U.S. patent application number 11/734629 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for storm sewer drainage grate filter.
This patent application is currently assigned to John Kent. Invention is credited to Francis J. Kent.
Application Number | 20080251470 11/734629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39852755 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080251470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kent; Francis J. |
October 16, 2008 |
STORM SEWER DRAINAGE GRATE FILTER
Abstract
A storm sewer drainage grate filter for above grade installation
and use includes a frame and a screen supported by the frame. The
frame may include a top ring, a bottom ring, and one or more
intermediate rings. The rings may be interconnected by a plurality
of risers. A method directed to fitting a storm sewer grate filter
apparatus to a storm sewer opening includes installing an above
grade grate filter having a frame and screen supported by the
frame, allowing debris to accumulate on the exterior of the grate
filter, and clearing the debris from the exterior of the grate
filter.
Inventors: |
Kent; Francis J.;
(Englewood, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY, SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Assignee: |
Kent; John
Littleton
CO
|
Family ID: |
39852755 |
Appl. No.: |
11/734629 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/791 ;
210/163; 210/170.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 1/00 20130101; E03F
5/0404 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/791 ;
210/163; 210/170.03 |
International
Class: |
E03F 5/06 20060101
E03F005/06 |
Claims
1. A storm sewer drainage grate filter apparatus for placement on a
storm drain opening, the storm drain opening located at or near a
ground or pavement elevation, the apparatus comprising: a frame
comprising a base ring and a top ring interconnected by a plurality
of risers, wherein the base ring is adapted to engage the storm
drain opening; and a passage limiting structure supported by the
frame; wherein the storm sewer drainage filter is configured to be
installed to extend upwards from the storm drain opening and above
the ground or pavement elevation.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the passage limiting structure
comprises perforations sized to pass water and finely sized
objects, but not coarsely sized objects.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the passage limiting structure
is a screen and wherein the screen surrounds substantially an
exterior of the frame.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the screen comprises at least
one of a metal, plastic, and geotextile.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the screen includes a material
slipped over at least a portion of the frame to filter
materials.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lifting bar
connected to the top ring.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base ring comprises a
plurality of horizontal members crossing the interior of the base
ring.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an end of each riser is
connected to an upper surface of the base ring.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an end of each riser is
connected to a lower surface of the top ring.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises
one or more intermediate rings.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more intermediate
rings have a smaller diameter than the base and top rings.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein an inside lateral surface of
the risers are connected to an exterior radial surface of the one
or more intermediate rings.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a
plurality of intermediate rings that are asymmetrically spaced
along a height of the risers.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a greater number of
intermediate rings are closer to the base ring than the top
ring.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the risers extend
vertically.
16. A storm sewer drainage grate filter apparatus for placement on
a storm drain opening, the storm drain opening located at or near a
ground or pavement elevation, the apparatus comprising: a base ring
having a first diameter and being adapted to engage the storm drain
opening; a top ring having the first diameter; at least one
intermediate ring disposed between the base ring and the top ring,
the intermediate ring having a second diameter, the second diameter
being less than the first diameter; a plurality of risers that
interconnect the base ring, the top ring, and the intermediate ring
such that each ring is centered on a common vertical axis, wherein
a lower end of each riser is connected to an upper face of the base
ring, and an upper end of each riser is connected to a lower face
of the top ring, and wherein an outer radial surface of the
intermediate ring is connected to an inside lateral surface of the
risers; and a screen connected to an outside lateral surface of the
risers opposite the intermediate rings; wherein the storm sewer
drainage filter is configured to be installed to extend upwards
from the storm drain opening and above the ground or pavement
elevation.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a lifting bar
connected to the top ring.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the screen comprises at
least one of a metal, plastic, and geotextile.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of
intermediate rings that are asymmetrically spaced along a height of
the risers.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a greater number of
intermediate rings are closer to the base ring than the top
ring.
21. A method for fitting a storm sewer grate filter apparatus to a
storm sewer opening and filtering solid materials, the method
comprising: providing an above grade drainage grate filter having a
frame and screen supported by the frame, wherein the drainage grate
filter is adapted to engage the storm sewer opening; allowing
debris transported by storm water flow to accumulate around the
exterior of the drainage grate filter; and clearing the debris from
the exterior of the drainage grate filter.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of installing the
storm sewer drainage grate filter includes lifting the drainage
grate filter with a lifting bar.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the screen comprises metal.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the frame comprises: a base
ring having a first diameter and being adapted to engage the storm
drain opening; a top ring having the first diameter; at least one
intermediate ring disposed between the base ring and the top ring,
the intermediate ring having a second diameter, the second diameter
being less than the first diameter; and a plurality of risers that
interconnect the base ring, the top ring, and the intermediate ring
such that each ring is centered on a common vertical axis, wherein
a lower end of each riser is connected to an upper face of the base
ring, and an upper end of each riser is connected to a lower face
of the top ring, and wherein an outer radial surface of the
intermediate ring is connected to an inside lateral surface of the
riser.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the screen is connected to an
outside lateral surface of the risers opposite the intermediate
rings.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the screen comprises a filter
bag.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention is related to a stormwater filtration
apparatus and method of use, and more particularly, to an
above-grade storm sewer filtration apparatus and method of using
the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Surface water runoff is a primary way that sediment and
debris residing on the ground surface is introduced into stormwater
systems, including storm sewers. Surface water runoff sweeps
sediment and materials into the flowing water and sends it into the
stormwater systems. To address this problem, sites are increasingly
using systems for screening and/or filtering out sediment and other
materials prior to allowing the surface water to be discharged into
surface waterways, such as rivers and streams. Thus, one way of
mitigating sediment and materials from entering the waterways is to
use one or more systems or apparatus for screening and/or filtering
out sediment and debris prior to allowing the surface water to
enter storm sewers.
[0003] Many devices found in the prior art are designed to be
positioned within the storm sewer, or within a vault associated
with the storm sewer. For example, U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2004/0016692 discloses a filtration bag that is
positioned below an inlet grate of the storm sewer. Similarly, U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0183997 discloses a
cylindrically configured filter basket system that is positioned
below grade at a street curb. Likewise, U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2003/0034286 discloses a cylindrically configured
filter that resides in a catch basin placed below the ground
surface.
[0004] In all the above-summarized U.S. Patent Application
Publications, the filtering device is positioned below grade.
However, depending upon site-specific conditions, such devices can
be difficult to access for removal of accumulated sediment and
debris. Such below grade filters may require a two-person cleaning
and inspection team because a first person performs the work while
second person monitors safety conditions, or alternatively, the
second person assists with the efforts associated with the cleaning
process. Thus, there is a need for a storm sewer filtration
apparatus that provides improved maintenance capabilities after
sediment and/or debris has been trapped or otherwise prevented from
entering the storm sewer. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to
provide an above-grade filtering device.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a
storm sewer drainage grate filter is provided for filtering
sediment and debris at ground level. In accordance with at least
one embodiment of the present invention, the drainage grate filter
includes: (1) a base ring sized to fit over the storm sewer inlet;
(2) a top ring; (3) at least one intermediate ring; (4) a plurality
of risers connecting the top ring, base ring and the at least one
intermediate ring; and (5) a passage limiting structure, such as a
screen or perforated material wrapped around the exterior of the
support structure.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the support structure of the
drainage grate filter comprises a plurality of risers, the ends of
which are connected to the upper face of the base ring and the
lower face of the top ring. Further, the support structure
comprises one or more smaller intermediate rings installed between
the top and base rings along the same axis. Further, the exterior
radial surface of the intermediate rings is joined to the interior
lateral surface of the risers so as to provide supplemental
strength against buckling of the risers caused by side or lateral
loading resulting from sediment, debris, and/or hydraulic water
pressure. Alternatively, the intermediate rings may be of a larger
diameter than the top and bottom rings.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the top ring, base ring, support
structure, and screen are all made of steel. Further, the screen is
made of expanded metal. Alternatively, the screen can be made of a
perforated metal or metal mesh. The screen can also be made of a
plastic and/or geosynthetic material, such as a geogrid, geonet,
and/or geotextile filtering media either used alone or in
conjunction with a metal screen.
[0008] An alternative embodiment uses square or rectangular rings
instead of circular rings consistent with the shape of the storm
sewer opening being square or rectangular rather than circular. Yet
another alternative embodiment utilizes riser members for the
support structure that are not vertical and/or straight. That is,
the risers may be oriented other than perpendicular to the ground,
and/or the risers may be non-linear.
[0009] In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention, an existing storm sewer grate or cover is removed and
replaced by a drainage grate filter comprising the present
invention, wherein a base ring of the drainage grate filter is
positioned in the space formerly occupied by the storm sewer grate
or cover. The support structure of the drainage grate filter
extends upward from the storm sewer entry. Although possible, it is
not necessary to fixedly attach the drainage grate filter to the
storm sewer entry because the weight of the drainage grate filter
should generally be sufficient to hold the drainage grate filter in
place.
[0010] Maintenance personnel can access the drainage grate filter
for installation, inspection, and cleaning without having to enter
or reach inside the storm sewer. More particularly, embodiments of
the present invention advantageously provide access to the drainage
grate filter at ground level, which allows for relatively easy
installation, maintenance, and removal operations associated with
the gathering and removal of accumulated sediment and/or debris
that is retained by the drainage grate filter. Thus, the present
invention is generally more accessible than prior art devices that
require positioning below grade level.
[0011] Various embodiments of the present invention are set forth
in the attached figures and in the detailed description of the
invention as provided herein and as embodied by the claims. It
should be understood, however, that this Summary does not contain
all of the aspects and embodiments of the present invention, is not
meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner, and that the
invention as disclosed herein is and will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art to encompass obvious improvements and
modifications thereto.
[0012] Additional advantages of the present invention will become
readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when
taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A with
screen top;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top portion of a
preferred embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an alternative perspective view of the top portion
of a preferred embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment
looking down from the top portion through the middle of the
invention at the storm sewer opening;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation view of a portion of the
frame of a preferred embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present invention is directed to an above grade sewer
drainage grate filter. The grate filter of the present invention
has a number of distinct advantages over prior art grate filters.
First, an above grade device is safer because it can be accessed at
ground level rather than requiring entry into a confined space such
as a sewer. Second, an above grade filtering device is easier to
inspect and clean when necessary. Below grade filters require one
person and sometimes a two-person team to inspect and clean them
via either an access hole or by entering a confined space that may
contain noxious gases and/or other hazards. Finally, an above grade
filtering device is easier to install than a below grade filtering
device, because all that is required to install an above grade
filtering device is to set the device in place of the
grate/cover.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 1A, a storm sewer drainage grate
filter constructed according to embodiments of the present
invention is generally identified by numeral 10. The drainage grate
filter 10 is installed above grade and includes a frame 15 and a
passage limiting structure, such as a screen 26 supported by the
frame 15. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention, the frame 15 includes a base ring 14, a top ring 32 and,
one or more intermediate rings 22. The rings 14, 22, and 32 are
interconnected by a plurality of risers 18. The frame 15, including
the risers 18 and the rings 14, 22 and 32, forms a support
structure for a screen 26. The base ring 14 of drainage grate
filter 10 is intended to be installed on top of a storm sewer entry
in place of a storm sewer grate. The risers 18 extend upward from
the base ring 14. The screen 26 is wrapped around the support
structure to allow surface water runoff to flow, but substantially
prevent debris or other solid matter from entering the interior of
the grate filter and subsequently the storm sewer. A cover or lid
for the filtering device can be obtained in case the amount of
debris retained on the sides cause the water to overtop the device.
The lid may also serve to limit or prevent the unwanted placement
of trash in the drainage grate filter 10 by people. FIG. 1B
illustrates the drainage grate filter 10 having a screened top 33,
wherein the screen 26 of the screened top 33 is located under
lifting bar 30, discussed in more detail below. Of course, as those
skilled in the art will appreciate, alternate configurations exist
for providing a screened, covered or access limited top portion to
the drainage grate filter, and such alternative are also
encompassed by the scope of the present invention.
[0024] As used herein the term screen 26 refers to any media that
can be wrapped or placed around the interior or exterior of the
frame 15 that allows liquids to pass through it but limits passage
of solid matter. By way of example and not limitation, the screen
26 may be made of any combination of a metal mesh, expanded metal,
or perforated metal. Further, the screen 26 may utilize a plastic
or geosynthetic material, such as a geotextile material used either
alone or in conjunction with a screen 26 comprising a material made
of metal. As used herein, a geotextile includes woven or non-woven
fabrics including materials made of natural and/or man-made
products. By way of further example, the screen 26 may include or
may be fitted with a geotech fabric bag or other geosynthetic
material that is slipped downward over the part or all of the
drainage grate filter 10 to further reduce the openings and limit
passage of materials.
[0025] By way of example and not limitation the risers 18 shown in
FIG. 1A are substantially vertical. However, non-vertical risers
are within the scope of the invention. As can be appreciated, such
non-vertical risers may be used in connection with rings of
different diameters.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, the top portion of the drainage
grate filter 10 is shown, including portions of the frame 15. As
can be seen, the frame 15 includes the base ring 14 and the top
ring 32 interconnected by a plurality of risers 18. Optionally, one
or more intermediate rings 22 are disposed between the base ring 14
and the top ring 32. In accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, and as best seen in FIG. 5, the lower end 36 of each
riser 18 is joined to the upper face 38 of the base ring 14.
Similarly, the upper end 40 of each riser 18 is joined to the lower
face 42 of the top ring 32. Alternatively, the ends of risers 18
may be joined to the exterior radial surface of the top ring 32 and
base ring 14, or the interior radial surface of the top ring 32 and
base ring 14.
[0027] As noted, one or more intermediate rings 22 may be joined to
the risers 18 between the top ring 32 and base ring 14. The top
ring 32, base ring 14, and the intermediate rings 22 are all
centered on a common vertical axis. In accordance with embodiments
of the present invention, the diameter of the intermediate rings 22
may be less than the diameter of the base ring 14 and the top ring
32. Accordingly, the exterior radial surface 44 of the intermediate
rings 22 may be joined to the inside lateral surface 46 of the
risers 18 that face the vertical axis. In this embodiment, the
intermediate rings 22 are advantageously disposed in a position to
support the screen 26 against pressures exerted by external debris
and fluid flow. In accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention, the diameter of the intermediate rings 22 may be
greater than the diameter of the base ring 14 and top ring 32.
Accordingly, the interior radial surface of the intermediate rings
22 may be joined to the surface of the risers 18 that face away
from the vertical axis. In accordance with still other embodiments
of the present invention, the diameter of the intermediate rings 22
may be the same as the diameter of the base ring 14 and top ring
32. Accordingly, the risers 18 may be divided into segments wherein
each segment interconnects only two rings.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows the drainage grate filter 10 viewed from above
the drainage grate filter 10 and looking down into the interior.
For clarity, the upper portion or top of the drainage grate filter
is not shown in FIG. 4. In accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, the base ring 14 of the drainage grate filter 10
may include one or more substantially horizontal members 34
crossing the base ring 14 and joined to the interior radial surface
48 of the base ring 14. The horizontal members 34 form a secondary
safety grating and also act as a filter grate serving as a backup
to the screen 26. In particular, the horizontal members 34 prevent
unauthorized or accidental access to the storm water sewer.
Furthermore, in the event that the surrounding water level rises
above the height of the top ring 32, debris may flow over the top
ring 32 and into the interior of the drainage grate filter 10, and
should this occur, the horizontal bars 34 prevent larger pieces of
debris or trash from entering the sewer.
[0029] The drainage grate filter 10 may optionally be equipped with
a lifting bar 30 to aid the placement and removal of the drainage
grate filter 10. In accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, the lifting bar 30 may be a curved bar that is attached
to opposite ends of the top ring 32. Alternatively, and by way of
example and not limitation, the lifting bar 30 may be substituted
with, or otherwise used with, a hook, eye bolt, and/or cable, chain
or strap attached to any part of the drainage grate filter 10 to
assist in the placement and removal of the drainage grate filter
10. Referring again to FIG. 1B, embodiments of the present
invention may also include a screened top 33, or alternatively, a
cover, lid or a series of bars or cage located at or near the top
ring 32 to prevent access to the interior of the drainage grate
filter 10, and to limit or prevent the placement of trash within
the drainage grate filter 10. For the configuration shown in FIG.
1B, the lifting bar 30 is situated above the screen 26 of the
screened top 33 to allow the drainage grate filter 10 to be lifted
without damaging the screen 26.
[0030] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the
frame 15 of grate filter 10 may be made of a weldable metal. By way
of example and not limitation, weldable metals include steel and
aluminum alloys. In accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, the risers 18, rings 14, 22, 32, lifting bar 30, and
horizontal members 34 are solid steel bars or rods preferably
having sizes of between 1/4 inch to 11/2 inch diameter, and more
preferably of between about 1/2 inch to 11/4 inch diameter, and
more preferably yet, of between about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in
diameter. Furthermore, the weldable components of the drainage
grate filter 10 may be joined together via welded connections.
Alternatively, the frame 15 of drainage grate filter 10 may be
constructed, at least in part, of a non-weldable material, such as
cast iron and concrete. Further, the components of the grate filter
10 may be joined together via non-welded connections. By way of
example and not limitation, such non-welded connections include
press-fit, soldered, bolted, screwed, and glued connections.
[0031] The components of the drainage gate filter 10, may be of any
cross-section. By way of example and not limitation, such
cross-sections may include that of a circle, square, and
rectangle.
[0032] In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
invention, the filter 10 is adapted to fit a rectangular shaped
storm sewer opening. In particular, the base ring 14, top ring 32,
and intermediate rings 22 have a rectangular shape. Furthermore,
embodiments of the present invention may not include a separate
component comprising the screen 26. In particular, the risers 18
may be spaced closely enough to act as the filtering mechanism.
Alternatively or in addition, the drainage grate filter 10 may
include a greater number of intermediate rings 22 that are spaced
closely enough to act as the filtering mechanism.
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention comprise sizes suitable
for replacing existing storm sewer grates, such as 2-foot diameter
circular grates; however, as those skilled in the art will
appreciate, other sizes can also be used. In addition, the drainage
grate filter may vary in height, with typical heights of between 2
to 5 feet, and more preferably, with heights between about 2.5 to
4.5 feet, and more preferably yet, with heights between about 3.0
to 4.0 feet. In one preferred embodiment, the drainage grate filter
10 comprises sixteen (16) risers 18 having a height of about 4
feet, wherein the risers 18 are spaced apart around a 2-foot
diameter circular base ring 14. The drainage grate filter 10
preferably includes at least one intermediate ring 22, or
alternatively, a plurality of intermediate rings 22. By way of
example and not limitation, the drainage grate filter 10 may
include two intermediate rings 22, where a first intermediate ring
22 is located about 1 foot 4 inches above the base ring 14, and a
second intermediate ring 22 is located about 2 feet 8 inches above
the base ring 14, and wherein the top ring 32 is located about 4
feet above the base ring 14. Alternatively, the drainage grate
filter 10 may comprise a plurality of intermediate rings 22,
wherein the intermediate rings are not equally spaced between the
base ring 14 and top ring 32.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of the drainage
grate filter 10 with portions of the screen 26 omitted for clarity
to show the structure of the drainage grate filter 10. As best seen
in FIG. 6, such configurations of intermediate rings 22 may be
preferentially situated lower in elevation, that is, nearer the
base ring 14, wherein the concentrated number of intermediate rings
22 near the base ring 14 advantageously provides lateral support
for the lower portions of the risers 18 that experience higher
lateral loading because of increased sediment thicknesses and/or
storm water hydraulic pressures that are applied to the lower
portions of the risers 18.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 7, and in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention, a wrap, covering or filter bag 52 may be
used to cover the drainage grate filter 10', wherein the drainage
grate filter 10' does not include a separate layer of screen 26
around the frame 15. That is, the filter bag 52 alone serves as the
screen 26. The filter bag 52 provides a disposable structure for
limiting infiltration into the frame 15 of the drainage grate
filter 10'. The filter bag 52 is preferably a geosynthetic type
material, such as a woven or non-woven geotextile. The filter bag
52 preferably includes a drawstring 56 that can be used to tighten
the filter bag 52 around the base or other portion of the drainage
grate filter 10'. Alternatively, other means for releasably
securing the filter bag 52 to the frame 15 may be used, such as
fasteners, elastic cords, eyelets and hooks, etc. In use, the
filter bag 52 is slipped over the frame 15 to cover the frame
15.
[0036] Although the filter bag 52 is shown in FIG. 7 with frame 15
that is not surrounded by a screen 26, in an alternative
embodiment, a filter bag 52 may be used with a drainage grate
filter 10 that has screen 26, such as the configuration shown in
FIG. 6. Such combination of first and second layers of filter
material can be advantageously used to limit infiltration of finer
particles into the storm sewer. Such combination of dual filter
layers may be appropriate for installation at sites having storm
water runoff that is carrying a relatively heavy load of sediment.
Of course, if the sediment-rich runoff is temporary, once the
sediment load is reduced, such as after adjacent properties are
covered with sod, use of the filter bag 52 may be ended. Thus, use
of a filter bag 52 may be substantially continuous or may be only
temporary.
[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suited
for use in parking lots and/or industrial locations where debris
(including non-organic materials and/or organic matter, such as
branches), trash and/or sediment needs to be prevented from
entering the storm sewer. For example, many shopping mall parking
areas and parking lots at gathering areas for large public events
(e.g., concerts, sporting events, carnivals, etc.) often accumulate
trash and other debris. Use of the drainage grate filters at storm
sewer openings at these locations can prevent the trash and/or
debris from entering the storm sewer during or after the storm
event, while also subsequently facilitating relatively easy
collection of such retained trash and/or debris above grade because
it collects adjacent to the drainage grate filter.
[0038] The present invention, in various embodiments, includes
components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus
substantially as depicted and described herein, including various
embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill
in the art will understand how to make and use the present
invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present
invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and
processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described
herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence
of such items as may have been used in previous devices or
processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or
reducing cost of implementation.
[0039] It is to be noted that the term "a" or "an" entity refers to
one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one
or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It
is also to be noted that the terms "comprising", "including", and
"having" can be used interchangeably.
[0040] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not
intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed
herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various
features of the invention are grouped together in one or more
embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This
method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the claimed invention requires more features than
are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of
a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims
are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each
claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0041] Moreover, though the description of the invention has
included description of one or more embodiments and certain
variations and modifications, other variations and modifications
are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the
skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the
present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include
alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including
alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,
ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter. We claim all modifications
and variation coming within the spirit and scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *