ACCUMULATOR ASSEMBLY, REFRIGERATION SYSTEM HAVING AN ACCUMULATOR ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD OF LIMITING ACCUMILATION OF COMPRESSOR OIL IN SAME

Abstract

A refrigeration system, such as a stand-alone ice maker assembly, having a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration system includes an accumulator having an inlet receiving refrigerant discharged from the evaporator, a first outlet substantially discharging gas refrigerant to the compressor, and a second outlet substantially discharging oil from the accumulator. The refrigeration system also includes a valve having an inlet receiving the discharged oil from the accumulator and an outlet discharging oil from the valve to the compressor, and a controller to control the valve between an open state and a closed state. Also disclosed are a method of limiting accumulation of compressor oil in an accumulator assembly of a refrigeration system and a stand-alone ice maker assembly having the refrigeration system.

Claims

1. A refrigeration system comprising a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle having an expansion device, an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser generally coupled in cycle via tubing and to work a refrigerant carried by the tubing, the refrigeration system further comprising: an accumulator having an inlet receiving refrigerant discharged from the evaporator, a first outlet substantially discharging gas refrigerant to the compressor, and a second outlet substantially discharging oil from the accumulator; a valve having an inlet receiving the discharged oil from the accumulator and an outlet discharging oil from the valve to the compressor; and a controller to control the valve between an open state and a closed state.

2. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the tubing includes a tube coupling the second outlet of the accumulator to the inlet of the valve.

3. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the tubing comprises: a T section; a first tube coupling the outlet of the valve to a first inlet port of the T section; a second tube coupling the first outlet of the accumulator to a second inlet port of the T section; and a third tube coupling an outlet port of the T section to the compressor, wherein the T section mixes the discharged oil with the discharged gas refrigerant.

4. The refrigeration system of claim 3, wherein the tubing includes a fourth tube coupling the second outlet of the accumulator to the inlet of the valve.

5. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the accumulator is a copper-spun type accumulator.

6. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the accumulator has a body height and a body width orthogonal to the body width, and wherein the body height is substantially greater than the body width.

7. The refrigeration system of claim 6, wherein the accumulator is substantially cylindrical and the body width is a diameter of the accumulator.

8. The refrigeration system of claim 6, wherein the accumulator has a defined orientation with respect to gravity when coupled in cycle, and wherein the body height is substantially in line with gravity.

9. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration system further comprises a first fan in thermal communication with the evaporator, a second fan in thermal communication with the condenser, or the first fan and the second fan, and wherein the controller further controls the first fan, the second fan, or the first fan and the second fan.

10. An ice maker assembly including the refrigeration system of claim 1.

11. A method of controlling the refrigeration system of claim 1, the method comprising: opening the valve to cause an oil mixture to flow from the accumulator to the compressor; and closing the valve to prevent the oil mixture flowing from the accumulator to the compressor.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: opening the expansion device to cause a greater amount of a refrigerant mixture to flow through the cycle; and closing the expansion device to prevent a lesser amount of a refrigerant mixture from flowing through the cycle.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the refrigerant mixture includes a substantial amount of vapor refrigerant, the oil mixture includes a substantial amount of oil.

14. A stand-alone ice maker assembly comprising: an evaporator sleeve or mold to receive water; a water source to provide water to the evaporator sleeve or mold; a refrigeration system comprising a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle having an expansion device, an evaporator coupled to the evaporator sleeve or mold to draw heat from the water to freeze the water, a compressor, and a condenser generally coupled in cycle via tubing and to work a refrigerant carried by the tubing, the refrigeration system further comprising: an accumulator having an inlet receiving refrigerant discharged from the evaporator, a first outlet substantially discharging gas refrigerant to the compressor, and a second outlet substantially discharging oil; a valve having an inlet receiving the discharged oil from the accumulator and an outlet discharging oil from the valve to the compressor; and a controller to control the valve between an open state and a closed state.

15. The ice maker assembly of claim 14, wherein an amount of refrigerant for the refrigeration system is less than twenty pounds.

16. The ice maker assembly of claim 14, wherein the accumulator is a copper-spun type accumulator.

17. The ice maker assembly of claim 14, wherein the accumulator has a body height and a body width orthogonal to the body width, and wherein the body height is substantially greater than the body width.

18. A method of limiting accumulation of compressor oil in an accumulator assembly of a refrigeration system, the accumulator assembly including an accumulator, a valve in fluid communication with the accumulator, and a controller in electrical communication with the valve, the method comprising: receiving a refrigerant mixture through the accumulator, the refrigerant mixture comprising substantial vapor refrigerant, minimal liquid refrigerant, and minimal compressor oil; accumulating liquid refrigerant and compressor oil with the accumulator; opening the valve with the controller to cause an oil to flow from the accumulator to a compressor of the refrigeration system; and closing the valve with the controller to prevent the oil flowing from the accumulator to the compressor.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the opening of the valve is for a time period and an initiating of the opening of the valve is based on a runtime of the refrigeration system.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the accumulator assembly includes a sensor, and wherein the opening of the valve and/or the closing of the valve is based on a parameter sensed by the sensor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigeration system, and specifically a standalone ice maker machine, incorporating one or more aspects of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigeration system of FIG. 1 with a door removed.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle for the refrigeration system of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of a prior art accumulator and a portion of the suction tube entering and exiting the accumulator.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the prior art accumulator of FIG. 4.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle for the refrigeration system of FIG. 1, the portion including an accumulator assembly, a compressor, and tubing.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an accumulator of FIG. 6 and a portion of tubing entering and exiting the accumulator.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of limiting accumulation of compressor oil in an accumulator assembly.

[0024] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, the following description, the claims, and/or the drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an ice maker assembly 100 (may also be referred to herein as an ice maker machine) is shown having an ice compartment 105 and a base compartment 110. The ice compartment 105 includes a door 115, a first side wall 120, a back wall 125, a second side wall 130, a top wall 135, and a bottom wall 140. The base compartment 110 includes a vent wall 145, a first side wall 150, a back wall 155, a second side wall 160, a top wall, and a bottom wall 165. The bottom wall 140 of the ice compartment 105 is the same as the top wall of the base compartment 110. FIG. 2 shows the ice maker assembly 100 with the door 115 removed. The ice compartment 105 provides a compartment to store ice made by the ice maker assembly 100, and the base compartment 110 provides a housing for some of the refrigeration components (discussed below) of the ice maker assembly 100. Vent wall 145 includes louvers mounted across a face thereof to provide a flow of ambient air for the refrigeration components of ice maker assembly 100 mounted within base compartment 110.

[0026] The shown ice maker assembly 100 is a representative refrigeration system that can include one or more aspects of the invention disclosed herein. Other example refrigeration systems that can include one or more aspects of the invention can be, without being exhaustive, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, compressor packs, and walk-in coolers. Similarly, the arrangement of the ice maker assembly 100 shown in the figures is representative. Other ice maker assemblies, and refrigeration systems more generically, can include a different number of compartments and/or walls, arrangements and/or locations for the compartments and/or walls, etc.

[0027] The ice maker assembly 100 is a standalone ice making machine that includes an ice maker (generally shown by 170) that makes ice and directs the ice to a storage bin 175 via a chute 180. The door 115 is moveably mounted to a wall (e.g., first side wall 120) using two hinges 185 and 190. It is envisioned that the door 115 may be movably mounted to a different wall of ice maker assembly 100 and a fewer or a greater number of hinges or other connection devices can be used. Door 115 provides access to storage bin 175 that holds the ice.

[0028] The ice maker assembly 100 further includes an ice-making compartment 195 having at least a portion of the ice maker 170 and the chute 180. The ice maker assembly 100 can include other compartments, ice making features, components, etc., as known in the art. Similarly, other refrigeration systems can include other compartments, features, or components not discussed herein that are known in the art. Though shown in the illustrative embodiment as forming a generally rectangular-shaped enclosure, ice maker assembly 100 may take the form of other shaped enclosures including other polygons as well as circular or elliptical enclosures. As a result, the door 115, the walls forming ice maker assembly 100, and other components may have other shapes including other polygons as well as circular or elliptical shapes.

[0029] In the illustrated construction, the ice compartment walls 120-140 and door 115 include insulation to assist in maintenance of the desired temperature in storage bin 175. Electrical wiring and various conduits can further be placed in the insulated walls. For example, during the manufacturing process, a space between exterior and interior surfaces of ice compartment 105 may be filled with an insulating foam material that provides insulation, conduits for running refrigeration tubes and/or electrical wires, and/or refrigerating tubes and/or electrical wires without conduits.

[0030] Various refrigeration components can be mounted within base compartment 110. Additional refrigeration components can be mounted in the ice maker 170 and/or walls of the ice compartment. Various possible refrigeration components include a compressor, a fan, a condenser, a drier, a sump-water pump, an ice mold or mold tray, an evaporator, curtain fingers, a drain element, a sprayer, a filter, an expansion device, a valve, a water intake, a water reservoir, an auger, a gear motor, etc. Refrigeration tubing and electrical wire may connect the refrigeration components.

[0031] FIG. 3 provides a representation of some of the refrigeration components of ice maker assembly 100 in a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200. In simple terms, the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200 include a compressor 205, a condenser 210, an expansion device 215, an evaporator 220, refrigeration tubing (represented by tubing 225), and refrigerant. Depending on the refrigeration apparatus or system, the refrigeration cycle can include other components. Some of the additional components are shown in FIG. 3, but FIG. 3 is not exhaustive.

[0032] As is known, a compressor 205 receives refrigerant at low temperature and low pressure. As discussed above, ideally the refrigerant (may also be referred to as working gas or vapor) is in a gaseous state. The compressor 205 increases the pressure and raises the temperature of the refrigerant. The low-pressure, low-temperature gas enters the compressor, and the refrigerant leaves the compressor as a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.

[0033] The condenser 210 (which may also be referred to as a condenser coil) is one of two heat exchangers used in the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200. The condenser 210 is supplied with the high-temperature, high-pressure, vaporized refrigerant coming from the compressor 205. The condenser 210 removes heat from the hot refrigerant gas until it condenses into a saturated liquid state.

[0034] After condensing, the refrigerant is a high-pressure, low-temperature liquid that is routed to the expansion device 215. The expansion device 215 can be an expansion valve, a capillary tube, or similar device. The expansion device 215 creates a drop in pressure after the refrigerant leaves the condenser 210 and flows through the expansion device 215. The pressure drop causes some of that refrigerant to quickly boil, creating a two-phase mixture.

[0035] After the expansion device 215, the evaporator 220 performs its intended function. The evaporator 220 is the second heat exchanger in the standard vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200. The evaporator serves as the business end of the cycle 200, i.e., to absorb heat. In this detailed example, heat is drawn from water which results in the water changing to ice. The heat is absorbed when refrigerant enters the evaporator 220 as a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid, and the absorbing of heat from the space/water in question by the refrigerant raises the temperature of the refrigerant. After doing so, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 205, where the process restarts. In a typical pellet ice maker machine, the water flows into an evaporator sleeve that freezes the water into ice. Alternatively, the water can be held by an ice mold. The ice mold is formed using a material that is kept at or below freezing by an evaporator coil of the evaporator 220.

[0036] As already stated, the ice maker assembly 100 can include additional refrigeration compartments, features, or components to help with the making, moving, and storing of ice. United States Application Publication Nos. 2024/0085078 A1 and 2024/0019188 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 11,952,195, which are incorporated herein by reference, provide detailed examples of an ice maker assembly and the additional compartments, features, or components that can be used in ice maker assembly 100. The referenced patent documents also provide example operations for making ice with ice maker assembly 100. With reference to FIG. 3, the ice maker assembly 100 further includes one or more fans 227, a water valve 230, a water reservoir 235, an evaporator sleeve (or mold) 240, an auger assembly 245, one or more sensors 250 for monitoring parameters related to the ice maker assembly 100, an accumulator 255 and related valve 260, and a controller 270. Refrigeration tubing 225 is used to control refrigerant through the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200. Electrical wire (generally identified as 275) is used to provide sensor signals to and control signals from (among other electrical signals) the controller 270.

[0037] As stated earlier, some refrigeration systems, such as an ice maker assembly of the prior art, can include an accumulator. FIGS. 4 and 5 show an accumulator 255PA of the prior art. The accumulator 255PA holds liquid refrigerant when the ambient conditions are such that all refrigerant does not change to gas when exiting the evaporator 220.

[0038] Most compressors 205 of the type used in the ice maker assembly 100 are not designed to handle liquid refrigerant running through the compressor 205. This means it is preferable that the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200 is designed so that only refrigerant in gas form reaches the compressor 205. If too much liquid refrigerant runs through the compressor 205, then the compressor 205 can be damaged.

[0039] In the accumulator 255PA, a bottom tube 275 (which is part of the suction tube discussed below) inside the accumulator 255PA extends up to allow liquid refrigerant to gather in the accumulator 255PA. Then depending on the conditions, the liquid refrigerant burns off into a gas when needed.

[0040] Compressor 205 can have an oil to lubricate it, and this oil circulates through the refrigeration system with the refrigerant. As discussed above, previous refrigerants were denser than the compressor oil so the excess liquid refrigerant would stay in the accumulator 255PA, and the oil would continue to circulate through the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200. However, with the switch to hydrocarbon (low-GWP) refrigerants, the densities of the low-GWP refrigerant and the compressor oil are now switched. The compressor oil (represented as 280 in FIG. 5) is denser than the refrigerant (represented as 285 in FIG. 5) and sinks to the bottom of the accumulator 255PA. Over time this oil 280 accumulates and starves the compressor 205 of oil leading to reduced life. The oil 280 in the accumulator 255PA also takes up space in the accumulator 255PA and reduces the volume available for liquid refrigerant 285.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an improved accumulator assembly 290 is provided. In the shown construction, the accumulator assembly 290 adds a drain tube 295 for the oil 280 to drain out of the accumulator 255, which improves the wear on the compressor 205. The drain tube 295 (which is part of the intermediate tube discussed below) leads to a valve 300 that, when open, drains the oil 280 back into the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200. Accordingly, accumulator 255 with valve 300 avoids oil accumulation. The oil 280 can be routinely drained thereby limiting the risk of starving the compressor 205 of oil 280 and increasing the life of the compressor 205. Also, more space for liquid refrigerant 285 is available by the routine draining of the oil 280.

[0042] The accumulator 255 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a vertical copper spun-type accumulator. However, other accumulator types can be used in place of the accumulator 255. The accumulator 255 has a smaller body diameter 305 (or width if non-circular) compared to a much larger body height 310. Example ratios between body diameter/width 305 to body height 310 include values less than 0.65, less than 0.35, and less than 0.3. Example body diameter/width 305 values include fifteen inches or less, ten inches or less, ten inches to six inches, and one inch or less. Example body height 310 values include twenty-four inches or less, twelve inches or less, twelve inches to eight inches, and three inches or less. The accumulator 255 is referred to as a vertical accumulator since the height is substantially in line with gravity. The shown accumulator 255 has cone ends 315 and 320 with a cylinder body 325. However, other polygonal shapes are possible for the accumulator 255. The accumulator 255 shown in the figures provides a good shape for the ice maker assembly 100 where space is limited. The volume of the accumulator 255 can be less than 4240 in.sup.3, less than 945 in.sup.3, between 945 in.sup.3 and 240 in.sup.3, and less than 3.3 in.sup.3, which is good for small refrigeration system having a low amount of refrigerant. Example refrigerant amounts include one hundred pounds or less, fifty pounds or less, between fifty pounds and twenty pounds, and one pound or less (e.g., approximately 1 oz), which is good for a small refrigeration system. The vertical configuration of the accumulator 255 also allows for gravity to assist in its operation as discussed earlier.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the accumulator 255 is placed in line with the suction tube 330. Mostly vapor refrigerant enters the accumulator 255 via an inlet port 335. Liquid, including liquid refrigerant and oil settle in the accumulator 255 while vapor refrigerant exits the outlet port 340 of the suction tube 330 in the accumulator 255. An intermediate tube 345 has an outlet port 350 at the bottom of the accumulator 255. The intermediate tube 345 returns to the suction tube 330 prior to the compressor 205 at a T section 355. A valve 300 is connected in line with the intermediate tube 345. The valve 300 opens and closes to allow oil 280 to flow through an input port 365 and to outlet port 370 of the valve 300. The controller 270 provides a stimulus to the valve 300 for opening and closing the valve 300. The opening and closing of the valve results in oil 280 to flow from the outlet port 350 at the bottom of the accumulator 255 through the intermediate tube 345 and return back to the suction tube 330 via the T section 355. The construction shown in FIG. 6 places the valve 300 in the middle of the intermediate tube 345. However, it is envisioned that the valve 300 can be placed at any location between the accumulator 255 and the return to the suction tube 330, inclusive.

[0044] In one construction, the accumulator assembly 290 includes the accumulator 255, the intermediate tube 345, the valve 300, and the controller 270. The controller 270 can periodically open the valve 300 as oil 280 is accumulating to thereby limit the amount of accumulated oil 280 by the intermediate tube 345 and/or the accumulator 255. The period for opening the valve by the controller can be done through multiple different implementations. For example, the valve can be opened for a time period (e.g., 3 seconds) for every run hour of operation by the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200. The opening of the valve 300 can occur at the start of a cycle, at the end of a cycle, or during steady state. The period of time the valve 300 is open is long enough to substantially ensure oil 280 flows out of the accumulator assembly 290, but not too long that liquid refrigerant starts flowing through the valve 300 and the compressor 205. In various embodiments, the valve 300 is energized for a set period of time T0 every T1 number of minutes.

[0045] For example, FIG. 8 shows one method of operation. For S100, the accumulator 255 receives a refrigerant mixture. The refrigerant mixture can include substantial vapor refrigerant, minimal liquid refrigerant, and minimal compressor oil. The accumulator can accumulate (S105) liquid refrigerant 285 and compressor oil 280. At a first point in time, the controller 270 can determine (S110) whether to open the valve 300. Opening the valve 300 causes (S115) the oil 280 to flow from the accumulator 255 to the compressor 205. At a second point in time, the controller 270 can determine (S120) whether to close the valve 300. Closing the valve 300 causes (S125) the oil 280 to cease flow from the accumulator 255 to the compressor 205. As discussed in the previous paragraph, the opening of the valve 300 can occur a time period (e.g., 3 seconds) for every run hour of operation by the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200. Other processes can be used for controlling when to open and close the valve 300. For example, a sensor can be used to identify when an amount of oil has been accumulated and a sensor can be used when an amount of oil has been released. Other sensors can be used to sense temperature variations in the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle 200, such as strategic locations in the suction tube 330. The temperature variations can help identify the state of the accumulator assembly 290.

[0046] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a new and useful accumulator assembly (e.g., an accumulator and an oil return valve), a new and useful refrigeration system having the accumulator assembly, and a new and useful method of limiting accumulation of compressor oil in the accumulator assembly.

[0047] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples of embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a finite numbers embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.

[0048] As utilized herein, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0049] It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., top and bottom) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.

[0050] For the purpose of this disclosure, the term coupled means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0051] The terms fixedly, non-fixedly, and removably, and variations thereof, may be used herein. The term fix, and variations thereof, refer to making firm, stable, or stationary. It should be understood, though, that fixed does not necessarily mean permanent-rather, only that a significant or abnormal amount of work needs to be used to make unfixed. The term removably, and variations thereof, refer to readily changing the location, position, station. Removably is meant to be the antonym of fixedly herein. Alternatively, the term non-fixedly can be used to be the antonym of fixedly.

[0052] Elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0053] While this invention has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.

[0054] The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are exemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

[0055] Some of the systems, components, and/or processes described above can be realized in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and can be realized in a centralized fashion in one processing system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected processing systems. Any kind of processing system or another apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a processing system with computer-usable program code that, when being loaded and executed, controls the processing system such that it carries out the methods described herein. Some of the systems, components, and/or processes also can be embedded in a computer-readable storage, such as a computer program product or other data programs storage device, readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform methods and processes described herein. These elements also can be embedded in an application product which comprises all the maintenance conditions enabling the implementation of the methods described herein and which, when loaded in a processing system, is able to carry out these methods.

[0056] The terms a and an, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The phrase at least one of . . . and . . . as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As an example, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C includes A only, B only, C only, or any combination thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, or ABC).

[0057] It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0058] Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or parameter of the disclosure should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features, and parameters of the disclosure.

[0059] Aspects herein can be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope hereof.