METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INFESTATION DETECTION

Abstract

A pest detection system comprising at least one of a temperature component, an odor component, or a respiration imitation component. The temperature component can be configured to radiate heat such that a select temperature is reached. The odor component can be configured to emit a select odor. The respiration imitation component can be configured to imitate a portion of a human breathing pattern. The pest detection system further comprises housing that retains a portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component. The pest detection system additionally comprises a control system for controlling the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component. The pest detection system yet further comprises a trapping component. The trapping component can be configured to capture a pest.

Claims

1. A pest detection system comprising: at least one of: a temperature component, wherein the temperature component is configured to radiate heat such that a select temperature is reached; an odor component, wherein the odor component is configured to emit a select odor; or a respiration imitation component, wherein the respiration imitation component is configured to imitate a portion of a human breathing pattern; a housing that retains a portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component; a control system for controlling the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component; and a trapping component, wherein the trapping component is configured to capture a pest.

2. The pest detection system of claim 1, wherein the pest detection system comprises the temperature component, and further wherein the temperature component comprises a sheet heater bonded to the housing.

3. The pest detection system of claim 2, wherein the sheet heater is bonded to an interior wall of the housing.

4. The pest detection system of claim 2, wherein the temperature component comprises a plurality of sheet heaters, wherein the sheet heater is in the plurality of sheet heaters, wherein the plurality of sheet heaters is bonded to at least one interior wall of the housing.

5. The pest detection system of claim 1, wherein the pest detection system comprises the odor component, wherein the odor component comprises a pheromone tray, and further wherein the pheromone tray includes one or more human pheromones.

6. The pest detection system of claim 5, further comprising a pheromone tray retainer to hold the pheromone tray, wherein the housing is configured to surround the pheromone tray retainer, wherein the housing includes an aperture for exchanging air from inside the housing to outside the housing.

7. The pest detection system of claim 1, wherein the pest detection system comprises the respiration imitation component, and further wherein the respiration imitation component comprises a gas emitter system configured to emit carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) gas.

8. The pest detection system of claim 7, wherein the gas emitter system comprises: a gas tank configured to retain the CO.sub.2 gas; a tank mount for attaching the gas tank to the housing; and a pressure valve configured to selectively release CO.sub.2 from the gas tank.

9. The pest detection system of claim 8, wherein the housing includes an opening shaped to permit the gas tank to pass therethrough.

10. The pest detection system of claim 1, wherein the trapping component comprises a tray with an inner planar section and a wall extending from a portion of a perimeter of the inner planar section, wherein the wall is angled from the inner planar section to generate a raised rim around the portion of the inner planar section.

11. The pest detection system of claim 10, wherein the tray further includes a ramp extending outwardly from the raised rim away from the inner planar section.

12. The pest detection system of claim 10, wherein the inner planar section includes a raised ridge that extends from the inner planar section, wherein the housing is placed on the inner planar section and the raised ridge acts as a guide for placing the housing on the inner planar section.

13. The pest detection system of claim 1, further comprising a detector component configured to detect presence of a pest at or adjacent the pest detection system.

14. A method of manufacturing a pest detection system comprising: forming a housing to retain a portion of at least one of a temperature component, an odor component, or a respiration imitation component, wherein the temperature component is configured to radiate heat such that a select temperature is reached, wherein the odor component is configured to emit a select odor, wherein the respiration imitation component is configured to imitate a portion of a human breathing pattern; securing the portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component within the housing; attaching to the housing a control system for controlling the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component; and attaching the housing to a tray, wherein the tray is configured to capture a pest.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein forming the housing comprises securing together a plurality of parts by way of one or more screws.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the respiration imitation component comprises a gas tank and a tank mount for attaching the gas tank to an interior of the housing, wherein securing the portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component within the housing comprises inserting the gas tank through an aperture in the housing to secure the gas tank on the tank mount attached to an interior of the housing.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the temperature component comprises a sheet heater, wherein securing the portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component within the housing comprises attaching the sheet heater to an interior surface of the housing.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the tray comprises an interior planar surface, a wall extending from a portion of a perimeter of the inner planar section, and a raised ridge that extends from the inner planar section, wherein attaching the housing to the tray comprises attaching the housing to the inner planar surface and aligning the housing with the raised ridge.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein aligning the housing with raised ridge results in a channel between the housing and the wall.

20. A pest inspection system comprising: at least one of: means for radiating heat such that a select temperature is reached; means for emitting a select odor; or means for imitating a portion of a human breathing pattern; means for retaining the at least one of the means for radiating heat such that a select temperature is reached, means for emitting a select odor, or means for imitating a portion of a human breathing pattern; means for controlling the at least one of the means for radiating heat such that a select temperature is reached, means for emitting a select odor, or means for imitating a portion of a human breathing pattern; and means for capturing a pest.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary system for detecting presence of a pest.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of an exemplary pest detection system.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary gas emitter system.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary tray.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary housing.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary pest detection system.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a further exemplary pest detection system.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a yet further exemplary pest detection system.

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary pest detection system.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram that illustrates an exemplary methodology for manufacturing a pest detection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various technologies pertaining to detecting presence of a pest are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details.

[0019] In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down, upper, lower, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, may be used. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the features described herein in any manner. It is to be understood that embodiments presented herein are by way of example and not by way of limitation. The intent of the following detailed description, although discussing exemplary embodiments, is to be construed to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents of the embodiments as may fall within the spirit and scope of the features described herein.

[0020] Moreover, the term or is intended to mean an inclusive or rather than an exclusive or. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase X employs A or B is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase X employs A or B is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles a and an as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form. Additionally, as used herein, the term exemplary is intended to mean serving as an illustration or example of something and is not intended to indicate a preference.

[0021] Disclosed is an apparatus for detecting an infestation of one or more pests within an area. More particularly, the apparatus may be configured to attract one or more pests to the apparatus by mimicking one or more human characteristics. The disclosed apparatus may be further configured to provide indication of presence of the pest(s) attracted to the apparatus. In the following illustrated embodiments, the pest comprises Cimex lectularius and/or Cimex hemipterus (colloquially known as the bed bug). However, the apparatus may be modified to attract any desired pest that may be attracted to a human being and/or another animal (e.g., dog, cat, etc.).

[0022] Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated is a functional block diagram of an exemplary pest detection system 100 configured to attract bed bugs. The pest detection system 100 may include a temperature component 102, an odor component 104, and/or a respiration imitation component 106. The temperature component 102 may be configured to cause the pest detection system 100 to radiate heat such that a desired temperature is reached. In one embodiment, the desired temperature may be similar to an average human body temperature (e.g., approximately 98 degrees Fahrenheit). The odor component 104 may be configured to provide an odor that imitates odor associated with one or more human pheromones. The respiration imitation component 106 may be configured to imitate a portion of a human breathing pattern. For instance, the respiration imitation component 106 may intake ambient air (inhalation) and/or may output one or more gasses into ambient air (exhalation).

[0023] In order to control operation of the pest detection system 100, the pest detection system 100 further includes a control system 108. The control system 108 receives an input from a user of the pest detection system 100 and controls at least one of the temperature component 102, the odor component 104, and/or the respiration imitation component 106 based on the received input. Thus, by accessing the control system 108, a user may alter one or more characteristics of the pest detection system 100.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature component 102, the odor component 104, the respiration imitation component 106, and the control system 108 are contained within a housing 110. However, it is conceivable that the temperature component 102, the odor component 104, the respiration imitation component 106, and/or the control system 108 (or portions thereof) may be located outside the housing 110 (and optionally may be attached to the housing 110).

[0025] The pest detection system 100 may further include a trapping component 112 configured to capture one or more of the bed bugs attracted to the pest detection system 100. The trapping component 112 may comprise any suitable mechanism for catching one or more of the bed bugs. For example, the trapping component 112 may comprise a foothold trap, a body gripping trap, a snare, a deadfall trap, a cage, a trapping pit, a cage, a glue trap, and/or the like. The pest detection system 100 may include any suitable number of trapping components 112. The trapping component 112 may be formed integrally with the housing 110, may be placed within the housing 110, and/or may be located separate from the housing 110.

[0026] Moreover, the pest detection system 100 may include a detector component (not shown) configured to detect presence of a bed bug at or adjacent the pest detection system 100. Any suitable detector component for detecting presence of the bed bug may be employed. For instance, the detector component may comprise a thermographic camera that creates an image using infrared radiation. In another example, the detector component may comprise a material that provides an indication when a bed bug makes contact with the material.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated is an exemplary implementation 200 of the pest detection system 100. The illustrated pest detection system 200 in FIG. 2 comprises the housing 110 and a tray 202 attached to a bottom of the housing 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 110 comprises a generally hollow prism to accommodate a portion of one or more of the temperature component 102, the odor component 104, and/or the respiration imitation component 106. The housing 110 may take any suitable shape for this accommodation. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 110 has a generally rectangular cross-section.

[0028] In the exemplary pest detection system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, the respiration imitation component 106 comprises a gas emitter system 204 configured to emit a gas into ambient air, thereby mimicking human exhalation. The gas emitter system 204 may emit any suitable gas and/or mixture of gasses. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas emitter system 204 is configured to emit carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2). The gas emitter system 204 may be configured to emit the gas continuously, periodically in particular amounts, and/or any suitable pattern. For example, the control system 108 can control the gas emitter system 204 such that the gas emitter system 204 emits CO.sub.2 to mimic how a human exhales CO.sub.2 during a selected human breathing pattern (e.g., a sleeping breathing pattern).

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 2, and isolated in FIG. 3, the gas emitter system 204 may include a gas tank 206 configured to retain gas, such as CO.sub.2, where the gas emitter system 204 emits gas retained in the gas tank 206. The CO.sub.2 tank 206 may be a pressurized tank and/or may be an open tank. The CO.sub.2 tank 206 may be permanently attached to the housing 110 and/or may be removably attachable to the housing 110 such that CO.sub.2 tanks may be replaced. For instance, the housing may include an opening permitting access to a CO.sub.2 tank for removal and replacement thereof.

[0030] The gas emitter system 204 may include a tank mount 208 that is attached to the housing 110. The tank mount 208 may be used to mount the CO.sub.2 tank 206 in the housing 110. Any suitable tank mount 208 may be employed for mounting the CO.sub.2 tank 206. For instance, the tank mount 208 may include a screw thread and the CO.sub.2 tank 206 may include a corresponding screw thread configured to attach to the tank mount 208.

[0031] The gas emitter system 204 may also include a pressure switch 210 and/or a valve 212 configured to release CO.sub.2 from the CO.sub.2 tank 206 when desired. The pressure switch 210 can comprise any suitable switch for controlling the valve 212 to release the CO.sub.2. The pressure switch 210 may include a set point (e.g., 200 pounds per square inch (PSI)) that indicates a pressure about which the pressure switch 210 operates the valve 212 to allow and/or prevent release of CO.sub.2. The set point may be fixed and/or adjustable. The valve 212 may comprise any suitable valve 212 for controlling flow of CO.sub.2. For example, the valve 212 may comprises a hydraulic valve, a pneumatic valve, a manual valve, a solenoid valve, a motor, and/or the like. The gas emitter system 204 may yet further include a tube 214 that directs CO.sub.2 from the CO.sub.2 tank 206 to an environment outside the pest detection system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 214 extends from the valve 212 to a discharge area in the housing 110.

[0032] As mentioned above, the temperature component 102 can take any suitable shape and/or size for radiating heat such that a desired temperature is reached. In the exemplary pest detection system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, the temperature component 102 comprises a heating element 216 configured to cause the pest detection system 200 to radiate heat such that the desired temperature is reached (e.g., an exterior surface of the housing 110 or at least a portion thereof is caused to reach the desired temperature). In an embodiment, the desired temperature may be similar to an average human body temperature (e.g., 98 F.). Any suitable heating element 216 may be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 216 comprises a sheet heater that may be bonded or adhered to the housing 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 216 is adhered to an interior surface on a side of the housing 110. However, the heating element 216 may be adhered to any suitable part of the housing 110; the heating element 216 may be adhered to similar facing surfaces (e.g., interior surface, exterior surface, etc.) and/or it may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the pest detection system 200 includes two heating elements 216 adhered to interior surfaces of opposing sides of the housing 110. However, any suitable number of heating elements 216 may be arrayed in a suitable pattern in the housing 110. For instance, the pest detection system 200 may include three heating elements 216 adhered to interior surfaces of different sides of the housing 110.

[0033] As additionally, as mentioned above, the pest detection system 200 includes an odor component 104 that provides an odor that imitates odor resulting from one or more human pheromones. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the pest detection system 100 includes a pheromone tray retainer 218 configured to receive and hold a pheromone tray configured to emit a desired scent. In the illustrated embodiment, the pheromone tray includes one or more human pheromones to mimic a human scent. The pheromone tray retainer 218 may be located in any suitable location in the pest detection system 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the pheromone tray retainer 218 is located in the tray 202.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the tray 202 comprises the trapping component 112. The tray 202 may function similar to a trapping pit, in that a bed bug will be trapped in the tray 202, being unable to climb out of the tray 202. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tray 202 comprises a generally planar inner section and a wall that extends at an angle from edge of the of inner section to form a raised rim. The wall may extend along any suitable portion of the edge of the inner section. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the wall extends along the entire edge of the inner section. Further, the wall may extend at any suitable angle from the edge of the inner section, e.g. 90, less than 90, etc.

[0035] The tray 202 may further include a ramp 220 that extends outwardly from the raised rim, such that when the pest detection system 200 is placed on a surface, the ramp 220 extends from the surface to the raised rim. A bed bug may travel up the ramp 220, cross the raised rim, and fall into the inner section becoming trapped in the tray 202. The ramp 220 may take any suitable angle with respect to the surface to permit a bed bug to travel up the ramp 220.

[0036] The tray 202 may be formed in any suitable manner. For instance, the different parts of the tray 202 may be made of the same material and/or the material may vary. Further, the ramp 220 may be textured (e.g., roughened, patterned, etc.) to increase friction for a bed bug traveling on the ramp 220. Moreover, the tray 202 may have any suitable shape for retaining a bed bug within the tray 202. For example, the tray 202 may have a circular cross-section, triangular cross-section, rectangular cross-section, square cross-section, and/or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray 202 has a generally ovular cross-section.

[0037] The housing 110 may be attached to the tray 202 in any suitable location. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing is attached to the inner surface of the tray 202. Moreover, the housing 110 may be attached to the tray 202 such that a bottom of the housing 110 circumscribes the pheromone tray retainer 218 and may prevent a bed bug trapped within the tray 202 from accessing the pheromone tray.

[0038] As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 4, the tray 202 may yet further include a raised ridge 400 that extends from the inner section of the tray 202. The raised ridge 400 may act as a guide for placing the housing 110 on the tray 202. The ridge 400 may take any suitable shape for guiding the housing 110 and/or abutting the housing 110 when the housing 110 is attached to the tray 202. The illustrated ridge 400 has an ovular cross-section and circumscribes the pheromone tray retainer 218.

[0039] The housing 110 may take any suitable shape for retaining a portion of one or more of the gas emitter system 204, the heating element 216, and/or the pheromone tray retainer 218. The housing 110 may be dimensioned to form a channel 222 between the housing 110 and the wall of the tray 202 when the housing 110 is attached to the tray 202. A bed bug trapped within the tray 202 may be retained within the channel 222.

[0040] In one embodiment, the housing 110 has a similar cross-section to a cross-section of the tray 202. In another embodiment, a cross-section of the housing 110 is different from a cross-section of the tray 202. Moreover, a cross-section of the housing 110 may be uniform along a length of the housing 110 and/or the cross-section may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 110 has a generally ovular cross-section.

[0041] The housing 110 may additionally include one or more compartments that are formed within the housing 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2 and more particularly in FIG. 5, the housing 110 includes at least two compartments formed therein. A first compartment 224 that receives a portion of the gas emitter system 204 and a second compartment 226. When the housing 110 is attached to the tray 202, the second compartment 226 interacts with the inner section of the tray 202 to surround the pheromone tray retainer 218, as will be described in detail below.

[0042] The housing 110 may further include a gas tank hole 228. The gas tank hole 228 permits the CO.sub.2 tank 206 to be inserted through the housing 110 to attach to the tank mount 208. The gas tank hole 228 further permits the CO.sub.2 tank 206 to be removed from within the housing 110. Thus, a user may remove and replace the CO.sub.2 tank 206 without having to dissemble the housing 110. In another embodiment, the CO.sub.2 tank 206 may be permanently attached within the housing 110 and the gas tank hole 228 may be omitted.

[0043] The housing 110 may further include an aperture extending through the housing 110 that acts as a handle 230. The handle 230 may permit a user to grasp the housing 110 to move the housing 110. Where the housing 110 and the tray 202 are connected, the handle 230 may permit a user to move the housing 110 and the tray 202 in unison.

[0044] As seen in FIG. 5, in order to release the odor from the pheromone tray and/or the CO.sub.2 from the CO.sub.2 tank 206 into the outside environment, the housing 110 may include one or more apertures 500 formed in a wall of the housing 110. The aperture 500 may permit the exchange of air from inside the housing 110 to outside the housing 110 and vice versa. The aperture 500 may be placed at any suitable location and/or any suitable pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 500 are located in the portion of the housing 110 defining the second compartment 226.

[0045] As mentioned above, the second compartment 226 can interact with the inner section of the tray 202 to surround the pheromone tray retainer 218, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Interaction of the second compartment 226 and the tray 202 can prevent bed bugs trapped in the tray 202 from accessing the pheromone tray. As mentioned above, the ridge 400 on the tray 202 can help to align the second compartment 226 of the housing. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 6, the second compartment 226 is shaped to fit between the ridge 400 and the pheromone tray retainer 218 when placed on the tray 202.

[0046] As briefly mentioned above, the pest detection system 200 may include a control system configured to control operation of the gas emitter system 204, the heating element 216, and/or the pheromone tray. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the control system 108 includes a control panel 700 accessible to a user of the pest detection system 200. The control panel 700 may be placed at any suitable location and in the illustrated embodiment the control panel 700 is located on an exterior of the housing 110. The control panel 700 may include any suitable input mechanisms (e.g., buttons, switches, touch screen, etc.) for operating the control system 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the control panel 700 includes buttons that may be used to adjust a temperature of one or more of the heating elements 216. The illustrated control panel 700 further includes a screen configured to display desired information. For instance, the screen may display the temperature setting of the heating elements 216, a status of the gas emitter system 204, a status of the pheromone tray, and/or the like.

[0047] Turning now to FIG. 8, the housing 110 may be formed as a single unitary body. In another embodiment, the housing 110 may be formed as separate parts that are connected together to form the housing 110. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in at least FIGS. 8 and 9, the housing 110 may comprise two parts that are connected together via any suitable component (e.g., a screw or screws).

[0048] Turning to FIG. 9, illustrated is an exploded embodiment of a pest detection system 900. The pest detection system 900 comprises a first housing part 902A and a second housing part 902B that are combined to form the housing, similar to the housing 110 described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the two housing parts 902A and 902B are combined by way of screws 904.

[0049] The pest detection system 100 may yet further include a power source (not illustrated) to provide necessary power. For instance, power may be supplied to the temperature component 102, the odor component 104, the respiration component 106, the control system 108, and/or the trapping component 112. Any suitable power source may be employed. For instance, power may be supplied via a battery (e.g., electric battery, mechanical battery, rechargeable battery, etc.). In another example, the power may be supplied via an electrical connection to an electrical grid.

[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary methodology relating to forming a pest detection system. While the methodology is shown as being a series of acts that are performed in a sequence, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodology is not limited by the order of the sequence. For example, some acts can occur in a different order than what is described herein. In addition, an act can occur concurrently with another act. Further, in some instances, not all acts may be required to implement a methodology described herein.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 10, an exemplary methodology 1000 for forming a pest detection system is illustrated. The methodology 1000 starts at 1002, and at 1004, a housing is formed to retain a portion of at least one of a temperature component, an odor component, or a respiration imitation component. The temperature component can be configured to radiate heat such that a select temperature is reached. The odor component can be configured to emit a select odor, wherein the respiration imitation component is configured to imitate a portion of a human breathing pattern. At 1006, the portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component is secured within the housing. At 1008, a control system for controlling the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component is attached to the housing. At 1010, the housing is attached to a tray. The tray can be configured to capture a pest. The methodology 1000 concludes at 1012.

[0052] In an embodiment of the methodology 1000, the step of forming the housing can comprise securing together a plurality of parts by way of one or more screws.

[0053] In another embodiment of the methodology 1000, the respiration imitation component can comprise a gas tank and a tank mount for attaching the gas tank to an interior of the housing. The step of securing the portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component within the housing can comprise inserting the gas tank through an aperture in the housing to secure the gas tank on the tank mount attached to an interior of the housing.

[0054] In a further embodiment of the methodology 1000, the temperature component can comprise a sheet heater. The step of securing the portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component within the housing can comprise attaching the sheet heater to an interior surface of the housing.

[0055] In yet another embodiment of the methodology 1000, the tray can comprise an interior planar surface, a wall extending from a portion of a perimeter of the inner planar section, and a raised ridge that extends from the inner planar section. The step of attaching the housing to the tray can comprise attaching the housing to the inner planar surface and aligning the housing with the raised ridge.

[0056] In a version of this embodiment of the methodology 1000, the step of aligning the housing with raised ridge results in a channel between the housing and the wall

[0057] What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable modification and alteration of the above devices or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further modifications and permutations of various aspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.