BARREL COOLER

Abstract

A barrel cooler includes a first shroud having a first sidewall and an aperture through a portion of the first sidewall. A second shroud includes a second sidewall and is configured to connect to the first shroud. The second shroud includes a plurality of openings through the second sidewall. A fan assembly is mounted to a bottom of the first shroud at the aperture. The fan assembly includes a fan and is configured to direct air through the aperture in the first shroud. A baffle plate is secured within the first shroud to a side of the aperture opposite the second shroud.

Claims

1. A gun barrel cooler comprising: a first shroud comprising a first sidewall and an aperture through a portion of the first sidewall; a second shroud comprising a second sidewall and configured to connect to the first shroud, the second shroud comprising a plurality of openings through the second sidewall at an end of the second shroud opposite the first shroud; a fan assembly mounted to the first shroud about the aperture, the fan assembly comprising a fan and configured to direct air through the aperture into the first shroud; and a baffle plate secured within the first shroud at a side of the aperture opposite the second shroud.

2. The gun barrel cooler of claim 1, wherein the fan is configured to create a flow of air from the fan assembly, through the first and second shrouds and out the plurality of openings in the second shroud.

3. The gun barrel cooler of claims 1, further comprising a barrel nut configured to secure the baffle plate and the first shroud to a receiver upper of a gun, wherein the baffle plate blocks air flow from the fan through the barrel nut.

4. The barrel cooler of claim 1, further comprising an end cap connected to the second shroud and configured to block air flow past the end cap.

5. The barrel cooler of claim 4, further comprising a gasket connected to the end cap.

6. The barrel cooler of claim 5, wherein the end cap comprises an annular groove, wherein the gasket is received within the annular groove.

7. The barrel cooler of claim 6, wherein the gasket has an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the annular groove so as to define an annular gap between an outer surface of the gasket and an interior surface annular groove.

8. The barrel cooler of claim 5, further comprising a barrel cap configured to be threadingly received on a barrel of a gun, wherein the barrel cap comprises an annular groove, and the gasket is received within the annular groove.

9. The barrel cooler of claim 8, wherein the gasket has an interior diameter that is larger and an exterior diameter of the annular groove so as to define an annular gap between an interior surface of the gasket and an exterior surface of the annular groove.

10. The barrel cooler of claim 1, further comprising a battery assembly comprising a pair of battery tubes oriented parallel to the first shroud and electrically connected to the fan assembly.

11. The barrel cooler of claim 10, further comprising a first winged flange, the first winged flange comprising a first cradle configured to receive a portion of the first sidewall of the first shroud, the first winged flange comprising a pair of apertures, each aperture of the pair of apertures configured to receive a battery tube of the pair of battery tubes.

12. The barrel cooler of claim 11, further comprising a pair of retention knobs, each configured to secure to an aperture of the pair of apertures at a side of winged flange opposite the battery tubes.

13. The barrel cooler of claim 11 wherein the fan assembly comprises a housing and the battery tubes are connected to and extend away from the housing, and wherein the battery assembly is secured to the bottom of the first shroud with a lower portion of the first sidewall of the first shroud received within the first cradle.

14. The barrel cooler of claim 11, further comprising a second winged flange, the second winged flange comprising a second cradle configured to receive an upper portion of the first sidewall of the first shroud, the second winged flange comprising a pair of apertures, each aperture of the pair of apertures configured to receive a battery tube of the pair of battery tubes.

15. The barrel cooler of claim 11, wherein the fan assembly comprises a housing, the housing having a third cradle configured to receive a lower portion of the first sidewall of the first shroud, wherein the second winged flange is secured to the first shroud at a position above the fan assembly and on an opposite side of the first shroud from the fan assembly.

16. The barrel cooler of claim 1, further comprising a transition cone positioned within the second shroud, the transition cone configured to coaxially receive an end of a barrel and comprising a conical surface angled away from the barrel.

17. The barrel cooler of claim 16, wherein the transition cone configured to abut a suppressor connected to the end of the barrel.

18. The barrel cooler of claim 17, wherein the transition cone is connected to a washer, the washer configured to fit over a threaded end of a barrel and configured to engage a shoulder at the threaded end of the barrel.

19. The barrel cooler of claim 1, wherein the first shroud is threadedly connected to the second shroud, wherein a gasket is positioned between the first shroud and the second shroud and at least one rail is secured to an exterior of the first side wall of the first shroud and an exterior of the second side wall of the second shroud.

20. The barrel cooler of claim 19, wherein the fan is configured to create a flow of air from the fan assembly, through the first and second shrouds and out the plurality of openings in the second shroud, and further comprising: a barrel nut configured to secure the baffle plate and the first shroud to a receiver upper of a gun, wherein the baffle plate blocks air flow from the fan through the barrel nut; an end cap connected to the second shroud and configured to block air flow past the end cap; a gasket connected to the end cap; a battery assembly comprising a pair of battery tubes oriented parallel to the first shroud and electrically connected to the fan assembly; and a first winged flange, the first winged flange comprising a first cradle configured to receive a portion of the first sidewall of the first shroud, the first winged flange comprising a pair of apertures, each aperture of the pair of apertures configured to receive a battery tube of the pair of battery tubes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Examples are described with reference to the following drawing figures. The same numbers are used throughout to reference like features and components.

[0010] The drawings illustrate embodiments for carrying out the disclosure. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and like components. In the drawings:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a barrel cooler on a rifle upper.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the barrel cooler of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of the barrel cooler of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the barrel cooler of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a barrel cooler on a rifle upper.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the barrel cooler of FIG. 5.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an isolated perspective view of the barrel cooler of FIG. 5.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the barrel cooler of FIG. 7.

[0019] FIG. 9A is an isolated detailed view of a barrel nut and baffle plate.

[0020] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the upper, barrel and rear shroud.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a detailed sectional view of a shroud and fan assembly.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the junction between shrouds.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a detailed partial sectional view of a front shroud and end cap.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a cylinder base and a transition cone.

[0025] FIG. 14 is an isolated perspective view of a barrel cap.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the end cap.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a transition cone in use.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a barrel cooler 10 mounted to a rifle upper 12 and a barrel 14. It will be recognized that the rifle upper 12 and barrel 14 are representative of an entire rifle or rifle system although otherwise not depicted in the figures. Rifle systems often include a variety of interchangeable components, including the upper 12 and barrel 14, which can be assembled and modified to impart various functions and qualities on the resulting rifle system. A common component added to a rifle system are optics, which provide an enhanced image of the target and its surroundings to improve accuracy and precision by providing a clearer aim and magnification through the reticle. Optics are frequently mounted to the upper 12 with a line of sight generally parallel to the barrel 14, accounting for optical adjustments. The intense friction between a bullet and the rifle bore produces significant heat which rises upwards off of the barrel, changing the refraction of the air and altering the path of light above the barrel. The barrel cooler 10 described herein functions to reduce barrel temperature by dissipating heat from the barrel and directing the dissipated heat away from the line of sight of any associated optics.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the barrel cooler 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of the fan assembly 16 of the barrel cooler 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the fan assembly 16 of FIG. 3. A rear shroud 18 and a front shroud 20 surround the barrel 14. FIGS. 9A and 9B provide further detailed views of the connection of the rear shroud 18 to the barrel 14 and upper 12. FIG. 9A is an exploded view while FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view. A21 threaded barrel nut 22 is shaped as a cylinder and has interior threads 24 that are configured to engage mating threads 21 on the receiver upper 12. The threaded barrel nut 22 coaxially surrounds the barrel 14. An interior shoulder 23 of the barrel nut 22 engages a lip 25 on the barrel to secure the barrel 14 to the upper 12 with the engaged threads 21, 24. The barrel nut 22 further includes exterior threads 26 on the outside of the barrel nut 22. The exterior threads 26 are configured to threadingly engage mating threads 28 on the interior surface of the rear shroud 18. Engagement between threads 26 and 28 secure the rear shroud 18 to the receiver upper 12 and about the barrel 14 via the barrel nut 22. A locking ring 30 has interior threads 27 that also engage the exterior threads 26 of the barrel nut to provide an opposing threaded force against the rear shroud 18, further securing the connection between the rear shroud 18 and the barrel nut 22.

[0030] Examples include one or both of baffle plate 32 and a gasket 33 secured to the barrel nut 22, at a position forward of the barrel nut 22 and interior of the rear shroud 18. The rear shroud 18 includes an interior shoulder 31 and the baffle plate 32 and/or the gasket 33 are fitted radially about the barrel 14 and between the interior shoulder 31 and the barrel nut 22. FIGS. 9A and 9B depict both the gasket 33 and the baffle plate 32, with the gasket 33 disposed between the baffle plate 32 and the barrel nut 22. The gasket 33 is exemplarily a high temperature resistant and flexible material, for example LYTHERM, and is fitted with an interference fit against the barrel. In examples, the baffle plate 32 and gasket 33 may be held in place by the screw fit between the rear shroud 18 and the barrel nut 22 compressing the baffle plate 32 and the gasket 33 between the interior shoulder 31 of the rear shroud 18 and the face of the barrel nut 22. In other examples, if the baffle plate 32 is used without the gasket 33, the baffle plate 32 may be secured to the barrel nut 22 with bolts received through recessed pockets integral with the gas tube alignment holes into blind pocket holes in the baffle plate. As described in further detail herein, this combination of features provides an air-tight or air-restrictive seal against the barrel nut 22 which prevents air from escaping out the back of the firearm and forcing air down the length of the barrel within the rear shroud 18 and front shroud 20.

[0031] The fan assembly 16 is secured to the rear shroud 18 at a position below the rear shroud 18. The fan assembly 16 includes a fan housing 36 surrounding a fan 38. The fan housing 36 is exemplarily constructed of a material that has high strength, heat resistance, and dielectric properties, for example, but not limited to Noryl PPE resin available from SABIC. This provides a protective and thermally-isolated location for the electronics and fan as described herein. The fan assembly 16 further includes battery tubes 40 and a power cord 42 electrically connecting the battery tubes 40 to the fan 38. The fan housing 36 defines an open interior in which the fan 38 is located. The fan housing 36 includes an intake aperture 44 at the bottom of the fan housing 36 and which is covered by a grate 46. The fan housing 36 includes an outlet aperture 48 which is configured to align with an aperture 50 in the rear shroud 18. The fan assembly 16 is exemplarily secured by one or more bolts 52 through the housing 36 into the rear shroud 18. FIG. 10 is a detailed sectional view of the fan assembly 16 mounted to the lower side of the rear shroud 18 with the outlet aperture 48 of the fan housing 36 in alignment with the aperture 50 of the rear shroud 18. Electronics 52 include a voltage regulator and a variable output controller to provide a variable output to the fan 38. The fan 38 is operable to draw air in through the intake aperture 44 and force the air into the rear shroud 18 through the aperture 50. The position of the fan assembly 16 does not impede or impair the user's line of sight above the barrel 14 through the associated optics. The fan assembly 16 further includes a low battery indicator positioned to an exterior of the housing 54 at the electronics 52 and visible to the user.

[0032] FIGS. 1-4 provide an example of a top-mounted configuration of a battery assembly 54 of the fan assembly 16. The top-mounted configuration positions the battery tubes 40 to the sides and above the barrel 14, while maintaining a clear line of sight above the barrel 14 through the associated optics. The battery tubes 40 are mounted to the rear shroud 18 with front and rear winged flanges 56. The winged flanges include apertures 58 configured to receive respective ends of the battery tubes 40. Wire conduits 60 extend between the winged flanges 56 to provide electrical connection to batteries 62 placed in series within each battery tube 40. A plug 64 retains a spring 66 in one of the winged flanges 56 at one end of the battery tube 40, while a retention knob 68 closes the other end of the battery tube 40 at the opposite winged flange 56 to retain the batteries therein in electrical connection.

[0033] The remote mounted battery pack assembly provides DC voltage to the fan though a cable and power jack assembly consisting of conical springs screwed into a recessed pocket of the rear isolation end cap that is then terminalized and soldered to a power cable. The anodized aluminum tubes are threaded over the springs and into the rear isolation end cap. The anodizing provides an additional level of electrical insulation in securing the batteries. Both front and rear isolation end cap assemblies are composed of a high strength, high heat, high dielectric strength material, for example NORYL resins. The front isolation end cap is press fit over the other end of the tubes. With the tubes secured, the batteries are then loaded into the aluminum tubes through a threaded opening set positive+up the other positive+down and secured by the threading the conductive battery knobs down till they engage with the conductive washer assembly. Each battery knob utilizes a screwed in conductive fastener and a raw aluminum surface to provide a self-wiping self-cleaning action each time they are installed engaging the conductive washer assembly that sits in a pocket supported by a washer which is exemplarily a resilient, wave, Belleville, or spring washer and is retained by a screw. The retaining screw is affixed to a conductive shaft. The shaft is sandwiched between the front and rear isolation end caps. Providing returning voltage to the rear of the unit where it is connected to a terminalized connection and soldered to the power cable assembly.

[0034] In an example, the rear shroud 18 is dimensioned to accommodate the mounting of the fan assembly 16 and the battery assembly 54 thereof to the rear shroud. However, it will be recognized that various barrels 14 used with the receiver upper 12 may be provided in a variety of lengths. Moreover, as discussed herein further accessories, including but not limited to suppressors may be secured the end of a barrel, thereby increasing the effective length of the barrel. The presently disclosed system contemplates this variety by providing the shroud in a modular form with the rear shroud 18 as discussed above, and which is combined with a front shroud 20, selected based upon the length dimension of the barrel and/or the barrel in combination with any barrel accessories. The rear shroud 18 and the front shroud 20 are configured for a threaded engagement to secure the two shroud components together. The user selects a front shroud 20 having a length so as to extend for the remaining length of the barrel, with accounting for the shroud endcap 70 and the barrel endcap 72.

[0035] As detailed in FIG. 11, the rear shroud 18 and the front shroud 20 are joined by two opposed threaded surfaces 74, 76 with opposed leading angles 78. The leading angle 78 engages and compresses an o-ring 80. Additional rotation forces the O-ring 80 to distort into a machined recess allowing further rotation to provide self-alignment between the rear shroud 18 and the front shroud 20, providing enough resistance to a predetermined torque exemplarily represented by alignment marks on the rear shroud 18 and the front shroud 20. A picatinny rail 82 can then be bolted into place across the junction 84 with bolts running into regularly spaced holes in the respective shrouds 18, 20. The picatinny rail 82 provides additional strength to the junction 84, retains alignment between the shrouds 18, 20, and provides a further position for accessory attachments.

[0036] The front shroud 20 includes an exhaust window 86, exemplarily provided by a series of slots, proximate the end of the barrel 14, the size, dimension, and orientation of which may be selected for particular use conditions and dynamics. The slots of the exhaust window 86 are directed out the sides of the front shroud 20, and provide a tunable restriction that maintains a pressure constant allowing the escaping hot pressurized air to be vectored away from the barrel 14 at maximum velocity and direction. The angle and cross-sectional area of the exhaust window 86 provided by the slots is selected to maximize airflow velocity out of the exhaust window. The design may be considered in view of the fan strength and output, cross section and length of the shroud, and the barrel shape and/or presence and shape of a suppressor. As detailed in FIG. 12, the shroud cap 70 is connected by a threaded or friction fit to the front shroud 20. The barrel end cap 72 is threaded onto the end of the barrel 14. A compressible gasket 88, exemplarily has a U-shaped cross-section and is fitted within an annular recess 90 on the inside of the shroud end cap 70. The gasket 88 is compressed against the barrel end cap 72 and provides a gas tight seal between the shroud end cap 70 and the barrel end cap 72. Further discussion and examples of the barrel end cap 72 will be discussed in further detail herein with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0037] FIG. 14 is an isolated perspective view of an example of a barrel end cap 72 and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of that example of the barrel end cap 72 on the end of a barrel 14. Mechanical contact between the shroud 20 and the barrel 14 may impart an external force against the barrel 14 which could unduly impact accuracy performance. The barrel end cap 72 includes a threaded interior diameter 122 which threadingly fits the barrel end cap 72 onto a threaded end 114 of the barrel 14. The barrel end cap 72 includes an annular groove 124. As depicted in FIG. 15, the annular groove 124 is configured to receive the gasket 88. In an example, the gasket 88 is a resilient woven or non-woven fiber material. The gasket 88 includes an outside diameter that engages a smooth inside diameter of the shroud end cap 70 (or shroud 20). The gasket 88 is received within the annular groove 124. The annular groove 124 has a groove bottom 126 and groove walls 128. The groove walls 128 retain the gasket 88 in a longitudinal relationship to the barrel 14 and the shroud cap 70 (and/or shroud 20). However, the groove bottom 126 defines an minimum external diameter of the groove 124 which is smaller than the internal diameter of the gasket 88 defined by an interior surface 130. This leaves a gap 132 between the gasket 88 and the groove bottom 126. This separation permits the barrel end cap 72, and by extension the barrel 14 the ability to move relative to the gasket 88 and the shroud 20/shroud end cap 70. This degree of freedom of movement, reduces or eliminates any mechanical forces on the motion of the barrel during the firing process, providing for a more accurate shot.

[0038] The fan assembly 16 creates a positive pressure interior of the shrouds 18, 20 from the fan assembly 16 through the aperture 50 and out of the exhaust window 86. Air flow rearward from the aperture 50 towards the receiver is blocked by the baffle plate 32 and air flow past the end of the barrel 14 is blocked by the gasket 88. This maintains a constant positive pressure and air flow within the shrouds 18, 20 that directs a flow of air along the length of the barrel, cooling the barrel and dissipating the heat radially outwards from the barrel at about 90 angles from the line of sight above the barrel 14.

[0039] FIGS. 5-8 depict another example of the barrel cooler system 10. It will be recognized that like reference numbers are used between the examples, and that the descriptions between all of the figures of the present disclosure are interchangeable with the differences noted in the description herein, including but not limited to the descriptions provided above with respect to FIGS. 9-12. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional combinations or sub-combinations of features disclosed herein without being explicitly disclosed together or in arrangement but are nonetheless within the scope of the present disclosure. FIGS. 5-8 present two alternative arrangements that may be used alone or in combination both with each other as well as with features as disclosed above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. This includes an undermount configuration of the battery assembly 94 of the fan assembly 16 and the accommodation of a suppressor 96.

[0040] The undermount configuration of the battery assembly 94 includes the battery tubes 40 connected directly to the fan housing 36. This exemplarily locates the battery tubes 40 closer to the midline of the system 10. Because the battery assembly 94 is located below the rear shroud 18 in this configuration, the battery assembly 94 need not laterally spread the battery tubes 40 so as to leave the line of sight open above the shroud 18 for any optics. Instead, this configuration centralizes the battery tubes 40 and places the weight of the battery assembly 94 closer to the midline which may improve stability and balance of the system 10. Additionally, the battery assembly 94 in this position may provide a hand grip or placement for the user. Given that the battery assembly 94 is closer to the center line of the system 10 in this configuration, the winged flange 98 is similarly centrally configured and in examples, the apertures 58 are adjacent, rather than separated as in the winged flange 56 previously described.

[0041] The suppressor 96 and accommodation thereof is depicted with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The suppressor 96 is threadedly fitted to the muzzle of the barrel 14. The suppressor 96 functions as the barrel cap, as described above. The gasket 88 is seated within an annular recess 90 of the shroud cap 70 to form a resilient seal against the suppressor 96. The front shroud 20 is selected to a length that encapsulates a majority of the suppressor 96, extending coaxially along a substantial length thereof. A recessed cylinder base 100 is secured to the end of the barrel 14 prior to connection of the suppressor 96 to the barrel 14. In an example, the recessed cylinder base 100 is sandwiched between a lip of the barrel and the suppressor 96 threadedly connected to the end of the barrel 14. The recessed cylinder base 100 provides a bearing area for a transition cone 102 to slip-fit thereover and for adjustable positioning of the transition cone 102 against the suppressor 96 once the suppressor 96 is installed on the barrel 14. The slip fit recessed pocket in transition cone 102 can slide (rearward) along the barrel 14 during attachment and connection of the suppressor 96 and then slid (forward) along the barrel 14 and the recessed cylinder base 100. The transition cone 102 is secured in place against the suppressor 96 by tightening of screw 104 through the transition cone 102 against the recessed cylinder base 100. The smooth angle of the transition cone aids airflow over the outer diameter of the suppressor 96.

[0042] It will be recognized that other examples of the transition cone may be used within the scope of the present disclosure, particularly examples that do not use the cylinder base or the screw as described above. In another example, the transition cone may include internal threads such that the transition cone may be threaded onto the end of the barrel. A locking nut may retain the transition cone to the barrel and then the suppressor is subsequently threaded onto the barrel in contact with the transition cone as described above.

[0043] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a suppressor 96 and front shroud 20. As previously noted, the shroud cap 70 includes an annular recess 90 and a gasket 88 is fit within the annular recess 90. In a further example, the gasket 88 is a resilient woven or non-woven fiber material. The gasket 88 may be dimensioned such as to leave a gap 106 within the annular recess 90 between the exterior diameter of the gasket 88 and the exterior diameter of the recess 90. Thus the gasket 88 is held in relative longitudinal position relative to the suppressor 96 and the shroud cap 70 by the side walls of the recess 90. An interior surface 108 of the gasket 88 can rest on the exterior surface of the suppressor 96. As previously noted, mechanical contact between the shroud 20 and the barrel 14 (and/or suppressor 96) may impart an external force against the barrel 14 and suppressor 96 which could unduly impact accuracy performance. However, with the annular recess 90 and gasket 88 forming the gap 106 therebetween, the gasket is able to move within the recess 90 to move with the barrel 14 with low or no mechanical forces.

[0044] FIG. 16 also provides another example of the transition cone 102. FIG. 16 depicts the transition cone 102 as part of a transition assembly 110 which combines the transition cone 102 with a washer 112. The transition assembly 110 may be a unitary construction as described herein. The washer 112 is dimensioned with an interior opening 116 to slide over the threads of the threaded end 114 of the barrel 14. The washer 112 seats against a shoulder 118 of the barrel 14 and is held in place by the suppressor 96 being subsequently threaded onto the threaded end 114. The washer 112 may have a diameter that matches the diameter of the suppressor 96 and the transition cone 102 extends rearward from the washer a taper as described above. The transition cone 102 has an interior opening 120 that is dimensioned to receive the external diameter of the barrel 14, and thus is a larger diameter than the interior opening 116 of the washer 112.

[0045] Most barrel cooling devices work upon the barrel chamber and bore to remove heat from the barrel. Such solutions work upon a very small surface area they are not very efficient and only can be operated while the firearm is not in use. The presently disclosed barrel cooler works on the outer surface area of the barrel and suppressor, if present. This larger effective area for cooling of the barrel more effectively removes unwanted heat signature, optic mirage, and dust, while not impeding the user's ability to use the firearm at any time and greatly reduces the rate of heat saturation.

[0046] The modularity of the barrel cooler enables user-selected combinations of the front and rear shroud to accommodate different barrel lengths, calibers, and suppressor combinations. The battery assembly provides additional modularity with more than one location for mounting to the shroud, either of which leaves the optic path above the barrel clear so that the user's line of sight is unobstructed. The various locations of the battery assembly further gives the user flexibility of firearm balance, hold, and accessories. The transition cone used with a suppressor helps air flow over the outer diameter of the suppressor, which reduces vortices within the shroud. The tunable exhaust window allows for the customization of the exhaust window for maximum velocity and direction.

[0047] In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different systems and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0048] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.