Reusable Border Security Barrier

Abstract

A method of installing a reusable security barrier is presented that allows quick installation and removal. In one embodiment, the method comprising providing precast concrete panels having a rectangular profile elevation, digging a trench having a length equal to or longer than the panel width, lifting and placing the panel such that a portion of the panel is inserted inside the trench and a portion extends vertically upward from the trench forming a barrier, with a narrow opening between the panels, and filling and packing the trench unfiled by the panels with a filler to provide a solid foundation. The method can comprise utilizing multiple panels placed side edge to side edge with their bottom inserted inside a trench to form a longer barrier. The method can further comprise removing the panels from the trench for reuse in a second site when the original security barrier is no longer needed.

Claims

1. A method of installing a temporary reusable security barrier comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of precast concrete panels having a rectangular prism shape with a top edge, a bottom edge, two narrow sides, the distance between the two narrow edges forming a width of the panel, and to wide side edges, the distance between the two wide side edge forming a thickness of the panel; (b) digging a foundation trench, the trench having a trench length greater than the sum of the widths of the precast panels, a trench opening with a width greater than the thickness of the precast concrete panel, and a trench bottom at a depth equal to a desired panel insertion depth; (c) lifting and placing the precast panels into the trench with the bottom edges of the panels resting on the trench bottom and the top edges of the panel being generally vertically above the bottom edge and above the trench, the panels arranged such that a narrow edge of one panel is adjacent to a narrow edge of another panel with a narrow opening between a narrow edges of adjacent panels to provide a line of sight through the barrier while preventing human access through the barrier; and (d) filling that portion of the trench unfilled by the panels with a filler material to support the panels in its generally vertical position.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein in the providing step, the precast concrete panel has an open security grid comprising an opening in the panel with bars extending through the opening such that there is a visual path through the panel yet human access is prevented.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein in the providing step, the precast concrete panel does not have an open security grid.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein in the providing step, the precast concrete panel has a means for attachment to assist lifting the panel.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein in the filling step, the filler material comprises gravel.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein in the filling step, the filler material comprises the material originally removed in the digging a foundation trench step.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of packing the filler material into the foundation trench to completely fill the trench.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the precast concrete panel has a width at least about 8 feet, a height at least about 20 feet, and a thickness at least about 5 inches.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of removing the precast panel from the foundation trench.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of reusing the precast concrete panel removed from the foundation trench in a second security barrier installation.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the providing step, comprises renting the precast concrete panels.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the digging and lifting steps comprises digging a foundation trench about 8 feet deep and placing about 8 feet of the panels into the trench.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the panels are arranged in a generally linear configuration.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the panels are arranged in a staggered, non-linear configuration.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the panels are angled away from linear in an alternating manner such that a top view would resemble a wave formation.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the panels are generally parallel but alternating panels are spaced apart outward from a linear path.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the narrow opening is no more than about five inches between panels.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the narrow opening is no less than about 1.5 inches between panels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional rendering of an embodiment of the security barrier shown in the middle of a river;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an overhead rendering of an embodiment of the security barrier shown running through the river at a United States border crossing area;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of an embodiment of the security barrier suitable for use in a waterway;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a pre-cast panel of a second embodiment type of security barrier;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a depiction of the panel of FIG. 4 being raised for a land-based installation;

[0018] FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a security barrier with a land-based installation;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a security barrier system installed in accordance with the method of installing a reusable security barrier;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a different perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7; and

[0021] FIG. 9 is side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a top view of embodiments of security barrier systems having linear and non-linear arrangements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention is security barrier for preventing unauthorized persons or vehicles from easily crossing a border. In one preferred embodiment, the security barrier is suitable for installation in a waterway and comprises: (1) a plurality of piles, each pile having a bottom end embedded into the earth and a top end extending vertically upward; (2) an open security grid (as defined below) juxtaposed between and secured by the piles, wherein the grid preferably has a bottom end that extends downward below the surface between the piles toward the earth; (3) at least one rigid wall panel also juxtaposed between and secured by the piles on top of the open security grid, thereby forming a security barrier that allows water, air, aquatic life, and birds to pass through the barrier, but restricts the movement of humans and vehicles across the barrier. The security barrier of this preferred embodiment would preferably be built such that the barrier is installed in a waterway, for example in a direction generally parallel with the flow of a river. In one embodiment of security barrier, the open security grid is pre-cast into a rigid wall panel with a portion of the rigid wall panel extending above and below the open security grid. This embodiment is particularly suited for land-based security barrier installations. Another embodiment of this invention includes a system and method of installing a removable and reusable security barrier comprising preparing a series of concrete panels having a generally rectangular shape with a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges, digging a trench having a depth adequate to receive the bottom edge and a portion of the panel, standing the panels inside the trench with the bottom edge and the top edge extending generally vertically upward and the side edges spaced apart from each other such as to leave a observable gap, and filling the portion of the trench unfilled by the panel. In this embodiment, multiple panels can be installed side by side in linear formation or staggered to provide a wider security barrier. In a preferred embodiment of this version of the invention is a method of installing a reusable security barrier where the trench is filled with a material that can be readily removed allowing the panels to be quickly removed and reused in another location.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the security barrier 10 can be installed in a waterway. As shown in FIG. 3, the security barrier 10 includes a plurality of piles 20 having a bottom end 22 and a top end 24. Piles 20 are preferably steel H-piles, but could comprise steel pipe piles, precast concrete piles of various cross section including circular or H configurations. and in some cases, cast in place concrete piles. Instead of a traditional pile, a cast in place drilled shaft could be installed and utilized as pile 20 with either a precast concrete column or cast in place column or steel column attached to the drilled shaft. In one embodiment, a continuous footing would be cast to serve as a foundation on the riverbed floor and column and grid would be attached. As a person of skill in the art will now recognize the thickness and characteristics of the piles 20 can vary depending upon the variability of the waterway level and flows, wind conditions, etc. By way of example, a preferred embodiment of pile 20 would be a 12 steel H-pile.

[0025] Pile 20 is installed in a generally vertical manner with bottom end 22 embedded into the earth and the top end 24 extending generally vertically upward. As will now be recognized by a person of skill in the art in designing the specifics of a security barrier, soil borings would typically be taken along the length of the trace of the wall. Geotechnical engineers would then evaluate the borings and make recommendations to structural engineers regarding soils capacities for lateral, end bearing, skin friction, etc. The structural engineer would then design the specific dimension of the security barrier by calculating the loads and using the soil values to determine how deep to place the piles 20. Therefore, the actual depth position for the bottom end 22 of pile 20 would be determined by soil values and wall loadings. As will now be recognized, in the security barrier 10 built in a river, the main loadings that determine the loads will likely be wind, debris and flood water loads. Following typical rules of thumb, about 40% to 50% of the pile 20 would be embedded in the riverbed. For example, for a security barrier 10 with a height of 30 foot above the normal pool in 10 feet of water would be embedded about 27 to 40 feet into the ground.

[0026] The pile 20 can be installed in a number of ways which a person of ordinary skill in the art will now understand. For example, pile 20 can be driven into the ground, for example with a pile driver, or alternatively drilled into the ground. A hole for the bottom end 22 of pile 20 could also be drilled or pre-drilled for installation of the pile 20. In some embodiments, a bottom shoe (not shown) could be utilized or pile 20 could comprise a pointed tip. As will now be recognized by a person of skill in the art, soil conditions and economics generally determine which type of pile 20 and what type of tip to utilize, if necessary.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, piles 20 are installed on about 20 feet centers, however, depending upon the conditions, other distances between centers could also be utilized. For example, the piles 20 could be placed with about 6 feet and up to about 45 feet between each pile 20. As will now be recognized by a person of skill in the art, closer the centers on piles 20 increases the cost of the security barrier 10. When increasing the distance between the centers, the per section shipping, lifting and handling cost may increase. Wall loadings and/or soil conditions are also considerations in determining center distance. Two piles 20 are needed for a single section of the security barrier 10. One additional pile 20 is needed for each additional section of security barrier 10.

[0028] As will now be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the length of the piles 20 between the top end 24 and the bottom end 20 can vary with the particular installation. Preferred embodiments of the security barrier have piles 20 with a length such that the top end 24 of the pile 20 extends about 30 feet above the normal level of the waterway. As a person of skill in the art will now recognize the total length of the pile can vary depending upon the variability of the waterway level and flows, the capabilities of potential intruders, wind conditions, etc. The height of the security barrier 10 will generally be ruled by economics and location of high traffic of human attempts to cross using the general principle of the higher the better. On land, 30 feet high walls are generally considered a good deterrence for climbing because a 30-foot fall is usually a death fall and 30 feet is difficult to climb. It is assumed that a similar height above the water would likewise deter potential climbers.

[0029] Once two piles 20 are installed, an open security grid 30 is inserted between the two piles 20. As used herein, the term open security grid means a grid (with horizontal, members, and/or diagonal members), a series of bars (with horizontal, vertical, or diagonal members) having openings that allow flow of water and/or air, and allow visual inspection on the opposite side of the security barrier, but which are sized to restrict humans or vehicles from passing through the barrier. The open security grid 30 is preferably preformed into a panel, or alternatively the grid 30 can be field cut or spliced as needed. In preferred embodiments, the open security grid 30 comprises a steel grid made of steel with a round bar or a deformed rebar. The bar diameter should be as small a diameter as possible to minimize flow restriction but large enough to deter cutting or sawing through to make an opening. Preferably, the grid openings should be as large as possible so as not to deter flow and aquatic passage but small enough so that a small person cannot pass through. By way of an example, the grid 30 could be about 8 inches by 8 inches, or possible even as large as 12 inches by 12 inches. As will now be recognized by a person of skill in the art, the size and spacing of the grid 30 can be adapted to the particular needs of the installation. Alternatively, the open security grid 30 may comprise a series of bars. In a preferred embodiment, the bars comprise a square cross section, such as square tubular bars, but other shapes or configurations could be utilized depending upon economics, security demands, and designer preference. The gap between bars can be very narrow, 2 inches for example, upward to 8 inches gaps; however, the narrower the gap and wider the bar the more water flow restriction and aquatic life passage restriction. In preferred embodiments of a open security grid 30 having crossing members, i.e., horizontal and vertical, the members are preferably connected at the point of crossing. Such a connection could be welded or fused or secured together by other means as would be known to a person of skill in the art.

[0030] Preferably, the members of the open security grid 30 are comprised of steel, however other metals and materials of construction which are commonly known may also be suitable. In preferred embodiments the metals are galvanized or coated with an anti-corrosion material such as epoxy.

[0031] When installed, the open security grid 30 is juxtaposed between two piles 20 with a bottom portion 32 extending downwardly in the direction of the riverbed and an upper portion 34 extending above the water. In shallower waters, bottom portion 32 of the open security grid is preferably at least partially embedded into the riverbed. For deeper waters, the bottom portion 32 only needs to extend downward into the river deep enough to discourage potential swimmers, for example 25 feet below the normal surface.

[0032] As will be now recognized by a person of skill in the art, the dimensions of the open security grid 30 can be varied depending upon the needs and the conditions for the security barrier 10. For example, a preferred embodiment includes an open security grid 30 comprising a preformed panel of about 8 feet by 20 feet. The width of the open security grid 30 is necessarily sized in coordination with the distance between the piles 20. For example, a security barrier 10 with piles on 20 foot centers would utilize and open security panel having a nominal with of 20 feet. The height of the open security grid 30 is determined by the depth required below the ground, the depth of the waterway, and/or the preferred height above the water. In preferred embodiments, the top of the grid 30 would extend about 6 feet above the normal water level, or alternatively as high as the 100 year flood plain. As will be recognized by those of skill in the art, the higher grid 30 could make climbing the wall easier and needs to be balanced with the viewing height.

[0033] Once the open security grid 30 is installed between the piles 20, a rigid wall panel 40 is inserted between the piles 20 and above the open security grid 30. As shown in FIG. 3, there can be several rigid wall panels 40 installed horizontally and utilized in a single section of security barrier 10, or alternatively a large single rigid wall panel 40 can be utilized by installing vertically. As will now be recognized by one of skill in the art, the dimensions of the rigid wall panel 40 will vary on the installation depending upon the installation conditions, engineering requirements, building codes, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid wall panel 40 will have a width of about 20 feet, a height of about 8 feet, and a thickness of about 4 inches. An advantage of this size panel 40 is that can be easily handled, erected, and shipped. For example, up to five panels of these dimensions could be shipped on a single truck without requiring permitting. While the dimensions of the rigid wall panels 40 can be varied, preferred ranges include width of 18 to 21 feet, by 6 to 8.5 feet in height, by 4 to 8 inches in thickness. As will be recognized by persons of skill in the art, the width and height of the rigid wall panel 40 should be coordinated with the height and placement of the piles 20. Precasting the rigid wall panels 40 speeds up the construction process and allows for centralization of raw materials and fabrication machinery. As a person of skill in the art would now recognize, the precast panels could utilize rebar, post tensioned cables, prestressed tendons, or some combination.

[0034] Each open security grid 30 and rigid wall panel 40 are preferably secured to the piles 20. In some embodiments, the open grid 30 and the rigid wall panel 40 can be secured within the H-piles with a wedge forced in between the grid or panel edges and the inside of the H-pile. Alternatively, to gain composite integrity and strength, the grid 30 or panels 40 will be fixed to the piles 20. For example, the grids 30 could be welded to steel H-piles. Steel plate inserts could be utilized on the corners or sides of the rigid wall panels 40, for example through precasting, to facilitate welding or bolting to the piles 20. In some embodiments, a clip or similar mechanism that secures the grid 30 or panel 40 in place. For example, a structural clip (not shown) comprising a short piece of steel angle, i.e., a six inch angle, could be bolted to the rigid wall panel and either bolted to a concrete pile or welded to a steel pile. If a square precast concrete pile is utilized, short pieces of steel channel could be bolted to the pile 20. The panels 40 could then be slid down in and be guided by the channels as set in place. The panels 40 then could then be bolted to the channels, or in the case of a cast in anchor plate, welded to the channels. This technique could also be utilized on a steel pipe pile or a round concrete pile or a many sided (i.e. hexagonal or octagonal) concrete piles. In other embodiments, for example those utilizing a pipe pile, channels or clips welded or attached on the sides of the pipe can be utilized to slide and captivate the grid and panels. While in preferred embodiments, the rigid wall panels 40 and open security grids 30 are secured to the piles 20, the invention includes embodiments in which the rigid wall panels 40 and open security grids 30 are simply captivated by the piles, such as having edges within the open portions inside an H-pile.

[0035] In some embodiments of the security barrier 10, a steel cable (for example, a up to about 1 diameter cable) can be strung along the top of the security barrier 10 and positively connect to the top of each pile 20 to add additional composite strength. In a preferred embodiment, one cable would be run connecting a number of piles 20 (for example, a 1000-foot cable), and a second cable of similar length added beginning at about the half way point of the first cable (i.e. at 500 feet) and extended down the security barrier (for example, another 1000 feet). These strengthening cables could then be added in an overlapping manner down the length of the security barrier 10.

[0036] The particular embodiment of FIG. 3 when constructed from three horizonal rigid wall panels 40 and an open security grid 30 extending six feet over the normal water line would provide a 30 foot security barrier in the middle of the water way. As will now be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the modular construction of the security barrier 10 reduces construction cost, set up and building time, and eases maintenance and repairs.

[0037] Preferred embodiments further comprise additional means for inhibiting climbers attached to the upper portion of the security barrier 10. Persons of skill in the art will recognize that such anti-climbing toppers can include spikes, rotating elements, broken glass set in mortar, tubular attachments, or other devices such as are readily available. Additionally, the security barrier 10 can be equipped with security cameras for remote surveillance.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the security barrier 10 can be installed in a water way, such as the Rio Grande River. Preferably, the security barrier 10 is installed in a manner parallel to the river banks and water flow. As can be seen, the security barrier 10 is not required to be completely linear but can be adjusted to follow the meanderings of a river or other water way. The security barrier 10 could be built directly on an international border line or removed a short distance to avoid conflicting claims or changes in the flow of the river. By adding additional sections of barrier, there is no limit to the length of the security barrier 10 and it can be implemented in a manner to secure the entire Texas Rio Grande Border with Mexico. As will now be appreciated, a lengthy security barrier 10 placed in a waterway provides an insurmountable barrier. There is no solid staging area from which to attempt to scale the barrier absent utilization of barges or other larges scale equipment. Tunneling risk is substantially eliminated as such a tunnel would require a tunnel extending under the entire waterway.

[0039] As will now be apparent to those of skill in the art, the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 eliminate problems of conventional border security barriers which require use of eminent domain to take private land on which to build the barrier. Rather, property owners not only retain their land, but their access to the water way, while at the same time benefit from the increased security provided by this embodiment of the security barrier. Additionally, the security barrier 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. Because the security barrier 10 is built in the river and includes the open security grid 30, the view from the raised riverbank is only partially obscured and there is an up close view to the other side of the river. Further, the security barrier 10 installed in the water way can mitigate bank erosion, particularly along river bends during flooding. As the security barrier 10 is in the water, the natural ecosystem is not disturbed. Wildlife can continue to access the waterway and aquatic life can pass through the submerged open security grid 30.

[0040] While the embodiment of FIG. 3 is designed for water way, with minor modifications that will now be readily apparent to a person of skill in the art, this embodiment can also be utilized on land. Alternatively, FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show a different embodiment that is particularly suited for a land-based security barrier. In this embodiment, an entire section of the barrier can be pre-manufactured. The pre-manufactured section comprises an open security grid 30 (as previously defined), an upper rigid wall panel portion 54, and a lower rigid wall panel portion 52. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the open security grid 30 can be a series of vertical steel members. When this embodiment is utilized as a land-based security barrier 10, the members need to be sized to prevent easy cutting to breach the barrier 10. Preferably, such slats would be about 4 with square cross section. The entire section 50 is preferably between about 7 and 10 feet in width, between about 30 and 45 feet in height, and between about 6 and 10 inches thick. The particular embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are about 6 inches thick but could be thinner or thicker to satisfy construction codes for concrete cover and engineering load requirements. By way of example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the open security grid 30 has a height of about 6 feet, the upper rigid wall panel portion 54 has a height of about 24 feet, and the lower rigid wall panel portion 52 has a height of about 15 feet. As will now be recognized by one of skill in the art, the height dimension and the width dimension can be varied to fit the needs of a particular situation, ground conditions, threat risks, etc.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the premanufactured sections can be installed by lifting the entire section 50 into a vertical position, lowering the lower rigid wall portion 52 into a preferably pre-excavated trench, and back filling the earth into the trench once the section 50 has been placed. Alternatively, the trench can be filled with gravel or concrete. Preferably, the trench depth is deep enough to discourage tunneling, for example about 15 feet deep. As show in FIG. 6, the section 50 is positioned such that the open security grid 30 is proximate to the ground level allowing for visual inspection of the land on the opposite side of the security barrier 10 and natural drainage. As will now be recognized, the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 is preferably utilized as a land-based security barrier 10 that can be easily and quickly installed on a cost-effective basis. While this embodiment is designed for land-based installation, a person of skill in the art will recognize that under certain circumstances this embodiment could also be utilized as a security barrier 10 in a waterway.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 7 through 10, another version of the method of installing a security barrier can utilize simpler premanufactured sections without requiring a security grid. In this embodiment precast panels 80 are also utilized. As a non-limiting example, precast concrete panels about 8 feet wide by about twenty feet long and about five inches thick can be utilized. These panels can be precast with or without an open security grid 30. The pre-manufactured sections 50 of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 can also be utilized in this method as an embodiment of their system. In a preferred embodiment, the precast panels 80 will have a means for attachment 82 to assist in lifting the panels such as a hole in the panel (as shown in FIG. 7), an embedded link or handle, or otherwise as known in the art. In this non-limiting example, a trench would be excavated approximately eight feet deep, the precast panel 80 would be inserted into the trench with the bottom edge sitting on at the bottom of the trench and the top edge 86 extending generally vertically upward from the trench. In this non-limiting example, approximately eight feet of the precast panel would be in the trench with approximately twelve feet extending vertically upward above the trench. As shown in FIG. 10, the multiple panels can be inserted in the trench forming a linear barrier such as in FIG. 10(a) (and also in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8) where there is a narrow opening between the panels to provide line of sight to the other side while still preventing egress through the barrier. Alternatively, multiple panels can be inserted into the trench in a staggered arrangement such where the panels are placed in a non-linear arrangement either being angled away from linear in an alternating manner such as shown in FIG. 10(b) or spaced apart from linear such as shown in FIG. 10(c), either way providing a narrow opening between the barriers to provide a line of sight between the panels while preventing human access through the panels. In general, the narrow opening between panels should be no more than about 5 inches at the narrowest portion to prevent human ingress or egress (access). To ensure visibility through the barrier, the narrowest opening between the panels should be at least about 1.5 inches. The open portions of trench can then be back filled to solidify the foundation of the security barrier. The fill may be dirt or gravel, particularly when the security barrier is intended to be temporary or the fill can be more permanent such as concrete. As will be now be recognized by a person of skill in the art, the total width of the security barrier can be increased by utilizing an unlimited number of precast panels 80. As shown in FIG. 7, the non-limiting example utilizes eight panels 80 of 8-foot width to install a security barrier of approximately 64 feet in total width, depending upon the width of the narrow openings. As can now be seen, the total width of the security barrier can be of any distance and determined based upon need. The security barrier can also be utilized in an shape such as a square or rectangular surrounding or partially surrounding an area to be secured.

[0043] One particular advantage of this method of installing a security barrier is that the barrier can be installed quickly and removed quickly. For example, for landowners near the border who are concerned an immediate crisis of illegal immigration could quickly have a security wall installed to avert the crisis and later have the wall easily removed without scaring the landscape. The removed precast panels 80 can then be reused in other areas as needed. Indeed, the supplier of the security barrier can actually rent the panels 80 utilized for given periods of time as needed.

[0044] While the terms used herein are believed to be well-understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, definitions are set forth to facilitate explanation of certain of the presently-disclosed subject matter. Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms a, an, and the refer to one or more when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to a window includes a plurality of such windows, and so forth.

[0045] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of elements, dimensions such as width and area, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently-disclosed subject matter.

[0046] As used herein, the term about, when referring to a value or to an amount of a dimension, area, percentage, etc., is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments plus or minus 20%, in some embodiments plus or minus 10%, in some embodiments plus or minus 5%, in some embodiments plus or minus 1%, in some embodiments plus or minus 0.5%, and in some embodiments plus or minus 0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.

[0047] The term comprising, which is synonymous with including containing or characterized by is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Comprising is a term of art used in claim language which means that the named elements are essential, but other elements can be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim.

[0048] As used herein, the phrase consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase consists of appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

[0049] As used herein, the phrase consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. With respect to the terms comprising, consisting of, and consisting essentially of, where one of these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter can include the use of either of the other two terms.

[0050] As used herein, the term and/or when used in the context of a listing of entities, refers to the entities being present singly or in combination. Thus, for example, the phrase A, S, C, and/or O includes A, S, C, and O individually, but also includes any and all combinations and subcombinations of A, S, C, and O.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The foregoing disclosure and description are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the details of the illustrated apparatus and construction and method of operation may be made without departing from the spirit in scope of the invention which is described by the following claims.