The present disclosure relates to systems and methods suitable for collection of materials and protection of the collected materials. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods that can be used to collect cells then protect the collected cells during removal from within a body.
Generally, it is difficult to obtain desired materials and cells from patients in a simplified and pain free manner.
There is a need for improvements for cell collection and the protection of collected cell. The present disclosure is directed toward further solutions to address this need, in addition to having other desirable characteristics.
In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention a system for cell collection is provided. The system includes a collection mechanism being transformable between a collection state having an expanded diameter and a retrieval state where the diameter is less than that of the collection state and a conveyance mechanism having a distal end to which the collection mechanism is attached and designed to place the collection mechanism at a site of interest for cell collection. The system also includes an activation mechanism to transform the collection mechanism between the collection state and the retrieval state.
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the system further includes an activation mechanism to control transformation of the cell collection mechanism between the at least two of the navigation state, the collection state, and the retrieval state. The cell collection mechanism can include an expandable material having a cell collection surface and a plurality of rings spaced along the expandable material and situated circumferentially around the expandable material, where the expandable material is designed to expand from a first circumference less than a circumference of the plurality of rings to a second circumference greater than the circumference of the plurality of rings.
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the cell collection mechanism is a tubular construction with a plurality of axial cuts to allow the cell collection mechanism to bow. The tubular construction can be designed to bow upon application of a lateral force applied toward a central axis of the tubular construction. The tubular construction can be designed to bow upon application of an internal force applied axially outward from within the tubular construction. The internal force can be applied by an expandable material situated within the tubular construction. The tubular construction can be made from a metallic material, including nitinol. In one embodiment, the tubular construction can be elastic nitinol cut struts that bow and expand in the collection state. The tubular material is constructed with a plurality of creases and bends that are expandable into a shape for cell collection in the collection state and retracted for the retrieval state. The cell collection mechanism is a rigid tubular construction with a plurality slots to allow an internal expandable material to push through and expand out when in the collection state. The internal expandable material can retract into the plurality slots and within the rigid tubular construction when in the retrieval state.
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the cell collection mechanism is a tubular material constructed from a plurality of tines that fan out circumferentially when in the collection state. An expandable material can control the fan out of the plurality of tines. A sheath can be situated to slide over the plurality of tines to control the fan out of the plurality of tines. Distal ends of the plurality of tines can retract to a smaller diameter than a remainder of the plurality of tines in the retrieval state. The cell collection mechanism can include a conveyance mechanism, such as a catheter shaft, a mandrel rod, and a plurality of spring steel arms for sampling.
In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a cell collection device is provided. The device includes a cell collection mechanism having a proximal end and a distal end, the cell collection mechanism being transformable between at least one of a navigation state, a collection state, and a retrieval state and a conveyance mechanism having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the conveyance mechanism coupled to the proximal end of the cell collection mechanism.
In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a method for cell collection is provided. The method includes inserting a cell collection mechanism within a body in a navigation state, the cell collection mechanism being transformable between at least one of the navigation state, a collection state, and a retrieval state, navigating the cell collection mechanism to a target site for cell collection, and activating am activation mechanism to transform of the cell collection mechanism between navigation state to the collection state. The method also includes moving the cell collection mechanism at the cell collection site to gather cells on at least one surface of the cell collection mechanism, activating the activation mechanism to transform of the cell collection mechanism between the collection state and the retrieval state to protect the collected cells, and removing the cell collection mechanism.
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, while the cell collection mechanism is in the retrieval state, the cell collection mechanism provides protection of the collected cells from dilution and contamination during retrieval.
These and other characteristics of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:
An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure relates to systems and methods suitable for collection of materials and protection of the collected materials. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods that can be used to collect then protect collected cells from within a body. The system of the present disclosure can be used to insert a collection mechanism to a target location within a body to be activated for cell collection. The collection mechanism can be transformed between various states for different functions. For example, the collection mechanism can be transformed into any combination of a navigation state, a collection state, and a retrieval state. The navigation state can include transforming the collection mechanism into a compact shape that is suitable for navigation within a body lumen without getting caught, damaging, or otherwise interfering with the function of the body lumen. The collection state can include modifying the size and/shape of the collection mechanism to enable at least one surface of the collection mechanism to contact and sample materials from the body lumen. This state can include expanding a size and shape of a sampling surface of the collection mechanism. Once collection is complete, the collection mechanism can be transformed to a retrieval state to protect any collected materials while the system is removed from the body lumen. Similar to the navigation state, the retrieval state transforming the collection mechanism into a compact shape that is suitable for navigation within a body lumen without getting caught, damaging, or otherwise interfering with the function of the body lumen during removal of the system. In some instances, the navigation state and the retrieval state for the collection mechanism can be substantially the same in size and shape. In other instances, retrieval state can be transformed further than the navigation state.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the collection mechanism 102 can be a structure that can transform between different states to perform different functions. For example, the collection mechanism 102 can be designed to be transformable between at least two of the following states, a navigation state, a collection state, and a retrieval state. In the navigation state, the collection mechanism 102 can be in a size and shape to enable safe traversal within a body, for example, a reduced size for navigation within a body lumen, to be swallowed by a patient, or be intubated in a patient. In the collection state, the collection mechanism 102 can be in a size and shape to enable contact with at least one surface within a lumen of body 108, for example, an increased size for contact with one or more surfaces of the body 108 lumen. In some embodiments, in the collection state, the collection mechanism 102 can be expanded to have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the retrieval state, where the diameter is less than that of the collection state. In the retrieval state, the collection mechanism 102 can be in a size and shape to enable both protection of collected matter and removal of the collection mechanism 102 from the body 108, for example, a reduced size for navigation out of the body 108 lumen. Each of the different states can have different combinations of sizes and shapes for the collection mechanism 102.
For example, the collection mechanism 102 can include any combination of designs capable of collecting cells 110 from the body 108 and then being transformed into a protective state for removal from the body without losing the collected cells 110. The For example, the collection mechanism 102 have a modifiable shape or surface that can be transforming between a navigation state for traversing within the body 102, to a cell collection state for collecting cells 110, and to a retrieval state for protecting collected cells 110. In addition to the collection mechanism 102, the system 100 can include any combination of structures designed to enable the insertion of, control of, and removal of the collection mechanism 102.
Continuing with
In some embodiments, the conveyance mechanism 104 can also act as or otherwise be coupled to the activation mechanism 106 for activating or deactivating one or more features of the collection mechanism 102. The reservoir of the activation mechanism 106 can be any combination of passive or active sources for providing activation means through the conveyance mechanism 104. For example, the activation mechanism 106 can include a reservoir containing fluids (e.g., liquid, gas, etc.) to be pumped through the conveyance mechanism 104 into or out of the collection mechanism 102. The activation mechanism 106 can include a pump of otherwise be connected to a separate pumping system.
The activation mechanism 106 can include any combination of components or controls for initiating and executing the transformation of the collection mechanism 102, via the conveyance mechanism 104. In one embodiment, the activation mechanism 106 can include any handheld mechanical controls or components that can be manually controlled or manipulated to modify the state of the collection mechanism 102. In another embodiment, the activation mechanism 106 can include any combination of activation buttons, switches, inputs, etc. to initiate a pump for pumping fluid through the conveyance mechanism 104 to transform the collection mechanism 102 between states. Moreover, the activation mechanism 106 can include any combination of manual or automated mechanisms. to modify that state of the collection mechanism 102. Alternatively, or in addition to, the activation mechanism 106 can include a sheath that can manually slide up and down the conveyance mechanism 104 and/or collection mechanism 102 to control transformation of the collection mechanism 102. The activation mechanism 106 can also include a source to activate the heat energy to be delivered to the collection mechanism 102. The activation mechanism 106 can be used to control transformation of the collection mechanism 102 between the at least two of the following states, specifically the navigation state, the collection state, and the retrieval state.
The collection mechanism 102, the conveyance mechanism 104, and the activation mechanism 106 can be separate or integrated components coupled together to form the system 100. In some embodiments, the collection mechanism 102 and the conveyance mechanism 104 can have a proximal end and a distal end with the distal end of the conveyance mechanism 104 being designed to couple to the proximal end of the cell collection mechanism 102. The components can be coupled together using any combination of methods known in the art, for example, welding, adhesive, mechanical coupling, etc. The collection mechanism 102 and the conveyance mechanism 104 can be removably or fixedly coupled together. In some embodiments, the conveyance mechanism 104 can be designed to place the collection mechanism 102 at a site of interest for cell collection. For example, the conveyance mechanism 104 can be designed to have sufficient flexibility to be able to navigate a curved channel while also having sufficient rigidity to be advanced through the channel (e.g., by application of a pushing force). The collection mechanism 102 and the conveyance mechanism 104 can be constructed from any combination of materials that are safe for insertion and navigation in the body 108. For example, the collection mechanism 102 and conveyance mechanism 104 can be constructed from a biomedically safe material.
Referring to
In some embodiments, in at least one state, the expandable material 210 can be surrounded by or otherwise coupled to the plurality of rings 212. In other words, the plurality of rings 212 can be spaced along the expandable material 210 and situated circumferentially around the expandable material 210. For example, the expandable material 210 can be a single inflatable component positioned within a linear circumference of the plurality of rings 212 or the collection mechanism can be a plurality of expandable components individually attached between each of the plurality of rings 212. The plurality of rings 212 can be spaced to provide sufficient room for the expandable material 210 to expand through and outward beyond the dimensions of the plurality of rings 212, in response to pressurization of the collection mechanism 102. Similarly, the plurality of rings 212 can be sufficiently rigid to maintain their shape as the expandable material 210 expands therethrough. In some embodiments, the expandable material 210 can be designed to expand from a first circumference that less than a circumference of the plurality of rings 212 to a second circumference that is greater than the circumference of the plurality of rings 212.
Continuing with
The combination of the conveyance mechanism 104, expandable material 210 and the plurality of rings 212 can be used to transition through the different states of the system 100 to carry out the collection process of the present disclosure. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The application of positive and negative pressure can be applied using any combination of systems or methods known in the art. For example, any combination of pumps, hydraulics, pistons, etc. can be activated through any combination automatic or manual systems can be used. For example, a syringe can be used to add fluid into the collection mechanism 102 (via conveyance mechanism 104) for a positive pressure and to remove fluid from the collection mechanism 102 for a negative pressure.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments, after the collection mechanism 102 has been used to collect material on the expandable material 310, it can be transformed into the navigation state/retrieval state for safe removal. For example, a negative pressure (or removal of a positive pressure) can be applied to the collection mechanism 102 to retract/revert the expandable material 310 back to its neutral shape, as shown in
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the expandable material 410 can be a custom shaped balloon that will expand into a particular shape. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, the plurality slots 414 can be sized and shaped to allow an expandable material 410 to push from within the tubular construction 412, through and expand out of the tubular construction 412 when transitioned into the collection state. The plurality slots 414 can include any combination of shapes to allow the expandable material 410 to protrude therethrough. The plurality of plurality slots 414 can be spaced to provide sufficient room for the expandable material 210 to expand through and outward beyond the dimensions of the plurality slots 414, in response to pressurization. Similarly, the tubular construction 412 can be sufficiently rigid to maintain their shape as the expandable material 410 expands therethrough. In some embodiments, the expandable material 410 can be designed to expand from a first circumference that less than a circumference of the tubular construction 412 to a second circumference that is greater than the circumference of the tubular construction 412. Depending on the shape of the expandable material 410, once portions of the expandable material has expanded beyond the plurality slots 414, it can be further expanded out radially, for example, as shown in
Continuing with
In some embodiments, the internal expandable material 410 can be designed to retract into the plurality slots 414 and within the tubular construction 412 when transitioned into the retrieval state, for example, as shown in
The combination of the conveyance mechanism 104, the tubular construction 412, and the expandable material 410 can be used to transition through the different states of the system 100 to carry out the collection process of the present disclosure. Referring to
Referring to
The application of positive and negative pressure can be applied using any combination of systems or methods known in the art. For example, any combination of pumps, hydraulics, pistons, etc. can be activated through any combination automatic or manual systems can be used. For example, a syringe can be used to add fluid into the collection mechanism 102 (via conveyance mechanism 104) for a positive pressure and to remove fluid from the collection mechanism 102 for a negative pressure. Similarly, the application of heat energy to collection mechanism 102 can be provided using any combination of systems or methods known in the art.
Referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments, the tubular construction 512 can be designed to bow upon application of a force applied along a central axis of the tubular construction 512. For example, this force (i.e., axial force) can be applied to the distal end and/or the proximal end of the to push the distal and proximal ends linearly toward one another along the central axis. When the distal and proximal ends of the tubular construction 512 are pushed/pulled linearly toward one another along the central axis, the middle section of the tubular construction 512 can bow radially away from the central axis to accommodate the advancement of the ends. In such a design, it should be appreciated that reversion to the non-bow or collapsed state can be achieved by removal of the axial force or by pushing the distal and proximal ends away from one another along the central axis. It should also be appreciated that although shown with the designs provided in
In some embodiments, the tubular construction 512 can be constructed from a super elastic material designed to bow upon application of an internal force applied radially outward from within the tubular construction 512 and away from the axis. The internal force can be applied by an expandable material 510 situated within the tubular construction 512. The expandable material 510 can cause radial expansion from within the tubular construction 512. The diameter of the tubular construction 512 can correspond to the expansion of the expandable material 510. In such a design, it should be appreciated that reversion to the non-bow or collapsed state can be achieved by removal of the applied force.
In some embodiments, the expandable material 510 can be designed to expand and contract in response to a positive pressure and a negative pressure, respectively, being applied thereto. For example, the positive pressure and negative pressure can be applied to the expandable material 510 by a conveyance mechanism 104 in fluid communication with the expandable material 510, as discussed in greater detail herein. The application of positive and negative pressure can be applied using any combination of systems or methods known in the art. For example, any combination of pumps, hydraulics, pistons, etc. can be activated through any combination automatic or manual systems can be used. For example, a syringe can be used to add fluid into the collection mechanism 102 (via conveyance mechanism 104) for a positive pressure and to remove fluid from the collection mechanism 102 for a negative pressure.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the tubular construction 512 can be any shape memory materials known in the art that can default to a bowed state in its natural state, and a sleeve 516 can be placed over the expandable material 510 to compress the tubular construction 512 to a non-bowed or collapsed state. As such, at a targeted site when sleeve 516 is removed, the tubular construction 512 can transition back to its bowed or expanded state.
In another embodiment, the tubular construction 512 can be made from any shape memory materials, where in a natural state, tubular construction 512 is in a collapsed or non-bow state. In this embodiment, the tubular construction 512 can be made from materials known in the art, which upon application of heat energy thereto, can transition the tubular construction 512 from a collapsed state to an expanded state. Upon termination of the heat energy, the tubular construction 512 can revert back to its collapsed state. In a further embodiment, the tubular construction 512 can be made from shape memory material, where in its natural state, it is in a collapsed or non-bow state. In this embodiment, the tubular construction 512 can be made from materials known in the art, which upon exposure to heat in the surrounding proximity, can transition the tubular construction 512 from a collapsed state to an expanded state. To that end a sleeve may be used to cover the tubular construction 512 in its collapsed state to protect it from surrounding heat until exposure and subsequent expansion is desired.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the collection mechanism 102 can have a protective sheath 616 situated over the tubular construction 612 and sized and shaped to slide over the tubular construction 612 and plurality of tines 614. The sheath 616 can be constructed from any combination of materials able to control the shape of the plurality of tines 614 such that sliding the sheath 616 over the plurality of tines 614 to substantially conform the tines to the diameter of the sheath 616. Similarly, removal of the sheath 616 can cause the plurality of tines 614 to splay outward away from the main trunk of the tubular construction 612, for example, a remembered shape. In some embodiments, the distal ends of the plurality of tines 614 can be designed with a tapered shape to retract to a smaller diameter than the rest of the plurality of tines 614 to provide protection during the retrieval state.
In some embodiments, an expandable material 610 can be positioned within the tubular construction 612. The expandable material 610 can be designed to push out and control the shape of the plurality of tines 614 upon expansion. In some embodiments, the expandable material 610 can be tethered to the plurality of tines 614 to pull the plurality of tines 614 inward upon contraction of the expandable material 610. In some embodiments, the expandable material 610 can be designed to expand and contract in response to a positive pressure and a negative pressure, respectively, being applied thereto. For example, the positive pressure and negative pressure can be applied to the expandable material 610 by a conveyance mechanism 104 in fluid communication with the expandable material 610, as discussed in greater detail herein. The application of positive and negative pressure can be applied using any combination of systems or methods known in the art. For example, any combination of pumps, hydraulics, pistons, etc. can be activated through any combination automatic or manual systems can be used. For example, a syringe can be used to add fluid into the collection mechanism 102 (via conveyance mechanism 104) for a positive pressure and to remove fluid from the collection mechanism 102 for a negative pressure.
Referring to
Continuing with
Referring to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Balloon 901, in one embodiment, may be axially spaced from collection mechanism 102 such that balloon 901 is positioned distal to collection mechanism 102, as shown in
By way of example, as shown in 9A, balloon 901 may be positioned beyond opening 903 at the gastroesophageal junction where the esophagus joins the stomach. Balloon 901 may be positioned in the stomach beyond the gastroesophageal junction and expanded within the stomach to dimensions greater than the diameter of the opening 902. As expanded, balloon 901 cannot fit back through the opening 902 at the gastroesophageal junction and thus balloon 901 can act to prevent conveyance mechanism 104 and collection mechanism 102 from being withdrawn up the esophagus and away from targeted site 903.
To expand balloon 901, conveyance mechanism 104, in one embodiment, may be provided with a lumen 904 in fluid communication with balloon 901 to permit fluid, e.g., gas, liquid etc., to be introduced into balloon 901 and expand balloon 901. It should be appreciated that should collection mechanism 102 be an inflatable body, lumen 904 can be provided along conveyance mechanism 104 as a separate lumen from lumen 905 which is used to introduce fluid into the collection mechanism 102 via at least one side opening 906.
Still referring to
Referring now to
To the extent desired, elongated member 907 can be provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with markings 909 to permit easy determination of the distance between collection mechanism 102 and balloon 901. Of course, markings 909 can also be used to appropriately index the location of collection mechanism 102 within body tract 900. In one embodiment, markings 909 can be provided with material which permits easy identification by imaging methods known in the art. For instance, the material used for markings can be fluorescent, luminescent, or any materials easily identified by imaging protocols available in the art such as by ultrasound, endoscopy, fluoroscopy etc. In various embodiments, elongate member 907 may serve any one or combination of purposes including, for example, adding longitudinal rigidity to collection mechanism 102, providing a conduit to which the distal portion of system 100 may be accessed, and/or providing a conduit for inflating and deflating a distal anchor balloon 901. Moreover, should it be desired, the embodiment illustrated in
It should be appreciated that although illustrated as being situated distal to collection mechanism 102, anchoring device (e.g., balloon 901) may alternatively be placed proximal to collection mechanism 102. In such an embodiment, balloon 901 can be expanded once collection mechanism 102 has been placed at the targeted site 902 to secure the position of collection mechanism 102 relative to the targeted site 902 and minimize or eliminate movement of collection mechanism 102 away from the targeted site 902 and out through opening 903.
Moreover, it should be appreciated that although disclosed as balloon 901, the anchoring device can generally embody any of the inflatable or expandable designs noted above in connection with collection mechanism 102, or any geometric designs, so long as such a design can expand to a diameter relatively larger than opening 903 at the esophageal junction to secure the anchoring device thereat. Furthermore, the anchoring device, as provided herein, can be employed in connection with any of the embodiments or designs disclosed or illustrated in the present application.
In operation, the system 100 of the present disclosure can be used for collection of materials within a body. Depending on the structure and configuration of the system 100, the collection mechanism (e.g., collection mechanism 102) can be transformable between at least one of the navigation state, a collection state, and a retrieval state. The different states can modify the collection mechanism 102 and/or other components of the system 100 to be used for a particular purpose. For example, the navigation state can modify the size and/or shape of the collection mechanism 102 for safely and comfortably navigate the collection mechanism 102 to a desired location within or out of the body. In another example, the collection state can modify the size and/or shape of the collection mechanism 102 for safely and comfortably using the collection mechanism 102 to collect desired sampled materials at a particular location. In another example, the retrieval state can modify the size and/or shape of the collection mechanism 102 for protecting any sampled materials while also providing a size and/or shape of the collection mechanism 102 for safely and comfortably removing the system 100 from a body. The retrieval state should also be reversable or modified such that any protected samples can be acquired once the system 100 has been removed from the body, for example, to be analyzed/tested.
The system 100 can be used for cell collection by first inserting the collection mechanism 102 within a body 108 while in the navigation state. The collection mechanism 102 can be navigated within the body 108 to a point of interest that includes an area to be sampled. After the collection mechanism 102 has been navigated to the target site for cell collection it can be activated by an activation mechanism 106. In some embodiments, the activation mechanism 106 can be used to initiate transformation of the collection mechanism 102 between navigation state to the collection state. Once in the collection state, the collection mechanism 102 is at the cell collection site, the collection mechanism 102 can be provided in contact with the body 108 to gather cells on at least one surface of the collection mechanism 102. In some embodiments, collection can be assisted by moving the collection mechanism 102 in various manners. For example, the collection mechanism 102 can be translated (i.e., moved back and forth) vertically or horizontally, /or rotated, or a combination thereof to best collect cells 110. Moreover, to optimize the collection of cells, the collection mechanism 102 can be made to translate vertically (i.e., axially) or horizontally along the vessel walls, such as body 108, depending on the location and orientation of the targeted site, from less than approximately 1 cm to approximately 5 cm about the targeted site. Additionally, or alternatively, the collection mechanism can be vibrated, for example, through the assistance of the activation mechanism 106.
It should be appreciated that the movement of the collection mechanism 102 can be achieved by movement of the conveyance mechanism 104 and collection mechanism 102 as an assembly. In another embodiment, the collection mechanism 102 can be moved individually and independently of the conveyance mechanism 104 by way of, for example, the activation mechanism 106. For example, activation mechanism 106 can be a wire or elongated member extending along the conveyance mechanism 104, and can be coupled at its distal end to collection mechanism 102. In that way, movement of the collection mechanism 102 can be controlled by the activation mechanism 106 independent of the conveyance mechanism 104.
Once collection has been achieved, the collection mechanism 102 can be transformed from a collection state to a retrieval state. The transformation can be initiated by activating the activation mechanism to transform of the collection mechanism 102 between the collection state and the retrieval state. When the collection mechanism 102 is in the retrieval state, any collected material can be positioned within the collection mechanism 102 such that it protects the collected cells. Thereafter, the collection mechanism 102 can be removed for retrieval and analysis of the collected materials (e.g., cells 110).
As utilized herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are intended to be construed as being inclusive, not exclusive. As utilized herein, the terms “exemplary”, “example”, and “illustrative”, are intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and should not be construed as indicating, or not indicating, a preferred or advantageous configuration relative to other configurations. As utilized herein, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” are intended to cover variations that may existing in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of subjective or objective values, such as variations in properties, parameters, sizes, and dimensions. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean at, or plus 10 percent or less, or minus 10 percent or less. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “generally”, and “approximately” mean sufficiently close to be deemed by one of skill in the art in the relevant field to be included. As utilized herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extend or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, an object that is “substantially” circular would mean that the object is either completely a circle to mathematically determinable limits, or nearly a circle as would be recognized or understood by one of skill in the art. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some instances depend on the specific context. However, in general, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were achieved or obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when utilized in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.
Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. It is intended that the present disclosure be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/067,620 filed on Aug. 19, 2020, which application is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
63067620 | Aug 2020 | US |