Patent Application
20230361456
Protective enclosures or structures are installed in various locations around the world, in different types of environments. Protective enclosures or structures protect sensitive equipment deployed at the various locations within those environments from often harsh elements. The protective enclosures or structures must withstand the elements for at least the lifetime of the sensitive equipment, providing protection to the equipment over that time as well as allowing for its optimal performance.
For instance, mobile wireless communication network components, such as antennas and their associated electronic equipment are installed in a variety of outdoor environments, to provide adequate network coverage throughout a given region. These components are generally located so as to be the most effective, which often exposes them to the hazards of the elements. Protective enclosures or structures may be used to shield the antennas and associated components from the effects of the weather. Such structures, however, may interfere with the propagation of wireless signals and thus impede the performance of the wireless network components. For instance, materials used to protect an antenna may attenuate the signal transmitted or received by the antenna, depending on the materials.
Further, the protective enclosures commonly used are often very heavy, due to the types of materials used (e.g., metals, fiberglass, plastics, etc.). The weight of the protective enclosure is added to the weight of the communications equipment when the system is installed, often creating an undesirable loading on existing structures such as poles, buildings, towers, and so forth. New structures such as towers require heavier materials and build standards to support the weight of the equipment and enclosures. Large heavy-duty installation vehicles and equipment are needed to transport and install the systems, with additional manpower needed to operate the installation equipment and to handle the heavy components. These and other factors lead to increased cost of equipment and installation. Time needed for the installation may be increased as well, due to complexity and availability of equipment and manpower.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below.
In brief and at a high level this disclosure describes, among other things, a protective enclosure system comprising a cover that forms a protective cavity. The walls, top, sides, and/or bottom, etc. of the cover can be comprised at least of two layers: a substrate layer and a protective layer, however, in some examples the cover can be comprised of the protective layer without the substrate layer. In various embodiments, the substrate layer and the protective layer each have a predetermined thickness and a predetermined density. The substrate layer (or the protective layer) has an outer surface and an inner surface that defines the protective cavity, and is transparent to radio frequencies from 0 GHz to over 50 GHz at the predetermined thickness and the predetermined density.
The protective layer envelopes or surrounds the substrate layer, and comprises a radio-frequency-transparent polyurea that is transparent to radio frequencies from 0 GHz to over 50 GHz. The protective layer can be disposed on any or all of the surfaces of the substrate layer. In the various embodiments, the protective enclosure system also includes an equipment-mounting component positioned within the protective cavity, integral to the protective cavity, or coupled to the protective cavity, and configured to mount an item to be protected such that the item is at least partly enclosed by the cover. The equipment-mounting component may also be made from one or both of the materials of the substrate layer and the protective layer.
In various embodiments, the substrate layer comprises a foam material (such as polyisocyanurate, for example) that has a density of between 1 to 60 pounds per cubic foot when used on the cover or supporting components (e.g., base, etc.). The protective layer can comprise a polyurea material capable of being applied (e.g., sprayed, coated, etc.) while in a liquid state and curing to a solid state. The protective layer adheres to the various surfaces of the substrate layer. The protective layer may be sprayed or otherwise coated onto the surface(s) of the substrate layer after the substrate layer is formed. Alternately, the protective layer may be applied to the inside surface of a mold, and the substrate layer deposited into the mold afterwards, such that the protective layer is adhered to the surface(s) of the substrate layer once cured.
The substrate layer of the cover may have a unitary construction or may be comprised of multiple portions or panels that are assembled together to form the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the thickness of the substrate layer is non-uniform over the substrate layer. For instance, the substrate layer may be thicker at a top portion or a bottom portion than at a side portion of the substrate layer (or vice versa). The panels (if applicable) may have a first thickness and the top and bottom portions of the cover may have a different second thickness. In other words, the panels may be uniform or non-uniform in thickness.
In various embodiments, at least the substrate layer is molded (e.g., injection molded or other molding technique), allowing the substrate layer to take on various shapes and physical dimensions. For instance, in an implementation, the protective enclosure system, and particularly the cover is shaped and configured to enclose and to secure a mobile network communications antenna (e.g., 5G, 6G, etc.) within the protective cavity. Additional antenna mounting components may also be comprised of one layer or of multiple layers (e.g., the substrate and the protective layer of polyurea), including sleeves, bases, poles, equipment cabinets, and the like. The additional antenna mounting components may be integral to or coupled to the protective enclosure cover, to form embodiments of the protective enclosure system. Hardware and connection components may be molded into the substrate layer of the antenna mounting components in some instances.
The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
For this discussion, the devices and systems illustrated in the figures are shown as having a multiplicity of components. Various implementations of devices and/or systems, as described herein, may include fewer components and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Alternately, other implementations of devices and/or systems may include additional components, or various combinations of the described components, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Shapes and/or dimensions shown in the illustrations of the figures are for example, and other shapes and or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure, unless specified otherwise.
Conventionally, the infrastructure required to deploy mobile wireless communication network components such as antennas is heavy and expensive. For example, antennas are often installed on top of metal poles or structures that are 12 to 40 feet tall (or more). The antenna components are contained within a protective housing, which is often made of plastic and/or fiberglass that is transparent to a desired wave length. The protective housing protects the antenna and related components from environmental elements, and includes heavy mounting hardware for supporting and positioning the antenna within the housing.
Due to the weight of conventional antennas, protective housings, and mounting hardware, if the assembly is to be mounted on an existing pole, such as a streetlight pole, a telephone pole, or a traffic signal pole, then a load analysis may be required to ensure the existing pole can support the additional load. If a new pole is required, either because there is no existing pole in the desired location or because the existing pole cannot support the additional load, then the new pole must be installed, which may require multiple crews and heavy machinery. This cost can be significant, particularly in the context of networks that require high antenna density (and thus many antenna installations), such as 5G, 6G, etc. networks.
In addition to the weight and expense of installation, conventional materials used for protective housings have drawbacks in terms of longevity, weather resistance, and transparency. For example, as conventional plastics age and oxidize under exposure to the sun and other elements, transparency to desired wave lengths diminishes. Plastics may also crack with age and exposure and may thus require regular maintenance and/or replacement. Additionally, certain materials may be transparent to lower frequencies, but can be less transparent to higher frequencies (such as 1-60 GHz, for example), which can limit their applicability to communications networks that operate at higher frequencies, such as 5G, 6G, etc. networks.
In many cases it is also desirable for the protective enclosures or structures to be aesthetically pleasing, rather than having a negative impact on the scenery. The addition of traditional mobile communications antenna installations, with metallic, plastic, or fiberglass structures, is often objected to by community members because of their negative aesthetic.
Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a lighter and less expensive protective enclosure system (which may be applied as an antenna mounting and protection system), as compared to conventional solutions, with improved weather resistance and longevity. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed protective enclosure system 100 are constructed from a substrate layer 106 covered with a protective layer 108. The disclosed protective enclosure system 100 is transparent to radio frequencies, including those used for 5G, 6G, etc. mobile communications networks, making them ideal for such applications. The form-factor of the disclosed protective enclosure system 100 is customizable for creating a more pleasing aesthetic and for camouflage or integration with an existing design or environmental scheme, including shape, features and textures, and mounting options.
While the drawings and description show and discuss a mobile communications antenna system as an application of an exemplary protective enclosure system 100, this is not intended to be limiting. The enclosure system 100 and cover 102, with any or all of the related components discussed herein may be applied to any other component or system desired to be protected. In various embodiments, the cover 120 and any of the other components of the system 100 may have varying shapes, sizes, textures, and so forth, and remain within the scope of the disclosure.
The substrate layer 106 is a lightweight material, such as foam, which can take any desired shape, and the protective layer 108 is a radio-frequency-transparent polymer, such as a radio-frequency-transparent polyurea. The particular wavelength of radio frequency (RF) energy to which the substrate layer 106 and the protective layer 108 should be transparent is dependent on the intended application. For example, radio, radar, LIDAR, 4G, 5G, and 6G (and beyond) communication systems operate at a variety of wavelengths, and the substrate layer 106 and the protective layer 108 materials are selected to accommodate these relevant wavelengths. The thickness and the density of the substrate layer 106 and/or the protective layer 108 is also determined based on the need to be radio-transparent. Accordingly, the thickness and the density of the protective layer 108 and the substrate layer 106 in particular can vary for the individual components of a protective enclosure system 100.
The cover 102 that includes a lightweight substrate layer 106 and a protective layer 108 of radio-frequency-transparent polyurea, as described herein, provides a number of advantages over conventional equipment covers. First, it is significantly lighter and less expensive than conventional solutions. This means it can be installed with minimal manpower and equipment, and it also means that it can be installed on existing infrastructure with minimal impact and without the need for extensive load analysis. Second, such cover 102 offers enhanced transparency. For example, many materials exhibit a falloff in transparency as frequency increases. By contrast, certain polyureas, such as the products mentioned below sold by Specialty Products, Inc. and The Dragon Group, LLC, do not exhibit such falloff. Additionally, as noted above, as plastic ages and oxidizes over time and with exposure to the elements, its transparency diminishes. By contrast, certain polyureas, such as the below-mentioned products sold by Specialty Products, Inc. and The Dragon Group, LLC, maintain clarity under such conditions and provide excellent durability, weather resistance, and longevity.
Third, such a cover 102 can be manufactured to look like anything. Specifically, the substrate layer 106 may be molded or otherwise shaped to look like anything, and the protective layer 108 can be applied, such as by spraying, in a manner that maintains such shape. Thus, the shape, texture, and color of the cover 102 can be customized to camouflage the cover 102 (and thus an antenna and/or any related components therein) against any background.
The ability to blend antennas into existing surroundings is especially beneficial in networks that require high antenna density, such as 5G, 6G, etc. networks, because the requisite number of antennas may be installed while minimizing their visual impact. For example, covers 102 described herein may blend into architectural features (e.g., buildings, statues, fountains), natural features (e.g., rocks, trees, shrubs), or any other aspect of the environment. This may make it easier to obtain public and/or governmental approval for a high density of antenna installations, because the antennas will be largely unnoticeable.
An example protective enclosure system 100 applied as an antenna-mounting system may include a protective cover 102, antenna-mounting hardware, a base 702 (e.g., pole), and/or a control cabinet 206. An equipment-mounting component 304 may be positioned in or on the cover 102 for purposes of supporting and positioning antenna equipment inside the cover 102. Conventional mounting hardware is heavy metal. By reducing the weight and size of the mounting hardware, the weight and size of the cover 102, as well as the entire antenna and cover 102 assembly, may be reduced. This is also advantageous for minimizing the visual impact of antennas, as discussed above.
Aspects hereof also provide for bases 702, such as poles 204, for supporting antenna covers 102 and everything housed therein (e.g., the antenna, the equipment-mounting component 304). A pole 204 is one example of a base 702, but it will be understood that a base 702 can take any shape and need not resemble a pole. An exemplary base 702 is constructed of an ultra-high-density foam, such as a foam having a density of approximately 54 pounds per cubic foot or more. An ultra-high-density foam may be manufactured by pulling carbon-dioxide-producing elements out of the foam, thus preventing it from creating an interior cell structure and/or pockets of gas. Such foam does not expand and is comparable to a resin, in some aspects. It maintains strength, stiffness, and flexural strength that is advantageous for bases that support wireless network components, such as an antenna-and-cover assembly described herein. Yet it is also lightweight, which means that it can easily be installed with minimal manpower and equipment. For example, two workers in a pickup truck could install a pole 204 of this nature, in contrast to conventional metal poles, which require multiple crews and heavy machinery. The base 702 could be a standalone pole 204, an extension to an existing pole, a pole 204 that extends horizontally from a building, or any number of other configurations. Such pole 204 may have varying diameters, and it may range in length to more than 32 feet.
Additionally, by constructing a base 702 from foam, as opposed to conventional metal bases, the base 702 can take any form desired. It can be molded or otherwise shaped to be any shape, size, texture, or the like. Again, this minimizes the visual impact and enables the base 702 and antenna cover 102 (including the components housed therein) to blend in with their surroundings. Additionally or alternatively, decorative sleeves (not shown) may be used to customize the appearance of a base 702 and/or a cover 102. For example, standard bases 702 and covers 102 may be manufactured, and customized sleeves may go over the standard bases 702 and/or covers 102 in order to give a customized appearance. A decorative sleeve may be fluted, scalloped, or have any other ornamental appearance. A sleeve of a particular texture and color may have the appearance of a rock, tree bark, or any other desired feature.
Aspects hereof provide for anchors used in the installation of bases 702, such as poles 204. An exemplary anchor is constructed of high-density foam, such as foam having a density of approximately 25 pounds per cubic foot. The foam may be pre-formed in a wedge shape. Again, the lightweight nature of such anchor facilitates quick installation with minimal manpower and equipment.
Aspects hereof provide for control cabinets 206 configured to house equipment for processing signals associated with an antenna. An exemplary control cabinet 206 includes a substrate layer 106 and a protective layer 108 (however, a control cabinet 206 can be made of just one of the layers 106 or 108). The substrate layer 106 is a lightweight material, such as foam, and the protective layer 108 is polyurea. The control cabinet 206 may take any size and shape. As the size of the equipment housed within the control cabinet 206 decreases, the size of the control cabinet may also be reduced.
Various aspects described herein may be commercialized as individual components and/or as a prepackaged kit. For example, an antenna-protection kit may include an antenna cover 102, an equipment-mounting component 304, a base 702, and/or a control cabinet 206. Additionally or alternatively, such components may be provided individually. Various aspects described herein may also be modular. For example, a cover 102 may be configured to attach to a base described herein, but it may also be quickly and easily installed on existing infrastructure, such as an existing pole or building.
This discussion of exemplary advantages is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting. Based on the disclosure, it will be understood that additional advantages are provided by aspects described herein.
Exemplary aspects hereof will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like elements are depicted with like reference numerals.
Referring to
The top portion 110 and the bottom portion 112 are similarly constructed, with a substrate layer 106 having a predetermined thickness “w” that is covered by a protective layer 108. In some embodiments, the top portion 110 and/or the bottom portion 112 may have different thickness than the side portion 116. Alternately, the top portion 110, the bottom portion 112, and/or the side portion 116 may have a non-uniform thickness, where some regions of the portions are thicker than other regions. A non-uniform thickness may be used to provide additional protection or strength to some regions or portions, for instance at the top 110 or bottom 114 portions, for example.
The cover 102 includes a substrate layer 106 and a protective layer 108, which are illustrated in more detail in
The substrate layer 106 of the cover 102 includes a first surface 502 (e.g., an outer surface in an in-use configuration), a second surface 504 (e.g., an inner surface in an in-use configuration), and a thickness (w) extending between the first 502 and second 504 surfaces. This is discussed further below with reference to
The substrate layer 106 of the cover 102 may be a unitary construction and/or it may be comprised of multiple components. For example, a unitary construction may be provided by molding foam into the shape desired for the application (such as the shape of the example cover 102 of
The protective layer 108 of the cover 102 is a radio-frequency-transparent polyurea. For example, certain polymers manufactured by Specialty Products, Inc. and sold under the following trademarks are transparent to frequencies up to at least 25 GHz (and over) and are thus suitable for 5G applications, as well as other applications: ElastaFlex Product Series, ElastaFlex™ ArcHIBRITE, ElastaFlex™ CR, ElastaFlex™ HP, and ElastaFlex™ III. Additional examples include products sold by The Dragon Group, LLC under the following trademarks: Dragon Jacket S2, and Dragon Jacket S2 Hi Brite. Any one or combination of these materials may be used for the protective layer 108. Other radio-frequency-transparent materials are also included in the scope hereof. The aforementioned products are available as a sprayable polyurea and may thus be applied to the substrate layer 106 via spraying. The combination of a lightweight substrate 106 and protective layer 108 provides the advantages described above, among others. The protective layer 108 is adhered to the first surface 502 and/or the second surface 504. This is further discussed with respect to
The equipment-mounting component 304, as shown at
In an implementation, the cover 102 encases an antenna-receiving cavity 104. The equipment-mounting component 304 is positioned in or near the antenna-receiving cavity 104 and is integral to or coupled to the cover 102. The equipment-mounting component 304 supports an antenna and related components. It is depicted here as a cylindrical tube, but it may take a variety of forms. For example, it may be an H-configuration. It may include a movable member to which the antenna is attached, and the movable member may enable different tilts, pitches, angles, and the like. For example, the movable member may position the antenna at a specified angle. This allows the position of the antenna to be customized to optimize signal reception and/or transmission.
In use, the attachment sleeve 306 is adjacent to the cover 102. The attachment sleeve 306 couples to a base, such as the base 702 of
The substrate layer 106 and protective layer 108 are illustrated in more detail in
In an embodiment, the substrate layer 106 comprises a light-weight foam material that has a predetermined thickness “w” and a predetermined density. The substrate layer 106 is transparent to radio frequencies from 0 GHz to over 50 GHz at the predetermined thickness “w” and the predetermined density. For example, the predetermined thickness “w” may be between 1 and 3 inches thick for a cover 102, and the predetermined density may be between 1 to 10 pounds per cubic foot. The substrate layer 106 can have a different density, as mentioned above, when used for other components of the protective enclosure system 100. Alternately, the predetermined density may be between 1 to 60 pounds per cubic foot for the cover 102 or other components of the system 100.
In an alternative embodiment, the panel 118 may be comprised of the protective layer 108 or multiple layers of the protective layer 108, which may be coupled to and supported by the frame 320. In other words, in the alternative embodiment, the substrate layer 106 may be comprised of the protective layer 108 (i.e., the radio-frequency-transparent polyurea), at a predetermined thickness “w,” instead of a foam as discussed above. In various examples, the radio-frequency-transparent polyurea may or may not be covered by an additional protective layer 108. The top 110, bottom 112, and/or the frame 320 may be comprised of the radio-frequency-transparent polyurea also or a lightweight foam, such as the material of the substrate layer 106 as discussed above. The top 110, bottom 112, and/or the frame 320 may be covered by the additional protective layer 108 as discussed above.
In another alternative embodiment, the cover 102 is entirely comprised of the protective layer 108 (i.e., the radio-frequency-transparent polyurea) having a predetermined thickness “w” that is transparent to radio frequencies from 0 GHz to over 50 GHz at the predetermined thickness “w.” The cover 102 forms a protective cavity 104 and an equipment-mounting component 304 can be positioned within the protective cavity 104. The equipment-mounting component 304 can be configured to mount an item to be protected (e.g., an antenna or the like) such that the item is enclosed by the cover 102.
It will be understood that configurations of the cover 102 depicted in the figures are exemplary only. The covers 102 may be any shape or size. For example, a megaphone shape may be desirable for directional antennas. Additionally, as discussed above, the antenna covers 102 may be customized to blend in with the environment in which an antenna is to be installed.
Turning now to
A decorative sleeve (not shown) may be used to customize the appearance of the base 702 and or the cover 102. For example, standard bases 702 may be manufactured, and customized sleeves may go over the standard bases 702 (and/or covers 102) in order to give the base 702 and cover 102 a customized appearance. A decorative sleeve may be fluted, scalloped, or have any other ornamental appearance. A decorative sleeve of a particular texture and color may have the appearance of a rock, tree bark, or any other desired feature.
Additional equipment may be attached to the base 702. For example, a control cabinet 206 that houses equipment for processing signals associated with the antenna may be attached to the base 702. An exemplary control cabinet 206 is shown at
Various components herein may be provided as an antenna-protection kit. An exemplary kit may include an antenna cover 102 (e.g., as described with respect to
In various embodiments, the protective enclosure system 100 may be added to an existing arrangement (such as existing structures and assemblies, for example). For instance, the existing arrangements may be retrofitted with the protective enclosure system 100 or with protective enclosure system 100 components. In other embodiments, the protective enclosure system 100 may be a part of a new arrangement, enclosure, installation, or the like.
Although aspects are described herein with a focus on antennas, it will be understood that other signal-transmitting devices are included within the scope hereof. For example, the covers 102 described herein may be used in conjunction with any wireless communication component, or even as a cellular phone case.
Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
The order in which the process is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described process blocks can be combined in any order to implement the process, or alternate processes. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the process without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the process can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.
At block 802, the process includes providing a cover that forms a protective cavity (such as the cavity 104, for example) for enclosing protective equipment. The cover may include any number of layers, and includes at least one or two layers as described at blocks 804 and 806. The cover may be formed and configured to protect a mobile communications network antenna.
At block 804, the process includes providing a substrate layer having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined density, the substrate layer (such as the substrate layer 106, for example) has an outer surface (such as outer surface 502, for example) and an inner surface (such as inner surface 504, for example) that defines the protective cavity. The substrate layer may be transparent to radio frequencies from 0 GHz to over 50 GHz at the predetermined thickness and the predetermined density.
In an example, the process includes molding the substrate layer from a light-weight foam material having a low density. For example, the low density includes a density of between 1 to 10 pounds per cubic foot. Alternately, the substrate layer can be molded from a foam material having a higher density when increased rigidity is desired. In such an example, the foam density may be up to 60 pounds per cubic foot. In another example, the process includes molding multiple panels from the foam material and assembling the multiple panels to form the substrate layer of the cover.
At block 806, the process includes providing a protective layer (such as the protective layer 108, for example) on one or more surfaces of the substrate layer. The protective layer comprises a radio-frequency-transparent polyurea that is transparent to radio frequencies from 0 GHz to over 50 GHz.
In an example, the process includes applying the radio-frequency-transparent polyurea to the one or more surfaces of the substrate layer while the radio-frequency-transparent polyurea is in a liquid state, and curing the radio-frequency-transparent polyurea to a solid state. The coating process may include applying the protective layer to the surface(s) of the substrate or applying the protective layer to the inside of a mold, and depositing the substrate material over the protective layer within the mold. In some cases, the coating process may include spraying the protective layer onto the surface(s) of the substrate layer. For example, the process includes adhering the radio-frequency-transparent polyurea to the outer surface, the inner surface, or the outer surface and the inner surface of the substrate layer.
At block 808, the process includes providing an equipment-mounting component (such as the component 304, for example) integral to or coupled to the protective cavity, configured to receive and to mount an item to be protected. The equipment-mounting component may take any shape or size desirable to mount equipment for a particular application.
At block 810, the process includes at least partly or fully enclosing the item to be protected by the cover.
In various examples, the process includes providing a sleeve, a base, an equipment cabinet, or various other items as described above to be installed with the cover and used to support the equipment to be protected. In the examples, one or more of the items may be formed from the substrate layer coated with the protective layer. The substrate layer of one or more of the items may have a higher density than the density of the cover substrate, based on the desired support capabilities of the item.
In alternate implementations, other techniques may be included in the process in various combinations, and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Although various implementations and examples are discussed herein, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples.
The subject matter of the present disclosure is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways to include different components, steps, or combinations thereof similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps disclosed herein unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.
For purposes of this disclosure, the word “including” has the same broad meaning as the word “comprising.” In addition, words such as “a” and “an,” unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, include the plural as well as the singular. Thus, for example, the constraint of “a feature” is satisfied where one or more features are present. Also, the term “or” includes the conjunctive, the disjunctive, and both (a or b thus includes either a or b, as well as a and b).
Although the implementations of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the claims.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/410,855, filed Aug. 24, 2021, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/069,966, filed Aug. 25, 2020, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17410855 | Aug 2021 | US |
| Child | 18352538 | US |
