SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIRMING PUMP OPERATION

Abstract

A method can include fluidically coupling a pump between at least two heat exchangers, confirming that an expansion valve is at least partially open, starting a compressor, beginning a first preselected time period, starting the pump, stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends, at least partially closing the expansion valve, beginning a second preselected time period, monitoring a differential pressure across a first point downstream of the pump and a second point upstream of the pump, indicating improper pump installation if the differential pressure does not exceed a first threshold before the second preselected time period has ended, stopping the pump, or any combination thereof. The expansion valve can be fluidically coupled between the pump and one of the heat exchangers. The compressor can be fluidically coupled between the two heat exchangers.

Claims

1. A method of confirming operation of a pump in a cooling system, the method comprising: fluidically coupling a pump between at least two heat exchangers; confirming that an expansion valve, fluidically coupled between the pump and at least one of the heat exchangers, is at least partially open; starting a compressor fluidically coupled between the at least two heat exchangers, wherein starting the compressor includes beginning a first preselected time period; starting the pump; stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends; closing, at least partially, the expansion valve, wherein closing the expansion valve includes beginning a second preselected time period; monitoring a differential pressure across a first point downstream of the pump and a second point upstream of the pump; indicating improper pump installation if the differential pressure does not exceed a first threshold before the second preselected time period has ended; and stopping the pump.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open comprises opening, at least partially, the expansion valve.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open comprises confirming that the expansion valve is at least half open.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein closing the expansion valve comprises closing the expansion valve to at most half open.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein closing the expansion valve comprises closing the expansion valve to at most one third open.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein closing the expansion valve comprises closing the expansion valve to at most one quarter open.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein stopping the pump comprises stopping the pump once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein stopping the pump comprises stopping the pump once the second preselected time period ends.

9. A method of confirming operation of a pump in a cooling system, the method comprising: fluidically coupling a pump between at least two heat exchangers; confirming that an expansion valve, fluidically coupled between the pump and at least one of the heat exchangers, is at least partially open; starting a compressor, fluidically coupled between the at least two heat exchangers, wherein starting the compressor includes beginning a first preselected time period; stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends; closing, at least partially, the expansion valve; starting the pump, wherein starting the pump includes beginning a second preselected time period; monitoring a differential pressure across the pump; indicating improper pump installation if the differential pressure does not exceed a first threshold before the second preselected time period ends; increasing, once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold, the differential pressure beyond a set point, wherein increasing the differential pressure includes beginning a third preselected time period; and indicating pump failure if the pump does not stop before the third preselected time period ends.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second time period begins before the first time period ends, such that the first and second time periods overlap.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the pump is started before the compressor is stopped, such that the pump and the compressor are run simultaneously for at least a fourth time period.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open comprises opening, at least partially, the expansion valve.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open comprises opening the expansion valve to at least half open.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein closing the expansion valve comprises closing the expansion valve to at most half open.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein closing the expansion valve comprises closing the expansion valve to at most one third open.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein closing the expansion valve comprises closing the expansion valve to at most one quarter open.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein increasing the differential pressure comprises increasing, once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold, the differential pressure beyond the set point.

18. The method of claim 9, wherein increasing the differential pressure comprises further closing the expansion valve.

19. The method of claim 9, wherein increasing the differential pressure comprises increasing a speed of the pump.

20. The method of claim 9, further including stopping the pump once the third preselected time period ends.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating one of many embodiments of a method according to the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating proper clockwise rotation of a pump for use with a cooling system according to the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating proper counterclockwise rotation of a pump for use with a cooling system according to the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic of another one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another one of many embodiments of a method according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The figures described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what Applicant has invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the inventions for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the inventions are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present inventions will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this disclosure. It must be understood that the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms.

[0020] The use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, a, is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, down, up, side, and the like are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions or the appended claims. The terms including and such as are illustrative and not limitative. The terms couple, coupled, coupling, coupler, and like terms are used broadly herein and can include any method or device for securing, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements, one or more pieces of members together and can further include without limitation integrally forming one functional member with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally. Further, all parts and components of the disclosure that are capable of being physically embodied inherently include imaginary and real characteristics regardless of whether such characteristics are expressly described herein, including but not limited to characteristics such as axes, ends, inner and outer surfaces, interior spaces, tops, bottoms, sides, boundaries, dimensions (e.g., height, length, width, thickness), mass, weight, volume and density, among others.

[0021] Any process flowcharts discussed herein illustrate the operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which can comprise one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some implementations, the function(s) noted in the block(s) might occur out of the order depicted in the figures. For example, blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently. It will also be noted that each block of flowchart illustration can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0022] Applicant has created new and useful devices, systems and methods for confirming proper operation and/or installation of a pump in a cooling system. Embodiments of the disclosure can advantageously improve efficiency, prevent system failures, reduce downtime, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can do so without the need for additional hardware versus that present in an existing cooling system.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating one of many embodiments of a method according to the disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating proper clockwise rotation of a pump for use with a cooling system according to the disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating proper counterclockwise rotation of a pump for use with a cooling system according to the disclosure. FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic of another one of many embodiments of a cooling system according to the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another one of many embodiments of a method according to the disclosure. FIGS. 1-6 are described in conjunction with one another.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, a cooling system 100 according to the disclosure can include one or more expansion valves 110, one or more evaporators 120, one or more condensers 130, one or more compressors 140, one or more pumps 150, one or more controllers 160, one or more sensors 170, interconnecting plumbing, one or more cooling fluids (such as a refrigerant), or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve 110 and/or the evaporator 120 can be disposed at least partially within a building 180, such as a data center. In at least one embodiment, the condenser 130 can be disposed outside the building 180 and/or exposed to one or more surrounding environmental conditions. In at least one embodiment, one or more expansion valves 110 can be or include an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the controller 160 can cause the compressor 140 to compress the refrigerant received from the evaporator 120, the condenser 130 to cool the compressed refrigerant received from the compressor 140, the expansion valve 110 and the evaporator 120 to transfer heat, such as in a data center, to the refrigerant received from the condenser 130, and leave the pump 150 stopped, idle, free spinning, bypassed, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, when the ambient or other temperature outside of the building 180 is cold, the controller 160 can cause the pump 150 to cycle the refrigerant received between the evaporator 120 and the condenser 130 to reject heat from the building 180, and leave the expansion valve 110 and the compressor 140 open, stopped, idle, free spinning, bypassed, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller 160 can use various sensors 170 to control the system 100, such as one or more pressure sensors, one or more differential pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more flow sensors, one or more other sensors, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller 160 can use the sensors 170 to confirm proper operation and/or installation for the pump 150.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, a method 200 according to the disclosure can include confirming or otherwise ensuring that a cooling fluid is circulating through the pump 150 as set forth in step 210, confirming adequate or otherwise proper differential pressure across the pump 150 as set forth in step 220, confirming proper operation and/or control of the pump 150 as set forth in step 230, resuming normal operation as set forth in step 240, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, a method 300 according to the disclosure can include running the compressor 140 as set forth in step 310, stopping the compressor 140 and running the pump 150 as set forth in step 320, closing the expansion valve 110 as set forth in step 330, detecting differential pressure across the pump 150 as set forth in step 340, indicating improper pump installation as set forth in step 350 if the differential pressure is inadequate, indicating proper pump installation as set forth in step 360 if the differential pressure is adequate, or any combination thereof. The indicating steps and/or any indications can be accomplished in any manner required or desired in accordance with an implementation of the disclosure. For example, one or more alarms or other indicators can be outputted or otherwise initiated, such as signals, audible indicators, visual indicators, mechanical indicators, other indicators, or any combination thereof, whether electrically, electronically, wirelessly, or otherwise.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, ensuring that the cooling fluid, such as a refrigerant, is circulating through the pump 150 as set forth in step 210 can include running the compressor 140 as set forth in step 310. In at least one embodiment, confirming adequate or otherwise proper differential pressure across the pump 150 as set forth in step 220 can include running the pump 150 as set forth in step 320, closing the expansion valve 110 as set forth in step 330, detecting differential pressure across the pump 150 as set forth in step 340, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, confirming proper operation and/or control of the pump 150 as set forth in step 230 can include increasing the differential pressure across the pump 150, indicating improper pump control if the pump 150 does not shut down, indicating proper pump control if the pump does shut down, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can confirm that the refrigerant, or other cooling fluid, is properly circulating through the pump 150, such as after new install, replacement, maintenance, another event, etc., or periodically. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can ensure that the refrigerant is properly circulating through the pump 150 by opening the expansion valve 110, running the compressor 130, running the pump 150, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can open the expansion valve 110 partially, fully, or anywhere in between. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can open the expansion valve 110 to at least half open. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can run the compressor 130 and the pump 150 simultaneously or sequentially and/or for the same or different time periods. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can confirm that the refrigerant is properly circulating through the pump 150 using the sensors 170.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can confirm proper installation of the pump 150 by confirming adequate or otherwise proper differential pressure across the pump 150. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can confirm proper differential pressure across the pump 150 by closing the expansion valve 110, stopping the compressor 130, running the pump 150, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can close the expansion valve 110 partially, fully, or anywhere in between. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can close the expansion valve 110 to at most half open, one third open, one quarter open, or less. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can run the pump 150 for a predetermined period of time and/or until the sensors 170 indicate adequate or otherwise proper differential pressure across the pump 150. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can indicate improper pump installation if inadequate differential pressure across the pump 150 is sensed for or after a predetermined period of time.

[0030] For example, some differential pressure across the pump 150 can be expected with refrigerant flowing through it, even if the pump 150 is not running. In at least one embodiment, the controller 160 can note that baseline differential pressure. In at least one embodiment, when the pump 150 is properly installed and wired, such that it is operating and rotating properly a significant differential pressure, such as 10 pounds per square inch (PSI) or 10 PSI above the baseline differential pressure, can be expected across the pump 150. If the pump 150 is rotating backwards, such as can occur if wired incorrectly, little or no increase in differential pressure across the pump 150 can be expected. If the pump 150 is plumbed incorrectly, a negative differential pressure across the pump 150 can be expected.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can confirm proper operation of the pump 150 by further increasing the differential pressure across the pump 150. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can further increase the differential pressure across the pump 150 by further closing the expansion valve 110 and/or increasing the speed of the pump 150. In at least one embodiment, if the pump 150 and/or its safeguards are operating properly, the pump 150 can shut down in the face of the differential pressure across the pump 150 being higher than a setpoint. In at least one embodiment, if the pump 150 does not shut down in the face of the differential pressure across the pump 150 being higher than the setpoint, the cooling system 100 and/or the controller 160 can indicate a pump fault. In at least one embodiment, improper pump installation and/or other pump faults can be monitored and/or indicated by the controller 160 and/or a remote monitoring system. In at least one embodiment, improper pump installation and/or other pump faults can be indicated audibly and/or visually.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include fluidically coupling a pump 150 between at least two heat exchangers 120, 130, confirming that an expansion valve 110 is at least partially open, starting a compressor 140, beginning a first preselected time period, starting the pump 150, stopping the compressor 140 once the first preselected time period ends, at least partially closing the expansion valve 110, beginning a second preselected time period, monitoring a differential pressure across a first point downstream of the pump 150 and a second point upstream of the pump 150, indicating improper pump installation if the differential pressure does not exceed a first threshold before the second preselected time period has ended, stopping the pump 150, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve 110 can be fluidically coupled between the pump 150 and at least one of the heat exchangers 120. In at least one embodiment, the compressor 140 can be fluidically coupled between the two heat exchangers 120, 130.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve 110 is at least partially open can include at least partially opening the expansion valve 110. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve 110 is at least partially open can include confirming that the expansion valve 110 is at least half open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve 110 can include closing the expansion valve 110 to at most half open, at most one third open, at most one quarter open, or less. In at least one embodiment, stopping the pump 150 can include stopping the pump 150 once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold, once the second preselected time period ends, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include fluidically coupling a pump 150 between at least two heat exchangers 120, 130, confirming that an expansion valve 110 is at least partially open, starting a compressor 140, beginning a first preselected time period, stopping the compressor 140 once the first preselected time period ends, at least partially closing the expansion valve 110, starting the pump 150, beginning a second preselected time period, monitoring a differential pressure across the pump 150, indicating improper pump installation if the differential pressure does not exceed a first threshold before the second preselected time period ends, increasing the differential pressure beyond a set point once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold, beginning a third preselected time period, indicating pump fault if the pump 150 does not stop before the third preselected time period ends, stopping the pump 150 once the third preselected time period ends, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve 110 can be fluidically coupled between the pump 150 and at least one of the heat exchangers 120. In at least one embodiment, the compressor 140 can be fluidically coupled between the at least two heat exchangers 120, 130.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the first and second time periods can overlap. In at least one embodiment, the second time period can begin before the first time period ends. In at least one embodiment, the pump 150 can be started before the compressor 140 is stopped. In at least one embodiment, the pump 150 and the compressor 140 can be run simultaneously for a period of time, which can be preselected.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve 110 is at least partially open can include at least partially opening the expansion valve 110. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve 110 is at least partially open can include opening the expansion valve 110 to at least half open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve 110 can include closing the expansion valve 110 to at most half open, at most one third open, at most one quarter open, or less.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure can include increasing the differential pressure beyond the set point, once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold and/or the second preselected time period ends. In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure can include further closing the expansion valve 110 and/or increasing a speed of the pump 150.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, a cooling system 100 according to the disclosure can include a pump 150 plumbed between two heat exchangers 120, 130, an expansion valve 110 fluidically coupled between the pump 150 and at least one of the heat exchangers 120, 130, a compressor 140 plumbed between the heat exchangers 120, 130, a controller 160, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller 160 can perform and/or cause the performance of any one or more of the method steps shown and/or described herein. In at least one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable media according to the disclosure can have instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform and/or cause the performance of any one or more of the method steps shown and/or described herein.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include controlling differential pressure across a pump to adjust a speed of the pump. In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include setting a differential pressure of a pump to a value or range, such as less than 12 pounds per square inch (PSI), for example, and starting a pump test. In at least one embodiment, a compressor can be started or run for putting a refrigerant (or charge) around the pump. In at least one embodiment, one or more steps can be completed or carried out over one or more time periods. In at least one embodiment, the pump can be started after a time period has elapsed following the running of a compressor, such as 60-61 seconds, for example, and the compressor can be turned off after a time period of 65-66 seconds, for example. In at least one embodiment, the compressor can be turned off before closing the EEV. In at least one embodiment, the EEV can be partially closed after a time period has elapsed, such as by being closed to 25% after a time period of 70-71 seconds, for example. In at least one embodiment, the differential pressure of the pump can increase, such as to between 12 and 20 PSI, for example, and the pump can continue to run. In at least one embodiment, the differential pressure of the pump can increase, such as to greater than 20 PSI after a time period of about 90 seconds, for example, and the pump can be stopped and it can be concluded that the pump test has been passed. In at least one embodiment, if the differential pressure of the pump is less than 20 PSI after a time period of about 90 seconds, for example, then the pump can continue to run. In at least one embodiment, if the differential pressure of the pump is less than 20 PSI after another time period, such as a time period of about 120 seconds, for example, then the pump can be stopped and it can be concluded that the pump test has failed. The foregoing values are illustrative of one of many embodiments of the disclosure, and other values can be utilized as required or desired in accordance with an implementation of the disclosure.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include fluidically coupling a pump between at least two heat exchangers, confirming that an expansion valve is at least partially open, starting a compressor, beginning a first preselected time period, starting the pump, stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends, at least partially closing the expansion valve, beginning a second preselected time period, monitoring a differential pressure across a first point downstream of the pump and a second point upstream of the pump, indicating improper pump installation if the differential pressure does not exceed a first threshold before the second preselected time period has ended, stopping the pump, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve can be fluidically coupled between the pump and at least one of the heat exchangers. In at least one embodiment, the compressor can be fluidically coupled between the two heat exchangers.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open can include at least partially opening the expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open can include confirming that the expansion valve is at least half open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve can include closing the expansion valve to at most half open, at most one third open, at most one quarter open, or less. In at least one embodiment, stopping the pump can include stopping the pump once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold, once the second preselected time period ends, or any combination thereof.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, a method according to the disclosure can include fluidically coupling a pump between at least two heat exchangers, confirming that an expansion valve is at least partially open, starting a compressor, beginning a first preselected time period, stopping the compressor once the first preselected time period ends, at least partially closing the expansion valve, starting the pump, beginning a second preselected time period, monitoring a differential pressure across the pump, indicating improper pump installation if the differential pressure does not exceed a first threshold before the second preselected time period ends, increasing the differential pressure beyond a set point once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold, beginning a third preselected time period, indicating pump fault if the pump does not stop before the third preselected time period ends, stopping the pump once the third preselected time period ends, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the expansion valve can be fluidically coupled between the pump and at least one of the heat exchangers. In at least one embodiment, the compressor can be fluidically coupled between the at least two heat exchangers.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the first and second time periods can overlap. In at least one embodiment, the second time period can begin before the first time period ends. In at least one embodiment, the pump can be started before the compressor is stopped. In at least one embodiment, the pump and the compressor can be run simultaneously for a period of time, which can be preselected.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open can include at least partially opening the expansion valve. In at least one embodiment, confirming that the expansion valve is at least partially open can include opening the expansion valve to at least half open. In at least one embodiment, closing the expansion valve can include closing the expansion valve to at most half open, at most one third open, at most one quarter open, or less.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure can include increasing the differential pressure beyond the set point, once the differential pressure exceeds the first threshold and/or the second preselected time period ends. In at least one embodiment, increasing the differential pressure can include further closing the expansion valve and/or increasing a speed of the pump.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, a cooling system according to the disclosure can include a pump plumbed between two heat exchangers, an expansion valve fluidically coupled between the pump and at least one of the heat exchangers, a compressor plumbed between the heat exchangers, a controller, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller can perform and/or cause the performance of any one or more of the method steps shown and/or described herein. In at least one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable media according to the disclosure can have instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform and/or cause the performance of any one or more of the method steps shown and/or described herein.

[0047] Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the disclosure can be devised without departing from the spirit of Applicant's disclosure. For example, the devices, systems and methods can be implemented for numerous different types and sizes in numerous different industries. Further, the various methods and embodiments of the devices, systems and methods can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice versa. The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate components or can be combined into components having multiple functions.

[0048] The inventions have been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the inventions has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefits of the present disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventions conceived of by the Applicant, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that come within the scope or range of equivalents of the following claims.