MOBILE AIR CONDITIONER

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to an HVAC system which is externally mounted on a vertical surface of an RV, truck or bus. The desire is to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, a potential leakage path wherein water may sit on an upper surface of a vehicle and due to seal degradation over long periods of time, may find a pathway in through the roof of the vehicle and to an interior thereof. By positioning the HVAC on a vertical surface, gravity works to move water downward and away from the HVAC system rather than allowing it to stagnate in an area around potential apertures through the outer skin or outer surface of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A mobile air conditioner, comprising: a base pan which is configure to be vertically oriented for mounting, said base pan having a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a fan, and an expansion valve forming a refrigeration circuit; a shroud which is connected to said base pan and covering said refrigeration circuit, said shroud mounted vertically, said shroud configured to be oriented vertically; bracket configured to be mounted to a frame of a recreational vehicle, and extend from said recreational vehicle said bracket having one of a pin or a catch; the other of said pin or catch associated with said mobile air conditioner, the other of said pin or catch engaging said bracket to pivotally mount said mobile air conditioner to said recreational vehicle; a conditioned air duct and a return duct extending horizontally from said base pan and configured to extend into said recreational vehicle through a wall of said recreational vehicle, said conditioned air duct in flow communication with said evaporator; one or more openings on either or both of the base pan or shroud to allow an airflow for heat exchange with the condenser.

2. The mobile air conditioner of claim 1, said airflow comprising one of air into the condenser or air exhaust from the condenser.

3. The mobile air conditioner of claim 2, said airflow comprising a horizontal airflow.

4. The mobile air conditioner of claim 3, said airflow comprising a vertical airflow.

5. The mobile air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising a base pan extension.

6. The mobile air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising an internal frame disposed within said base pan or shroud or both.

7. The mobile air conditioner of claim 6, said refrigeration circuit disposed within said internal frame.

8. The mobile air conditioner of claim 7, the other of said pin or catch disposed at said internal frame.

9. A mobile air conditioner, comprising: a base and a shroud connected to said base, said base and said shroud configured to be oriented vertically on a wall of a recreational vehicle; an internal frame disposed within one or both of the base or the shroud; a plurality of cooling mechanicals defining a refrigeration circuit, said plurality of cooling mechanicals comprising a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a fan and an expansion valve; one or more of said plurality of cooling mechanicals disposed within said internal frame; bracket configured to be mounted to a frame of said recreational vehicle, and extend from said recreational vehicle said bracket having one of a pin or a catch; the other of said pin or catch associated with said mobile air conditioner, the other of said pin or catch disposed on said internal frame and engaging said bracket to pivotally mount said mobile air conditioner to said recreational vehicle; a conditioned air duct and a return duct extending horizontally and configured to extend into said recreational vehicle through said wall, said conditioned air duct in flow communication with said evaporator; one or more openings on either or both of the base pan or shroud to allow an airflow for heat exchange with the condenser.

10. The mobile air conditioner of claim 9, said airflow for heat exchange with said condenser having at least one horizontal airflow portion.

11. The mobile air conditioner of claim 10, said airflow for heat exchange with said condenser having at least one vertical air flor portion.

12. The mobile air conditioner of claim 9, said internal frame pivotally connected to said bracket at one location and fastened to said bracket at a second location.

13. The mobile air conditioner of claim 9 further comprising a base extension extending from said base pan.

14. The mobile air conditioner of claim 13, said base extension configured to extend through said wall of said recreational vehicle.

15. The mobile air conditioner of claim 9 further comprising a window for a backup camera.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of a mobile air conditioning system will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of a mobile air conditioning system will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an RV with a mobile air conditioner (HVAC) system;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an exterior perspective view of the HVAC system removed from the RV;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of a bottom portion of the HVAC system;

[0018] FIG. 4. is a side view of an RV and the HVAC system;

[0019] FIG. 5. is a side schematic view of an alternate RV with rear mounted AC and ducting system;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a compressor refrigeration system;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an HVAC system;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an illustrative HVAC system;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a mounting structure;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a mobile air conditioner;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a side section view of the mobile air conditioner of FIG. 10; and

[0026] FIG. 11A is a detail view of the mobile air conditioner of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It is to be understood that a mobile air conditioning system is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The described embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms connected, coupled, and mounted, and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms connected and coupled and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1-11A, a mobile air conditioning or HVAC system 30 is provided which is mounted on a vertical surface of a mounting location such as an RV, bus, truck, vehicle, non-mobile structure, or the like. The HVAC system, or mobile air conditioner, allows for positioning on a vertical surface of a vehicle so that potential leakage paths are eliminated or reduced, which may occur in prior art systems. The system utilizes specific mounting structures to allow for the positioning on the vertical surface. Likewise, the vertically mounted air conditioner is generally self-enclosed such that the components of the air conditioner are positioned within the housing, defined by a base and an air shroud and likewise, such structure is designed on control air flow to and from the interior of the mobile air conditioner.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an RV 10 is provided with the mobile air conditioner 30 shown on a rear vertical wall or surface 16 of the RV. As used herein, the term recreational vehicle (RV) refers to mobile homes, motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, recreational vans, buses and the like. A recreational vehicle may be one type of mobile unit. It should also be understood by one skilled in the art that the instant embodiment may be utilized with stationary structures having roof-mounted air conditioning units and air conditioning ducts extending through the ceiling area of the structure. Likewise, the embodiments of the instant disclosure are also suitable for use in various water crafts having exterior air conditioning units and duct work passing through cavities or spaces between the roof and ceiling. The depicted RV 10 includes a drive and transmission, not shown, as well as a sidewall 12, a roof 14, and a rear wall 16. Alternatively however, the RV may be in the form of a non-powered, pull-behind camper, non-mobile structure, and watercraft.

[0030] On the rear surface 16 of the RV 10, a portion of the mobile air conditioner 30 is depicted. The mobile air conditioner includes the air conditioner 30 and may or may not, include ducting extending within the RV, for example below the roof 14 but above the ceiling below to provide conditioned air to the interior of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the ducting may be located below the ceiling. In embodiments where ducting is not utilized, the system may also include an air distribution box (not shown) behind the mobile air conditioner 30 within the interior of the RV. The mobile air conditioner 30 may be mounted in a variety of fashions, including but not limited to, fasteners passing through the rear surface 16, for example to or through structural members or through a template therein or combinations, for non-limiting example. With the mobile air conditioner 30 mounted on a vertical surface, the air flow entering and exiting may be horizontal through an opening in a vertical plane or, as shown in FIG. 10 may alternatively enter through a lower surface (vertically) and exit through a vertical surface in a horizontal manner (or angled manner). The air flow into and out of the mobile air conditioner 30 may vary depending on the location of the cooling mechanicals 50 therein and the description is not exhaustive.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of an illustrative mobile air conditioner 30 is shown removed from the RV 10. The mobile air conditioner 30 includes an air shroud 32 and a base 34, together defining a housing. In the example, the base 34 is closer to the RV 10 and the air shroud 32 is further. The base 34 may extend into the RV 10 for mounting and providing at least some amount of fluid communication between the mobile air conditioner 30 and any ducting or an HVAC supply grill, which may be on the interior of the RV 10. The base 34 may be of varying shapes and may be dependent upon the shape and size of ducting extending into the vehicle 10. The air shroud 32 may be of various shapes and according to the instant embodiment is generally rectangular having two parallel long sides 37 and two parallel short sides 36. The corners may be rounded or may be sharp edges and the surfaces may be smooth or textured, any of these features being within the ability of one skilled the art and related to design and aesthetic characteristics which may be desirable. The shape may be complimentary to a portion of the RV wall, in order to lower the profile, for example.

[0032] The base, or base pan, 34 may comprise a rim 40 which defines an interfacing portion with the air shroud 32 and may further comprise a base extension 42, which extends horizontally, as shown in FIG. 4, from the air shroud 32 and interfaces with a portion of the RV 10. The base extension 42 may extend inwardly through an outer boundary or periphery of the RV 10 in order to give the mobile air conditioner 30 a slim or low profile appearance. The base 34 may include an internal plate which connects to various mechanical components. The plate, which is hidden from view, may be flat or have structural strengthening corrugations or the like.

[0033] In some embodiments, the shroud 32 and the base 34 are separate structures such that the shroud 32 may be removed from the base 34 in order to access the internal components. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the two parts are hingedly connected so that they may be opened, without fully removing, in order to access the internal components within the housing. The hinge or other pivot structure may be one or more structures and may be located on any of the sides of the shroud 32 and base 34. In still other embodiments, the shroud 32 may also be pivoted open and removed. Other arrangements may be utilized to access the interior of the mobile air conditioning housing.

[0034] Additionally, the air shroud 32 or the rim 40 may comprise a plurality of vent apertures or openings 46 which allow air flow to enter or exit the interior of the mobile air conditioner 30 and provide either an exit or entrance for air which is engaging with a condenser therein. Further, the apertures 46, 47 may allow mechanical component heat to dissipate. According to the instant embodiments, and with additional reference to FIG. 1, air flow may be provided in various directions but one illustrative embodiment may provide air flow in to the condenser from the vertical sides of the mobile air conditioner 30 at apertures 46 and may exit from the condenser through the apertures 47 (FIG. 3). Additional apertures may be provided either on the base 34 or the air shroud 32 to provide inlet flow into the mobile air conditioner 30, or in other locations. It may be desirable to either provide a deflector for any holes located along the upper surface or edges of the mobile air conditioner 30 or to not provide apertures on the upper surfaces so that rain or other contaminants do not fall into the mobile air conditioner 30. Also, baffles and/or ducts may be used to control air movement through the air conditioner 30. Further, as some motor coaches exhaust in the rear of the RV, it may be desirable to filter air moving into the mobile air conditioner. A filtration assembly may be provided in the area of the air passing into the mobile air conditioner 30 before the air reaches a condenser.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, a lower perspective view of the illustrative mobile air conditioner 30 is depicted. Along the lower edge of the air shroud 32 or the rim 40 are a plurality of apertures 47 which allow for air flow into the mobile air conditioner 30. However, the direction of air flow may be varied. Also, as shown, the air shroud 32 may have a shape to engage or cover the base 34. While holes 47 are shown on the base 34, they may also be located on the air shroud 32. Further, the outer surface is shown with a flat surface, but may also have holes for ventilation, or the like. Likewise, the outer surface may be contoured, for example to match or better approximate the wall of the RV.

[0036] Additionally, as best shown in this view, the mobile air conditioner 30 may have a window 52 wherein a camera may be located for rear view for the driver during parking or other scenarios where a rear camera is helpful with a large vehicle.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view of the RV 10 and the mobile air conditioner 30 is depicted. In this view, and with reference partially to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base extension 42 is better shown extending into the rear wall 16 of the RV 10. Accordingly, when viewed from the side or at an angle, the majority of the base extension 42 is not visible to a user and therefore gives the mobile air conditioner 30 a low profile appearance relative to the rear wall 16 of the vehicle 10. The base extension 42 may also provide a location of positioning of at least some mechanical components used for cooling rather than solely being located within the periphery of the base 34 and air shroud 32.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, an illustrative side schematic is depicted of an RV 100. The RV 100 is a different type of RV than the RV 10 shown in previous views. The instant illustrative embodiment provides an RV which is towable rather than the self-propelled bus or coach, type RV shown in the first embodiments. However, the instant embodiment provides the mobile air conditioner 30 as again mounted on a rear surface of the RV 100, as shown. Further, the schematic view provides a schematic duct 150 which extends through the RV 100 and is utilized to supply and/or return conditioned air to the mobile air conditioner 30 at the rear of the RV 100. In some embodiments, a port at the rear of the RV 100 may have a register wherein return air from the interior of the RV 100 returns to the mobile air conditioner 30. In such embodiment, the duct 150 may be used to only to supply conditioned air to the RV 100. The instant embodiment also provides that an optional second mobile air conditioner 130 may also be used depending on the amount of conditioned air needed, i.e. capacity, to cool the RV 100. Accordingly, the instant embodiments may have one or more mobile air conditioners 30, 130 according to the scope of the instant claims.

[0039] The mobile air conditioners 30, 130 are both located on generally vertical surfaces of the RV 100 and the forward mobile air conditioner 130 may be positioned within a decorative cap which is common in larger mobile RVs. Accordingly, the mobile air conditioners may be externally positioned or may be covered.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic view of a compression refrigeration system 50 is depicted. Starting at the top of the drawing, a compressor 220 is depicted. The compressor 220 may be connected to a motor which drives the rotation or movement of the compressor 220 in order to compress a refrigerant. The compressor 220 may be a single speed, multi-speed, or variable speed compressor. Further, the compressor 220 may be a screw-type or may be a piston-cylinder type or various other types. The compressor 220 forces the compressed refrigerant along the schematic view toward a condenser 200. The condenser 200 may also comprise a cooling fan 202 which blows ambient air across a plurality of fins and/or coils which are in heat transfer communication with the refrigerant. The cooling fan 202 moves air across these fins and/or coils of the condenser 200 in order to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant continues toward an expansion valve 204 which reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and then further on to an evaporator 240. A fan 208 may draw air from an interior of the RV 10 or other enclosed volume across the fins and/or coils of the evaporator 240 and return the conditioned air to the vehicle interior. At this time, the refrigerant is of a lower pressure and temperature such that the air blowing across coils carrying the refrigerant is cooled and returns into the enclosed space of the RV 10 as a conditioned, cooled air which is comforting to the users and of decreased humidity.

[0041] After moving through the evaporator 240, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 220. At some position along the flow path of the refrigerant, a tank or other volume may provide a reservoir (not shown) for the refrigerant, according to some embodiments. This option merely is illustrative and very general of the operation of an air conditioner which may be utilized in any of the embodiments described. Further, variations of the described components of the system may also be implemented and be within the scope of the instant embodiments.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7, a front perspective view of an embodiment of the mobile air conditioner 30 is depicted having a plurality of cooling mechanicals that form the example refrigeration cycle. The description of the refrigerant cycle is provided with regard to an embodiment. The air shroud 32 is shown having an alternative shape and further in transparent nature so that the interior components, which are illustrative, may be described. This view depicts a condenser assembly 200 which is utilized to direct air through condenser coils which are part of the condenser assembly 200 and reduce heat of the refrigerant.

[0043] Within the condenser assembly 200 are a plurality of fans 202, which pull ambient air into the mobile air conditioner 30 and across the plurality of condenser coils of the condenser assembly 200 before exhausting the air from the mobile air conditioner 30. The outside air may be pulled in a plurality of manners. For example, the apertures 46, 47 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be utilized. Alternatively, the instant device utilizes apertures 146, 147 to provide air into and out of the mobile air conditioner 30.

[0044] Also shown within the mobile air conditioner 30, is at least one compressor 220. The compressor 220 contains a reservoir of refrigerant and utilizes a motor to power the compression action of the refrigerant, which is pumped to the condenser assembly 200. The compressor 220 may be defined by a plurality of types of devices including reciprocal compressors with piston cylinder structures, screw or axial rotating compressors or other types. Further, the motor for the compressor 220 may be a single speed or may be variable speed to further control the refrigerant flow. After the refrigerant flows from the compressor 220 through the condenser assembly 200, the refrigerant returns to an expansion valve 230 to reduce the pressure of the cooler refrigerant exiting the condenser assembly 200. After passing through the expansion valve 230, the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced some amount before it travels to an evaporator assembly 240. The evaporator assembly 240 may further comprise at least one fan 246 which is utilized to move air across the evaporator coils 248 (FIG. 8) and either push and/or pull air through the ducting of the RV 10. In the instant embodiment, two fans 246 are utilized and the fans 246 may have one or more motors so that the fans either work together or may be utilized independently of one another to increase functionality. The evaporator assembly 240 may comprise one or more fans 246 which are in fluid communication with air flow from within the RV via ducts and duct apertures 242, 244. These may represent outbound flow from the mobile air conditioner 30 or may represent both of supply and return air to the mobile air conditioner 30, and specifically the evaporator assembly 240. The evaporator assembly 240 also comprises a plurality of coils through which the refrigerant flows and air flow pulled from the interior or the RV passes over the evaporator coils 248 (FIG. 8) so that the air is cooled for returning back to the interior of the RV through the ducting. The duct apertures 242, 244 are arranged in a vertical plane and allow air flow movement in a horizontal direction.

[0045] The mobile air conditioner 30 may also have a controller 250 which is mounted in the base 34 or air shroud 32 or alternatively, may be mounted externally from the system. The controller 250 may provide control functionality for the fans 202 of the condenser assembly 200, the motor associated with the compressor 220, and the one or more motors associated with the fans 246 of the evaporator assembly 240. A controller may also work with wired and wireless communication modules, directly or indirectly, for communication with dedicated thermostat controls, smart device control, or control from remote communication via internet.

[0046] The refrigerant may be of various types. For example, some refrigerants which may be utilized include R-11 and R-12. HCFCs such as R-22, HFCs R-134a, R600a, R1234yf, and/or R1234e which is used in many cars have replaced most CFC use. HCFCs in turn are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol and replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), such as R-410A, which lack chlorine. Still further, newer refrigerants may include supercritical carbon dioxide, known as R-744. These have similar efficiencies compared to existing CFC and HFC based compounds, and have lower global warming potential. These are merely examples however as other refrigerants may be used.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the mobile air conditioner of FIG. 7 is depicted from the rear of the mobile air conditioning system 30. In this view, the opposite side of the mobile air conditioner 30 is depicted and the evaporator assembly 240 is shown with the adjacent evaporator coils 248 adjacent to the fans 246. The coils receive refrigerant from the expansion valve 230 and air is pulled from the interior of the vehicle over the coils and through the ducts 242, 244 to return into the RV 10 conditioned and cooler air which is desirable within the RV 10. Also shown extending about the evaporator assembly 240 is an insulating layer 260 which decreases the interaction between the air flow for the condenser and the cool air of the conditioned air in flow communication with the interior of the RV 10.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 9, a schematic view of a mounting structure is provided. A frame 11 is shown which represents mounting structures on an RV 10 (FIG. 1). A bracket 13 is provided and connected to the frame 11. The bracket 13 may be generally C-shaped, as shown but other shapes may also be used. The bracket 13 is connected to the frame 11 to support the mobile air conditioner 30. The bracket 13 has an arm having a pin or pivot 31 or catch 15 at an upper end thereof which receives the other of a pin or pivot 31 or catch 15, or other member, which may extend from the mobile air conditioner 30. In some embodiments, the pin 31 or catch 15 may be reversed amongst the bracket 13 and RV 10. The mobile air conditioner 30 is shown generically as a box for purpose of this schematic but the pin 31 may extend from an interior frame of either the base 34 or the air shroud 32. The pin 31 is seated within the catch 15 and a crane or hoist may be utilized to make this positioning movement during manufacture or installation. Once the pin 31 is seated, the mobile air conditioner 30 can pivot into a position for bolting at the bottom of bracket 13. At the bottom of the bracket 13 may be a plurality of fastening holes which are aligned with the fastening holes of the mobile air conditioner 30. Upon alignment, fasteners may be used to seat the mobile air conditioner 30 in position. The duct work, for example duct 150 (FIG. 5), may include a seal material which positions in sealing arrangement with the mobile air conditioner 30 once the pin 31 is positioned in the catch and the mobile air conditioner 30 is pivoted to align the fastening holes with the bracket 13.

[0049] With reference now to FIG. 10, a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a mobile air conditioner 30 having a housing defined by the air shroud 332 and the base or base pan 334. The embodiment provides a grill or other opening 346 located along the bottom for intake of air into the interior of the housing. The air is represented by the double line arrows and the air may be utilized by the condenser for heat exchange, as previously described. A grill or other opening 347 may be located on a rear surface to allow airflow to exit from within the housing. The grill or opening 347 is shown in the air shroud 332 and the openings 346 may be located in the base pan 334. However, the locations of the openings may be dependent upon the direction of the air flows entering and exiting, as previously discussed.

[0050] Additionally shown in this embodiment is an RV frame or bracket 311 which may be located on one of the RV 10 or the mobile air conditioner 30 and an alternate frame or bracket 313 for example on the mobile air conditioner 30. The RV frame 311 may include fasteners 325 which extend through attachment apertures 327 of the mobile air conditioner 30. The fasteners 325 may be defined by screws, rivets, threaded studs, press-fit studs, or other structures which can connect two elements. Alternatively, the fasteners 325 may also be located on the mobile air conditioner 30 and extend through apertures 327 in the RV frame 311.

[0051] With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 11A, side section view and a detail view are provided of the mobile air conditioner 30 of FIG. 10. The mobile air conditioner 30 of the instant embodiment is also pivoted into position for installation. Whereas the previous embodiment of FIG. 9 is pivoted into position at the upper end of the air conditioner, the instant embodiment is pivoted near a lower end of the mobile air conditioner 30.

[0052] In the instant embodiment, the RV 10 may include a frame member or other structure 333 having a pin or pivot 331. The pivot 331 engages a catch 315 which is formed within the air conditioner 30, for example on frame 313 or separate therefrom, so that during installation, the pivot 331 supports the catch 315. For example, a crane or hoist may be used to position and lower the air conditioner 30 onto the pivot 331 so that a surface of the catch 315 is seated on a corresponding surface of the pivot 331. As with the previous embodiment, the air shroud 332 and base pan 334 may be installed after the mobile air conditioner 30 is mounted to the RV. While the present embodiment provides separate RV frames or brackets 311 and 333, these may alternatively be formed by a single part. Likewise, one or more frames or brackets 333, 335 may be used in the housing of the mobile air conditioner 30 for support and connection to the RV 10.

[0053] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles a and an, as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean at least one. The phrase and/or, as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean either or both of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.

[0055] Multiple elements listed with and/or should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., one or more of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the and/or clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to A and/or B, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as comprising can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0056] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, or should be understood to have the same meaning as and/or as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, or or and/or shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as only one of or exactly one of, or, when used in the claims, consisting of, will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term or as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. one or the other but not both) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as either, one of, only one of, or exactly one of. Consisting essentially of, when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0057] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase at least one, in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase at least one refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, at least one of A and B (or, equivalently, at least one of A or B, or, equivalently at least one of A and/or B) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0058] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0059] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as comprising, including, carrying, having, containing, involving, holding, composed of, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases consisting of and consisting essentially of shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

[0060] The foregoing description of methods and embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.