PANEL BRIDGE VARIABLE HEIGHT PIER LEG EXTENSION

Abstract

In one embodiment, a variable height pier leg extension apparatus provides adjustable leg extension to a plurality of bridge panel components each having two panel bridge pier legs for a panel bridge pier. The bridge panel components are disposed in a panel bridge pier leg configuration. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus comprises a plurality of variable height pier leg extension frames arranged in the panel bridge pier leg configuration and to be attached to a pier foundation, each variable height pier leg extension frame including a plurality of vertically spaced mounting locations to be selected to elevate the panel bridge pier legs of the bridge panel components relative to the pier foundation; and a plurality of mounting members to mount the panel bridge pier legs of the bridge panel components to the variable height pier leg extension frames at selected mounting locations to elevate the panel bridge pier legs to provide a selected elevation for the bridge panel components of the panel bridge pier.

Claims

1. A variable height pier leg extension apparatus to provide adjustable leg extension to a plurality of bridge panel components each having two panel bridge pier legs for a panel bridge pier, the bridge panel components disposed in a panel bridge pier leg configuration, the variable height pier leg extension apparatus comprising: a plurality of variable height pier leg extension frames arranged in the panel bridge pier leg configuration and to be attached to a pier foundation, each variable height pier leg extension frame including a plurality of vertically spaced mounting locations to be selected to elevate the panel bridge pier legs of the bridge panel components relative to the pier foundation; and a plurality of mounting members to mount the panel bridge pier legs of the bridge panel components to the variable height pier leg extension frames at selected mounting locations to elevate the panel bridge pier legs to provide a selected elevation for the bridge panel components of the panel bridge pier.

2. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 1, wherein each variable height pier leg extension frame is configured to mount a first panel bridge pier leg of the two panel bridge pier legs of a first bridge panel component and a second panel bridge pier leg of the two panel bridge pier legs of a second bridge panel component disposed adjacent to the first bridge panel component.

3. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 2, wherein each variable height pier leg extension frame comprises two pairs of channels spaced apart and attached to the pier foundation, the channels having a plurality of channel apertures to provide the vertically spaced mounting locations; and wherein the mounting members each extend through two channel apertures of each pair of channels and a mounting aperture in a corresponding panel bridge pier leg of a corresponding bridge panel component to be supported by the pair of channels to provide the selected elevation of the bridge panel component.

4. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of load distribution brackets each attached to a corresponding channel at the selected mounting location and overlapping a plurality of the channel apertures.

5. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 4, wherein load distribution brackets each overlap at least three vertically spaced channel apertures of the corresponding channel.

6. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of vertically spaced cross brackets attached to the two pairs of channels of each variable height pier leg extension frame at a plurality of different heights of the variable height pier leg extension frame.

7. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of cross links including multiple cross links attached between each pair of adjacent variable height pier leg extension frames.

8. A variable height pier leg extension method to provide adjustable leg extension to a plurality of bridge panel components each having two panel bridge pier legs for a panel bridge pier, the bridge panel components disposed in a panel bridge pier leg configuration, the variable height pier leg extension method comprising: mounting a variable height bridge pier support system having a plurality of variable height pier leg extension frames to a pier foundation; determining mounting locations at the variable height pier leg extension frames to elevate a panel bridge pier at a selected elevation; positioning the bridge panel components of the panel bridge pier over the variable height bridge pier support system; aligning the panel bridge pier legs of the bridge panel components of the panel bridge pier with the variable height pier leg extension frames of the variable height bridge pier support system; lowering the bridge panel components of the panel bridge pier to position the bridge pier legs at the mounting locations of corresponding variable height pier leg extension frames of the variable height bridge pier support system; and attaching the panel bridge pier legs of the panel bridge pier to the variable height pier leg extension frames of the variable height bridge pier support system at corresponding mounting locations to support the panel bridge pier at the selected elevation.

9. The variable height pier leg extension method of claim 8, wherein attaching the panel bridge pier legs to the variable height pier leg extension frames comprises: attaching, to each leg extension frame, a first panel bridge pier leg of the two panel bridge pier legs of a first bridge panel component and a second panel bridge pier leg of the two panel bridge pier legs of a second bridge panel component disposed adjacent to the first bridge panel component.

10. The variable height pier leg extension method of claim 9, further comprising: wherein each variable height pier leg extension frame comprises two pairs of channels spaced apart and attached to the pier foundation, the channels having a plurality of channel apertures to provide a plurality of selectable vertically spaced mounting locations; and wherein attaching the panel bridge pier legs to the variable height pier leg extension frames comprises extending a mounting member through two channel apertures of each pair of channels and a mounting aperture in a corresponding panel bridge pier leg of a corresponding bridge panel component to be supported by the pair of channels to provide the selected elevation of the bridge panel component.

11. The variable height pier leg extension method of claim 10, further comprising: attaching a plurality of load distribution brackets each to a corresponding channel at the selected mounting location and overlapping a plurality of the channel apertures.

12. The variable height pier leg extension method of claim 11, wherein the load distribution brackets are each attached to overlap at least three vertically spaced channel apertures of the corresponding channel.

13. The variable height pier leg extension method of claim 10, wherein each pair of channels are attached to a pier sole plate, and wherein mounting the variable height bridge pier support system having a plurality of variable height pier leg extension frames to a pier foundation comprises: mounting the pier sole plate of each pair of channels to the pier foundation.

14. The variable height pier leg extension method of claim 10, further comprising: attaching a plurality of vertically spaced cross brackets to the two pairs of channels of each variable height pier leg extension frame at a plurality of different heights of the variable height pier leg extension frame.

15. The variable height pier leg extension method of claim 8, further comprising: attaching a plurality of cross links between each pair of adjacent variable height pier leg extension frames.

16. The variable height pier leg extension method of claim 8, wherein mounting the variable height bridge pier support system having a plurality of variable height pier leg extension frames to a pier foundation comprises: attaching each variable height pier leg extension frame to a base plate; and mounting the base plate for each variable height pier leg extension frame to the pier foundation.

17. A variable height pier leg extension apparatus to provide adjustable leg extension to a plurality of bridge panel components of a panel bridge pier, the bridge panel components disposed in a panel bridge pier leg configuration, the variable height pier leg extension apparatus comprising: a plurality of variable height pier leg extension frames arranged in the panel bridge pier leg configuration and to be attached to a pier foundation, each variable height pier leg extension frame including a plurality of vertically spaced mounting locations to be selected to elevate the panel bridge pier legs of the bridge panel components relative to the pier foundation; each variable height pier leg extension frame including two pairs of channels spaced apart and attached to the pier foundation, the channels having a plurality of channel apertures to provide the vertically spaced mounting locations; one pair of channels of each variable height pier leg extension frame and another pair of channels of another variable height pier leg extension frame adjacent thereto configured to be coupled to a corresponding one bridge panel component of the panel bridge pier; and a plurality of mounting members to mount the bridge panel components of the panel bridge pier each to one pair of channels of two adjacent variable height pier extension frames at selected mounting locations to elevate the bridge panel components to provide a selected elevation of the bridge panel components of the panel bridge pier.

18. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 17, wherein the mounting members each extend through two channel apertures of each pair of channels and a mounting aperture in the corresponding bridge panel component to be supported by the pair of channels to provide the selected elevation of the corresponding bridge panel component.

19. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of load distribution brackets each attached to a corresponding channel at the selected mounting location and overlapping a plurality of the channel apertures.

20. The variable height pier leg extension apparatus of claim 19, wherein load distribution brackets each overlap at least three vertically spaced channel apertures of the corresponding channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a standard or typical panel bridge pier support system.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an outer perspective view of an example of an adjustable pier leg extension for variable height extension in a panel bridge pier support system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded inner perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a close-up inner perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable panel bridge pier support system.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a standard or typical panel bridge pier adjustably coupled to the adjustable panel bridge pier support system.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a close-up inner perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension prior to mounting the bridge panel component of the standard or typical panel bridge pier.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a close-up inner perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension after mounting the bridge panel component.

[0019] FIG. 9 is an outer perspective view of another example of an adjustable pier leg extension.

[0020] FIG. 10 is an outer perspective view of another example of an adjustable pier leg extension.

[0021] FIG. 11 is an outer perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension illustrating a pair of pier foot/sole plates instead of an integral base plate.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of installing the adjustable panel bridge pier support system for a standard or typical panel bridge pier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Detailed illustrative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments of the invention.

[0024] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the, are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It further will be understood that the terms comprises, comprising, includes, and/or including, specify the presence of stated features, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

1. Introduction

[0025] A pier is the part of the substructure that supports the superstructure of the bridge and transfers loads of the superstructure to the foundations. A bearing is a device which supports the parts of the superstructure and transfers loads and movements from the deck to the substructure and foundation. The bearing is used to allow controlled movement and decrease the stress involved. A pile is a slender member-driven into the surrounding soil to resist the loads. The pile cap is a thick reinforced concrete slab cast on top of the group piles to distribute loads.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a standard or typical panel bridge pier 100. A panel bridge model may require a pier support system every fifty meters for heavy load configurations, for instance. The pier designs may reuse bridge panel components. There are four bridge panel components 110 in a square configuration in this embodiment. Each bridge panel component 110 has a lower beam or lower link 112 and an upper beam or upper link 114 and a pair of panel bridge pier legs 116 (first and second panel bridge pier legs). The pier system connects directly to the pier foundation 120 via sole/foot plates 122 at the bottom of the legs 116, which may be mounted to the pier foundation 120 through distribution plates 124. The height can be adjusted through the use of shim plates, which are typically only designed to be used for minimal (sub inch) lateral alignments. In this example, the panel components 110 come in ten feet increments (between the lower beam or lower link 112 and the upper beam or upper link 114). Larger height adjustments would require adjusting the site conditions or creating larger footings.

2. Pier Leg Extension for Adjustable Height Extension of Pier Leg

[0027] FIG. 2 is an outer perspective view of an example of an adjustable or variable height pier leg extension frame 200 for variable height extension in a panel bridge pier support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded inner perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension frame 200. FIG. 4 is a close-up inner perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension frame 200.

[0028] The adjustable pier leg extension frame 200 comprises two leg extensions each including a pair of C-channels or U-channels 210 extending vertically from a base plate 220. Each leg extension frame 200 hence has a set of four U-channels 210. The U-channels 210 may be welded to the base plate 220. Instead of the base plate 220, each U-channel 210 may have a sole plate at the bottom which can be attached directly to the foundation. Each U-channel 210 has a U-channel webbing with channel apertures 212 as mounting points spaced in increments (e.g., 6-inch increments) to provide a plurality of selectable vertically spaced mounting locations for supporting the variable height pier leg extension frame 200 at different heights. The four U-channels 210 form two pairs of U-channels 210. Each pair has aligned U-channel webbings and channel apertures 212 and are spaced from one another by a webbing spacing which may be in the neighborhood of the spacing between the channel apertures 212 (e.g., 5-6 inches webbing spacing). The leg extension frame 200 further includes four load distribution brackets or plates 230 and a pair of pins or bolts 240. Each load distribution bracket 230 is disposed at least partially inside a corresponding U-channel 210. The distribution brackets 230 may be disposed on the other (external) side of the webbing instead of the internal side of the webbing in other embodiments. Each distribution bracket 230 may have a pair of bracket protrusions 232 to extend through and engage a pair of channel apertures 212. Each distribution bracket 230 further includes a bracket aperture 234. The two connectors 240 each separately connect two of the distribution brackets 230 and two corresponding U-channels 210 by extending through two bracket apertures 234 of the two distribution brackets 230 and two channel apertures 212 of the two U-channels 210. The distribution brackets 230 each overlap a plurality of channel apertures 212 including the pair of channel apertures 212 used for mounting as mounting locations (at least three channel apertures 212 in the embodiments shown) to distribute the load on the U-channels 210 and ensure structural integrity. The distribution brackets 230 are attached to the U-channels 210 of the pier leg extension frame 200 to reinforce the mounting locations for mounting the bridge pier legs 116 of the panel bridge pier 100. A plurality of vertically spaced triangular cross brackets 250 are coupled to the two pairs of connected U-channels 210 to attach the two pairs and orient them at a right angle.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable panel bridge pier support system 500. The system includes four adjustable or variable height pier leg extension frames 200 arranged in a panel bridge pier leg configuration which is a square configuration in the embodiment shown. Multiple cross members or cross links 510 (e.g., a pair) connect each pair of adjacent variable height pier leg extension frames 200. The four base plates 220 of the four pier leg extension frames 200 are attached to the pier foundation 120.

[0030] In order to solve the problem of large height increments in panel bridge piers (e.g., 10 feet), the variable height extension frames 200 are configured to fit between a standard panel bridge pier (e.g., 100 in FIG. 1) and the pier foundation 120. The legs 116 of the pier 100 are connected to the leg extension frames 200 by mounting members or links such as pins or bolts 240 through one of the multiple mounting points 212 spaced out every six inches along its height. The multiple mounting point option allows the overall pier height to be adjusted in 6-inch increments instead of the full panel length by using any of the channel apertures or channel mounting holes 212 along the height of the extension frames 200. The leg extension may be comprised of three types of components: (1) the leg extension frames 200, (2) four distribution brackets 230 for each leg extension frame 200, and (3) two threaded pins or bolts 240 with mechanical securing pieces (e.g., cotter pins or nuts) for each leg extension frame 200. As described above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, each leg extension frame 200 is made of four steel U-channel beams 210 and steel plating. The four U-channel beams 210 are vertical and are arranged in two sets of two at a 90 angle between the sets. The U-channel webbing for each set opens outward with enough space between the pair for the bridge panels components 110 to slide between them. The vertical U-channels 210 are braced and secured in place by triangular cross brackets 250 made of sheet steel spaced out along their height. The U-channels 210 are mounted to the square base plate 220 which has holes along its perimeter for mounting the leg extension frame 200 to the pier foundation 120. Holes aligned vertically along all U-channels 210 are cut out of the center webbing every six inches. The distribution brackets 230 are steel plates that fit at least partially inside the U-channels webbing. At one end of the brackets 230 is a hole 234 the same size as those in the webbing. Running towards the other end, spaced out every six inches, are two nubs 232 the size of the holes/pin which extend slightly longer than the U-channel webbing thickness. The threaded pins or bolts 240 are the diameter of the holes 212 in the U-channel 210 and are long enough to run through one set of U-channels 210 and two brackets 230. A ring is cut into either side of the pin 240 for a locking washer.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a standard or typical panel bridge pier 100 adjustably coupled to the adjustable panel bridge pier support system 500. The leg extension frames 200 of the adjustable panel bridge pier support system 500 are used in sets of four (or eight pairs of U-channels 210) during operation, a set of four for each tower of the full bridge pier. Each tower of the bridge pier is constructed in the shape of a square, with four corner legs. The leg extension frames 200 are first mounted to the pier foundation 120 via bolts or other mechanical fasteners through the base plate 220 on each leg extension frame 200. Cross bracing 510 between the extension frames 200 supports them against lateral loads. The adjustable panel bridge pier support system 500 can be made of same material as the panel bridge pier 100, such as steel. The bridge panel components 110 are disposed in a panel bridge pier leg configuration. The plurality of variable height pier leg extension frames 200 are arranged in the panel bridge pier leg configuration to receive, mount, and support the bridge panel components 110.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a close-up inner perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension frame 200 prior to mounting the bridge panel component 110 of the standard or typical panel bridge pier 100. FIG. 8 is a close-up inner perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension frame 200 after mounting the bridge panel component 110. The panel components 110 for the pier are then slid down the slots (provided by the U-channels 210), male side first, in the leg extension frame 200 to the designed or selected height/mounting location. The lower beam 112 of the bridge panel component 110 has a pair of panel mounting members 113 on two ends thereof. The panel mounting members 113 are each disposed in the webbing spacing between the pair of U-channel webbings (e.g., 5-6 inches webbing spacing) as discussed above in connection with FIG. 2. Each panel mounting member 113 has a panel mounting hole. The pin 240 is then slid through the channel mounting holes 212 in the U-channel 210 and through the panel mounting hole of the panel mounting member 113 of the panel component 110 to lock it in place. The mounting members 240 each extend through two channel apertures 212 of each pair of channels 210 and a mounting aperture in a corresponding panel bridge pier leg 116 of a corresponding bridge panel component 110 to be supported by the pair of channels to provide the selected elevation of the bridge panel component 110. In addition, the distribution bracket 230 is placed on each side of the pin 240 in the respective U-channel 210 with their nubs 232 facing inward and inserted into the holes 212 for other mounting locations. The distribution bracket 230 can be oriented either running above or below the mounting location in the U-channel 210. Once the connecting brackets 230 are on, locking washers are snapped to the threaded pin 240. This process is completed for each set of U-channels 210. As a result, the standard pier legs 116 of the panel components 110 are pinned to the adjustable leg extension frames 200. The load distribution brackets 230 are each attached to the corresponding channel 210 at the selected mounting location and overlap multiple channel apertures 212 (e.g., at least three vertically spaced channel apertures 212 of the corresponding channels 210). The distribution brackets 230 spread the bridge and pier weight across the frame webbing provided by the plurality of U-channels 210 of the leg extension frames 200. The standard pier 100 (having the panel components 110) can slide into the adjustable panel bridge pier support system 500 (via the pier leg extension frames 200) and are pinned in place in the same way that they are connected to the original foot plates 122.

[0033] FIG. 9 is an outer perspective view of another example of an adjustable pier leg extension 900. This pier leg extension 900 has additional vertically spaced triangular cross brackets 950 which are coupled to the two pairs of connected U-channels 210 at the channel apertures 912. The spacing between adjacent cross brackets 950 along the U-channels 910 is much smaller than the spacing between adjacent cross brackets 250 in FIG. 2. The additional cross brackets 950 can increase the structural capacity and integrity of the leg extension 900 on the base plate 920 and hence the overall adjustable panel bridge pier support system.

[0034] Prototypes were tested for maximum compression strength. The prototypes reached a maximum compressive strength of 280 kips before failure. Against the max design load of 145 kips, this represented a F.O.S. of 1.93. Minor modifications were made to increase F.O.S. (Factor of Safety) up to a target of three. The U-channel size was increased. Additional cross bracing (250, 950) was added. Material selection for pins changed (now using hardened steel bolts).

[0035] FIG. 10 is an outer perspective view of another example of an adjustable pier leg extension 1000. The leg extension 1000 differs from the leg extension 900 of FIG. 9 in that there is no integral base plate at the bottom of the leg extension 1000 in FIG. 10.

[0036] FIG. 11 is an outer perspective view of the adjustable pier leg extension 1000 illustrating a pair of pier foot/sole plates 1100 instead of an integral base plate (220, 920). The pier sole plates 1100 are in combination smaller than the base plate (e.g., 920) and hence allow for easier storage and transportation. This configuration eases grouting of anchor bolts into the concrete foundation. Additional alignment efforts are made to align the pier sole plates 1100. In this embodiment, bolts 1110 instead of pins are used to connect each pair of U-channels through the channel apertures.

[0037] In another alternate embodiment, the leg extension may employ a leg extension frame where instead of U-channel vertical members, solid square or rectangular reinforcement or load distribution stock or blocks welded into the webbing are used to eliminate the need for the distribution brackets. The distribution brackets 230 (FIGS. 2-4 and 8) overlap a plurality of channel apertures 212 (at least three channel apertures 212 in specific embodiments) to distribute the load on the U-channels 210 and ensure structural integrity including stiffness against failure in twisting, bending, and buckling. The use of solid stocks or blocks in the webbing provides the structural support and stiffness in place of the distribution brackets 230.

[0038] One unique feature for the leg extensions of the present invention is the multiple mounting locations along the lengths of the U-channels. Providing the multiple mounting locations simplifies the construction of a panel bridge pier in the field by reducing the need for site modification or large footing construction necessary to reach the required pier height. This in turn reduces overall time and resource requirements for the construction of the full bridge.

3. Adjustable Pier Leg Extension Method

[0039] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram 1200 illustrating an example of installing the adjustable panel bridge pier support system 500 for a standard or typical panel bridge pier 100. Step 1210 involves mounting an adjustable bridge pier support system 500 having a plurality of adjustable pier leg extension frames 200 to a pier footing or pier foundation 120. Step 1220 involves determining mounting locations at the pier leg extension frames to provide the appropriate pier leg extension levels for elevating a panel bridge pier 100 at a desired or selected elevation. Step 1230 involves attaching distribution brackets 230 to the pier leg extension frames 200 to reinforce the mounting locations for mounting the bridge pier legs 116 of the panel bridge pier 100. Step 1240 involves positioning the panel bridge pier 100 over the adjustable bridge pier support system 500. Step 1250 involves aligning the bridge pier legs 116 of the panel bridge pier 100 with the pier leg extension frames 200 of the adjustable bridge pier support system 500. Step 1260 involves lowering the panel bridge pier 100 to position the bridge pier legs 116 at the mounting locations of the corresponding pier leg extension frames 200. Step 1270 involves attaching the panel bridge pier legs 116 of the panel bridge pier 100 to the leg extension frames 200 of the adjustable bridge pier support system 500 at the respective mounting locations to support the panel bridge pier 100 at the desired or selected elevation.

[0040] Embodiments of the invention can be manifest in the form of methods and apparatuses for practicing those methods. As compared to the traditional panel bridge configuration in which the pier height is only adjustable by the full length of the bridge panels (e.g., 10 feet), the benefits of implementing this technology to provide variable height, adjustable pier leg extensions by increments of an order of magnitude smaller are clear and significant.

[0041] The inventive concepts taught by way of the examples discussed above are amenable to modification, rearrangement, and embodiment in several ways. Accordingly, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0042] An interpretation under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is desired only where this description and/or the claims use specific terminology historically recognized to invoke the benefit of interpretation, such as means, and the structure corresponding to a recited function, to include the equivalents thereof, as permitted to the fullest extent of the law and this written description, may include the disclosure, the accompanying claims, and the drawings, as they would be understood by one of skill in the art.

[0043] To the extent the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, the specific features and steps are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed subject matter. To the extent headings are used, they are provided for the convenience of the reader and are not to be taken as limiting or restricting the systems, techniques, approaches, methods, devices to those appearing in any section. Rather, the teachings and disclosures herein can be combined, rearranged, with other portions of this disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. It is the intention of this disclosure to encompass and include such variation.

[0044] The indication of any elements or steps as optional does not indicate that all other or any other elements or steps are mandatory. The claims define the invention and form part of the specification. Limitations from the written description are not to be read into the claims.

[0045] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word about or approximately preceded the value or range.

[0046] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, percent, ratio, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about, whether or not the term about is present. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0047] It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain embodiments of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from embodiments of the invention encompassed by the following claims.

[0048] In this specification including any claims, the term each may be used to refer to one or more specified characteristics of a plurality of previously recited elements or steps. When used with the open-ended term comprising, the recitation of the term each does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or steps. Thus, it will be understood that an apparatus may have additional, unrecited elements and a method may have additional, unrecited steps, where the additional, unrecited elements or steps do not have the one or more specified characteristics.

[0049] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the invention.

[0050] Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

[0051] All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety or alternatively to provide the disclosure for which they were specifically relied upon.

[0052] Reference herein to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term implementation.

[0053] The embodiments covered by the claims in this application are limited to embodiments that (1) are enabled by this specification and (2) correspond to statutory subject matter. Non-enabled embodiments and embodiments that correspond to non-statutory subject matter are explicitly disclaimed even if they fall within the scope of the claims.