Special Powered Rivet Cutter

Abstract

A Special Powered Rivet Cutter for removing riveted fasteners that is made of durable and lightweight material, the cutter includes a pair of cutting jaws with cutting edges, two pivot apertures, and a power connection aperture; a top and bottom plate each with apertures over the pivot apertures; a pair of pivot pins washers and retainer nuts, to pivotally fasten the pins through the top and bottom plates and through each of the first jaw and opposite jaw, to the jaws and washer; and a pair of power pins connected to each other by a pair of span units with left and right handed fine threads and the pair of span units engaged with an externally threaded driver bar so the driver connection is driven by a power drive unit to engage the cutting edges with a rivet and to shear the rivet at the point of engagement.

Claims

1. A special power rivet cutter (30) made of durable and lightweight material and comprised of: (a) a pair of cutting jaws, a first jaw (40) and an opposite jaw (40A), each with cutting edges (41) and each with a pivot apertures (48 and a power connection aperture (49); (b) a top plate (45) and bottom plate (47) each with a pair of apertures (46) over the pivot apertures; (c) a means to pivotally fasten the pivot pins (50,50A) to the jaws (40, 40A); and (d) a pair of power pins (60,60A) connected to each other by a pair of span units (72,72A) with left and right handed threads (76,76A) and the pair of span units (72,72A) engaged with an externally threaded driver bar (75) having a driver connection (77) wherein the driver connection (77) can be removably attached to a power impact drive unit (110) to power and rotate the drive bar (75) and thereby actuate and pivot the jaws to engage the cutting edges with a rivet or equal fastener and shear the rivet at the point of engagement.

2. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 1 wherein the cutter (30) is further comprised of a handle (80).

3. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the left and right handed threads of the pair of power pins (60,60A) connected to each other by the pair of span units (72,72A) are fine threads.

4. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the driver connection (77) is selected from a group consisting of an internal nut socket, an external nut, a hexagonal drive, and a square drive as an impact driver configuration.

5. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the means to pivotally fasten the pivot pins (50,50A) to the jaws (40, 40A) is a pair of pivot pins (50,50A), washers (53) and retainer nuts (53A) and washer (53), the pins being through the top and bottom plates and through each of the first jaw and opposite jaw.

6. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the type of for the power drive (100) is selected from a group consisting of electric, pneumatic, battery and hydraulic.

7. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the durable and lightweight material, of the special power rivet cutter (30), is selected from a group consisting of metal, steel, steel alloy, plastic, reinforced plastic, and a composite material.

8. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the handle (80) is further comprised of a grip (85).

9. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 8 wherein the grip (85) is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a plastic, a composite material, and a leather.

10. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the handle (80) is one piece and integral component.

11. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the handle (80) is comprised as a pair of rods.

12. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 8 wherein the pair of rods is selected from the group consisting of a pair of rebar rods, a pair of solid rods, and a pair of tubular rods.

13. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 8 wherein the handle (80) is further comprised of a means to connect the pair of rods.

14. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 10 wherein the means to connect the pair of rods is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, a weld, an encirclement of wire, and a fastener.

15. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 2 wherein the handle is made of a material selected from a group consisting of metal, steel, steel alloy, aluminum, plastic, reinforced plastic and a composite material.

16. A special power rivet cutter (30) made of durable and lightweight material and comprised of: (a) a pair of cutting jaws, a first jaw (40) and an opposite jaw (40A), each with cutting edges (41) and each with a pivot apertures (48 and a power connection aperture (49); (b) a top plate (45) and bottom plate (47) each with a pair of apertures (46) over the pivot apertures; (c) a pair of pivot pins (50,50A), washers (53) and retainer nuts (53A) and a washer (53), the pins being through the top and bottom plates and through each of the first jaw and opposite jaw; (d) a pair of power pins (60,60A) connected to each other by a pair of span units (72,72A) with left and right handed fine threads (76,76A) and the pair of span units (72,72A) engaged with an externally threaded driver bar (75) having a driver connection (77); and (e) a handle (80) with a grip (85) wherein the driver connection (77) can be removably attached to a power impact drive unit (110) to power and rotate the drive bar (75) and thereby actuate and pivot the jaws to engage the cutting edges with a rivet or equal fastener and shear the rivet at the point of engagement.

17. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 16 wherein the driver connection (77) is selected from a group consisting of an internal nut socket, an external nut, a hexagonal drive, and a square drive as an impact driver configuration.

18. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 16 wherein the type of for the power drive (100) is selected from a group consisting of electric, pneumatic, battery and hydraulic.

19. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 16 wherein the durable and lightweight material, of the special power rivet cutter (30), is selected from a group consisting of metal, steel, steel alloy, plastic, reinforced plastic, and a composite material.

20. The special power rivet cutter (30) in claim 16 wherein the grip (85) is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a plastic, a composite material, and a leather.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIGURES

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Special Powered Rivet Cutter. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Special Powered Rivet Cutter device. It is understood, however, that the device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0027] FIGS. 1 A through 1 C are sketches of the general Special Power Rivet Cutter for various applications.

[0028] FIGS. 2 A through 2 D are sketches of the special power/impact rivet cutter device with components and features noted.

[0029] FIGS. 3 A through 3 D are additional sketches of the special power rivet cutter with the components and features shown from generally a top view.

[0030] FIGS. 4 A through 4 D are drawings of the special power rivet cutter with components and features shown in a top, side, and end view.

[0031] FIGS. 5 A through 5 E are sketches of prior art for fasteners and rivet cutters.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

[0032] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 30 special power rivet cutter 30 33 Prototype 33 special power rivet cutter 30 35 drawings 35 of special power rivet cutter 30 40 first jaw 30 40A opposite jaw 40A (opposite of jaw 40) 41 cutting edge 41 of jaw 40, 40A 45 top connector plate 45 46 a pair of apertures 46 on the top bar 45 and bottom plate 47 for the pivot pins 50, 50A 47 bottom connector plate 47 48 a pair of apertures 48 on the jaws 40, 40A for the pivot pins 50, 50A 49 a pair of apertures 49 on the jaws 40, 40A for the power pins 60, 60A 50 pivot pin 50 for first jaw 40 and top plate 45 50A pivot pin 50A for opposite jaw 40A and top plate 45 53 washer 53 between pin 50, 50A and jaw 40, 40A 53A nut 53A or a means (or threaded bottom plate 47) to pivotally fasten the pivot pins 50, 50A to the jaws 40, 40A and washer 53 47 60 power pin 60 at driver bar and rear of first jaw 40 60A power pin 60A at driver bar and rear opposite jaw 40A 72, 72A internal threaded span unit 72, 72A a means for connecting 75 driver bar 75 76, 76A LH/RH threads shaft 76, 76A externally configured on each respective side on the length of the on driver bar 75 - these anticipate fine threads or the like to have superior control and maximum pressure transfer to cutting edge 41 from power impact driver 110 77 driver connection 77 from driver bar 75 to power drive 110 - anticipates internal or external nut, hex drive, square drive on the impact driver configuration 79 means 79 to connect bottom strap 47 to handle 80 80 handle/grip 80 rebar, solid or tube rod made of metal, steel, steel alloy, aluminum, plastic, reinforced plastic, composite material 83 means 83 to connect multiple handle 80 such as integral one piece, adhesive, weld, fastener, an encirclement of wire 85 grip 85 for handle 80 made of natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, reinforced plastic, composite material, leather or the like 91 prior art device 91 U.S. Pat. No. 1,207,601 92 prior art device 92 U.S. Patent Application No. 20060070245 93 prior art device 93 U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,992 94 prior art device 94 U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,179 95 prior art device 95 U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,643 100 rivet 100 or other fastener to be cut 110 power impact driver 110 electric, pneumatic, battery or hydraulic

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] The present development is a Special Powered Rivet Cutter device. This invention relates to a Special Powered Rivet Cutter for removing riveted fasteners. More particularly, the present invention is related to a method of extracting a riveted fastener and to apparatuses used to perform such extraction. This is generally related to cutting tools, and, more particularly, to cutting tools used for cutting solid, high strength materials such as metals. Moreover, this invention relates to tools and methods for removing a rivet after it has been installed, and more specifically relates to a rivet removal tool and method which eliminates, or at least substantially reduces, the end load which must be applied to drill out a button and remove a rivet. It relates, therefore, to the removal of rivets from riveted constructions and more particularly to tools for use in such operations.

[0034] The advantages for the Special Powered Rivet Cutter are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly these are: [0035] A. Is light weight; [0036] B. Is faster than cutting by hand only; [0037] C. Can be adapted to various powered drivers; [0038] D. Can be used for rivets and various other fasteners; [0039] E. Provides flush cut so surface not damaged; [0040] F. Can be powered by electric, battery, pneumatic and hydraulic drivers; and [0041] G. Provides ergonomic assist to avoid carpel tunnel damage/or aggravation.
These advantages will be better understood once the description and operation is viewed.

[0042] The preferred embodiment of this invention is a Special Powered Rivet Cutter 30 made of durable and lightweight material and comprised of: (a) a pair of cutting jaws, a first jaw 40 and an opposite jaw 40A, each with cutting edges 41 and each with a pivot apertures 48 and a power connection aperture 49; (b) a top plate 45 and bottom plate 47 each with a pair of apertures 46 over the pivot apertures; (c) a pair of pivot pins 50, 50A, washers 53 and retainer nuts 53A or a means (or threaded bottom plate 47) to pivotally fasten the pivot pins 50, 50A to the jaws 40, 40A and washer 53, the pins being through the top and bottom plates and through each of the first jaw and opposite jaw; and (d) a pair of power pins 60, 60A connected to each other by a pair of span units 72, 72A with left and right handed threads 76, 76A and the pair of span units 72, 72A engaged with an externally threaded driver bar 75 (these anticipate fine threads or the like to have superior control and maximum pressure transfer to cutting edge 41 from power impact driver 110 having a driver connection 77 wherein the driver connection 77 can be removably attached to a power air impact drive unit 110 to power and rotate the drive bar 75 and thereby actuate and pivot the jaws to engage the cutting edges with a rivet or equal fastener and shear the rivet at the point of engagement.

[0043] This invention relates to a Special Powered Rivet Cutter for removing riveted fasteners. More particularly, the present invention is related to a method of extracting a riveted fastener and to apparatuses used to perform such extraction. A special power rivet cutter made of durable and lightweight material and comprised of: (a) a pair of cutting jaws, a first jaw and an opposite jaw, each with cutting edges and each with a pivot apertures and a power connection aperture; (b) a top plate and bottom plate each with a pair of apertures over the pivot apertures; (c) a pair of pivot pins washers and retainer nuts or a means to pivotally fasten the pivot pins to the jaws and washer, the pins being through the top and bottom plates and through each of the first jaw and opposite jaw; and (d) a pair of power pins connected to each other by a pair of span units with left and right handed threads and the pair of span units engaged with an externally threaded driver bar having a driver connection wherein the driver connection can be removably attached to a power impact drive unit 110 to power and rotate the drive bar and thereby actuate and pivot the jaws to engage the cutting edges with a rivet or equal fastener and shear the rivet at the point of engagement.

[0044] There is shown in FIGS. 1-5 a complete description and operative embodiment of the Special Powered Rivet Cutter 30. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-5 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the below operation and use section.

[0045] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Special Powered Rivet Cutter 30 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Special Powered Rivet Cutter device 30. It is understood, however, that the rivet cutting device 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of rivet and fastener cutting tools and devices are still understood by one skilled in the art of cutting and removal devices and the like to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0046] FIGS. 1 A through 1 C are sketches of the general Special Power Rivet Cutter 30 for various applications. Shown here are the a special power rivet cutter 30; a prototype 33 special power rivet cutter 30; and a set of drawings 35 of special power rivet cutter 30.

[0047] FIGS. 2 A through 2 D are sketches of the special power rivet cutter device with components and features noted. Demonstrated in these sketches are: a special power rivet cutter 30; a prototype 33 special power rivet cutter 30; a first jaw 30; an opposite jaw 40A (opposite of jaw 40); a cutting edge 41 of jaw 40, 40A; a top connector plate 45; a pair of apertures 46 on the top bar 45 and bottom plate 47 for the pivot pins 50, 50A; a bottom connector plate 47; a pair of apertures 48 on the jaws 40, 40A for the pivot pins 50, 50A; a pair of apertures 49 on the jaws 40, 40A for the power pins 60, 60A; a pivot pin 50 for first jaw 40 and top plate 45; a pivot pin 50A for opposite jaw 40A and top plate 45; a washer 53 between pin 50, 50A and jaw 40, 40A; nut 53A or a means (or threaded bottom plate 47) to pivotally fasten the pivot pins 50, 50A to the jaws 40, 40A and washer 53; a power pin 60 at driver bar and rear of first jaw 40; a power pin 60A at driver bar and rear opposite jaw 40A; an internal threaded span unit 72,72A a means for connecting driver bar 75; a pair of left-handed/right handed (LH/RH) threads on a shaft 76,76A externally configured on each respective side on the length of the on driver bar 75 (this thread arrangement anticipates fine threads or the like to have superior control and maximum pressure transfer to cutting edge 41 from power impact driver 110); a driver connection 77 from driver bar 75 to power impact driver 110 (anticipates internal socket or external nut, hex drive, square drive on the impact driver configuration); a means 79 to connect bottom strap 47 to handle 80; a handle/grip 80 rebar, solid or tube rod made of metal, steel, steel alloy, plastic, reinforced plastic, composite material; a means 83 to connect multiple handle 80 such as integral one piece, adhesive, weld, fastener, encirclement of wire; a grip 85 for handle 80 made of natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, reinforced plastic, composite material, leather or the like; a rivet 100 or other fastener to be cut; and a power impact driver 110 electric, pneumatic, battery or hydraulic.

[0048] FIGS. 3 A through 3 D are additional sketches of the special power rivet cutter with the components and features shown from generally a top view. Once again in these views are shown: a special power rivet cutter 30; a prototype 33 special power rivet cutter 30; a first jaw 30; an opposite jaw 40A (opposite of jaw 40); a cutting edge 41 of jaw 40, 40A; a top connector plate 45; a pair of apertures 46 on the top bar 45 and bottom plate 47 for the pivot pins 50, 50A; a bottom connector plate 47; a pair of apertures 48 on the jaws 40, 40A for the pivot pins 50, 50A; a pair of apertures 49 on the jaws 40, 40A for the power pins 60, 60A; a pivot pin 50 for first jaw 40 and top plate 45; a pivot pin 50A for opposite jaw 40A and top plate 45; a washer 53 between pin 50, 50A and jaw 40, 40A; nut 53A or a means (or threaded bottom plate 47) to pivotally fasten the pivot pins 50, 50A to the jaws 40, 40A and washer 53; a power pin 60 at driver bar and rear of first jaw 40; a power pin 60A at driver bar and rear opposite jaw 40A; an internal threaded span unit 72,72A a means for connecting driver bar 75; a pair of left-handed/right handed (LH/RH) threads on a shaft 76,76A externally configured on each respective side on the length of the on driver bar 75; a driver connection 77 from driver bar 75 to power impact drive 110 (anticipates internal or external nut, hex drive, square drive on the impact driver configuration); a means 79 to connect bottom strap 47 to handle 80; a handle/grip 80 rebar, solid or tube rod made of metal, steel, steel alloy, plastic, reinforced plastic, [include plastics such as urethane, polyurethane Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET or PETG), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)], composite material; a means 83 to connect multiple handle 80 such as integral one piece, adhesive, weld, fastener; a grip 85 for handle 80 made of natural or synthetic rubber, reinforced plastic, plastic, composite material, leather or the like; a rivet 100 or other fastener to be cut; a power impact driver 110 electric, pneumatic, battery or hydraulic.

[0049] FIGS. 4 A through 4 D are drawings 35 of the special power rivet cutter with components and features shown in a top, side, and end view. These drawings show the following components and features: a special power rivet cutter 30; a set of drawings 35 of special power rivet cutter 30; a first jaw 30; an opposite jaw 40A (opposite of jaw 40); a cutting edge 41 of jaw 40, 40A; a top connector plate 45; a pair of apertures 46 on the top bar 45 and bottom plate 47 for the pivot pins 50, 50A; a bottom connector plate 47; a pair of apertures 48 on the jaws 40, 40A for the pivot pins 50, 50A; a pair of apertures 49 on the jaws 40, 40A for the power pins 60, 60A; a pivot pin 50 for first jaw 40 and top plate 45; a pivot pin 50A for opposite jaw 40A and top plate 45; a washer 53 between pin 50, 50A and jaw 40, 40A; nut 53A or a means (or threaded bottom plate 47) to pivotally fasten the pivot pins 50, 50A to the jaws 40, 40A and washer 53; a power pin 60 at driver bar and rear of first jaw 40; a power pin 60A at driver bar and rear opposite jaw 40A; an internal threaded span unit 72,72A a means for connecting driver bar 75; a pair of left-handed/right handed (LH/RH) threads on a shaft 76,76A externally configured on each respective side on the length of the on driver bar 75 (this thread configuration anticipates fine threads or the like to have superior control and maximum pressure transfer to cutting edge 41 from power impact driver 110); a driver connection 77 from driver bar 75 to power impact drive 110 (anticipates internal or external nut, hex drive, square drive on the impact driver configuration); a means 79 to connect bottom strap 47 to handle 80; a handle/grip 80 rebar, solid or tube rod made of metal, steel, steel alloy, plastic, reinforced plastic, composite material; a means 83 to connect multiple handle 80 such as integral one piece, adhesive, weld, fastener; a grip 85 for handle 80 made of natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, composite material, leather or the like; a rivet 100 or other fastener to be cut; a power impact driver 110 electric, pneumatic, battery or hydraulic. FIG. 4 D shows typical driver connections 77 from driver bar 75 to impact drive 110.

[0050] The special power rivet cutter can be made of various materials. For example, and not as a limitation, the device could be manufactured from metal, steel, steel alloys, aluminum, composite materials, and other rigid, high strength and durable materials.

[0051] FIGS. 5 A through 5 E are sketches of prior art for fasteners and rivet cutters and the like. Here former patents and applications for devices are shown. These include: prior art device 91 U.S. Pat. No. 1,207,601; prior art device 92 US Patent Application No. 2006/0070245; prior art device 93 U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,992; prior art device 94 U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,179; and prior art device 95 U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,643. As can be seen, the special powered rivet cutter 30 is a unique combination and use as described herein.

[0052] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a Special Powered Rivet Cutter device 30 can be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of rivet and fastener cutting devices and their uses well appreciates.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0053] The Special Powered Rivet Cutter device 30 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Special Powered Rivet Cutter device 30.

[0054] The preferred embodiment is a special power rivet cutter 30 made of durable and lightweight material and comprised of: (a) a pair of cutting jaws, a first jaw 40 and an opposite jaw 40A, each with cutting edges 41 and each with a pivot apertures 48 and a power connection aperture 49; (b) a top plate 45 and bottom plate 47 each with a pair of apertures 46 over the pivot apertures; (c) a pair of pivot pins 50, 50A, washers 53 and retainer nuts 53A or a means to pivotally fasten the pivot pins 50, 50A to the jaws 40, 40A and washer 53, the pins being through the top and bottom plates and through each of the first jaw and opposite jaw; and (d) a pair of power pins 60, 60A connected to each other by a pair of span units 72, 72A with left and right handed threads 76, 76A and the pair of span units 72, 72A engaged with an externally threaded driver bar 75 having a driver connection 77 wherein the driver connection 77 can be removably attached to a power impact drive unit 110 to power and rotate the drive bar 75 and thereby actuate and pivot the jaws to engage the cutting edges with a rivet or equal fastener and shear the rivet at the point of engagement.

[0055] The Special Powered Rivet Cutter device 30 is operated by selecting a power impact driver 110 and attaching it to the device 30 at the power connection 77. The operator/user then holds the device 30 in his/her left or right hand by the grip 85 attached to the handle 80. The jaws 40, 40A are the opened by powering the impact driver 110. Once the jaws 40, 40A are open, the edge 41 is placed next to a rivet 100 on a workpiece. The power impact unit 110 again is turned on and the jaws 40, 40A close around the rivet 100 and shear it 100. The device is then removed from the old rivet 100 and workpiece. If the shank of the rivet remains, a simple punch or rod/nail can push the remaining shank out of the workpiece. Then the process is repeated as needed to remove other rivets. One skilled in fastener and cutting tools appreciates that the device 30 can be used with other fasteners such as screws, standard and machine bolts, cotter pins, nails, etc.

[0056] With this description it is to be understood that the special powered rivet cutter is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product shown herein. The features and components of the device 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0057] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0058] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0059] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0060] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0061] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0062] The present invention contemplates modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments save been shown and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and or/defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.