Patent Application
20230346135
A child swing is designed to provide a safe, elevated seating area for a child, along with the soothing benefit of a natural, pendulum motion. Conventional swings, however, suffer from various shortcomings. As an example, conventional swings are generally powered by a DC power supply and a gearbox. Gearbox-based swings tend to be noisy due to mechanical operation, and tend to get noisier over time due to mechanical wear. Gearbox-based swings also tend to be inefficient with regard to power consumption, and also have a higher potential for part failure given the multiplicity of different parts (e.g., multiple gears, pins, grease, bearings, and/or the like). As a result, gearbox-based swings tend to fail earlier than normal wear and tear would otherwise permit.
As another example, gearbox-based swings also have bulky drives due to the mechanical size of the gearbox components, which in turn make the swing heavy, and/or can interfere with swing operation such as caregiver access to swing controls, impeding placement and removal of a child in the swing, and/or the like.
As yet another example, some conventional swings also require a caregiver to manually push the swing to initiate motion. This can be problematic for when the swing requires a caregiver to apply significant force to initiate motion, when the caregiver is unable (e.g., disabled or elderly) to apply the required force, and (conversely) when the caregiver may be overtly aggressive, resulting in potential hard to the child/user in the swing.
As yet another example, some conventional swings control the swing motion by estimating when the swing passes through a center of the swing motion, with the assumption that this is the same position of the swing when at rest. However, swings are often placed on uneven surface (e.g., a carpet), which can result in erroneous estimation of the center of swing motion (which is affected by gravity), and in turn lead to lopsided swinging and/or other performance issues.
Generally, designing swings to overcome these issues can be challenging, since child swings must meet strict safety and stability (regulatory) standards while delivering satisfactory range and speed of swing motion. One way such stability is achieved in conventional swings is by having a sizeable base to ‘anchor’ the swing, so that it does not tip over when swinging. Such a sizeable base, however, causes problems with packaging, assembly, and are unsuitable for smaller dwellings such as condominiums and apartments.
Some conventional swings incorporate magnetic drives to overcome some of these issues, particularly those related to the fragility of gearbox designs. These conventional magnetic swings too, however, tend to have bulky drives, often a result of at least some of the magnetic components (e.g., a permanent magnet and/or electromagnet) being positioned distant to an axis the swing motion such as, for example, being located on the seat of the swing itself, or adjacent thereto. This spacing from the axis of rotation places significant demand on magnet size, strength, and/or power consumption (for electromagnets). Additionally, several conventional magnetic swings still require the user to manually push the swing to initiate motion.
Inventive implementations disclosed herein are directed to a swing apparatus having a magnetic drive that utilizes an array of permanent magnets together with electromagnets oriented between the permanent magnets. In various aspects, the magnetic drives of inventive swing apparatus according to the present disclosure are advantageously located proximate to a pivot axis of a swing arm of the swing apparatus, providing for a compact, light-weight, powerful, and significantly power-efficient drive that can self-start from a neutral rest position. The magnetic drives disclosed herein, have relatively fewer parts than mechanical drive mechanisms for conventional swing apparatuses (e.g., that employ DC motors and gearboxes or have magnetic components proximate or directly coupled to the seat of a swing), and generally provide for less noisy, more power efficient, and more reliable operation. In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes a magnetic drive that includes an electromagnet and a plurality of permanent magnets. The swing apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the electromagnet to activate the electromagnet by applying an activation current having a polarity selectable from a first polarity and a second polarity and thereby initiating a motion of at least a portion of the swing apparatus. The controller is configured to: A1) apply the activation current having one of the first polarity and the second polarity; A2) determine if at least the portion of the swing apparatus has moved at least a predetermined amount; A3) if, after a predetermined time period, at least the portion of the swing apparatus has not moved by at least the predetermined amount, then switch the polarity of the activation current to the other of the first polarity and the second polarity; and A4) repeat A2) and A3) until it is determined, at A2), that the swing apparatus has moved by at least the predetermined amount.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an electromagnet and a plurality of permanent magnets positioned proximate to the electromagnet such that, upon electrical activation of the electromagnet, magnetic forces are generated between the electromagnet and each permanent magnet of the plurality of permanent magnets. The swing apparatus also includes a controller, coupled to the electromagnet, to electrically activate the electromagnet and thereby initiate swing motion of the swing apparatus without manual intervention by a user of the swing apparatus.
swing apparatus includes a controller to control a motion of at least a portion of the swing apparatus, and a plurality of optical sensors coupled to the controller. The plurality of optical sensors include a first light source to emit a first light beam propagating along a first optical path, and a first detector, spaced from the first light source and disposed in the first optical path to detect the first light beam. The plurality of optical sensors also include a second light source to emit a second light beam along a second optical path substantially parallel to the first optical path and offset from the first optical path by a separation distance. The plurality of optical sensors also include a second detector, spaced from the second light source and disposed in the second optical path to detect the second light beam. The swing apparatus further includes an optical encoder strip disposed in the first optical path and the second optical path to facilitate detection of the motion of at least the portion of the swing apparatus.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes a controller to control a motion of at least a portion of the swing apparatus, and a plurality of optical sensors coupled to the controller. The plurality of optical sensors include a first light source to emit a first light beam propagating along a first optical path and a first detector, spaced from the first light source and disposed in the first optical path to detect the first light beam. The plurality of optical sensors also include a second light source to emit a second light beam along a second optical path substantially parallel to the first optical path and offset from the first optical path by a separation distance. The plurality of optical sensors also include a second detector, spaced from the second light source and disposed in the second optical path to detect the second light beam. The swing apparatus further includes a slotted strip disposed in the first optical path and the second optical path to facilitate detection of the motion of at least the portion of the swing apparatus based on alternately blocking and unblocking of the first light beam and the second light beam. The slotted strip includes a plurality of optically transparent slots and a plurality of photointerrupters respectively disposed between successive slots of the plurality of optically transparent slots.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an arm assembly including a seat, and a frame assembly coupled to the arm assembly and defining a pivot axis about which the arm assembly rotates during operation of the swing apparatus. The swing apparatus further includes an electromagnet disposed on the frame assembly, and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on the arm assembly and positioned to define an arc centered on the pivot axis. The electromagnet has an angular offset about the pivot axis relative to the plurality of permanent magnets positioned along the arc when the swing apparatus is in a neutral position.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an arm assembly including a seat, and a frame assembly coupled to the arm assembly and defining a pivot axis about which the arm assembly rotates during operation of the swing apparatus. The swing apparatus further includes an electromagnet disposed on the frame assembly, and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on the arm assembly and positioned to define an arc centered on the pivot axis. When the swing apparatus is in a neutral position, the electromagnet and the plurality of permanent magnets are disposed on a first side of the pivot axis and the seat is disposed on a second side of the pivot axis.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an arm assembly including a seat, and a frame assembly coupled to the arm assembly and defining a pivot axis about which the arm assembly rotates during operation of the swing apparatus. The swing apparatus also includes a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on the arm assembly and positioned to define an arc centered on the pivot axis, wherein a linear distance between each permanent magnet of the plurality of permanent magnets and the pivot axis is at most from about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches. The swing apparatus also includes an electromagnet disposed on the frame assembly.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an arm assembly including a seat, and a frame assembly coupled to the arm assembly and defining a pivot axis about which the arm assembly rotates during operation of the swing apparatus. The swing apparatus also includes a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on the arm assembly and positioned to define an arc centered on the pivot axis. The swing apparatus also includes an electromagnet disposed on the frame assembly, wherein a linear distance between the electromagnet and the pivot axis is at most from about 1 inch to about 6 inches.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an electromagnet and a plurality of permanent magnets positioned proximate to the electromagnet so as to generate a magnetic force upon electrical activation of the electromagnet and thereby control a swing motion of at least a portion of the swing apparatus. A separation gap between the electromagnet and a first permanent magnet of the plurality of permanent magnets, when in magnetic alignment during operation of the swing apparatus, is less than or equal to 0.15 inch.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an arm assembly including a hub, a swing arm coupled to the hub, and a seat coupled to the swing arm. The swing apparatus also includes a frame assembly coupled to the hub and including a frame arm, the frame assembly defining a pivot axis about which the hub rotates during operation of the swing apparatus. The swing apparatus also includes an electromagnet disposed on the frame assembly, and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on the hub and positioned to define an arc centered on the pivot axis. The swing apparatus also includes a housing enclosing the electromagnet and the plurality of permanent magnets.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes a controller to determine when at least a portion of the swing apparatus changes direction during a swing motion without detecting when the portion of the swing apparatus passes through a neutral position of the swing motion.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes a panel having a surface and including a dial to facilitate a user input specifying an extent of swing motion of at least a portion of the swing apparatus during use. The surface defines a hole and a recessed portion within the hole, and the dial is disposed in the recessed portion. The swing apparatus also includes a controller communicably coupled to the dial to control the swing motion based on the user input.
In some aspects, a kit includes components for assembly into a swing apparatus. The kit includes a first component that in turn includes a frame assembly, a magnetic drive coupled to the frame assembly, and a power delivery circuit to couple an external power supply to the magnetic drive. The kit also includes a second component that includes including a swing arm configured for coupling to the magnetic drive. The kit also includes a third component including a seat configured for coupling to the swing arm. The power delivery circuit is wholly contained within the first component.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an arm assembly including a seat, and a frame assembly to support the swing apparatus on a ground surface during operation of the swing apparatus. The frame assembly is coupled to the arm assembly and defines a pivot axis about which the arm assembly swings during operation of the swing apparatus. The pivot axis forms an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane parallel to the ground surface. The swing apparatus also includes a drive, disposed about the pivot axis, to control a swing motion of the arm assembly about the pivot axis during operation of the swing apparatus.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes rest on a substantially level ground surface during operation of the swing apparatus, the base defining a vertical footprint of the base member on the ground surface. The swing apparatus also includes a frame assembly including a frame arm having a lower portion coupled to the base, the lower portion of the frame arm extending upward from the base and inclined from vertical such that the lower portion of the frame stalk extends away from the vertical footprint of the base and lies outside of the vertical footprint of the base. The swing apparatus also includes a swing arm assembly coupled to the frame assembly, the swing arm assembly including a seat to hold a child during operation of the swing apparatus.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes a base to rest on a ground surface during operation of the swing apparatus, the base having an outside perimeter with a curved shape. The swing apparatus also includes an arm assembly including a swing arm and a rotatable seat coupled to the swing arm to hold a child during operation of the swing apparatus, the rotatable seat having a rotation axis normal to the ground surface. The swing apparatus also includes a frame assembly, coupled to the arm assembly and the base, and defining a pivot axis about which the arm assembly swings during operation of the swing apparatus. The rotatable seat is positioned on the arm assembly such that a combined center of gravity of the swing apparatus and an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) disposed in the seat is laterally offset from the rotation axis of the rotatable seat by less than 1 inch.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes a base to rest on a horizontal surface during use, the base defining a vertical footprint. The swing apparatus also includes a frame assembly including a frame arm, the frame arm defining an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion of the frame arm coupled to the base via a stalk, and inclined at an angle with respect to the vertical footprint at a point of interconnection, such that the lower portion of the frame arm lies outside the vertical footprint. The swing apparatus also includes a swing arm assembly coupled to the frame assembly, the swing arm assembly including a seat to hold a child during use. wherein the lower portion and upper portion collectively define a curvature such that the upper portion of the frame arm intrudes into the vertical footprint.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes a base member to rest on a horizontal surface during use, the base member defining a vertical footprint. The swing apparatus also includes a frame assembly including a frame arm, the frame arm defining an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the frame arm is coupled to the base member via a stalk and inclined at an angle with respect to the vertical footprint at the point of interconnection, such that lower portion of the frame arm lies outside the vertical footprint. The swing apparatus also includes a drive coupled to the upper portion, where at least a portion of the drive lies inside the vertical footprint. The swing apparatus also includes a swing arm assembly coupled to the drive, the swing arm assembly including a seat to hold a child during use.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes a frame assembly and a hub rotatably coupled to the frame assembly at a pivot axis. The swing apparatus also includes a seat and a swing arm having a first end that is attached to the seat. A second end of the swing arm is attached to the hub such that rotation of the hub relative to the frame assembly about the pivot axis causes the swing arm and seat to rotate. The swing apparatus also includes at least one permanent magnet disposed on one of the frame assembly and the hub and at least one electromagnet being disposed on the other of the frame assembly and the hub. The at least one electromagnet and the at least one permanent magnet are configured to apply a magnetic force to one another so as to cause the hub to rotate about the pivot axis relative to the frame assembly.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an arm assembly including a seat, and a frame assembly coupled to the arm assembly and defining a pivot axis about which the arm assembly rotates during operation of the swing apparatus. The swing apparatus also includes at least one permanent magnet disposed on one of the arm assembly and the frame assembly and positioned to define an arc centered on the pivot axis. The swing apparatus also includes an electromagnet disposed on another one of the arm assembly and the frame assembly. The at least one permanent magnet is arranged to have opposing polarities facing the electromagnet. The swing apparatus is configured such that, when the arm assembly is in a neutral position and the electromagnet is electrically activated, attractive magnetic forces and repulsive magnetic forces are concurrently generated between the electromagnet and the at least one permanent magnet.
In some aspects, a swing apparatus includes an arm assembly including a seat, and a frame assembly coupled to the arm assembly and defining a pivot axis about which the arm assembly rotates during operation of the swing apparatus. The swing apparatus also includes an electromagnet disposed on the frame assembly and at least one permanent magnet disposed on the arm assembly and positioned such that a north pole of the at least one permanent magnet and a south pole of the at least one permanent magnet can attain magnetic alignment with the electromagnet during operation of the swing apparatus. The electromagnet has an angular offset about the pivot axis relative to the north pole and the south pole of the at least one permanent magnet when the swing apparatus is in a neutral position.
All combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. The terminology used herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.
The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).
Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, a swing apparatus with magnetic drive and control. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in multiple ways. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations and alternatives apparent to those skilled in the art.
The figures and example implementations described below are not meant to limit the scope of the present implementations to a single embodiment. Other implementations are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the disclosed example implementations may be partially or fully implemented using known components, in some instances only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present implementations are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the present implementations.
Aspects of the swing apparatuses disclosed herein encompass a compact magnetic drive and control that permits the swing to self-start, without user intervention. The magnetic components of the drive are disposed in the vicinity of the axis of swing (also referred to as a pivot axis), and hence provide for a compact, quiet/noiseless drive design with minimal components that is suitable for long term use. Being proximate to the axis, the magnetic components can be relatively closer to each other and to the axis than conventional approaches, which permits for flexible drive design, i.e., the use of smaller/weaker magnets to achieve the same swing operation as conventional approaches, or the use of the same/larger magnets to achieve a larger range of swing motion.
Aspects of the swing apparatuses disclosed herein also provide for control of swing motion using a dual optical sensing setup that can detect changes in swing direction, and without requiring detection of center of swing motion. In this manner, swing control is independent of strictly requiring the swing apparatus to be placed on a level surface.
Aspects of the swing apparatuses disclosed herein also provide for an improved user interface panel with a recessed dial for controlling swing parameters. The interface panel provides for single hand operation while protecting the dial, and the underlying control circuitry, from inadvertent damage due to the caregiver bumping the swing apparatus while moving it, due to the swing tipping over, and/or the like.
Aspects of the swing apparatuses disclosed herein also provide for a reduced base footprint with a single frame arm arising therefrom, thereby providing a smaller, material-saving design that is nevertheless structurally sound. The single frame arm is rigidly connected to the base via a stalk to prevent rotational loss during swing motion, and is curved to nevertheless maintain stable operation of the swing.
Aspects of the swing apparatuses disclosed herein also provide for modular design that in turn enable ease of assembly of the components by the average caregiver/user. The components are designed/configured such that no electrical assembly (e.g., connecting a power supply to the magnetic drive) is required by the caregiver, which prevents inadvertent damage to the magnetic drive due to caregiver mishandling/error.
These and several other benefits of the swing apparatuses disclosed herein, and their respective components, are now described in further detail.
The swing frame assembly 12 also includes a frame arm 14 (also sometimes referred to as a “swing frame arm”, “frame support member” and variants thereof) that extends generally upwardly from the base 13 (i.e., away from the surface/ground that the apparatus 10 rests or is placed on). The frame arm 14 and/or other portions of the swing frame assembly 12 can be composed of any suitable structural composition or element such as, for example, iron tubing, aluminum tubing, and/or the like. In some cases, as illustrated in
A turning member 14a is coupled to the frame arm 14 at one end and to the drive apparatus 20 at the other end to mount the drive apparatus 20 onto the frame arm 14. In some cases, the turning member 14a can be integrally formed with the frame arm 14, with the drive 20, or both. The turning member 14a and the drive 20 can then collectively define a pivot axis P-P′ about which the swing rotates, as explained in more detail herein.
As best illustrated in
As also illustrated in
Referring to
The swing arm 17 is coupled to the hub 16 outside the housing 21 and projects downwardly (i.e., towards the base member 13) from the hub 16, curves towards the middle of the apparatus 10, and then (optionally, as illustrated) curves upwards to couple to the seat frame 18. The coupling between the swing arm 17 and the seat 18 is explained in more detail with respect to
The housing 21 of the swing apparatus 10 can be shaped and sized to cover the moving parts of the magnetic drive mechanism and the swing arm assembly 15.
Rotating and pushing/clicking the dial 25 allows a user/caretaker to toggle through and select the apparatus parameter that is to be adjusted. For example, when the volume application is selected, rotating the dial 25 allows adjustment to the desired music volume, and so forth. The lighting can include visual indicators 26 (e.g., a light panel of a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs)) that provide a visual indication of a predetermined settings of swing amplitude, information regarding the selected range of each of the selected functions, and/or the like.
Referring again to the view of
Each of the permanent magnets 52, 53 defines a North pole and a South pole, and the magnets 52, 53 can be arranged such that they are oriented with alternating poles (also sometimes referred to as polarities) facing the pivot axis shaft 19. For example, the magnet 52 can have (as illustrated) its North pole facing away from the shaft 19, and its South pole facing towards from the shaft 19. The magnet 53 can have (as illustrated) its South pole facing away from the shaft 19, and its North pole facing the shaft 19. Alternatively, the permanent magnets 52, 53 can be arranged with the opposite polarities as noted above in the way of example.
The frame arm portion 40 can be fixed to an upper end of the upright frame support 14, e.g., to an end of the turning member 14a, or to the frame arm 14 itself. The frame arm portion 40 supports, is coupled to, and/or otherwise includes an electromagnet 51, although any suitable temporary magnet that can controllably switch its magnetic poles can be employed. The electromagnet 51 can be controlled (such as by, for example, via a controller such as the controller 2102, as explained in more detail with respect to
As best illustrated in
The slotted strip 35 (also sometimes referred to as an “encoder”, “optical encoder”, “optical strip”, “encoder strip”, and variants thereof), as illustrated in
The optical sensor 45 and the slotted strip 35 are positioned with respect to each other such that, when the swing arm portion 30 is in rotary motion about the P-P′ axis, the slotted strip 35 passes through the sensing brackets 46, 47 and engages with the sensing beams 46a, 47a. While the slots 36 permit the beams 46a, 47a to pass through them, the body portion 37 blocks this continuity of the beams. Said another way, the sensor beams 46a and 47a can be ‘tripped’ by the body portion 37. It is generally understood that, depending on the beam width relative to the widths of the slots 36 and the body portion 37 between the slots, a sensing beam may not be completely blocked by the body portion 37. The body portion 37 between adjacent slots can also be referred to as a “photointerrupter”, so that the strip 35 can generally be considered to include interleaved or successive slots and photointerrupters.
Nevertheless, if the optical signal detected at a photodetector of the optical sensor 45 is below a predetermined threshold, it can be deemed, by a controller, that the corresponding sensing beam is blocked by a photointerrupter. Conversely, a sensing beam may not be fully transmitted by a slot 36, but if the optical signal detected at the photodetector is above a predetermined threshold, it can be deemed that the corresponding sensing beam is being transmitted through one of the slots 36. In some cases, each photodetector of the optical sensor 45 can further include a slit that limits the width of the optical signal that reaches it.
This disruption in the transmission of the beams 46a, 47a is detectable by the photodetectors of the sensor 45 and can generally resemble, for example a periodic signal that is different for each photodetector, with maxima at the times where the slots 36 engage with that beam, and minima at the times where the body portion 37 engages with that beams. This is explained in greater detail for
A center-to-center separation Ce-Ce between the beams 46a, 47a can be from about 0.25 inches, 0.26 inches, to about 0.4 inches, including all values and sub-ranges in between. In some cases, the separation Ce-Ce can be such that at least one complete slot 36 is always disposed between the beams 46a, 47a during swing motion. Generally, the result of such a separation is that when one of the sensing beams (e.g., the beam 46a) is centered on a slot 36 and is not blocked, the other beam (e.g., the beam 47a) will be on or encompass an edge of another slot 36, and transitioning from being blocked or unblocked to the other state. Similarly, if one of the sensing beams 46a, 47a is centered on a portion between slots 36, the other beam will be on or encompass an edge of another slot 36 and transitioning from blocked to unblocked or vice versa, depending on swing direction.
In some cases, the separation Ce-Ce can be such that at least portions of two slots 36, and the body portion 37 (i.e., a photointerrupter) therebetween, are always disposed between the beams 46a, 47a during swing motion. As explained in greater detail herein, such separation Ce-Ce′ can provide increased resolution of swing motion determination compared to conventional techniques.
Several structural aspects of the magnetic drive 20 provide benefits over conventional approaches. As an example, none of the components of the magnetic drive 20 such as the permanent magnets, electromagnets, optical sensor, control circuit, and/or the like are directly formed or coupled to the seat 18. As a result the seat design is simplified and can be based on predominantly mechanical, rather than electrical or magnetic, considerations. Safety is also improved by spacing these components from a child user of the seat. Further, modularity of seat design can be achieved without bothering with how it may affect the placement of these various components. One beneficial result is the ability to seamlessly replace the seat upon damage, wear, or even when new designs of the seat are available. Additional benefits include a relatively lighter seat/seat frame that in turn makes it easily detachable and transportable, and further makes it integratable into other child products such as, for example, car seats, playards, strollers, and/or the like.
As another example, with the magnetic drive 20 removed from the seat and with the pivot axis P-P′ also not associated with the seat frame, the components of the magnetic drive 20 can be placed closer to the pivot axis P-P′ of rotation/rotary motion compared to conventional approaches, thereby resulting in a smaller size/less bulky casing for the magnetic drive overall. Closer placement also enables the placement of the permanent magnets 52, 53 and electromagnet 51 closer to each other. Since the magnetic forces, both attractive and repulsive, between two magnetic poles increases with increasing proximity, the result is that closer placement of the permanent magnets and electromagnets yields greater coupling and greater forces that can be exploited to provide a wider range of swing motion, i.e., for translation of the electrical energy supplied to the electromagnet 51 to magnetic forces and ultimately to mechanical swing motion. Closer placement also permits control of tolerances between the magnets 52, 53 and the electromagnet 51. Conversely, the same range of swing motion as conventional approaches can be provided with smaller and/or less strong magnets compared. This can result in spatial benefits and cost savings due to the use of smaller, weaker magnets and electromagnets. Further, no gears and/or gearboxes are employed by the magnetic drives (including magnetic drive 20) described herein, which in turn avoids the bulk and noise associated with gearbox-based drives, including DC motor drives that, while employing magnets, nevertheless also employ gearboxes.
In the neutral/rest position (e.g., see
For example, linear separation or distance between a center of mass or geometric center of the electromagnet 51 and the pivot axis P-P′ can be at most about 1 inch, about 2 inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, including all values and sub-ranges in between. Additionally or alternatively, linear separation or distance between a geometric center of a face of the electromagnet 51 (e.g., the face 51f) and the pivot axis P-P′ can be at most about 0.5 inches, about 1 inch, about 2 inches, about 2.35 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, including all values and sub-ranges in between. Similarly, linear separation or distance between a center of mass or geometric center of one of the permanent magnets 52, 53 and the pivot axis P-P′ can be at most about 0.5 inches, about 1 inch, 1.87 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, including all values and sub-ranges in between. Additionally or alternatively, linear separation or distance between a geometric center of a face of one of the permanent magnets 52, 53 (e.g., the face 52f) and the pivot axis P-P′ can be at most from about 0.5 inches, about 1inch, 1.5 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, including all values and sub-ranges in between.
As explained in greater detail below, when the magnetic drive is laid out and in an initial position as illustrated in
A caretaker/user can initiate operation of the magnetic drive 20, and set various parameters for operation, using the panel 22. For example, a caretaker/user can use controls 23 and dial 25 to select the swing angle α (or an equivalent indicator thereof such as, for example, a level 5) for the swing arm assembly 15 and accordingly for the magnetic drive 20. The caretaker can also use the controls 23 and dial 25 to specify a duration of time the swing arm assembly, and hence the magnetic drive apparatus 20, is to be operated. In the event no selection is made for either parameter, a default value of a maximum swing angle can be employed, and with continuous operation or with a predetermined time limit (e.g., 20 minutes). The maximum swing angle α of the motion of the swing arm assembly 15 can be defined by the spatial locations of the magnets 52, 53 and more specifically, by the angular separation between each of the magnets 52, 53 and the electromagnet 51.
The permanent magnets 52, 53 have pre-established, permanent magnetic poles, as described above, and
Generally, alignment and attractive forces between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, i.e., between their opposing faces/poles, can be maximal when the overlap between these opposing faces/poles is maximal. Using the magnet 52 and electromagnet 51 in
In some cases due to inertia, the magnetic drive can overshoot past the desired swing angle α, an effect that can be counterbalanced/dampened by both the weight of the swing arm assembly (including any child in the seat frame 18) as well as the continuing attractive forces between the magnet 52 and the electromagnet 51. In some cases, due to similar weight considerations, the magnetic forces between the electromagnet 51 and the permanent magnets 52, 53 may be insufficient (e.g., too weak to overcome countervailing gravitational forces) to move the swing arm assembly 15 all the way through the swing angle α, and may move the swing arm assembly partially toward that position.
During this movement of the swing arm assembly 15, the slotted strip 35 passes through the sensing brackets 46, 47 as described above, and this motion can be employed by the controller 2102 to detect the direction of motion of the swing arm assembly 15, as well as when the direction of motion as changed. Upon detecting a change in direction of motion, the controller 2102 can then switch the poles/polarities of the electromagnet 51 (see
Now, the electromagnet 51 repels the magnet 52 and attracts the magnet 53. These simultaneous magnetic forces, along with gravitational forces, cause the swing arm assembly 15 to rotate in the opposite direction (i.e., the right direction R, see
In the apparatus 50 as illustrated, upon initiating operation, the electromagnet 41 can be energized to have a South pole facing the magnets 31-33 and the electromagnet 42 can be energized to have a North pole facing the magnets 31-33. This results in attractive forces between the magnet 31 and the electromagnet 41 as well as between the magnet 32 and the electromagnet 42, and repulsive forces between the magnet 32 and the electromagnet 41 as well as between the magnet 33 and the electromagnet 42. This urges the swing arm assembly 15 to the left (see
Generally, the configuration of apparatus 50, with two electromagnets 41, 42 and three permanent magnets 31-33, generates magnetic forces, both attractive and repulsive, of greater magnitude compared to the apparatus 10. Hence, the configuration of apparatus 20 can be employed when greater magnetic forces can be required (such as with a heavier seat and/or user), for tighter control of swing, and/or the like. In contrast, for the configuration of the apparatus 10, centering the electromagnet 51 at the pivot plane PP and having the magnets 52, 53 angularly offset from the pivot plane PP by the maximum swing angle α (e.g., twenty degrees) can provide similar operational results to the apparatus 10 but with fewer parts, and in turn at a lower cost.
The apparatus 1900 can generate fewer magnetic forces than the apparatuses 10, 50, but can be advantageous when stronger magnets are available, when a reduced housing size (e.g., of the housing 21) is desirable, when a lower range of swing angle α is provided, and/or the like.
The apparatuses 10, 50, 1900 capture the general notion that the magnetic drive includes at least one magnetic component (a permanent magnet or an electromagnet) coupled to either the swing frame assembly 12 or the swing arm assembly 15, and at least two magnetic components (permanent magnets or electromagnets) coupled to the other of the swing frame assembly 12 or the swing arm assembly 15 that are angularly offset from the at least one magnetic component. While the apparatus 1900 employs a single magnet 1931 and a single electromagnet 1941, the magnet 1931 is designed such that both its poles interact with the electromagnet 1941, effectively acting like two magnetic components.
Variations of the magnetic drives disclosed in
Having explained design of the example embodiments illustrated in
Said another way, the selection of the number of electromagnets, the number of permanent magnets, and the angular separation between adjacent electromagnets/permanent magnets can be based on the angle formed by the pivot axis relative to a surface that the swing sits on. For example, the embodiment in
Continuing with the optimization described for
The memory/database can encompass, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a database, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), Flash memory, and/or so forth. The memory/database can store instructions to cause the controller 2102 to execute processes and/or functions associated with the apparatus 10.
The circuit 2100 can further include a network interface (not shown) for communication to one or more external devices (e.g., a remote, a Smartphone, other compute devices, and/or the like) and/or virtual assistants (e.g., Amazon Alexa), such as for remote control of the apparatus 10. The communication with the external device(s) can be direct, such as via Bluetooth, low-power Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), and/or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the communication with the external device(s) can be via one or more networks such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual network, a telecommunications network, and/or the Internet, implemented as a wired network and/or a wireless network. Any or all communications can be secured (e.g., encrypted) or unsecured, as is known in the art.
The controller 2102 is coupled to a power supply 2104 of the apparatus, which can be, for example, a utility power supply, a battery, a rechargeable battery, and/or the like. As an example the controller 2102 receives a 6 V DC power input from the power supply 2104. The circuit 2100 also includes a power button 2106 (e.g., disposed on the panel 22) coupled to the controller 2102 to permit the user to power the apparatus 10 on and off. The controller 2102 receives input from the buttons/switches 24 to permit the user to select apparatus parameters to manipulate as swing amplitude, swing duration, music, and/or the like. The controller 2102 also receives input from the dial/knob 25 that permit the user to manipulate a selected apparatus parameter, such the extent of swing (i.e., the swing angle α), how long the swing should run for, and/or the like.
The circuit 2100 also includes a driver circuit 2120 for controlling and switching the polarities of a voltage signal applied to the electromagnet 51, and thereby switching the magnetic poles of the electromagnet. The drive circuit 2120 can be, for example, an H-bridge circuit with an output voltage line to which the electromagnet 51 is coupled. When more than one electromagnet is employed (e.g., the electromagnets 41, 42), they can be connected to the H-bridge circuit in parallel, with reverse polarities to each other. Generally, whenever more than one electromagnet is employed, adjacent electromagnets can be wired in reverse to each other. As a result, the same voltage/polarity applied by the circuit 2120 will result in the electromagnets 41, 42 having opposite magnetic polarities, that are switched when the voltage polarity is switched.
Referring again to the single electromagnet 51 design, as also illustrated in
The swing apparatus 10 can include other components (not shown) that are readable and/or controllable by the controller 2102 such as, for example: an ambient light sensor for use in controlling brightness of any of the LEDs on the housing 21, for turning the nightlight on and off; a motion sensor for turning the nightlight on and off when a user approaches it; a weight sensor coupled to the seat frame 18 for sensing whether the seat is in place or not, and/or whether a child is sitting on the seat; a tilt sensor, a gyroscope, and/or a gyrometer coupled to the seat frame 18 that can be used to turn the apparatus 10 off if the seat tilt or orientation renders it unsafe for use; and/or one or more reed switches for detecting position of the permanent magnets during swing motion. For example, one or more reed switches can be disposed on the swing frame assembly 12 at pre-set angles from the pivot plant PP with respect to the pivot axis P-P′. When the permanent magnets (e.g., the magnets 52, 53) are near the reed switch(es) during swing motion, this can be detected and utilized for sensing of the swing angle at the moment of detection.
Then the controller 2102 executes a self-start sequence/loop 2125a which permits the swing apparatus 10 to start swing motion upon input from the user through the interface panel 22, and without requiring, as is the case with several conventional devices, a manual push from the user. Self-start can be affected by the off-axis placement of the permanent magnets and electromagnet(s) during rest as illustrated in the embodiments of
If this motion/state change is not detected at step S6, then at step S7, the timer started at step S4 is checked against a predetermined time period (illustrated in
If the timer value is less than the predetermined time period at step S7, then the time value continues to increment, and the self-start sequence 2125a loops back to step S5. In this manner, during the self-start sequence 2125b, the controller 2102 will periodically switch at step S8, with the periodicity based on the predetermined time period, the polarity on the electromagnet 51 until some swing motion is underway, as detectable at step S5.
Once some swing motion is detected per the analysis at step S6, the controller 2102 can execute a swing motion control sequence/loop 2125b. At step S11, a swing angle measure (illustrated in
At step S13, the photodetectors of the optical sensor 35 are continuously read or monitored by the controller 2102 to determine the direction of swing and whether it has changed, as illustrated in more detail in
The swing motion then continues through a readout of ‘11’ to a readout of ‘01’ (see readout 2135b), to ‘00’, and then back to ‘10’ (see readout 2135c). Since the swing motion is speeding up from state 2130a though 2130b to 2130c, the readout 2135c has a shorter duration (i.e., reduced thickness, as illustrated in
As illustrated in the legend of
Accordingly, the controller 2102 can determine a direction change (e.g., from clockwise/CW to counter-clockwise/CCW or vice versa) has occurred when the cyclical transition between the readouts reverses. As illustrated in the readout block 2135f, when the swing motion is in state 2130e, it will reverse direction. This is detected by the controller 2102 as a transition from a ‘10’, to ‘11’, and then back to a ‘10’. If there was no direction change, on the other hand, the transition would have been from ‘10’ to ‘11’ to ‘01’, i.e., similar to that explained for the readouts 2135a, 2135b above.
Referring again to
If a swing direction change is determined at step S13, then the swing angle measure is reset to zero at step S14. Since the apparatus 10 is now swinging in the reverse direction, polarity of the electromagnet 51 can be switched (e.g., such as between
If it is determined, at step S19, that the swing angle measure is less than the setpoint specified by the user at step S3, it indicates that swing apparatus 10 is still gaining angular motion towards achieving the desired setpoint, but has not done so yet. In such a scenario, the controller 2102 can execute a control loop 2125c1 that modulates the voltage signal applied to the electromagnet 51 with the goal of obtaining oscillatory convergence between the swing angle measure and the desired setpoint over time, accounting for and permitting a gradual buildup of swing motion towards the desired swing angle. In this manner, the voltage signal applied to the electromagnet 51 upon polarity change accounts for the last swing motion completed in a specific direction.
The control loop 2125c1, illustrated and explained here as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop, can be any other suitable feedback loop (e.g., controlled damping) capable of estimating a magnitude of the voltage signal to be applied to the electromagnet 51 to reduce the differential between the desired setpoint and the observed swing angle. Here, at step S22, a difference or error value is calculated as the difference between the desired setpoint and the observed swing angle. The error value is used to calculate a proportional term at step S23a based on a predetermined proportional coefficient Kp. Generally the calculated proportional term is based on the current error value, i.e., that calculated immediately prior at step S22. The error value is also used to calculate an integral term at step S23b based on predetermined integral coefficient Ki. Generally the calculated integral term is based on the current and past error value, i.e., that calculated immediately prior at step S22, as well as at step S22 during previous execution of the control sequence 2125c1. In some cases, the control sequence 2125c1 can also encompass calculating a derivative term at step S23c based on the error value, and reflects a rate of change in the error value. The terms calculated at steps S23a, S23b, and optionally at S23c, are then summed at step 24 to generate a control output. At step 25, the control output is employed to determine the magnitude of the voltage signal to be applied to the electromagnet 51, in addition to the change in polarity affected at step S18. At step S26, control is returned to step S1.
In this manner, aspects of the method 2125 are useful for attaining and maintaining the desired swing angle based on detecting change of direction, and without the need for ascertaining a center of the swing motion, as is common in conventional approaches. This is especially beneficial when the swing apparatus 10 may be placed on a tilted, inclined, and/or generally non-level surface, such that a center of the swing motion may be different than a geometric center of the apparatus. In some cases, the apparatus 10 also does not detect and/or otherwise evaluate speed of the swing motion.
Referring to the coupling between the stalk 3620 and the base member 3513, the stalk 3620 can include, formed at its second end 3624b, a pair of tabs 3626. The base member 3613 can include a stalk opening 3630 to receive the second end 3624b, and to permit insertion of the second end into the inner volume of the base member 3613 in a fitted manner. More or fewer tabs can be employed, and in some cases, the tabs can be absent.
The base member 3613 also includes a pair of tab openings 3628 to permit the tabs 3626 to pass through. The number of tab openings can generally be selected based on the number of tabs, and in cases where the tabs are absent, there may be no tab openings, or there may be a singular opening substantially similar to the stalk opening 3630.
After insertion, a first weld 3621a (e.g., a full perimeter weld) can be made at the stalk opening 3630 between the stalk opening and the body of stalk 3620, and a pair of second welds 3621b can be made between the tabs 3626 and the tab openings 3621b to secure the stalk 3620 to the base member 3513. As best illustrated in
During assembly by a user, as described in greater detail in the next section, the user can insert the frame arm 3614 into the first end 3624a of the stalk 3620. The frame arm 3614 and the stalk 3620 can be sized such that the inserted frame arm 3614 can travel in a fitted manner inside the stalk 3620 until it engages with a ledge 3623 within the stalk 3620, which prevents further travel of the swing frame arm 3614 into the stalk. The ledge 3623 also encompasses a notch formed on the outer surface of the stalk 3620, which can serve as a visual guide to the user for the correct insertion of the stalk 3620 into the base member 3513.
The stalk 3620 can include a pair of stalk holes 3622 formed therethrough to permit insertion of bolts during assembly. The stalk holes 3624 can be substantially round as illustrated. Similarly, the frame arm 3614 can include a pair of arm holes 3634 formed therethrough that, upon insertion of the swing arm 3614 into the stalk 3620 such that the swing arm engages with the ledge 3623, can align with the stalk holes 3622. As best illustrated in
Each of the bolt assemblies 3632 can include a first bolt 3632a that can include a head and an outer thread, and a second bolt 3632b that can include a head and an inner thread that can matingly receive the outer thread of its corresponding first bolt 3532a during assembly. The second bolt 3632b can also include a boss 3633 that is shaped to engage with the arm holes 3624 to prevent rotation of the second bolts 3632b once inserted. This permits the user to, once the second bolt 3632b is in place, to screw in its corresponding first bolt 3632a without having to hold the second bolt 3632a in place.
When the bolts assemblies 3632 are tightened (e.g., by screwing the first bolt 3632a into the second bolt 3632b), this can put pressure on the swing frame arm 3614 and lead to its expansion within the stalk 3620, which in turn can create a tighter, more rigid connection between the swing frame arm 3614 and the stalk 3620, and in in turn with the base member 3613. A tight connection between the swing frame arm 3614 and the stalk 3620 also prevents or mitigates rotational losses during swing motion.
The curvature of the frame arm 14 also permits for curvature in the swing arm 17 as illustrated, which in turn permits the seat 18 to be disposed relatively closer to the center of the swing apparatus 10. The use of a single frame arm 14, as opposed to two or more swing arms as seen in some conventional approaches, minimizes any space issues with the frame arm curving outwards from the base. Additionally, sufficient clearance is provided for mounting and removal of the seat 18 by virtue of the curved frame arm 14 and curved swing arm 17, while permitting the user interface panel 14 to nevertheless be disposed deeper within the footprint FP to permit ease of access to an adult/caregiver.
The curved frame arm 14 (and optionally, the curvature of the swing arm 17) also permits for not only a smaller footprint FP of the base member 13, but nevertheless maintains an overall center of gravity of the swing apparatus 10 closer to (for example) a geometric center of the footprint compared to the use of (for example) a straight frame arm. The stability is established and maintained when the seat 18 extends outside the footprint FP in rest position as illustrated, when a child/user is disposed in the seat 18, when the seat 18 is repositioned to be placed sideways, and even when seat 18 moves outside the footprint FP to a greater extent during swing motion as well.
More specifically, and as illustrated in
These stated features of the swing also provide for a reduced separation between the center of gravity of the swing with a user/child in the seat 18 and a rotation axis defined by the seat 18.
Based on all these features at least in part, the swing apparatus 10 can maintain upright positioning without tipping when placed on a 20 degree inclined surface and having an ATD (e.g., a newborn test dummy, a six-month old infant test dummy, and/or the like, per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications)) disposed in the seat 18.
To permit for user self-assembly, a swing apparatus as disclosed herein can be manufactured, packaged, sold, and/or delivered as a kit including multiple components, with instructions for assembly by the user. Explained with reference to the swing apparatus 10 for simplicity, the kit can include a first component that includes the swing frame assembly 12 with the magnetic drive 20 already mounted thereto. Given the tight and critical coupling between the frame assembly 12 and the magnetic drive 20, this minimizes any user error and potential damage when assembling these parts. The magnetic drive 20 can already have coupled thereto the hub 16.
The first component can also include a power delivery circuit such as, for example, a power cable 3616 (see
The first component can also include the cover 3618 pre-disposed on the frame arm 14 (e.g., taped or otherwise held in place on the frame arm at a location above the arm holes 3634). In this manner, after the caregiver bolts the frame arm 14 to the stalk 3620, the cover can be slid down to cover the stalk.
The kit can further include the swing arm 17 as a second, separate component that can be coupled to the magnetic drive 20, and more specifically to the hub 16. Further, the kit can include, as a third, separate component, the seat/seat frame 18 that in turn can be latched in place by the user, as explained for
In some cases, for ease of user assembly, there is no electrical coupling between the first component and the other components. For example, by obviating the need for electrical coupling between the first component and the seat 18, a user does not have to deal with drawing wires through the hub 16, the swing arm 17, etc. If the seat 18 does have a power requirement such as, for example, a motor drive (or more generally, any power consuming component) to vibrate the seat 18 during use, the seat 18 can include its own power source that is independent of the power delivery circuit of the first component. For example, the seat 18 can be configured to use AA batteries, AAA batteries, plug-in power input, and/or the like, to power the power consuming component. The kit may include such additional power sources.
The kit can also include the base member 13 as a single base (e.g., as a fourth component), or as two base parts (e.g., as fourth and fifth components) of generally the same or differing sizes. For example, each base part can be generally C-shaped and have telescoping ends that mate with the telescoping ends of the other base part. As explained above with respect to
As illustrated, the magnetic drive 2235 can drive one of the four swing arms 2230 suspended from the frame 2220, though it is understood that two or more of the swing arms 2230 can be attached to the magnetic drive 2235, and that more than one magnetic drive can be employed to drive two or more of the swing arms. For example, a magnetic drive 2235 can be disposed in each housing 2240.
The electromagnet 2265 is mounted to the glider frame 2220 via the housing 2240, and the magnets 2260 are mounted on a magnet bracket 2245, which in turn is also coupled to the swing arm 2230. Similar to the apparatus 10, an encoder strip 2270 with multiple slots is connected to the bracket 2245, or to one of the magnets 2260. An optical sensor 2275 is mounted to the glider housing 2240 and can generally be similar to the sensor 35.
During use such as, for example, when a user initiates operation of the swing apparatus 2200 via a user interface (not shown), the electromagnet 2265 is energized in a cyclical manner similar that described for the apparatus 10. This results in the swing arm 2230 rotating through the swing angle α (shown for the right direction R in
As a preliminary matter, while the seat 2518 is illustrated as positioned such that a child/user in the seat faces away from the swing arm assembly 2512 during use, it is understood that the seat may be repositionable, i.e., be removable and re-mountable to have the child/user face a different direction. For example, the seat can be positioned as illustrated, or sideways such that the swing arm assembly 2512 is to the left or to the right of the child/user during use. The seat 2518 can also encompass a bouncer mechanism such as, for example, a spring-like mechanism that, once an adult/caregiver pulls the seat forwards, permits the seat to bounce/spring back and forth till the motion dampens. The seat 2518 can also include an adjustable recline feature (e.g., between three reclining positions).
The seat 2518 can be mounted to the swing arm 2517 (
The latch/latch mechanism includes an actuator/switch 2545 (e.g., a depressible button, a lever, a slider, and/or the like) that is pivotally coupled to the seat ring 2530, and allows the caretaker/user to actuate a latch/fastener 2555. A cable 2550 is connected to the switch 2545 at one end and routed through a curved tube 2535 to the mount 2520a, where the tube 2535 is curved to accommodate a child during use and also serves to connects the seat ring 2530 to the seat mount 2520a. It is also understood that while the latch mechanism is illustrated here as a single mechanism formed on one of the tubes 2535 of the seat 2518, it can be similarly formed on an opposing tube (see
The second end of the cable 2550 is attached to the latch 2555, illustrated here as a V-shaped fastener that pivots about its base 2555a, i.e., the base is rotatably fixed to the seat mount 2520a and the latch 2555 can rotate back and forth as the caretaker squeezes and releases the switch 2545. The V-shaped latch 2555 also includes a first arm 2555b and a second arm 2555c. The second end of the cable 2550 attaches to a hook end 2555d of the second arm 2555c. When the seat 2518 is mounted onto the rest of the apparatus (see
While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.
Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.
The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”
The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.
In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/000,743 filed Mar. 27, 2020, to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/012,999 filed Apr. 21, 2020, to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/041,172 filed Jun. 19, 2020, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/127,575 filed Dec. 18, 2020. The entire contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2021/024560 | 3/29/2021 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63000743 | Mar 2020 | US | |
| 63012999 | Apr 2020 | US | |
| 63041172 | Jun 2020 | US | |
| 63127575 | Dec 2020 | US |
