter months. Ice forming on stock ponds and other bodies of water make this difficult for domesticated animals. Thus, some embodiments of the invention may be utilized to keep an opening in the ice of a stock pond such that the domesticated animals have a sustained source of water. In many instances, these stock ponds are in remote areas, away from other power sources. In such instances, embodiments of the invention may be utilized to bring de-icing to these remote areas.
A fifth exemplary purpose is for hatcheries. Hatcheries raise fish and other aquatic life. In order to feed the aquatic life, hatcheries may need to keep the ice open during cold weather. Embodiments of the invention may thus be used to keep the water accessible for feeding.
A sixth exemplary purpose is for the protection of water-based structures. Various permanent or temporary structures may become damaged (structurally and/or cosmetically) due to prolonged exposure to ice. Embodiments of the invention may thus be used to prevent ice that would damage adjacent structures. This may be used for remote structures away from other power sources.
A seventh exemplary purpose is for conservation projects. Conservation projects may include goals of keeping various wild animals with access to drinkable water, of ensuring the flow of water through certain natural or manmade terrain features, or of other purposes to prevent otherwise naturally occurring ice. Embodiments of the invention may be configured to be utilized in the remote areas for conservation.
It should be appreciated that while the portions of the description herein relate to the hunting exemplary purpose, various embodiments may be directed to other or multiple purposes. The hunting purpose is discussed to provide an understandable example to the reader.
Exemplary Portable Circulation De-Icing System
Turning to
The portable circulation de-icing system 10 is configured to be carried (or otherwise transported) to a body of water 12 and operate independently. Specifically, in some embodiments, the portable circulation de-icing system 10 is configured to operate without external power or other tether. As such, a hunter or other operator may carry the portable circulation de-icing system 10 to the body of water 12 and setup up the portable circulation de-icing system 10 to de-ice all or any portion of the body of water 12. The hunter or other operator may carry the portable circulation de-icing system 10 in two or more distinct components that are assembled at the use site. For example, the hunter or other operator (or a group thereof) may carry the agitator assembly 24, the flexible drive shaft 26, and the floating motor assembly 22 separately. The hunter or other operator (or group thereof) may then reassemble the portable circulation de-icing system 10 in or adjacent to the opening for operations.
As discussed above, the portable circulation de-icing system 10 is utilized to deice a body of water 12. The portable circulation de-icing system 10 broadly includes the agitator assembly 24 and the floating motor assembly 22. The agitator assembly 24 is configured to be disposed at least partially below the underlying water layer (as shown in
The agitator assembly 24 broadly includes a base 28 and a propeller 30. The base 28 holds the propeller 30 at a certain height and attack angle relative to the underlying surface upon with the base 28 is setting. The propeller 30 is configured to be at least partially placed into the underlying water layer through the opening. The operating propeller 30 generates a water flow in the underlying water layer which will enlarge the opening, create a new opening, sustain the opening, etc.
The floating motor assembly 22 comprises a floating motor platform 32 and a motor 34. The floating motor platform 32 is configured to float on the surface of the underlying water layer such that the motor 34 is exposed to the air. The floating motor assembly 22 provides power to the agitator assembly 24 via the flexible drive shaft 26. In some embodiments, the floating motor assembly 22 is configured to provide rotational power, and the flexible drive shaft 26 is configured to transfer the rotational power from the floating motor assembly 22 to the agitator assembly 24.
Exemplary Agitator Assembly
Turning now to
The propeller 30 is configured to be actuated by the rotational power from the floating motor assembly 22, as discussed more below. The propeller 30 rotates so as to induce a water flow in the underlying water layer of the body of water 12. The propeller 30 may be analogous to the propeller on a watercraft (such as a boat or submarine); however, instead of propelling the watercraft, the propeller 30 of embodiments of the invention propels the water in relation to an otherwise stationary propeller 30. The propelled water moves the warmer water into contact with the surface ice layer.
Turning to
The propeller 30 is powered via the flexible drive shaft 26. The flexible drive shaft 26 generally includes a sheath 54 and an inner drive 56 (also shown in
As shown in
It should be appreciated that the design of
The base 28, as best shown in
The horizontal segment 72 is configured to be placed against and remain generally in contact with the underlying surface of the body of water 12. In embodiments, the horizontal segment 72 comprises a left and a right stabilizer 78, and a front and a rear strut 80 (best illustrated in
The left stabilizer 78 and the right stabilizer 78 each include a vertical wall 82 and a horizontal wall 84. The vertical wall 82 is configured to receive the vertical extension 74 thereon. The horizontal wall 84 is configured to receive the front strut 80 and the rear strut 80. A set of fasteners 86 may secure the vertical extension 74 to the vertical wall 82 and the struts 80 to the horizontal wall 84. The horizontal wall 84 may further present a stake opening 144 configured to receive a stake (not illustrated) therein. The stake is configured to keep the horizontal wall 84 (and, by extension, the entire agitator assembly 24) secured to the underlying surface of the body of water 12.
The vertical extension 74 rises from the horizontal segment 72. The vertical extension 74 is thus generally perpendicular to the underlying surface of the body of water 12. The vertical extension 74 may comprise a left and a right post 90. The left post 90 is secured to the left stabilizer 78 via the fasteners 86, and the right post 90 is secured to the right stabilizer 78 via the fasteners 86. In some embodiments, the left post 90 and the right post 90 are each a C-channel, such that the left post 90 and the right post 90 each include a center wall 92 disposed between two sidewalls 90.
In some embodiments, the center wall 92 of the left post 90 and the right post 90 presents a vertical step opening 96 (as best shown in
In some embodiments, the left post 90 and/or the right post 90 includes a handle segment 104. The handle segment 104 is disposed at or near a top end of the vertical extension 74. The handle segment 104 is configured to be gripped by a user so as to be lowered into or raised out of the body of water 12. In some instances, the user may be in the body of water 12 (such as in waders), in a boat, in an adjacent structure, or standing on the surface ice layer. Depending on the depth of the body of water 12, the handle segment 104 may extend up out of the water (such as illustrated in
The handle segment 104 may be secured to the left post 90 and/or right post 90 or may be monolithic therewith. In some embodiments, the left post 90 and the right post 90 both include a handle segment 104 secured thereto, as best shown in
In some embodiments, the left post 90 and/or the right post 90 includes an anchor segment 110. The anchor segment 110 is configured to receive a rope, a band, or other anchoring structure. The anchoring structure may be utilized to retrieve the agitator assembly 24, such as if the water level is too deep to retrieve the handle segment 104 by reaching into the water. The anchor segment 110 presents an annular wall configured to receive a proximal end of the anchoring structure therein. The anchoring structure may be secured, at a distal end, to the floating motor assembly 22, to the shore 14, or to some other structure.
The propeller housing 76 protects the propeller 30. Absent the propeller housing 76, the induced water flow would draw debris into the propeller 30, potentially causing damage to the rapidly rotating propeller 30. The propeller housing 76 may also interface with the vertical extension 74 to set a height and an attack angle relative to the horizontal segment 72 and/or the underlying surface.
In embodiments, the propeller housing 76 includes a cage 112 and a locking stabilizer 114. The cage 112 surrounds at least a portion of the propeller 30. The cage 112 protects the propeller 30 from damage from objects in the water. For example, plant life on the underlying surface of the body of water 12 may become tangled in the propeller 30 absent the cage 112. The cage 112 may also protect plant and animal life in the water from being damaged or killed by the propeller 30. For example, fish swimming in the body of water 12 may be pulled in toward the operating propeller 30. Absent the cage 112, the fish may be killed by the propeller 30.
The cage 112 includes a center wall 116 and a set of sidewalls 118, as illustrated in
The locking stabilizer 114 is configured to hold the propeller 30 at an adjustable set height above the underlying surface. Further, in embodiments, the locking stabilizer 114 is configured to hold the propeller 30 at an adjustable set attack angle relative to the underlying surface. The locking stabilizer 114 includes a tab 120 extending from the cage 112. The tab 120 interfaces with the vertical step opening 96 discussed above. The tab 120 may include a locking handle 122 which rotates relative to the tab 120. The locking handle 122 tightens and loosens the tab 120 relative to the vertical step opening 96. The user will loosen the locking handle 122, move the tab 120 out into the track segment 98, move the tab 120 up or down to a desired height relative to the horizontal segment 72, insert the tab 120 into the recess segment 100, adjust the attack angle of the cage 112, and tighten the locking handle 122.
In some embodiments, the propeller housing 76 further includes a handle segment 124. The handle segment 124 may be gripped by the user during manipulation of the location and orientation of the propeller 30. The handle segment 124 may be secured to the cage 112, or otherwise monolithic with the center wall 92 of the cage 112, as best shown in
It should be appreciated that, in embodiments of the invention, the agitator assembly 24 includes no motor, controller, or other component capable of water damage. Thus, the components disposed within the water need not be excessively insulated from the water.
Exemplary Floating Motor Assembly
Turning to
As shown in
In some embodiments the float body 126 includes a peripheral float segment 134 and a lower float segment 136. The peripheral float segment 134 extends laterally to keeps the float body 126 generally aligned with the surface of the water. The lower float segment 136 provides additional buoyancy beneath the fuel tank 128. The lower float segment 136 and the peripheral float segment 134 each present one or more sidewall 138 and one or more endwall 140. In some embodiments, as shown in
In embodiments, the peripheral float segment 134 and the lower float segment 136 are monolithic. In other embodiments, the peripheral float segment 134 is secured to the lower float segment 136, such as via welding or a chemical adhesive. The peripheral float segment 134 and the lower float segment 136 may be hollow, so as to present a void 142. As can be seen in
In some embodiments, the peripheral float segment 134 and/or the lower float segment 136 includes a recess 144 (best shown in
In some embodiments, the peripheral float segment 134 presents a stake opening 144 configured to receive a stake therein for securing the floating motor platform 132 relative to an underlying surface. The stake is shown in
In embodiments of the invention, the stake opening 144 includes a cylindrical wall 146. The cylindrical wall 146 passes between an upper side and a lower side of the peripheral float assembly. The cylindrical wall 146 allows the stake to pass between the upper side and the lower side. With the stake disposed at least partially within the cylindrical wall 146 and secured to the underlying surface, the floating motor assembly 22 cannot move laterally along the surface of the body of water 12.
In some embodiments, the peripheral float segment 134 further includes a handle 148. The handle 148 may be disposed on the upper side of the peripheral float assembly (as shown in
In some embodiments, the lower float segment 136 further includes a drainage assembly 150 configured to allow water to drain from the lower float segment 136. The drainage assembly 150 includes a port 152 and a plug 154. The port 152 is permanently secured to a sidewall of the lower float segment 136. The plug 154 is configured to be selectively securely inserted into the port 152, such as via threads (not illustrated). While the plug 154 is securely emplaced in the port 152, the drainage assembly 150 is watertight, so as to prevent water from entering into or exiting out of the drainage assembly 150. When the plug 154 is removed from the port 152, water (or other liquids) may pass through the drainage assembly 150. Typically, the user will remove the plug 154 when the floating motor platform 132 is on land after operation. The user will remove the plug 154 to remove any water, fuel, or other fluid that may have accumulated in the lower float segment 136 during operation.
In some embodiments, the lower float segment 136 may include a heating element (not illustrated). The heating element may be powered (directly or indirectly) by the motor 34. The heating element may assist in creating an opening beneath the floating motor assembly 22. In these embodiments, the user may create an opening to place the agitator assembly 24 below the surface ice layer, and then place the floating motor assembly 22 on another area of the surface ice layer. The heating element will then create a second opening for the floating motor assembly 22 over time.
Turning to
The fuel tank 128 may include a fill port 170. The fill port 170 is selectively be opened, such that a nozzle, a spout, a funnel, or other structure may be inserted therein. The fuel will then be inserted into the fuel tank 128. The fill port 170 may be opened by removing a screw cap therefrom, or by some other opening action.
The fuel tank 128 may include a feed line port 172 and a return line port 174, as best shown in
The fuel tank 128 may include one or more mount feet 176, as best shown in
The mount feet 176 may include a vibration dampener 178. The vibration dampener 178 includes an interior spring and a spring housing (not illustrated), or other vibration dampening structure. The spring housing surrounds and protects the spring. The mount feet are associated with the interior spring, such that vibrations and other forces imparted on the motor feet are absorbed by the interior spring. The vibration dampening structure absorbs at least a portion of vibrations from the motor 34, so as to reduce vibrations being passed to the floating motor platform 132.
In embodiments, as best shown in
The motor mount 130 is configured to receive a motor 34 thereon for powering the de-icing system 10. In some embodiments, the motor 34 is an internal combustion engine configured to provide said rotational power. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the motor 34 is an electric motor. Examples of a motor 34 may include an internal combustion engine, a hybrid engine, an electric motor, or other power generator. Similarly, power may be provided by a battery, a solar panel, a wind turbine, or other alternate source.
In some embodiments, the motor 34 is configured to be removed from the floating motor platform 132 by removing the motor mount 130 from the mount feet 176. The motor mount 130 remains attached to the motor 34 such that the motor 34 may be selectively returned to the floating motor platform 132 as needed. The motor mount 130 may be configured to be secured to other structures. For example, the motor mount 130 may be configured to be secured to a protective cage (not illustrated) that is configured to hold the motor 34. The protective cage may support the motor 34 during land-based operations. For example, the operator may selectively switch between utilizing the floating motor platform 132 when water-based operations are needed and utilizing the protective cage when land-based operations are needed. This can be accomplished without removing the motor mount 130 from the motor 34.
Exemplary Methods of Control and Use
While various methods of using the embodiments of the invention have been discussed throughout, a method of removing ice from a body of water 12 will now be discussed. The body of water 12 has a surface ice layer and an underlying water layer. The method may include creating one or more openings in the surface ice layer. These opening(s) may be created manually (e.g., via striking with a pick or axe). The user may then enter the body of water 12 wearing waders or some other protective equipment. The user will place the agitator assembly 24 at least partially into the underlying water layer (such as shown in
The method may also include filling a fuel tank 128 of the float body 126 with fuel for the internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel tank 128 is distinct from the internal combustion engine and is disposed below the fuel tank 128.
In some embodiments, the portable circulation de-icing system 10 may include an electronic control unit that controls one or more functions of the portable circulation de-icing system 10. The electronic control unit may control the timing, rate, and other characteristics of the operation of the propeller 30.
The electronic control unit receives various inputs and/or commands and controls the operation of the propeller 30 (and may control other functions of the portable circulation de-icing system 10). The electronic control unit 100 may monitor the status and setting of various systems, such as the fuel level.
The electronic control unit 100 may also receive passive or active instructions. The user may input (directly or indirectly) requested characteristics of the operation of the portable circulation de-icing system 10. The user may be able to program specific timeframe and rate. For example, to use the hunting exemplary use, the user may emplace the portable circulation de-icing system 10 early in the morning. The user may then instruct the electronic control unit to run continuously for two hours to create the large opening to attract the waterfowl. The user may further instruct that after two hours the electronic control unit should make the portable circulation de-icing system 10 cease operations for two hours during the hunting time (so as to eliminate the noise) or switch to a low-power mode for two hours during the hunting time (so as to reduce the noise).
Based upon the above discussed inputs, the electronic control unit may determine that a change in the current operation rate is needed. The electronic control unit may send an instruction to the motor 34 to throttle, idle, cease operation, or perform some other function.
In some embodiments, the electronic control unit may be associated with a wireless communication element. The wireless communication element may allow for the remote controlling of the portable circulation de-icing system 10. The wireless communication element may utilize any of various wireless communication protocols, such as BLUETOOTH. In these embodiments, to continue the hunting exemplary usage, the hunter may remotely stop the motor 34 via the wireless communication element and the electronic control unit at various times (such as when the hunter sees waterfowl flying into the area).
Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a computerized method of controlling the portable circulation de-icing system 10. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to a portable circulation de-icing system 10 including an electronic control unit configured to control the operations of the portable circulation de-icing system 10. Still other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program instructs the electronic controller unit (or other processing element(s)) to perform the above discussed steps.
Additional Considerations
In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.
Although the present application sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claim(s) set forth at the end of this patent and equivalents. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.
Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein. The foregoing statements in the paragraph shall apply unless so stated in this description and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description.
As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20210381186 A1 | Dec 2021 | US |
