Patent Application
20230398542
Digestion reactions facilitated with laboratory equipment are typically carried out at elevated temperatures and elevated pressures. Such a digestion reaction can be the reaction of a sample with an aggressive acid at high temperatures and pressures. The combination of high temperature and the strong acid tends to break most, and often all, of the chemical bonds in the sample to produce a liquid containing the constituent species, typically elements, of the sample. The liquid can then be analysed for the presence and amounts of these elements.
Microwave systems are often used to accelerate the digestion reaction process. Microwaves typically interact directly with the digestion acid and sample composition so that the digestion can be carried out more quickly than digestion using conventional heat sources.
Although digestion can be carried out using several different acids (e.g., sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, perchloric, etc.), nitric acid offers advantages in some circumstances. In particular, nitric acid typically avoids forming insoluble compounds with many inorganic samples. Other acids (e.g., sulfuric and hydrochloric) are more likely to form such insoluble compounds during digestion reactions. Thus, nitric acid is often used for digestion because it produces a higher quality sample for analytical testing.
In order to digest in nitric acid, some samples need to be heated above the atmospheric boiling point of the acid. At typical atmospheric pressure, nitric acid (e.g., a typical nitric acid solution) boils at about 120° C., but many samples do not digest completely unless heated to at least about 200° C., and some samples require temperatures of 270-300° C. Thus, in order to reach higher temperatures, nitric acid digestion is often carried out in a pressurized environment, typically using reaction vessels that can withstand pressures of several hundred pounds per square inch.
In order to prevent catastrophic failure at such pressures, a digestion vessel can include, or be associated with, a pressure release mechanism. It is known for such a pressure release mechanism to periodically release pressure by venting a head space of the vessel during the digestion. When releasing pressure, it is typically desirable for only gas in a head space of the vessel to be vented in a manner which does not discharge any of the analyte. However, a rapid pressure drop in the vessel during venting can cause some of the analyte to be disadvantageously spewed from the vessel and/or there may be other disadvantages.
An aspect of this disclosure is the provision of a closure (e.g., lid, cap, cap assembly, septum, and/or the like) configured to be releasably mounted to a mouth of a reaction vessel for obstructing an opening defined by the mouth, wherein the closure can be used in providing both closed and venting configurations of the vessel, and the closure can be configured and operated in a manner that seeks to ensure that only gas from a head space of the vessel is vented during the venting configurations (e.g., typically without discharging analyte from the vessel), as discussed further below. The closure can be or include a lid (e.g., elastic septum).
The closure may, optionally, further include a band or other suitable structure configured to releasably mount the lid to the vessel. The band can include a body extending at least partially around and defining a hole, and a plurality of latches (e.g., at least two latches) extending downwardly from the body and configured to be elastically deformed and releasably engaged to a predetermined portion of (e.g., a flange of) the vessel to releasably mount the band and lid to the vessel. The plurality of latches can be configured to collectively extend at least partially around the vessel. In an example (e.g., optionally), gas being vented outwardly from the vessel can pass through one or more openings respectively defined between adjacent latches.
Another aspect of this disclosure is the provision of a method for controlling pressure and preserving analytes in an acid digestion reaction performed at elevated temperatures and pressures. The method can include providing a sealed closed configuration of a reaction vessel while the reaction vessel contains reactants comprising acid and a sample. The providing of the sealed closed configuration can include increasing a closing (e.g., clamping) force that holds an obstruction (e.g., the lid or elastic septum) against a mouth of the reaction vessel, and ceasing the increasing of the closing force in response to determining from at least one signal that the closing force has reached a predetermined closing force. The reactants in the reaction vessel can be heated (e.g., by way of microwaves) during the sealed closed configuration, so that pressure within the reaction vessel increases. In response to determining that a predetermined pressure has been reached in the reaction vessel, the closing force can be reduced to initiate outward venting from the reaction vessel. During the venting, the pressure in the reaction vessel can be monitored, and the closing force can be adjusted in a manner that seeks to ensure that only gas from a head space of the reaction vessel is vented (e.g., typically without discharging any of the analyte from the reaction vessel),
A further aspect of this disclosure is the provision of a system for performing a digestion reaction. The system can include a support configured to support a reaction vessel; a clamping apparatus configured to apply a closing force toward a mouth of the reaction vessel while the reaction vessel is supported by the support; a heating apparatus configured to heat contents of the reaction vessel (e.g., by way of microwaves) while the reaction vessel is supported by the support; a first sensor configured to provide a signal indicative of gas pressure in a headspace of the reaction vessel while the reaction vessel is supported by the support; a second sensor configured to provide a signal indicative of the closing force; and a computer configured to control, by way of the clamping apparatus, in response to inputs, the closing force and outward venting from an opening of the reaction vessel while the reaction vessel is supported by the support. The inputs can include one or more of the signal from the first sensor and the signal from the second sensor.
As one example, the clamping apparatus can include a hydraulic system and an actuator (e.g., motor) configured to be operated to increase hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic system. The clamping apparatus can be configured to increase the closing force in response to increased hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic system. Alternatively, the hydraulic features may be omitted from the clamping apparatus.
The clamping apparatus can include an engager, and the clamping apparatus can be configured to clamp at least a portion of the closure (e.g., elastic septum) between a lower side of the engager and the mouth of the reaction vessel. The lower side of the engager can include an upwardly extending recess extending at least partially around a downwardly protruding portion of the engager. The upwardly extending recess can be configured to accommodate upward movement of a portion of the closure in a manner that seeks to enhance accuracy of signals from the first sensor.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, the support configured to support the reaction vessel can include a frustoconical surface configured to engage a corresponding frustoconical exterior surface of the reaction vessel.
The foregoing summary provides a few brief examples and is not exhaustive, and the present invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. The foregoing examples, as well as other examples, are further explained in the following detailed description with reference to accompanying drawings.
The drawings are provided as examples. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples depicted in the drawings.
Examples of embodiments are disclosed in the following. The drawings depict an example of an embodiment. Stated differently, an example of an embodiment is described with reference to the drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. For example, features disclosed as part of one embodiment or example can be used in the context of another embodiment or example to yield a further embodiment or example. As another example of the breadth of this disclosure, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more of the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and/or the like, to qualify each of the adjectives and adverbs of the Detailed Description section of disclosure, as discussed in greater detail below.
In the example depicted in
The contents of the vessel 12 are schematically represented by horizontal dashes in
The clamping apparatus can include at least one actuator 16 (e.g., an electric motor) and one or more linkages 18, 20, 22 positioned between the actuator 16 and the closure 14. The system 10 can include one or more sensors 24, 26, 28 and at least one controller 30 (e.g., computer) cooperatively configured, for example, with the actuator 16 and/or linkages 18, 20, 22 to provide closing (e.g., clamping) force feedback, as discussed further below. Communication paths between the controller 30, microwave source 15, actuator 16, and sensors 24, 26, 28 are schematically depicted with dashed lines in
The controller 30 can be configured to responsively operate the clamping apparatus so that, during heating of the vessel contents and prior to venting from the vessel, the clamping apparatus can provide a sufficient downwardly-oriented closing force against the closure 14 so that the vessel is hermetically sealed in the closed configuration. In contrast, during (e.g., throughout) the venting process, the closing or clamping force applied by the clamping apparatus against the closure 14 can more closely match (e.g., be slightly less than) an upwardly oriented opening force applied against the closure by pressure in the vessel 12 in a manner that seeks to ensure that only gas in a head space of the vessel is vented (e.g., typically without discharging any of the analyte from the reaction vessel), as discussed further below. The controller 30 can be configured so that, throughout each venting process or cycle, the closing force applied by the clamping apparatus can be adjusted to decrease proportionally with respect to the decreasing upwardly oriented opening force applied against the closure by pressure in the vessel 12 in a manner that seeks to ensure that solely gas in a head space of the vessel is vented (e.g., typically without discharging any of the analyte from the reaction vessel), as discussed further below.
A variety of different types of clamping apparatuses configured to provide the closing or clamping force to at least a portion of the closure 14 are within the scope of this disclosure, as discussed further below. In the embodiment depicted in
The master cylinder 32, or the like, can define variable hydraulic volume that is at least partially defined by a master displacement member 36 (e.g., a piston or other suitable structure) mounted for reciprocation in a master chamber 38 (e.g., cylinder or annular sleeve) in fluid communication with the hydraulic passageway 31. Similarly, the slave cylinder 32 (e.g., responsive cylinder) or the like, can define variable hydraulic volume that is at least partially defined by a slave displacement member 40 (e.g., a piston or other suitable structure) mounted for reciprocation in a slave chamber 40 (e.g., cylinder or annular sleeve) in fluid communication with the hydraulic passageway 31.
Hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic circuit 20 is represented schematically by stippling in
The downstream linkage 22 can be a mechanical linkage configured to transfer linear downward force from the slave displacement member 40 to the closure 14 on the reaction vessel 12. A force sensor 26 can be associated with (e.g., carried by) the downstream linkage 22 and operatively associated with a movable (e.g., flexible) portion of the closure 14 to provide signals indicative of pressure in the reaction vessel 12, as discussed further below. A temperature sensor 28 can be associated with reaction vessel 12 to provide signals indicative of temperature in the reaction vessel 12 (e.g., the reaction vessel can be in the field of view of an infrared temperature sensor), as discussed further below.
In the depicted embodiment, the hydraulic pressure sensor 24 can provide signals indicative of pressure of the hydraulic fluid, and those signals can be supplied to (e.g., fed back to) the controller 30 as part of the provision of the closing force feedback, as discussed further below. In non-hydraulic embodiments, other structures and methods may be associated with the provision of the closing force feedback. It is believed, for example, that the closing force may be provided by way of purely mechanical structures including a leadscrew, wherein a signal indicative of the closing force can be provided by a strain sensor associated with a respective mechanical component, as discussed further below.
An annular exterior surface of an upper portion of the vessel sidewall 44 can be tapered in a direction along a height of the reaction vessel 12 to define a frustoconical exterior surface 50 of the vessel 12. The exterior surface of the vessel sidewall 44 extending between the frustoconical surface 50 and the vessel lower end can be cylindrical. Accordingly, the upper portion of the vessel sidewall 44 that defines the frustoconical surface 50 defines a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the lower portion of the vessel sidewall 44. A crosswise dimension or diameter of the frustoconical exterior surface 50 increases in an upright direction along a height of the vessel 12.
The upper end of the vessel sidewall 44 can define and/or the upper end of the vessel 12 can include an outwardly protruding annular flange 52. Referring to
Referring to
The band sleeve 60 and upper portions 63 of the band latches 61 can extend perpendicularly from and/or relative to the band flange 59. The free, lower end portions of the band latches 61 can be in the form of inwardly/obliquely extending tabs 64. The openings, spaces, or gaps between adjacent band latches 61 can be referred to as band slots 65. One or more of, or perhaps each of, the band slots 65 may be omitted and or substituted with other features. As another example, one or more of, or perhaps each of, the band slots 65 may extend all the way to the band flange 59 and/or be shaped differently (e.g., as slits and/or openings that are less rectangular). The series of band openings or slots 65 may be referred to as a plurality of openings or slots (e.g., two openings or slots, three openings or slots, four openings or slots, and/or more than four openings or slots). In the orientation depicted in
Referring to
The lid 58 can be referred to as a septum formed of a durable material (e.g., resistant to acid and high temperatures) having a sufficient configuration and elastic modules for repeatedly distending and, thereby, reasonably accurately applying force (indicative of pressure in the vessel 12) toward the force sensor 26 (
Similarly, the band 57 can be formed of a durable material having a sufficient configuration and elastic modules for being snap-fit onto the mouth 48, 52, 56 of the vessel 12. The band 57 can be formed from, for example, polymeric material, or more specifically thermoplastic polymeric material such as, but not limited to, polypropylene,. for example by injection molding.
Referring to
The cap assembly 14 can be removed from the vessel 12 (e.g., removed from being securely, releasably mounted on the upper end portion of the vessel 12) in response to relative movement of the between vessel 12 and the cap assembly 14 that separates the vessel and cap assembly 14 from one another. In response to such relative separating movement, the band latches 61 flex outwardly in response to engaging and being slid off of the vessel flange 52. After the latch tabs 64 slidingly engage and move past the vessel flange intermediate exterior surface 53, the latch tabs can elastically return to their original shape so that the lid 58 is retained by the band 14 (e.g., caught and supported by the latch tabs 64), for example in the configuration depicted in
The band 57 can function to conveniently facilitate placement or positioning of the lid 58. That said, it is believed that, optionally, the lid 58 may be used without the band 57. Accordingly, the cap or closure 14 may consist solely of the lid 58 in some embodiments, implementations, and/or methods of this disclosure.
The slave chamber 42 can be a cylindrical passageway bored vertically in the upper body 74. The slave displacement member 40 (e.g., piston) can have somewhat of an H-shaped cross-section, the upper portion of which defines a cavity 75 into which the hydraulic fluid extends. In some implementations, the upwardly open cavity 75 in the upper end of the slave displacement member 40 may be omitted. The hydraulic slave chamber 42 (e.g., cylinder or annular sleeve) is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic master chamber 38 through the hydraulic circuit's hydraulic passageway 31 (
The slave displacement member 40 can be movably mounted for reciprocation in the upper body 74 by at least one or an assembly of mounting and/or sealing parts 80. An extension member 82 can be fixedly mounted (e.g., by an externally threaded shaft extending into an internally threaded bore) to the lower end of the slave displacement member 40 so that the extension member and slave displacement member reciprocate together. The slave displacement member 40 and extension member 82 may be together referred to as a plunger 40, 82 that is mounted for upright reciprocation in an interior space of a downwardly open body or assembly including the upper body 74, a lower body 84, and a plate 86 with a through hole. If desired, it is believed that the slave displacement member 40 and extension member 82 could be formed as a single part. As a practical matter, however, using separate parts makes it easier and thus potentially less expensive to form the slave displacement member 40 to relatively close tolerances while the extension member 82 may be formed with broader tolerances. Like many other parts of the instrument 66, displacement members 36, 40, body portions 74, 84, and plate 86 can be formed of metallic material.
The upper body 74, lower body 84, and plate 86 may together be referred to as an inner housing or body 74, 84, 86 that is carried by the upper housing portion 67 when the upper housing portion reciprocates horizontally relative to the center housing portion 68. It is believed that the inner body 74, 84, 86 may be formed from a lesser or greater number of parts. In
The slave displacement member 40, or more specifically the plunger 40, 82, can be biased towards the retracted position by at least one helical compression spring 88 extending around the extension member 82. The spring 88 can have opposite ends respectively engaged to an outwardly protruding, lower annular flange of the slave displacement member 40 and a inwardly protruding, lower annular flange of a mounting sleeve 90. An outwardly protruding, upper annular flange of the mounting sleeve 90 can be fixedly mounted to upper body 74 by fasteners and/or any other suitable devices. A upper surface of an outwardly extending, annular lower flange of the extension member 82 can engage a lower surface of the lower flange of the mounting sleeve 90 to restrict or arrest upward movement of the plunger 40, 82.
With continued reference to
In
In the example depicted in
The inner part of the engagement apparatus 100 can be fixedly secured to an outer part of the engagement apparatus. The outer part of the engagement apparatus 100 can include an engagement disk 110, an annular U-shaped channel 112, and annular sleeve 114. The inner annular wall of the channel 112 can extend downwardly from the periphery of the engagement disk 110. The sleeve 114 can extend upwardly from the outer annular wall of the channel 112 and be engaged in opposing face-to-face, sliding contact with a coaxial cylindrical inner surface (e.g., guideway) of the lower body 64. The flange 106 of the inner part of the engagement apparatus 100 can fit (e.g., interference fit) into the annular opening defined by the channel 112. The outer part of the engagement apparatus 100 can be made of elastic (e.g., flexible) material, for example polymeric material. As an example, it is believed the outer part of the engagement apparatus 100 may be made of thermoset polymeric material such as, but not limited to, synthetic rubber (e.g., neoprene or polychloroprene). As a more specific example, the outer part of the engagement apparatus 100 can be made of thermoplastic polymeric material such as, but not limited to, a fluorocarbon solid (e.g., perfluoroalkoxy alkane). The outer part of the engagement apparatus 100 and/or portions thereof can be in the form of and/or be referred to as a membrane or flexible membrane. Accordingly, the disk 110 can be referred to as a flexible engagement web or flexible engagement membrane, and it can have an undulating shape, as discussed further below.
With continued reference to
Referring to
The master displacement member 36 can be movably mounted for reciprocation in the upper body 74 by at least one or an assembly of mounting and/or sealing parts 130. The hydraulic circuit 20 (
Referring to
In the example depicted in
The back plate 102 can include a through hole 150 and a downwardly protruding portion (e.g., protrusion 152) generally extending around and spaced apart from the hole 150. The engagement disk's outer protrusion 142 can be defined by an annular undulation in the web material of the engagement membrane or disk 110, and the upper side of that undulation can define an annular channel into which the back plate protrusion 152 extends. The back plate protrusion 152 can define a downwardly open annular channel into which an engagement ring 154 is received (e.g., press fit). The engagement ring 154 can be made of softer, more elastic material than the back plate 102. For example, the engagement ring 154 can be a polymeric, flexible, elastomeric O-ring configured in a manner that seeks to provide compliance and improve sealing efficiency (e.g., the lower portion of the engagement ring 154 can protrude downwardly outwardly from the back plate 102 or the pack plate protrusion 152.
The extension member 82 can include a lower annular flange 156 that extends through the back plate hole 132. The extension flange 156 can define an opening to a cylindrical cavity 158. The force sensor 26 can be positioned in the extension cavity 158 and be directly or indirectly engaged with the inner side of the engagement disk's inner protrusion 140. In
In the example of the vessel 12 being sealed closed and containing contents under pressure as depicted in
In the example depicted in
In the example depicted in
In
Various examples are discussed in the following with reference to the example illustrated by
Each of the line portions that are described above as being “'substantially' downwardly inclined to the right from a peak to a lower point” can be referred to as a backslash portion (e.g., “\”) for ease of reference. In contrast, the line portions that are upwardly inclined to the right from a lower point to a peak can be referred to as a slash portion (e.g., “/”) for ease of reference. In
Processing control is transferred from block 500 to block 505. Blocks 505 through 530 can be generally representative of a do loop or for-loop that is executed or performed in association with each of the periods of venting from the vessel 12 in a serial manner. For example, blocks 505 through 530 can be performed for the first period of venting, followed by blocks 505 through 530 being performed for the second period of venting, and so on.
At block 505, the hydraulic pressure set point is calculated by the processor for a corresponding internal vessel pressure vent point. Reiterating from above, in
At block 510, the processor causes signal(s) to be sent in a manner that causes the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic circuit 20 to reach the hydraulic pressure set point. In the present iteration, the hydraulic pressure set point is sufficiently high in a manner that seeks to restrict any premature venting from the vessel 12. In response to the one or more signals at block 510, the motor 16 operates (e.g., in a forward rotational direction), and the master displacement member 36 responsively moves until the hydraulic pressure set point is reached, as indicated by the hydraulic pressure sensor 24. Operation of the motor 16 is ceased in response to the indication that the hydraulic pressure set point is reached. In response to the resulting pressure in the hydraulic circuit 20, the vessel 12 is sealed closed by the lid 58, for example as discussed above. Processing control is transferred from block 510 to block 515.
At block 515, the processor causes signal(s) to be sent in a manner that causes the contents of the vessel 12 to be heated, for example by microwaves from the microwave source 15, as discussed above. In response to the heating, the temperature and pressure increase in the vessel 12. More specifically, the microwaves increase the temperature of the sample in the vessel 12, and the increased pressure in the vessel is a byproduct of the temperature increase of the sample.
Simultaneously with block 515, at block 520 the processor receives signals indicative of the pressure and/or temperature in the vessel 12. For example, the processor can receive signals from both the temperature sensor 28 and the force sensor 26. Reiterating from above, signals from the temperature sensor are indicative of temperature in the vessel 12, and signals from the force sensor 26 are indicative of pressure in the vessel 12. At block 520 a determination is made whether outward venting from the vessel 12 is to be initiated. For example, microwaves (see, e.g., block 515) can continue to be applied to the contents of the vessel 12 to increase the temperature of the sample in the vessel until (i) a temperature set point is reached (after which the system may maintain sample temperature for set hold time) or (ii) internal vessel pressure reaches the desired vent pressure (e.g., the internal vessel pressure vent point). The processor can determine whether the temperature set point is reached based upon signals from the temperature sensor 28. The processor can determine whether the internal vessel pressure vent point (e.g., set point) is reached based upon signals from the force sensor 26. Reiterating from above with reference to
At block 525, signals and/or cessation of signals from the processor cause cessation of operation of the microwave source 15 to discontinue the heating of the vessel contents, and venting from the vessel 12 is initiated. For initiating and controlling the venting from the vessel 12, responsive to one or more signals at block 525 the motor 16 operates in the reverse rotational direction, and the master displacement member 36 responsively moves to reduce pressure in the in the hydraulic circuit 20. In response to feedback signals received by the processor and signals from the processor to the motor 16, the pressure in the hydraulic circuit 20 is reduce in a manner so that pressure in the vessel 12 declines at an appropriate slope (e.g., rate) to control the venting in the manner discussed above (e.g., in a manner that seeks to ensure that only gas from a head space of the vessel is vented (e.g., typically without discharging any of the analyte from the vessel)). For example, the system can reduce internal vessel pressure based on pressure delta and pressure slope parameters. The pressure delta parameter determines or defines the total internal vessel pressure drop. The pressure slope parameter determines or defines the rate at which the system achieves the internal vessel pressure drop. For example, the motor 16 can be operated in reverse, with the motor speed determined or defined by the pressure slope parameter, to reduce the clamping force on the lid 58 while the vessel internal pressure is monitored by way of the force sensor 26 and feed back to, and utilized by, the processor for controlling operations (e.g., adjusting motor speed).
Simultaneously with block 525, at block 530 the processor can determine, based upon signals from the force sensor 26, whether a predetermined reduction in vessel internal pressure has occurred (e.g., with reference to
At least partially reiterating from above, in one aspect of this disclosure, the pressure inside the vessel 12 and closing force are both at least indirectly measured, and during the venting process the closing force can be adjusted to substantially match (e.g., be slightly less than) the pressure of the contents inside of the vessel. the closing force can be matched, for example, to within about 50 pounds per square inch of the pressure inside the vessel 12, and in some cases matched to within about 10 pounds per square inch of the pressure inside the vessel, or even less.
Partially opening the vessel 12 for venting purposes while the pressures are substantially matched helps avoid the types of sprays, aerosols, or outright liquid ejection that might otherwise occur. Accordingly, in an exemplary method the reaction vessel 12 is opened for venting while the respective pressures are matched within about 50 pounds per square inch, matched within about 10 pounds per square inch, or matched within less than 10 pounds per square inch.
Because the reactions of interest are often digestion reactions, temperature within the vessel 12 is typically maintained above the boiling point of water, sometimes as high as 300-350° C. Similarly, the pressure inside the vessel 12 will typically be at least about 250 pounds per square inch, often above 500 pounds per square inch, and sometimes as high as about or almost 700 to 750 pounds per square inch. In some implementations, the pressure within the vessel is not allowed to exceed 750 pounds per square inch.
At least partially reiterating from above, the system 10 and, thus, the instrument 66 typically includes at least one controller 30 operatively associated with, for example, numerous electrical components of the system (e.g., the microwave source, sensors, motor(s), and/or other suitable components). The at least one controller 30 can include one or more computers, computer data storage devices, programmable logic devices (PLDs) and/or application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC). A suitable computer can include one or more of each of a central processing unit (CPU) or processor, integrated circuits or memory, user interface (e.g., graphical user interface), peripheral or equipment interface for interfacing with other electrical components of the system, and/or any other suitable features. The controller(s) can respectively communicate with electrical components of the system by way of suitable signal communication paths. Processes of this disclosure can be controlled (e.g., at least partially controlled) in response to the execution of computer-based algorithms operatively associated with the at least one controller 30. The controller 30 is schematically represented as a rectangle identified by numeral 30 in
At least partially reiterating from above, a variety of differently configured clamping apparatuses are within the scope of this disclosure. For example and in an alternative embodiment, it is believed that the hydraulic circuit 20 (
To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,237,608; 9,943,823; and 10,527,530.
Reiterating from above, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more of the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and/or the like, to qualify each of the adjectives and adverbs of the foregoing disclosure, for the purpose of providing a broad disclosure. As an example, it is believed that those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that, in different implementations of the features of this disclosure, reasonably different engineering tolerances, precision, and/or accuracy may be applicable and suitable for obtaining the desired result. Accordingly, it is believed that those of ordinary skill will readily understand usage herein of the terms such as “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and the like.
In the specification and drawings, examples of embodiments have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.
