MANUAL RELEASE FOR MEDICAL DEVICE DRIVE SYSTEM

Abstract

A medical device drive system can include a rotational input, a coupling member engaged with the rotational input, a first gear having an engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the coupling member, and a second gear coupled with the first gear, the second gear coupled to a movable element. The system can have a first system state and a second system state. In the first system state the coupling member is not engaged with the engagement feature and the first gear rotates without moving the coupling member. In the second system state the coupling member is engaged with the engagement feature of the first gear and rotation of the rotational input turns the coupling member, the first gear, and the second gear to move the movable element.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A surgical instrument, comprising: a surgical tool; a gear operably coupled to the surgical tool; a manual input member; and a coupling member positioned between the manual input member and the gear, the coupling member being movable linearly between a neutral position and a retraction position, the coupling member being operably coupled to the manual input member and the gear in the retraction position, the coupling member being configured to transfer a rotational input from the manual input member to the gear to retract the surgical tool on condition that the coupling member is in the retraction position.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein: on a condition that the coupling member is in the neutral position, the manual input member is operably decoupled from the gear; and on the condition that the coupling member is in the neutral position, a rotation of the manual input member is not transferred to the surgical tool.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein: the manual input member includes a protrusion positioned to engage the coupling member; and the protrusion is positioned to transfer a rotational input from the manual input member to the gear via the coupling member on a condition that the coupling member is in the retraction position.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein: the coupling member is slidably coupled to the manual input member; and the coupling member moves longitudinally away from the manual input member from the neutral position towards the retraction position as the manual input member is turned in a first direction.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein: the manual input member includes at least one ramp; and the rotational input causes the ramp to engage the coupling member to move the coupling member longitudinally from the neutral position to the retraction position.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein: the coupling member includes at least one ramp sized and shaped to engage the at least one ramp of the manual input member.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein: the at least one ramp of the coupling member and the at least one ramp of the manual input member move along a circumferential path around a common axis defined by the manual input member and the coupling member.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 2, further comprising: a spring positioned between the coupling member and the gear to bias the coupling member proximally toward the neutral position.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein: the rotational input is in a first direction; the surgical instrument includes a rotational resistance feature; and the rotational resistance feature resists a rotation of the coupling member in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein: the gear is a first gear; the surgical instrument includes a second gear operably coupled between the coupling member and the first gear; the coupling member includes a first set of gear teeth; and the second gear includes a second set of gear teeth positioned to engage the first set of gear teeth of the coupling member.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein: a rotational axis is defined for the coupling member; and the coupling member moves along the rotational axis relative to the first gear in response to a rotational input from the manual input member.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein: the surgical instrument includes a spring positioned between the coupling member and the second gear; and the spring is positioned to bias the coupling member relative to the second gear and towards the neutral position.

14. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein: the rotational input is in a first direction; a first moment is exerted on the coupling member by the rotational input; a second moment is exerted on the coupling member by a rotation of the manual input member in a second direction opposite the second direction; and the first moment is greater than the second moment such that the rotational input rotates the coupling member and is transmitted to the gear.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein: the surgical instrument includes a manual drive lock positioned to engage the coupling member; and on a condition that the coupling member is in the neutral position, a torque is input to the manual input member to drive the coupling member, and the manual drive lock is actuated, the manual drive lock maintains the coupling member in the neutral position.

16. A manual retraction mechanism for a motor-driven surgical instrument, the manual retraction mechanism comprising: a manual input member; a coupling member positioned to selectively transfer a manual rotational input from the manual input member to a gear of the motor-driven surgical instrument on a condition that the coupling member is in a retraction position, the coupling member having a neutral position in which the coupling member is decoupled from the gear; and a rotational resistance feature positioned to limit a rotational movement of the coupling member in response to the manual rotational input.

17. The manual retraction mechanism of claim 16, wherein: the coupling member has a proximal portion positioned to selectively engage the manual input member; and the coupling member has a distal portion positioned to transfer the manual rotation input from the manual input member to the gear on the condition that the coupling member is in the retraction position.

18. The manual retraction mechanism of claim 16, further comprising: a spring coupled to the coupling member to bias the coupling member toward the neutral position.

19. The manual retraction mechanism of claim 16, wherein: the coupling member defines a first rotational axis; the gear defines a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis; and the second rotational axis is offset from the first rotational axis.

20. The manual retraction mechanism of claim 16, wherein: the coupling member is in the retraction position on a condition that the motor-driven surgical instrument is in a fault condition.

21. The manual retraction mechanism of claim 16, wherein: the manual rotational input from the manual input member transferred to the gear via the coupling member has a torque that is less than a torque limit; and the torque limit corresponds to a torque magnitude sufficient to damage a drivetrain of the motor-driven surgical instrument.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0035] FIG. 1A is an illustration of an example instrument system for use in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery.

[0036] FIG. 1B is an illustration of an example physician console for use in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery.

[0037] FIG. 1C is an illustration of an example control cart for use in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery.

[0038] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of an example medical device drive system connected to an example medical tool.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a drive system.

[0040] FIG. 3A is a side view of drive components in a proximal end of a drive system.

[0041] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of drive components in a proximal end of a drive system.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom side of a manual input.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of components in the proximal end of the drive system, with the manual input removed.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of a coupling component.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first gear.

[0046] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of drive components in the proximal end of the drive system, with the coupling member not engaged with the first gear.

[0047] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of drive components in the proximal end of the drive system, with the coupling member engaged with the first gear.

[0048] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of drive components in the proximal end of the drive system, with springs biasing the coupling member away from the first gear.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of portions of the proximal end of the drive system that shows a lock switch and a lower chassis.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view that shows drive components, the manual drive lock 910, and the locking feature on the coupling member.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of drive components, an upper portion of the lock switch, and a portion of the manual drive lock engaged with the lock switch.

[0052] FIG. 12A is a side view of the lower portion of the lock switch, the lower chassis.

[0053] FIG. 12B is a side view of the lower portion of the lock switch, with an adapter coupled to the lower chassis.

[0054] FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing the manual drive lock disengaged from the coupling member.

[0055] FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing the manual drive lock engaged with the coupling member.

[0056] FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing the manual drive lock disengaged from the coupling member.

[0057] FIG. 14B is a perspective view showing the manual drive lock engaged with the coupling member.

[0058] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of controlling a surgical instrument.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Medical device drive systems can be used to control an instrument that is coupled to a drive system with a shaft. A teleoperated surgical system, for example, can employ a medical device drive system to control a surgical instrument that can be inserted into a patient to perform a surgical procedure.

[0060] Manipulation of a surgical instrument during a teleoperated surgical procedure can be difficult, due to factors such as space constraints, the size of components, the need for precision and accuracy during surgery, and the presence of multiple tools in the body.

[0061] The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a manual input system for a medical device drive train can be formed with a coupling member that can be engaged and disengaged with a drive train. A system can enable, for example, manual retraction of a device drive train in the event of a power outage, system fault, torque limit trigger, jam, or other event during a procedure. In some examples, manual retraction can be controlled with a manual input, such as a knob. The system can be configured so that the manual input (e.g., knob) does not turn when the drive system is being driven by the system. The system can also be configured so that a manual input can only retract the drive system, and not advance it. In some examples, the system can be configured so that the manual input cannot apply enough torque to the manual input to damage the drive train. The system can also be configured so that the manual input can apply high forces in the retraction direction to the drive train to enable retraction during a procedure.

[0062] An example medical device drive system can include a rotational input and a coupling member engaged with the rotational input. The rotational input can be a manual input. The system can also include a first gear having an engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the coupling member, and a second gear coupled with the first gear. The second gear coupled to a movable element, such as a surgical instrument. The system may have a first system state, in which the coupling member is not engaged with the engagement feature and the first gear rotates without moving the coupling member. This may enable, for example, a drive train to be driven by a computer-controlled system, without rotation of the rotational input when the gears are driven. The system may also have a second system state, in which the coupling member is engaged with the engagement feature of the first gear and rotation of the rotational input turns the coupling member, the first gear, and the second gear to move the instrument. The system may include one or more additional gears between the first and second gear, or coupled to the first or second gear to enable connection to other aspects of the system, such as elements of a robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical system.

[0063] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate an example robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical system. FIG. 1A shows an instrument system 100 (sometimes known as a patient side cart) that can be situated near a patient operating table (not shown). FIG. 1B shows a surgeon console 150 that can include controls and a viewing system. FIG. 1C shows a control cart 175 that can include, for example, processing equipment and communication equipment.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 1A, the system 100 can include a base 102, a support tower 104, and one or more manipulator arms 110, 111, 112, 113, which can be mounted on the support tower. Alternatively, the manipulator arms 110, 111, 112, 113 can be connected to a main boom (not shown), which can be movable. An instrument 130 can be mounted to an instrument mount 120 on one of the manipulator arms. A cannula (not shown in FIG. 1A) can be mounted to a cannula mount. An instrument 130 can be inserted through a cannula seal in the cannula, and into the patient (not shown) for use in a surgical or other medical procedure. Through movement of the manipulator arms, the orientation of the instrument can be controlled in multiple dimensions, e.g. lateral, horizontal, vertical, angular movements in one, two, or three planes.

[0065] FIG. 1B shows an example physician console 150. The physician console can include hand control 155, 156 and pedal controls 160, 161. The hand controls 155, 156, and pedal controls 160, 161 can be used to control equipment at the patient side cart. For example, portions of a distal end of an instrument can be manipulated using instrument controls. The controls can include haptic feedback features so that a physician can interpret physical information, such as resistance or vibration, through the controls. The physician console 150 can also include a viewing system 165 that can display video or other images of a surgical site.

[0066] FIG. 1C shows an example control cart 175. The control cart can include processing equipment 180 for processing controls, facilitating communication between the physician console and the patient side cart, or a remote site. The control cart 175 can also include a display 190, which can show images that the physician is seeing on the physician console, a video feed from a camera in the patient, or other information. In an example configuration, signals input at a surgeon console 150 can be transmitted to the equipment 180 on the control cart, which can interpret the inputs and generate commands that are transmitted to the patient side cart 100 to cause manipulation of an instrument 130 or portions of a manipulator arm 110. The equipment 180 is shown on a cart for exemplary purposes, but could also be arranged in various configurations, e.g., it could be integrated as part of the physician console, the patient side cart, or both, or divided between the physician console and patient side cart. The equipment can also be provided as software, hardware, or both, on an installed or remote system.

[0067] FIG. 1D shows an example medical device system 101 that can be mounted on and used with the instrument system 100 shown in FIG. 1A. The medical device system 101 can include a proximal portion 105 including an interface 185 that can couple to a computerized control system such as the system illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, a middle portion 186 that can include drive components such as a drive member (not shown in FIG. 1D), and a distal portion 187 that can include a surgical tool 188. The middle portion 186 can include portions of a drive train 189 that can couple the proximal portion 105 to a moveable element 191 that can be coupled to the surgical tool 188. The surgical tool 188 can, for example, be any of a variety of surgical tools, such as a cutter, grasper, a cautery tool, a camera, a light, or a surgical stapler. The surgical tool 188 can be the instrument 130 shown in FIG. 1A. For the purpose of this document, the terms tool and instrument are interchangeable.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a drive system. The drive system 200 can be mounted on a chassis 205. The drive system 200 can include a manual input 210 that may be a rotational input such as a knob. The manual input 210 can engage other components (not shown in FIG. 2) to drive a moveable element and actuate an instrument or tool, such as a surgical stapler or cuter.

[0069] FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side and perspective views of drive components in a proximal end 300 of a drive system. The manual input 210 can be engaged with a coupling member 510 (better shown in subsequent figures) that can engage with a first gear 305 that can be coupled with a second gear 310 that can be engaged with a moveable component to move or actuate an instrument or tool. In some examples, the first gear 305 can be coupled to the second gear 310 with a third gear 315, which can optionally be coupled to computerized control system, which can be part of a robot-assisted surgical system.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom side of the manual input 210. FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of components in the proximal end of the drive system, with the manual input removed. The manual input 210 (shown in FIG. 4) can be configured to engage with a coupling member 510 (shown in FIG. 5.) In an example, the coupling member can include a first engagement feature 515, which can for example include a recession in a top surface 525 of the coupling member, and the manual input 210 can include a second engagement feature 415, which can be a protrusion, that is sized and shaped to engage with the first engagement feature 515. The second engagement feature 415 can be located in a recession 405 in a bottom surface 410 of the manual input 210. While the first engagement feature 515 is shown as a recession and the second engagement feature 415 is shown as a protrusion, the parts can also be reversed, such that the manual input includes a protrusion and the coupling member 510 includes a recession, or both parts may include a protrusion.

[0071] The first engagement feature 515 can be shaped to extend around a circumferential path around a coupling member axis 520, and the second engagement feature 415 can be shaped to extend along a circumferential path around a manual input axis 425. The manual input 210 and coupling member 510 can be sized and shaped to align the manual input axis 420 with the coupling member axis 525. The alignment of the axes 425, 525 and the shaping of the engagement features can allow the manual input 210 to rotate with respect to the coupling member 510 around the aligned axes. In various examples, the first engagement feature 515 can include a ramp 530, the second engagement feature 415 can include a ramp 430, or both the first engagement feature 515 and the second engagement feature 415 can include a ramp. The presence of the ramp shape can cause the coupling member 510 to move distally with respect to the manual input 210 when the manual input is rotated in a first direction (indicated by arrow) with respect to the coupling member 510 in a rotational direction that presses the engagement features 415, 515 together. Turning the manual input 210 in a second direction may allow the coupling member to move proximally.

[0072] The manual input 210 and coupling member 510 can each optionally include more than one engagement feature. In the illustrated example, the manual input 210 includes a second manual input engagement feature 416, and the coupling member 510 includes second coupling member engagement feature 516. The manual input engagement feature 416 is shown as a protruding ramp, but could alternatively be a recession, i.e. the manual input 210 can include one protruding ramp and one recession, and the coupling member 510 can include one corresponding recession and one ramp that align with the features on the manual input 210. In other examples, the manual input 210 and coupling member 510 can each include three, four, or more engagement features that are sized and shaped to engage with each other and bias the coupling member 510 in the distal direction when the manual input is rotated.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom side 605 of the coupling member 510. The coupling member can include teeth 610 on an outer surface 615 that can be configured to engage with a ratchet 550 (shown in FIG. 5). The ratchet can include one or more ratchet arms 555, 556, that can engage with the coupling member teeth 610. The ratchet arms 555, 556, can provide a force that resists rotation of the coupling member 510 in the first direction (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5). The ratchet arms 555, 556 can also be sized and shaped to prevent rotation of the coupling member 510 in a second direction opposition the first direction.

[0074] Referring again to FIG. 6, the coupling member 510 can include one or more engagement features 620 (shown in FIG. 6) that are sized and shaped to engage with the engagement features 720 on the first gear (shown in FIG. 7.) The coupling member 510 can also include a bore 630 that can receive a shaft.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of first gear 700. The first gear can include a lower portion 705 that includes gear teeth 710 and an upper portion 715 that can include one or more engagement features 720. The engagement features 720 can be on a tapered portion 725 on a top (proximal) side 730 of the first gear 700. The engagement features 720 may, for example, be teeth. The tapered surface can be frustum-shaped (as shown), rounded, hemispherical, or otherwise configured to move in and out of engagement with the coupling member. While the first gear is depicted as a gear, in other types of drive systems, the first gear 700 can alternatively be configured differently. For example, in a belt-driven system, the first gear 700 can be a pulley and the gear teeth 710 can be a belt engagement surface.

[0076] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of drive components 800 in the proximal end of the drive system 200, with the coupling member 510 not engaged with the first gear 700. The manual input 210 can be assembled onto the coupling member 510, which can be assembled above the first gear 700. The manual input can be rotated counter-clockwise (as indicated by the arrow 805), which rotates engagement features 415, 416 on the underside of the manual input 210 against engagement features 515, 516 on the top side of the coupling member, and biases the coupling member 510 in a distal direction (as indicated by the arrow 810). Moving the coupling member 510 distally can engage the coupling member 510 with the first gear 700. The coupling member can thus operate as an interlock, i.e. the coupling member can selectively couple and uncouple the manual input 210 with the first gear 700. In some examples, springs 815, 816 can be assembled between the manual coupling member 510 and the first gear 700 to bias the coupling member to an uncoupled position in which the coupling member 510 is not engaged with the spring. The manual input 210, coupling member 510, and first gear 700 can be assembled onto a shaft (not shown) that can extend through bores 450, 630, 750 in each of the assembled components and maintain axial alignment of the components.

[0077] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of drive components in the proximal end of the drive system 200, with the coupling member 510 engaged with the first gear 700. Rotation of the manual input 210 to advance the coupling member distally eventually produces the configuration shown in FIG. 8B, where the springs 815, 816 are compressed and the engagement features 620 on the distal side of the coupling member 510 are engaged with the engagement features 720 (e.g., tapered teeth) on the proximal side of the first gear 700. Rotation of the manual input 210 counter-clockwise (as indicated by arrow 840) rotates the coupling member 510, which rotates the first gear 700 (as indicated by arrow 850).

[0078] To retract a moveable element, a user can rotate the manual input 210 to advance the coupling member 510, compress the springs 815, 816 and engage the coupling member 510 with the gear 700 to engage a drive train that may retracts the moveable element, which may, for example, be a surgical instrument, or coupled to a surgical instrument.

[0079] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of drive components in the proximal end of the drive system 200, with springs 815, 816 biasing the coupling member away from the first gear. When the manual input 210 is released, the springs 815, 816 exert an upward (proximal) force (indicated by arrow 860 on the coupling member 510, which drives the coupling member toward the manual input 210 and out of engagement with the first gear. In some examples, the springs also turn the manual input 210 in a clockwise direction (as indicated by arrow 865), for example as ramps on the coupling member 510 slide against ramps on the manual input 210. In FIG. 8C, the coupling member has slid to a most proximal position, and the coupling member 510 is disengaged from the first gear 700.

[0080] FIGS. 9 through 14B illustrate the operation of a manual drive lock 910 that may engage the coupling member 510. The manual drive lock 910 may include a locking element 920 that can move into and out of engagement with a locking feature 560 (such as a notch or groove) on the coupling member 510 that prevents the coupling member 560 from moving in a proximal direction when the manual input 210 is released.

[0081] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of portions of the proximal end of the drive system that shows a lock switch 905 and a lower chassis 205. The lock switch 905 can be coupled to the manual drive lock 910. The lock switch 905 may, for example include a linkage 915 that couples a lower portion of the lock switch 907 with an upper portion of the lock switch (shown in FIG. 11). In another configuration, the lower portion 907 of the lock switch 905 may be directly connected to the upper portion 906 of the lock switch.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view that shows drive components, the manual drive lock 910, and the locking feature 560 on the coupling member 510.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of drive components, an upper portion 906 of the lock switch 905, and a portion of the manual drive lock 910 engaged with the lock switch. The upper portion 906 of the lock switch 905 can include a ramp 916 that engages with a ramp 911 on the manual drive lock 910. The manual drive lock can be biased with a spring 1405 (shown in FIG. 14B) to rotate toward the locking feature 560 on the coupling member 510. The ramp 916 on the upper portion 906 of the lock switch prevents the manual drive lock 910 from rotating into engagement with the coupling member. A spring 925 can be coupled to the upper portion 906 of the lock switch 905 and configured to bias the lock switch down so that the ramp 916 on the lock switch remains in engagement with the ramp on the manual drive lock 910.

[0084] FIG. 12A is a side view of the lower portion 907 of the lock switch, the lower chassis 205. The lower portion 907 of the lock switch can include a lever 930. When the lever 930 is in a down position (as indicated by arrow 931), the upper portion 906 of the lock switch (shown in FIG. 11) retains the manual drive lock 910 in a disengaged position, as shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 14A.

[0085] FIG. 12B is a side view of the lower portion 907 of the lock switch, with an adapter 1200 coupled to the lower chassis 205. When the lever 930 is biased to an upward position (as indicated by arrow 1205), the lock switch 910 moves upward, and the upper portion 906 of the lock switch slides out of engagement with the manual drive lock 905, allowing the manual drive lock to rotate into engagement with the engagement feature (e.g. groove) 560 on the coupling member 510, as shown in FIG. 13B and FIG. 14B.

[0086] In an example, a latch 1210 on the adaptor 1200 may actuate the lever 930 to the upward position and thereby disengage the lock switch. With the lock switch 910 disengaged, the manual drive lock 905 may be free to rotate into engagement with the engagement feature 560 on the coupling member 510. In some example, the engagement feature 560 is sized and shaped so that the manual drive lock 905 can engage the coupling member only when the coupling member is in a lower (distal) position, in which the coupling member 510 is engaged with the first gear 700. In an example workflow, in a state in which the lock switch is biased upward, such as when the adaptor 1200 is coupled to the chassis 205 and the latch 1205 is engaged with the lever 930, when the manual input 210 is actuated to advance the coupling member 510 distally and engages the first gear 700, the manual drive lock rotates into engagement with the engagement feature (groove) 560 on the coupling member, which can lock the manual drive components in position and allow for manual retraction by rotation of the manual 210, without re-engaging the coupling member if the manual input is released.

[0087] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 1500 of controlling a surgical instrument. At step 1505, a manual input such as manual input 210 is driven against a coupling member, such as coupling member 510. At step 1510, the coupling member is advanced into engagement with a first gear, such as gear 700. At step 1515, the coupling member is optionally locked into an engaged position, for example with a manual lock that engages the coupling member. At step 1520, the first gear is driven by the coupling member and the manual input by rotating the manual input, to retract a moveable element, which may for example be coupled to a surgical instrument inside a patient during a surgical procedure. The drive train may also optionally be driven by a computer-controlled system, with the manual drive input used for example during a power failure or system fault. At step 1525, the coupling member is biased out of engagement with the first gear when the manual input is released and the manual drive lock is in an unengaged position.

[0088] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

[0089] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as examples. Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0090] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

[0091] In this document, the terms a or an are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of at least one or one or more. In this document, the term or is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that A or B includes A but not B, B but not A, and A and B, unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms including and in which are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms comprising and wherein. Also, in the following claims, the terms including and comprising are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms first, second, and third, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0092] Geometric terms, such as parallel, perpendicular, round, or square, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as round or generally round, a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.

[0093] Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

[0094] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. ? 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.