APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR STRUCTURAL EXERIOR WALL PANEL BUILDING SYSTEMS

Abstract

An exterior wall panel apparatus and system is disclosed which assists in the rapid construction of manufactured homes and commercial buildings, and which replaces traditional building materials with a full composite system and materials, to extend and increase the protective capabilities of traditional residential, industrial and commercial structures

Claims

1. An improved exterior wall panel apparatus, comprising: a sheathing, said sheathing comprising composite material, said sheathing configured in various shapes and sizes such that said sheathing has a height and width that are substantially greater than its depth, said sheathing having a front sheathing side and a back sheathing side; a plurality of vertical studs, said plurality of vertical studs comprising composite material, said plurality of vertical studs having a length that is substantially greater than its width and depth, said plurality of vertical studs having a front stud side and a back stud side; an epoxy, said epoxy located between the back sheathing side and the front stud side of the plurality of vertical studs, such that the combination of said sheathing, said plurality of vertical studs and said epoxy creates a sealed unit which can be used an exterior wall panel for a residential or commercial building.

2. The improved exterior wall panel apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheathing material is a fiberglass.

3. The improved exterior wall panel apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sheathing material is a fiberglass ballistic armor plate.

4. The improved exterior wall panel apparatus of claim 1, wherein the material for the plurality of vertical studs is a fiberglass.

5. The improved exterior wall panel apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertical studs are approximately the same as the length of said sheathing.

6. The improved exterior wall panel apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one c-channel connector

7. The improved exterior wall panel apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one c-channel connector is positioned at a head of said exterior wall panel apparatus.

8. The improved exterior wall panel apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one c-channel connector is positioned at a sill of said exterior wall panel apparatus.

9. The improved exterior wall panel apparatus of claim 6, wherein a continuous air gap is provided along the head of said exterior wall panel apparatus thereby providing a means for air to flow up through the ventilation air gap.

10. A method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel apparatus using a construction table, said construction table comprising scoring arms, said scoring arms capable of accepting and securing a sheathing, said sheathing comprising composite material, said sheathing configured such that said sheathing has a height and width that are substantially greater than its depth, and having a front sheathing side and a back sheathing side, comprising the steps of: Securing said sheathing with said scoring arms; Allowing for the attachment of at least one vertical stud to said sheathing, said at least one vertical stud comprising composite material, said at least one vertical stud having a length that is substantially greater than its width and depth, and having a front stud side and a back stud side, such that said front stud side of said at least one vertical stud will make contact with said back sheathing side of said sheathing; Applying an epoxy between said front stud side of said at least one vertical stud and said back sheathing side of said sheathing; Allowing said epoxy to cure.

11. The method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel of claim 10, wherein the sheathing material is a fiberglass.

12. The method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel of claim 11, wherein the sheathing material is a fiberglass ballistic armor plate.

13. The method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel of claim 10, wherein the material for the plurality of vertical studs is a fiberglass.

14. The method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel of claim 10, wherein the plurality of vertical studs are approximately the same as the length of said sheathing.

15. The method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel of claim 10, further comprising at least one c-channel connector.

16. The method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel of claim 15 wherein the at least one c-channel connector is positioned at a head of said exterior wall panel apparatus.

17. The method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel of claim 15, wherein the at least one c-channel connector is positioned at a sill of said exterior wall panel apparatus.

18. The method for manufacturing an improved exterior wall panel of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: Allowing for the attachment of at least one horizontal bracing to said sheathing, said at least one horizontal bracing comprising composite material, said at least one horizontal bracing having a length that is substantially greater than its width and depth, and having a front bracing side and a back bracing side, such that said front bracing side of said at least one horizontal bracing will make contact with said back sheathing side of said sheathing; Applying an epoxy between said front bracing side of said at least one horizontal bracing and said back sheathing side of said sheathing; Allowing said epoxy to cure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the exterior wall panel apparatus, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of the exterior wall panel apparatus, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates perspective view of the exterior wall panel apparatus affixed to the ceiling joist or header of the structure, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates perspective view of the exterior wall panel apparatus affixed to the floor of the structure, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 5A shows a cross-section view of a composite stud, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 5A shows a cross-section view of a composite stud, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 5B shows a cross-section view of a composite sill, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 5C shows a cross-section view of a composite head, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 5D shows a side view of a composite plate, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view of the exterior wall panel head, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section view of the exterior wall panel sill, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view of the exterior wall panel jamb, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section view of the exterior wall panel vertical stud, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section view of the exterior wall panel vertical stud to horizontal stud connection at end of panel, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of the exterior wall panel double stud connection detail, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section view of the exterior wall panel vertical stud to horizontal stud at mid-point stud, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 13 shows a front elevation view of a home design, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 14 shows a cross-section view of a typical wall section, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 15 shows a cross-section view of a typical wall section, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a column to beam layout detail, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 17 shows a perspective views of custom and standard framing exterior wall panel systems, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 18 shows a front elevation view of the elevated floor to wall connection, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 19 shows a front elevation view of the floor connection to a concrete beam and pile, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 20 shows a front elevation view of the head and sill construction, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 21 shows a front elevation view of the multi-story structural frame connection detail, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 22 shows a front elevation view of the wall to concrete slab/footing connection, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0052] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a construction table, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] As stated herein, the objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improved exterior wall panel apparatus and system for improving the process of the building of a residential, industrial and/or commercial structure, along with the improvements to the stability and protection of that structure once built. The objective of the present disclosure is to further provide the improved methods for building and transporting the novel exterior wall panel, and building the entire structure using the novel wall panels.

[0054] The specific details of the preferred embodiment or to alternative embodiments described herein are to the described system. Any specific details of these embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

[0055] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the system. Accordingly, the system components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0056] In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to structural building systems and in particular to exterior wall panel apparatus and systems, and the techniques that greatly reduce the amount of time to construct a structure. The system allows for constructing the exterior wall panels at the factory before transporting to the site, transporting the exterior wall panels to the site for constructing on-site, or a combination of both, while increasing the structural integrity of the structure.

[0057] Additionally, the embodiments provided herein disclose the methods for manufacturing, transporting and building structures utilizing novel exterior wall panel apparatus, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0058] As used herein, the term structure relates to a building, which includes but is not limited to residential homes and industrial and commercial structures, which may include on-site or factory built homes and commercial buildings, premanufactured homes and buildings, mobile homes and buildings, modular homes and commercial buildings, and multi-unit homes or commercial buildings.

[0059] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar features in the various views, FIGS. 1 through 12 show different views of the improved exterior wall panel apparatus 10 for incorporating into structural building systems. FIGS. 13 through 17 show how the novel exterior wall panel apparatus 10 is incorporated into a residential house design. FIGS. 18 through 22 show different connection systems in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 1 shows an improved exterior wall panel apparatus 10 for use in building structural systems such as residential homes, industrial buildings and commercial buildings. In this drawing figure, there are three exterior wall panels 10 comprising a first wall panel 12, a second wall panel 14, and a third wall panel 16. The front of the exterior wall panel 10 is made from a composite material front 18. In the preferred embodiment, the composite material front 18 is fiberglass ballistic armor plated sheathing.

[0061] Each wall panel 12, 14, 16 is approximately 4 by 8, so the exterior wall panel system 20 made up of the first 12, second 14 and third 16 wall panels is 8 by 12. Accordingly, different size exterior wall panel systems 20 can be assembled from smaller exterior wall panels 10. The composite material front is located on the front side 22 of each exterior wall panel apparatus 10.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of vertical composite studs 24 and horizontal composite bracing 26 that make up the main components, along with the composite material front 18 (not shown in FIG. 2). In use, the composite material front 18 is attached to the back side 28 of the vertical composite studs 24 and the back side 30 of the horizontal composite bracing 26, using screws and epoxy, as described herein. Both the vertical composite studs 24 and horizontal composite bracing 26 are made from a composite material base 32. In the preferred embodiment, the composite material base is fiberglass, and the composite studs 24 and the composite bracing 26 are six inches long.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows the vertical composite studs 24 connecting to the horizontal composite bracing 26 using anchor screws or some other form of attachment. The vertical composite studs 24 can be located the standard 16 or 24 or another distance, if necessary.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows the vertical composite studs 24 connecting to a floor mounted c-channel brace 34 using anchor screws or some other form of attachment. Again, the vertical composite studs 24 can be located the standard 16 or 24 or another distance, if necessary.

[0065] FIGS. 5A through 5D show the various composite structures used for manufacturing the exterior wall panel apparatus 10 and also for attaching the exterior wall panels 10 to other wall panels 10 or other structures in the Exterior wall panel system 20.

[0066] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the c-channel vertical composite stud 24. The vertical composite stud 24 comprises a long stud middle section 38 and two short stud side sections 40. In the preferred embodiment, the stud middle section 38 is 6.000, and the two stud side sections 40 are 1.625. The length of the vertical composite stud 24 will vary depending on the size needed for the particular structure.

[0067] FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the c-channel horizontal composite bracing or sill 26. The horizontal composite sill 26 comprises a long sill middle section 42 and two short stud side sections 44. In the preferred embodiment, the sill middle section 42 is 5.125, and the two sill side sections 44 are 1.063. Similar to the length of the vertical composite stud 24, the horizontal composite bracing or sill will vary depending on the size needed for the particular structure.

[0068] FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the composite head 46, which comprises two composite side sections 48. In the preferred embodiment, the two composite side sections 48 are 2.000. The length of the vertical composite stud 24 will vary depending on the size needed for the particular structure. The composite head 46 is used to attach, for example, the vertical composite stud 24 to the horizontal composite bracing 26 or to a ceiling joist 50.

[0069] FIG. 5D shows a side view of the composite material front 18. The composite material front 18 is 0.250 thick and has a length and width that will vary depending on the size needed for the particular structure.

[0070] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the exterior wall panel 10 as it is attached to a ceiling 50 using two composite heads 46 (as shown in FIG. 5C). One side section 48 of the composite head 46 attaches the exterior wall panel 10 at the vertical composite stud 24 to the other side section 48 of the composite head 46 at the ceiling joist 50. Additionally, the composite material front 18 is attached to the back side 28 of the vertical composite stud 24. The stud 24 is attached to the composite material front 18 using screws 52, and in the preferred embodiment, a stainless steel #141 self-drilling Tek Screw, which are used throughout, except for the anchor screws 36.

[0071] An epoxy 56 can be applied to the space between the top 54 of the exterior wall panel 10 and the ceiling joist 50. The epoxy 56 will also be placed between the back side 28 of the vertical composite stud 24 and the back side 58 of the composite material front 18. In the preferred embodiment, the epoxy 56 is a 3M ScotchWeld Multi-Material Composite Urethane Epoxy.

[0072] An air gap 64 is located between the two composite heads 46 to allow air to circulate through and out of the vertical composite stud 24.

[0073] Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the exterior wall panel 10 as it is attached to a floor 60 using the horizontal composite sill or bracing 26 (as shown in FIG. 5C). The horizontal composite bracing 26 is attached to the floor 60 using anchor screws 36 and the horizontal composite bracing 26 is attached to the vertical composite stud using the screws 52. Likewise, an epoxy 56 can be applied to the space between the bottom 62 of the exterior wall panel 10 and the floor 60. The exterior wall panel apparatus 10 can be further configured to be bolted to the floor 60, as well as to each other, at the corner locations.

[0074] FIGS. 8 and 9 show cross-sectional views of the exterior wall panel 10 attached to the composite material front 18 for both the jamb (FIG. 8) and the vertical stud (FIG. 9). In both cases, the back side 28 of the vertical composite stud 24 is attached to the back side 58 of the composite material front 18 using screw 52 to hold in place and then epoxy 56 to create an unbreakable bond. For the jamb (FIG. 9), an epoxy 56 can be used between the stud middle section 38 and the wood block 66 of the jamb.

[0075] Similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 show cross-sectional views of the exterior wall panel 10: vertical composite stud 24 to horizontal composite bracing 26 at the end of the wall panel 10, using a composite head 46 (FIG. 10); a double vertical composite stud 24 connection detail, using two vertical composite studs 24 (FIG. 11); and vertical composite stud 24 to horizontal composite bracing 26 at mid-point of the wall panel 10, using a composite head 46 (FIG. 12). All of these configurations use screws 52 to hold the components together, although other fastening devices could be used.

[0076] FIGS. 13 through 17 show some of the elements of a particular home design using the exterior wall panel apparatus 10 and system 20 of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 shows the front elevation view of such a home design in accordance with the present disclosure. The outward appearance of the design is similar, if not identical to a design that incorporates standard wall panels.

[0077] FIG. 14 shows a side view of an exterior wall section in accordance with the present disclosure. From the side, the exterior wall panel apparatus 10 is shown comprising a vertical composite stud 24 and the composite material 18. The screws 52 are used to hold the components together until the epoxy 56 has time to cure and create an unbreakable bond for stability and protective measures, as described herein.

[0078] Likewise, FIGS. 15 and 16 show side views of vertical composite studs 24 used in the construction of the residential housing shown in FIG. 13. In these figures, the exterior wall panel apparatus 10 is shown comprising a vertical composite stud 24 and the composite material 18. The vertical composite studs 24 are connected to the ceiling 50 and the floor 60 as disclosed herein.

[0079] FIG. 17 shows a number of various exterior wall panel apparatus 10 and system 20 configurations, indicating the flexibility of the present invention for both custom framing and standard framing configurations for the exterior wall panel systems 20.

[0080] FIGS. 18 through 22 show a number of connections between the exterior wall panel apparatus 10 and other structure relating to the structural building systems. FIG. 18 shows an elevated floor 60 to exterior wall panel system 20. In this configuration, the exterior wall panel apparatus 10 or system 20 may be bolted to the floor 60 using connection means which allow for rapid assembly of the floor to wall connection.

[0081] FIG. 19 shows the floor 60 connected to the exterior wall panel apparatus 10 or system 20, which connects to the concrete beam 68 and pile along with the floor 60 to exterior wall panel system 20 from FIG. 18. The floor 60 is bolted to the concrete beam 68 and the structure is secured to the concrete beam 68 foundation.

[0082] FIG. 20 shows the composite head 46 and composite sill 26 having a ventilation air gap 64 which is continuous along the composite head 46. The vertical composite stud 24 (a fiberglass C channel) is continuous along the composite sill 26 and is fastened by one or more fasteners, such as screws 52.

[0083] FIG. 21 shows a multi-story structural frame connection system 20 in which a first story is shown as being secured to the second story via the floor 60 to exterior wall panel system 20, as shown in part in FIG. 19. The system 20 as described herein may be utilized to construct a multi-story structure.

[0084] FIG. 22 shows an exterior wall panel apparatus 10 connected to a concrete slab or footing connection 70 to secure the exterior wall panel apparatus 10 to the concrete slab or footer 70 via a connection, such as anchor screws 36 or other means. The exterior wall panel assembly 20 may include the composite material front 18, which may extend past the slab edge and fasten to the concrete slab or footer 70.

[0085] In some embodiments, the exterior wall panel apparatus is constructed of a fiberglass composite 18. The fiberglass composite 18 is beneficial as it facilitates rapid assembly. Further, the wall panel system 20 includes a ventilation air gap 64 in which the composite head 46 provides a channel for air to flow up through the ventilation air gap 64, into an attic space (not shown) to be discharged through the attic's ventilation.

[0086] In some embodiments, the fiberglass composite 18 structure is highly resistant to wind damage and other common environmental damage such as earthquakes when compared to traditional systems known in the arts.

[0087] The present disclosure provides a process of determining uniform sizes for the exterior wall panels 10, as shown by example in FIG. 17. The exterior wall panels 10 can be configured into one, two, four and eight foot sections. Other custom size wall panels 10 can be generated, such as nine and ten foot sections, which together will satisfy most needs for any particular building.

[0088] These sizes, along with other standard and custom sizes, facilitate the assembly of any size residential home or commercial building at a factory or on-site. These sizes also allow for easier transport to the job site, and require less effort when managing the exterior wall panels 10, whether at the job site or in the factory.

[0089] In order to manufacture the various size wall panels 10, specially designed construction tables 72 can be incorporated. FIG. 23 illustrates a construction table for manufacturing exterior wall panels. These tables are made from mostly composite materials, such as fiberglass, and are adjustable for each size exterior wall panel 10 and contain scoring arms 74 to assist in the manufacture of the wall panels 10. Because they are adjustable, the custom tables can create each size exterior wall panel 10, square them, and be able to flip each exterior wall panel 10 over since they require work to be done on both sides. As such, the table can accept and secure the composite material front 18 and allow for the placement or location of the vertical composite studs 24 and the horizontal bracing 26, while the epoxy 56 is applied and allowed to cure. These custom tables facilitate the manufacture of each exterior wall panel 10.

[0090] Further, a modified forklift truck with an extendable arm can be configured to pick up any size exterior wall panel 10, turn it over as needed to access both sides and all edges, stand the wall panel 10 up for easier access, and release it once it has been properly located and secured, greatly simplifies the manufacturing and construction process.

[0091] The present disclosure further includes a composite tongue system comprising fiberglass I beams in the preferred embodiment, with a secondary I beam inserted beneath the main beams for support. The tongue system was finished with a metal female hitch epoxied together. Additional L channels ran the length of the beams to help secure the beams to the trailer. Anti-twist brackets assisted in stabilizing the beams.

[0092] Additionally, the present disclosure provides for quick attach additions to decrease assembly time for the residential or commercial buildings. These quick attach additions include, but are not limited to, master closets and bathrooms, guest rooms, laundry rooms and/or offices, which could be delivered and attached to the building with little or no re-construction needed. The additions are configured to be connected or hooked into or on an existing building.

[0093] Likewise, a utility unit is disclosed that would hang on the end of the building. These utility units include, but are not limited to, heating and air conditioning units, hot water units, even electrical and pumps can be configured to be attached to the outside of the building, and configured to be all in one unit, to increase the interior space of the building. By placing these utility devices outside, any repair or replacement of the unit can be done from the outside, eliminated any mess or disruption by having those that repair the units outside the building. The same process could be used for solar panels, and multi-fuel generators, which may be used where those services may not be available. As such, these units can stand alone or be powered as necessary without reconfiguring the building utilities once it is built.

[0094] To the extent there is a need for concrete walls in a particular design, the present disclosure allows for a separate wall, for example 2 by 6, and using L brackets to allow for a 2-3 slurry coat of concrete to be poured into the wall during manufacturing or construction at the factory. This process provides the advantages of both the composite material and concrete, although it adds to the weight of the wall panels 10.

[0095] With this disclosure, modular units can be coupled together to build stand-alone hospitals quickly as needed for emergencies (or for permanent construction). For example, eight to twenty modular units can be assembled quickly anywhere in the world in emergency situations, where traditional brick and mortar or steel buildings would cost too much and take too much time to build.

[0096] Additionally, the present disclosure allows for break-down storage units to be shipped flat and constructed on site. These temporary storage units could offer temperature control, electricity, and protection from exterior elements and environments, and be bullet proof, if necessary.

[0097] Reference throughout the specification to various embodiments, some embodiments, one embodiment, or an embodiment, or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases in various embodiments, in some embodiments, in one embodiment, or in an embodiment, or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0098] Further, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Although numerous embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0099] All directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the any aspect of the disclosure.

[0100] As used herein, the phrased configured to, configured for, and similar phrases indicate that the subject device, apparatus, or system is designed and/or constructed (e.g., through appropriate hardware, software, and/or components) to fulfill one or more specific object purposes, not that the subject device, apparatus, or system is merely capable of performing the object purpose. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined herein in the appended claims.

[0101] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0102] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and sub combination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and sub combinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or sub combination.

[0103] An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

[0104] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.