FLAME MITIGATION DEVICE (FMD) FOR USE WITH A PORTABLE FUEL CONTAINER

Abstract

A flame mitigation device (FMD) for use within a portable fuel container includes a generally cylindrical body having an interior sidewall and exterior sidewall. An annular rim is configured at an upper end of the body and a bottom wall is further configured at a lower end of the body. The FMD includes one or more indented fuel flow members extending from the interior of the annual rim for decreasing cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body and a plurality of stepped ribs configured on the interior sidewall of the body for centering diesel and gasoline fuel pump nozzles when inserted into the body. A reverse domed shaped bottom help to disperse fuel though a plurality of substantially rectangular shaped holes through the side wall and bottom wall.

Claims

1. A flame mitigation device (FMD) for use within a portable fuel container comprising: a body having an interior sidewall and exterior sidewall; a rim configured at an upper end of the body; a bottom wall configured at a lower end of the body; and at least one indented fuel flow member extending from the interior of the annual rim for decreasing cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body.

2. An FMD as in claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of stepped ribs extending inwardly within the interior sidewall, the stepped ribs being configured to align the center of a fuel nozzle with the center of the FMD and additionally configured to reduce fuel splash from fuel flowing from a nozzle inserted into the body.

3. An FMD as in claim 2, wherein the stepped ribs are additionally configured to accept a diesel nozzle at a first location within the body and to accept a gasoline nozzle at as second location within the body.

4. An FMD as in claim 2, wherein the plurality of stepped ribs extends inwardly from the interior sidewall toward a geometric center of the body, the plurality of stepped ribs being at locations on the interior sidewall, relative to each other such that they are angularly displaced from each other on the interior sidewall by about 120 degrees, relative to the geometric center.

5. An FMD as in claim 3, wherein the first location is closer to the rim than the second location.

6. An FMD as in claim 2, wherein the stepped ribs are configured to reduce turbulence of fuel passing through the body.

7. An FMD as in claim 1, wherein the exterior sidewall includes at least one cantilevered retention member configured to prevent removal of the body from within the portable fuel container.

8. An FMD as in claim 1, wherein the body and bottom wall both include a plurality of substantially rectangular holes sized to provide at least a predetermined minimum volumetric flow rate through the FMD.

9. An FMD as in claim 7, wherein the rectangular holes are substantially square and measure approximately 40 mils by approximately 40 mils in size having a will thickness of approximately 60 mils.

10. An FMD as in claim 7, wherein the substantially rectangular holes are uniformly spaced apart from each other in two directions by approximately 20 mils.

11. An FMD as in claim 1, wherein the bottom wall has a shape substantially the same as an inverted catenoid.

12. A flame mitigation device (FMD) for controlling fuel flow into a fuel reservoir comprising: a body having an interior sidewall and exterior sidewall; a generally annular rim configured at an upper end of the body for holding the body into an interior of fuel reservoir; and a bottom wall configured at a lower end of the body; and a plurality of stepped ribs configured on the interior sidewall of the body for centering a fuel nozzle when inserted into the body.

13. An FMD as in claim 12, wherein the stepped ribs are sized to substantially center a diesel nozzle at a first end of the body and substantially center a gasoline nozzle at a second location of the body.

14. An FMD as in claim 12, wherein the stepped ribs are sized, shaped and arranged to reduce turbulence of fuel passing through the body.

15. An FMD as in claim 13, wherein the plurality of stepped ribs extend inwardly from the interior sidewall toward a geometric center of the body, the plurality of stepped ribs being at locations on the interior sidewall, relative to each other such that they are angularly displaced apart/separated from each other on the interior sidewall by about 120 degrees, relative to the geometric center.

16. An FMD as in claim 12, wherein the generally annular rim includes at least one indented member extending inwardly from the interior sidewall, the indented member configured to decrease a cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body.

17. An FMD as in claim 12, wherein the exterior sidewall includes at least one cantilevered retention member configured to prevent removal of the body from within the fuel reservoir.

18. An FMD as in claim 12, wherein the body and bottom wall include a plurality of substantially rectangular holes, sized and shaped to provide at least a predetermined minimum volumetric flow rate through the FMD.

19. An FMD as in claim 18, wherein the substantially rectangular holes are substantially square and are approximately 40 mil\s40 mils in size.

20. An FMD as in claim 18, wherein the substantially square holes are spaced apart by approximately 20 mils.

21. An FMD as in claim 12, wherein the bottom wall has an inverted dome having a shape which is substantially the same as at least one of: an inverted catenoid; a paraboloid of revolution or a truncated conoid.

22. A device for mitigating fuel vapor ignition within a fuel container comprising: a body having an interior sidewall and exterior sidewall; a generally annular rim configured at an upper end of the body; a reverse dome bottom wall configured at a lower end of the body; and wherein the body and bottom wall both include a plurality of substantially rectangular holes, arranged to enhance fluid flow dispersion.

23. A device as in claim 22, wherein the substantially rectangular holes are square holes that are approximately 40 mils40 mils in size, 60 mils deep and spaced apart by approximately 20 mils distance.

24. A device as in claim 22, wherein the stepped ribs are sized to accept a diesel nozzle at an upper end of the body and a gas nozzle at a lower end of the body.

25. A device as in claim 23, wherein the plurality of stepped ribs extend inwardly from the interior sidewall toward a geometric center of the body, the plurality of stepped ribs being at locations on the interior sidewall relative to each other such that they are angularly separated from each other on the interior sidewall by about 120 degrees, relative to the geometric center.

26. A device as in claim 22, further comprising a plurality of stepped support ribs configured within the interior sidewall for substantially centering a fuel nozzle.

27. A device as in claim 22, wherein the generally annular rim includes at least one indent member extending inwardly from the interior sidewall for decreasing cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body.

28. A device as in claim 22, wherein the exterior sidewall includes at least one cantilevered retention member for preventing removal of the body from within the fuel reservoir.

29. A flame mitigation device (FMD) for controlling fuel flow into a fuel reservoir comprising: a body having an interior sidewall and exterior sidewall; a generally annular rim configured at an upper end of the body for holding the body into an interior of fuel reservoir; and a bottom wall configured at a lower end of the body; and wherein the exterior sidewall includes at least one cantilevered retention member configured to prevent removal of the body from within the fuel reservoir.

30. An FMD as in claim 29, further comprising: a plurality of stepped ribs configured on the interior sidewall of the body for centering a fuel nozzle when inserted into the body where the stepped ribs are sized to substantially center a diesel nozzle at a first end of the body and a gasoline nozzle at a second location of the body.

31. An FMD as in claim 30, wherein the stepped ribs are sized, shaped and arranged to reduce turbulence of fuel passing through the body.

32. An FMD as in claim 30, wherein the plurality of stepped ribs extend inwardly from the interior sidewall toward a geometric center of the body, the plurality of stepped ribs being at locations on the interior sidewall, relative to each other such that they are angularly displaced apart/separated from each other on the interior sidewall by about 120 degrees, relative to the geometric center.

33. An FMD as in claim 29, wherein the generally annular rim includes at least one indented member extending inwardly from the interior sidewall, the indented member configured to decrease a cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body.

34. An FMD as in claim 29, wherein the body and bottom wall include a plurality of substantially rectangular holes, sized and shaped to provide at least a predetermined minimum volumetric flow rate through the FMD.

35. An FMD as in claim 34, wherein the substantially rectangular holes are substantially square and are approximately 40 mils40 mils in size and 60 mils in depth.

36. An FMD as in claim 34, wherein the substantially square holes are spaced apart by approximately 20 mils.

37. An FMD as in claim 29, wherein the bottom wall has an inverted dome having a shape which is substantially the same as at least one of: an inverted catenoid; a paraboloid of revolution or a truncated conoid.

38. A flame mitigation device (FMD) for use within a portable fuel container comprising: a generally cylindrical body having an interior sidewall and exterior sidewall where the exterior sidewall includes at least one cantilevered retention member configured to prevent removal of the body from within the portable fuel container; an annular rim configured at an upper end of the body; a bottom wall configured at a lower end of the body; at least one indented fuel flow member extending from the interior of the annual rim for decreasing cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body; a plurality of stepped ribs extending inwardly within the interior sidewall, the stepped ribs being configured to align the center of a fuel nozzle with the center of the FMD and additionally configured to reduce fuel splash from fuel flowing from a nozzle inserted into the body; a plurality of substantially rectangular perforations in both the cylindrical body and bottom wall that are sized 0.04 inches04 inches, 0.06 inches deep and spaced 0.02 inches apart; and wherein the bottom wall has a shape substantially the same as an inverted catenoid.

39. An FMD as in claim 38, wherein the stepped ribs are additionally configured to accept a diesel nozzle at a first location within the body and to accept a gasoline nozzle at as second location within the body.

40. An FMD as in claim 38, wherein the plurality of stepped ribs extend inwardly from the interior sidewall toward a geometric center of the generally cylindrical body, the plurality of stepped ribs being at locations on the interior sidewall, relative to each other such that they are angularly displaced from each other on the interior sidewall by about 120 degrees, relative to the geometric center.

41. An FMD as in claim 38, wherein the stepped ribs are configured to reduce turbulence of fuel passing through the body.

42. An FMD as in claim 39, wherein the first location is closer to the annular rim than the second location.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perceptive view of a fuel container for use with a flame mitigation device (FMD) according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FMD according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view showing the stepped ribs and indented fuel flow members according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 3A is a top view illustrating the top of the FMD with indented fuel flow member and stepped ribs.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of the FMD illustrating the retention members and reverse domed bottom wall according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the reverse domed bottom ball shown in FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view through lines V-V of FIG. 1, illustrating the FMD inserted into the fuel tank.

[0021] FIG. 5A is a magnified view of Detail A in FIG. 5 illustrating the FMD inserted into the neck of the fuel container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a flame mitigation device and method of forming same. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps 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 invention 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.

[0023] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms comprises, comprising, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by comprises . . . a does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0024] Like reference numbers are used to identify the same or similar structures in the different embodiments and views.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a portable fuel reservoir such as container 100 for use with a flame mitigation device (FMD) according to an embodiment of the invention. With regard to FIG. 1, those skilled in the art will recognize that the portable fuel container 100 is shown as an example of the variety of different fuel containers with which the FMD may be employed. The present invention is not limited to use with or as part of the particular fuel container 100 as shown herein.

[0026] The fuel container 100 comprises a hollow tank body 101, and a neck 103 having a threaded outer surface 105. In use, a dispensing spout 107 covers the neck 103. The neck 103 is used for both filling and dispensing the fuel into and out of the container 100. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the filling and dispensing locations on the container 100 may differ being at separate locations on the container. The dispensing spout 107 is attached or held to the container at the neck 103 using a fitting 108, which is threadably attached to the neck 103. Once attached, the spout 105 is in fluid communication with the tank body 101. In the example shown in FIG. 1, both the dispensing spout 107 and the fitting 108 are coupled together whereby unscrewing the fitting 108 causes the spout 107 to be detached from the container 100 as a unit.

[0027] When the dispensing spout 107 is removed, as shown in FIG. 1, a hole or opening is exposed. The opening permits filling the tank body 101 with fuel. When the spout 107 is removed, fuel may also be poured from the tank body 101. The size of the opening can be at least at least 2 square inches (50.3 mm.sup.2) but is typically not more than 10 square inches (254 mm.sup.2). The fuel container body 101 is portable and easy to carry having a neck 103 and spout 107 that are preferably molded of synthetic resin, such as, for example polyethylene. The finish of the synthetic resin surface is also specifically selected for minimizing climbing effect of fuel moving across it.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the FMD. The FMD 200 is used to mitigate spark and/or flame entering the interior of the tank body 101. The FMD 200 is sized and shaped, i.e., configured so to be capable of being inserted into the neck of a portable fuel container, such as the container depicted in FIG. 1. The FMD 200 includes a body 201 having both an inner sidewall 203 and outer sidewall 205, the general shape of which can be either cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, conical, or frusto-conical. Those skilled in the art will recognize that triangular, square and multi-angle shapes such as hexagonal or octagonal are also possible. A generally annular rim 207 the FMD extends circumferentially around an upper end of the FMD 200. Although the annual rim 207 is illustrated as generally circular in shape, those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes of the rim are also within the scope of the invention.

[0029] A retention collar 209 holds the FMD at predetermined vertical position within the neck of a portable fuel container. The FMD 200 is preferably polyethylene, polypropylene or other synthetic resins compatible with the material the tank body is made of. In one embodiment, the outer sidewall 205 of the FMD has a slight inward taper, the taper being inwardly from its width at the retention collar 209 to the bottom wall 211 to facilitate molding, for example from between about 0.5-degree. to about 2.5-degree of taper.

[0030] The annular rim 207 surrounds an open area into which a fuel nozzle may be inserted. The retaining collar 209 projects outwardly from the outer sidewall 205 a sufficient distance to engage an inner surface of the neck of the portable fuel container into which it is to be received. As described herein, the body 201 and bottom wall 211 are perforated which means they include numerous perforations or holes. The holes can have any shape but they are preferably rectangular-shaped in order to increase/maximize the fractional portion or percentage of the sidewall that can be made open and allow fluid to pass through the FMD and into as well as out of the container.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates top view of the FMD, i.e., looking down and into the bore of the FMD, showing a plurality of stepped ribs. The ribs are sized and shaped, i.e., configured to align the center of a fuel nozzle with the center of the FMD. More specifically, the FMD 300 includes an interior sidewall 301 having a plurality of substantially planar ribs 303, which extend axially inward from the interior sidewall 301 toward the center of the FMD. The ribs 303 extend downwardly, toward the bottom of the FMD along the interior sidewall 301. Although three (3) ribs are illustrated in this embodiment, those skilled in art will also recognize that a greater or fewer number of planar ribs 303 are also possible. For example, two ribs positioned 180 degrees apart or multiple ribs positioned at evenly spaced intervals about the interior sidewall 301 are also possible.

[0032] As used herein, the noun form of land refers to a surface or platform. The term stairs refers to a series of steps or platforms for passing from one level to another. Stairs are made up of risers and treads. The riser is the upright or vertical portion between two stair treads. The read is the portion of a stair on which a person steps. Risers and treads on common stairs are usually orthogonal.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3, each rib 303 has three, stair-like riser portions 397, 398 and 399. The riser portions 397, 398 and 399 extend vertically away from the bottom of the FMD toward its top annular rim 311 and are substantially parallel to the interior sidewall.

[0034] Each rib also has at least two tread portions 305, and 307. A first tread portion 305 is between riser portions 397 and 398. A second tread portion 307 is between riser portions 398 and 399. The tread portions 305 and 307 are preferably orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the riser portions 397, 398 and 399. The tread portions define lands or surfaces against which a fuel nozzle can rest when a fuel nozzle is inserted into the FMD during container filling.

[0035] Together, the tread portions and riser portions are considered herein as forming steps. The steps incrementally step down or reduce the effective open diameter of the FMD.

[0036] The depth of the riser portions 397 relative to the side wall effectively defines a maximum diameter nozzle that can be inserted into the FMD above the first tread portion 305. More specifically, the first riser portion 397, the first tread portion 305 and the second riser portion 398 of each rib 303 are sized and shaped to allow a diesel fuel nozzle to fit into the FMD but stop at the first tread portion 305 of each rib 303. The first riser portions 397 are also sized and shaped to align the center of a diesel fuel nozzle with the center of the FMD.

[0037] The second riser portion 398, second tread portion 307 and third riser portion 399 are sized and shaped to allow a conventional gasoline nozzle to fit into the FMD but stop at the second tread portion 307. As with the first riser portions 397, the second riser portions 398 are sized and shaped to align the center of a gasoline fuel nozzle with the center of the FMD.

[0038] Stated another way, steps in each rib that are formed by treads and risers described above, can also be considered to be notches. The first notch or land 305 in each rib 303 location 305 allows a wider diameter fuel nozzle to be inserted than does the second notch 307. The first notch 305 thus allows a diesel nozzle to fit into the FMD but does not allow a diesel nozzle to travel down the FMD any further.

[0039] Whether the rib shape is described as similar to stairs or notches, they are considered herein as forming or comprising a plurality of stepped ribs 303 that extend inwardly from the interior sidewall 301 toward a geometric center of the generally cylindrical body 313. The plurality of stepped ribs are at locations on the interior sidewall 301, relative to each other and the center of the FMD such that they are angularly displaced from each other on the interior sidewall 301 by approximately 120 degrees relative to a geometric center of the FMD.

[0040] Experimentation revealed that limiting the distance that a fuel nozzle can travel into the FMD and aligning the center of the fuel nozzle with the center of the FMD, reduced liquid fuel turbulence in the FMD. The reduced turbulence in the liquid significantly improved liquid fuel flow rate through the perforations. A direct correlation exists between ribs having steps that limit fuel nozzle insertion, distance and liquid flow rate through the perforations. Moreover, the stepped ribs 303 hold the relatively sharp edge of a fuel nozzle away from the relatively thin sidewall reducing and even preventing the nozzle from abraiding the sidewall, preventing deformation of the FMD as well.

[0041] FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A illustrate the use of one or more indented fuel flow members extending from the interior of the annual rim. More specifically, an indented fuel flow member 315 is shown extending from the interior sidewall 301 under the annular rim 311. In one embodiment, three indented fuel flow members 315 are each positioned 120 degrees apart relative to the geometric center of the body 313. The indented fuel flow member(s) 315 are used for decreasing the cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body 313 of the FMD 300 as well as increasing rigidity of the interior sidewall 301.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a side view of the FMD using a cantilevered retention member. More specifically, the FMD 400 has an exterior sidewall 401 that uses one or more cantilevered retention member(s) 403a, 403b and 403c (shown in phantom) configured to prevent removal of the body from within the portable fuel container. The cantilevered retention members are separated at 120-degree intervals on the exterior side wall 401 and about the perimeter of the FMD. Each retention member 403a, 403b, 403c includes a cantilever or sloped surface extending from the exterior side wall 401. As seen in FIG. 4, the retention member(s) 403a, 403b are positioned approximately 1-inch (25.4 mm) below the annular ring 405. In use, the retention member 403a, 403b, 403c each frictionally engages within the container, below the neck, and are used as a safety feature for preventing accidental removal of the FMD from the interior of the fuel container. Additionally, FIG. 4 also shows the dome shaped bottom wall 407 at the lower end of the FMD 400. Although the dome shaped bottom wall 407 is illustrated as an inverted catenoid, those skilled in the art will recognize that it also may take the shape of a paraboloid of revolution or a truncated conoid. The unique shape of the bottom wall 407 increases fuel flow by its dispersion of liquid out of the side walls and across the bottom wall surface 407.

[0043] As described herein, the bottom wall 407 includes a plurality of perforations which are sized to permit fuel such as liquid gasoline and air to flow therethrough. The number of perforations and their size and positioning in the bottom wall 407 and sidewall of body 408 are preferably sufficient to permit normal filling of the container at a moderate rate of flow without buildup and overflow of fuel from the container. For example, in certain embodiments, the size and positioning of the perforations in the FMD 400 permit at least five (5) gallons per minute of gasoline to flow therethrough under common gasoline filling conditions (e.g., atmospheric pressure and room temperature). In order to permit proper flow of liquid fuel through the FMD 400, perforations should in the outer sidewall 409 and bottom wall 407 are sized to present an open area of not more than 0.04 inches0.04 inches (1600 mils.sup.2). The perforations are spaced 0.02 inches apart. Both the sizing and spacing between perforations is important in this application since the size of the container and pressure of the fuel in the container as well as perforation size and spacing to offer the consumer an enhanced user experience because of the optimal fuel flow through the FMD 400.

[0044] The hole size and hole spacing of the FMD as described herein are the result of experimental studies performed over several years. Several hole designs and configurations were constructed to achieve the final design of 0.040 inches0.040 inches (1.016 mm1.016 mm) square hole size with a wall thickness of 0.060 inches (1.524 mm) and with a 0.02 inch (0.508 mm) separation between all holes. This configuration optimizes the air to fuel mixture ratio, reduces the level of emissions, minimizes spark phenomena, achieves better venting and attains a better energy mitigation. A common approach to mitigating confined explosions is to vent the explosion using explosion relief holes. If the combustion process occurs quickly then the flame speed is enhanced, and the inertia of the surrounding atmosphere creates sufficient restriction to the expansion process and generates over pressures. The condensed hole design as defined herein, better controls the venting process and minimizes spark phenomena which leads to discharges in the gaseous chamber. Moreover, this hole design also allows for an enhanced filling flow and pouring flow for the fuel entering and leaving the container.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a side view through section lines V-V in FIG. 1, illustrating the FMD inserted into the fuel opening of the container. FIG. 5A is a magnified view of the detail A shown in FIG. 5. As seen in both FIGS. 5 and 5A, a fuel tank FMD assembly 500 includes the FMD 501 inserted into the neck 503 of the fuel tank 505. In certain embodiments, it may be desired for the FMD 501 be permanently attached (i.e., non-removable) to the fuel tank 505 by, for example, bonding or welding. The FMD 500 is inserted into the tank 505 where the inner surface of the neck 503 may also be provided with a radially inwardly projecting circumferentially extending bulge, but before integration of the FMD. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 5A, the FMD 501 is pushed downwardly so that the retention collar 507, is in interference with the container outer edge 509. Each retention member 511 thus engages the below the container outer edge 509 where the sizing being complementary such that the retention member 511 is sufficiently resilient and preferably able to deflect upon such engagement. The FMD may then be rotated relative to the neck 503 to make the FMD unitary with the container 505. This creates a seal preventing air and liquid from moving between the annular rim 513 and the neck 503. This unitization of the FMD with the fuel tank 505 creates a device with enhanced fuel flow that is easy to use and ignored by the consumer.

[0046] Thus, embodiments of the present invention are directed a flame mitigation device (FMD) used in connection with a portable fuel container. The FMD includes plurality of stepped ribs each positioned 120 degrees about the interior side wall of the FMD that are used for seating both a diesel or gasoline fuel nozzle within the FMD when filling the fuel container. The stepped ribs also work to reduce fuel splash, improve fuel flow and optimize overall performance. One or more retention members are provided in the outer sidewall of the FMD for preventing inadvertent removal of the FMD from within the filler neck of the fuel container. Further, one or more intended fuel flow members are provided extending from the interior or the interior sidewall to prevent cyclonic movement of the fuel when filling the container. The FMD also includes a plurality of substantially rectangular holes on the body side wall and bottom wall that are typically square in shape. The holes are sized at 40/1000 inch on each side and spaced 20/1000 to provide an optimal fuel flow through the FMD while still reteaming its ability to mitigation flame and vapor ignition.

[0047] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.