U.S. patent application number 12/008929 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for pre-cast concrete column and method of fabrication.
Invention is credited to Hanns U. Baumann.
Application Number | 20090178356 12/008929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40849456 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090178356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baumann; Hanns U. |
July 16, 2009 |
Pre-cast concrete column and method of fabrication
Abstract
A column cage may comprise a plurality of column grids. The
column grids may be formed with a plurality of longitudinal rebars.
Also, the column grid may have a plurality of transverse rebars
attached atop the plurality of longitudinal rebars. The transverse
rebars may be attached to the longitudinal rebars. Four vertically
extending rebars may be charged through the plurality of column
grids at the four corners of column grids. The column grid may be
held firmly to the vertically extending charged rebars with wire
ties. Additionally, adjacent column cages may be connected to each
other with a swedged on coupler.
Inventors: |
Baumann; Hanns U.; (Laguna
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
40849456 |
Appl. No.: |
12/008929 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/414 ; 52/252;
52/649.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 3/34 20130101; E04C
5/0604 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/414 ; 52/252;
52/649.2 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/18 20060101
E04B001/18; E04B 1/19 20060101 E04B001/19; E04H 12/12 20060101
E04H012/12; E04B 1/21 20060101 E04B001/21 |
Claims
1. A concrete column comprising: a plurality of prefabricated grids
disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other,
the prefabricated grids being vertically aligned to each other,
each of the prefabricated grids having a rectangular configuration
defining four corners; four rebars charged through the
prefabricated grids and respectively disposed adjacent the four
corners of the prefabricated grids; and concrete encapsulating the
prefabricated grids and at least a portion of the four rebars.
2. The concrete column of claim 1 wherein each of the prefabricated
grids have first, second, third and fourth rebars disposed parallel
to each other and spaced apart from each other, and each of the
prefabricated grids have fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rebars
disposed transverse to the first, second, third and fourth rebars,
attached to the first, second, third and fourth rebars and spaced
apart from each other.
3. The concrete column of claim 1 consisting essentially of: a
first rebar charged through the prefabricated grids adjacent an
intersection of the first and fifth rebars; a second rebar charged
through the prefabricated grids adjacent an intersection of the
fourth and eighth rebars; a third rebar charged through the
prefabricated grids adjacent an intersection of the first and
fourth rebars; and a fourth rebar charged through the prefabricated
grids adjacent an intersection of the fifth and eighth rebars.
4. The concrete column of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
prefabricated grids is expanded to a total length greater than
thirty feet.
5. The concrete column of claim 4 wherein the plurality of
prefabricated grids is expanded to a total length up to a length of
the four rebars.
6. A concrete structure comprising: a first concrete column
comprising: a plurality of prefabricated grids disposed parallel to
each other and spaced apart from each other, the prefabricated
grids being vertically aligned to each other, each of the
prefabricated grids having a rectangular configuration defining
four corners; four rebars charged through the prefabricated grids
and respectively disposed adjacent the four corners of the
prefabricated grids; and concrete encapsulating the prefabricated
grids and at least a portion of the four rebars; and a second
concrete column comprising: a plurality of prefabricated grids
disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other,
the prefabricated grids being vertically aligned to each other,
each of the prefabricated grids having a rectangular configuration
defining four corners; and four rebars charged through the
prefabricated grids and respectively disposed adjacent the four
corners of the prefabricated grids; four couplers attached to
corresponding rebars of the first and second concrete columns.
7. The concrete structure of claim 6 wherein the four couplers are
swedged on couplers.
8. The concrete structure of claim 6 wherein less rebar couplers
are used to interconnect the first and second concrete columns
compared to prior art concrete columns of similar size fabricated
by column grids comprising a plurality of rebars held together by
wire ties.
9. The concrete structure of claim 7 wherein the swedged on
couplers each have an inner diameter sized and configured to be
press fit onto the rebars of the first and second concrete columns.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,573,
filed on Jun. 3, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,580, filed on May 6,
1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,973, filed on Apr.22, 1994, the
entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present invention relates to a concrete column, and a
method for forming the same.
[0004] Prior art concrete columns are formed from a lattice work of
rebars. In particular, vertically extending rebars are held in
position by a plurality of equally spaced apart grids, as shown in
FIG. 1. The grids are formed by bending short lengths of rebar and
are held together by wire ties. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, a square grid for holding in place twelve vertically
extending rebars is shown. The grid is comprised of five different
pieces of rebar. The first rebar is bent in a generally square
shape having four rounded corners. The distal ends of the first
rebar are bent inward toward the center of the grid. The other four
rebars each have an L-shaped end and a J-shaped end laid upon the
first rebar to form the grid. In particular, two of the four rebars
are laid on top of the first rebar perpendicularly with respect to
the other two of the four rebars which are laid below the first
rebar. The five pieces of rebars are held together with a plurality
of wire ties. A plurality of grids are formed. The twelve
vertically extending rebars are then charged through the grids at
the locations indicated in FIG. 1. The grids are held in place to
the charged rebar with wire ties.
[0005] One deficiency of the prior art lattice work of grids and
vertically extending rebars is that there are many crevices, voids
and pockets between the five pieces of rebars that make up the
grid, as shown in FIG. 2. These voids are typically very difficult
to fill with concrete. Construction workers attempt to fill these
pockets or voids by vibrating the wet concrete poured into a form
surrounding the lattice work of grids and vertically extending
rebars. Unfortunately, these voids may not be filled even with
vibration thereby weakening the concrete column formed
therefrom.
[0006] Another deficiency in the lattice work of grids and rebars
is the enormous amount of weight of the material required to form
the concrete column. In particular, the grid comprises rebars
overlapping one another. The overlapping rebars add unnecessary
weight to the concrete column. Moreover, the wire ties used to hold
the rebars together add additional unnecessary weight to the
concrete column. The additional weight due to overlapping rebars
and the plurality of wire ties place an additional load on the
concrete column such that the concrete column is able to withstand
less stress from earthquakes and other forces.
[0007] Another source of voids and pockets within the concrete
column is the protuberances (i.e., distal ends of first rebar and
J-shaped ends of the other four rebars) of the rebar that are bent
inward toward the center of the grid and the plurality of wire ties
holding the rebars together. When wet concrete is poured in the
form surrounding the lattice work of grids and vertically extending
rebars, the concrete must work its way around and under each of the
protuberances and wire ties. Unfortunately, due to the viscosity of
the wet concrete, the concrete may not be able to work its way
around each and every protuberance within the lattice work of grids
and vertically extending rebar.
[0008] Another deficiency in the lattice work of grids and rebars
is the inaccuracy of the placement of the five rebars that make up
one grid and placement of the twelve vertically extending rebars
within the plurality of vertically stacked grids. In particular,
the five rebars are bent to form the structure shown in FIG. 1.
Unfortunately, bending rebar is not accurate, and thus, the five
rebars are not accurately placed in relation to each other.
Moreover, the inaccuracy of the bent rebars is further accentuated
because they are held together by wire ties since the lattice work
of grids is inaccurate to begin with, the twelve vertically
extending rebars are inaccurately placed within the lattice work of
grids. The resulting concrete column formed from the column cage is
not very rigid. Thus, the resulting concrete column is subject to
breakage or failure upon the occurrence of an earthquake or other
force.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved
concrete column.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] The column cage described herein and the concrete column
formed by the column cage addresses the deficiencies identified
above, discussed below and those that are known in the art.
[0011] The column cage may comprise a plurality of equally spaced
apart column grids attached to vertically extending rebars. Each of
the column grids may comprise a plurality of longitudinal rebars
equally spaced apart from each other. A plurality of transverse
rebars equally spaced apart from each other may be attached to the
longitudinal rebars to form a plurality of orthogonal cells. By way
of example and not limitation, to form one column grid, four
longitudinal rebars may be equally spaced apart from each other.
Four transverse rebars may have a length equal to about the
longitudinal rebars. These four transverse rebars may be attached
atop the longitudinal rebars. The transverse rebars may be attached
(e.g., welding, etc.) to the longitudinal rebars at the point at
which the transverse rebars contact the longitudinal rebars.
Accordingly, such construction has an absence of protuberances
which project inward toward the center of the column grid. The wet
concrete is able to more easily flow through the column cage. As
such, when wet concrete is poured into the form and through the
column cage, the wet concrete fills the form surrounding the column
cage such that the resulting concrete column has substantially no
voids or pockets of air. Moreover, the column cage is not loosely
held together by wire ties but is rigidly held together by welding
and the like. Also, the resulting concrete column has substantially
no voids or pockets of air. The resulting concrete column provides
a more rigid and stronger concrete column compared to prior art
concrete columns discussed in the background.
[0012] The column grid may have a generally square or rectangular
configuration. The column grid may define four corners. The column
cage may have less than twelve vertically extending rebars charged
through the plurality of column grids. Preferably, the column cage
has four vertically extending rebars charged through the plurality
of column grids. Even though the column cage has less vertically
extending rebars compared to the prior art, the concrete column
formed by the column cage is more rigid compared to prior art
concrete columns formed by the method discussed in the background.
One benefit of having less vertically extending rebars charged
through the column grids is that the wet concrete is able to more
easily flow through the plurality or lattice work of column grids
and vertically extending rebars to fill any voids or pockets of air
that might be formed during the concrete pouring process.
[0013] The concrete column formed with the column cage discussed
herein is more rigid compared to the prior art concrete column. As
such, an individual column cage may be taller compared to prior art
column cages. Accordingly, less interconnections between column
cages are needed to reach a particular height. Moreover, less
couplers are required to join the vertically extending rebars of
adjacent column cages.
[0014] The construction of the column cages discussed herein
produces a column cage which is generally lighter but stronger
compared to prior art column cages discussed in the background.
[0015] In an aspect of the concrete column, adjacent column cages
may be interconnected to each other with a swedged on coupler, a
threaded coupler, or any other coupler known in the art or
developed in the future.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art column grid with twelve
rebars charged therethrough;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the column grid shown in FIG. 1
illustrating spaces between the rebars used to fabricate the column
grid;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a concrete column formed with a column
cage discussed in the detailed description and a second column cage
interconnected to the concrete column with rebar couplers;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the column
cage;
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of column grids stacked upon
each other with rebar(s) being charged therethrough; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the rebars being
interconnected to each other via a swedged on coupler.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, column cages 10a, b are shown. Each
of the column cages 10a, b may be fabricated in a manner so as to
be longer than a standard prior art column cage. In particular,
prior art column cages are typically fabricated in thirty feet
length. In contrast, the column cages 10a, b shown in the drawings
may be fabricated in lengths 11 longer than thirty feet. Since
rebar is typically provided in sixty feet length, the column cages
10a, b may each be fabricated up to sixty feet long. However, in
the event that rebar greater than sixty feet can be provided, the
column cages 10a, b may each be fabricated greater than sixty feet
and up to the length of the rebar. Since the column cages 10a, b
may be fabricated in a length 11 longer than standard prior art
column cages, fewer column cages 10a, b are interconnected to each
other to reach a required height. Accordingly, less rebar couplers
44, 50 are needed to couple column cages 10a, b together and also
greater heights may be reached in a shorter amount of time compared
to the prior art. It has been found that concrete columns may be
fabricated with 75% less labor compared to prior art concrete
columns.
[0024] Moreover, less rebars are charged through the column grids
12 compared to prior art column cages. By way of example and not
limitation, less than twelve rebars 22 are charged through the
column grids 12. Preferably, only four rebars 22 are charged
through the column grids 12. In contrast, prior art column cages
for forming concrete columns having a substantially equal cross
sectional area as that formed by the column cage 10 has more
charged vertically extending rebars, specifically, twelve
vertically extending rebars.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4, the column cages 10a, b may each
have four vertically extending rebars 22 charged through column
grids 12 along the longitudinal vertical direction of the column
cage 10a, b. In prior art column cages used to form a concrete
column of approximate equal cross sectional area as concrete column
fabricated with the column cage described in the detailed
description, twelve rebars are charged through the column cage
along its longitudinal length as shown in FIG. 1 and discussed in
the background. In contrast, only four vertically extending rebars
are charged through the column cages 10a, b described herein.
Beneficially, only four sets of corresponding rebars in the column
cages 10a, b are coupled instead of the twelve corresponding rebars
in prior art column cages. This results in time saving and a
lighter concrete column.
[0026] The column cages 10a, b may each comprise a plurality of
column grids 12 equally spaced apart from and parallel to each
other along the longitudinal axis of the column cages 10a, b. Each
of the column grids 12 may comprise a plurality of first or
longitudinal wire members 14 disposed perpendicularly to a
plurality of second or transverse wire members 16, or vice versa.
The first wire members 14 may be spaced apart equally and disposed
parallel from each other. Likewise the second wire members 16 may
be equally spaced apart and parallel from each other. The first
longitudinal wire members 14 may be placed atop the second wire
members 16. The first wire members 14 may be attached (e.g.,
welded, adhered, tied, etc.) to the second wire members 16 at or
about the points of contact between the first and second wire
members 14, 16. Preferably, the first wire member 14 is welded to
the second wire member 16 at the point of contact therebetween.
[0027] More particularly, the column grids 12 may each comprise
four longitudinal wire members 14 and four transverse wire members
16. The longitudinal and transverse wire members 14, 16 generally
define a square outer periphery. The longitudinal and transverse
wire members 14, 16 may form a plurality of orthogonal cells (e.g.,
nine cells). The total area of the column grid 12 may be
approximately equal to or slightly less than the cross sectional
area of the column 18 to be fabricated from the column cages 10a,
b.
[0028] The longitudinal and transverse wire members 14, 16 may
generally define a square or rectangular outer periphery. Each of
the column grids 12 may have four corners. Wire ties 20 may be
attached to each of the four corners. The wire ties 20 may be
prepositioned and attached (e.g., welded, attached, etc.) to either
the longitudinal wire member 14 or the transverse wire member 16.
To assemble the column cage 10, rebar 22 is charged through the
plurality of column grids 12 at each of the four corners.
Preferably, one rebar 22 is charged in the plurality of column
grids 12 at an interior side of each of the four corners. After the
charging process, the column grids 12 may be expanded as shown in
FIG. 4. The wire ties 20 are then firmly wrapped around each of the
charged rebars to firmly hold or secure the charged rebar 22 in
place.
[0029] Each of the prepositioned ties 20 may be firmly attached at
one end thereof to either the longitudinal wire member 14 or the
transverse wire member 16. Those skilled in the art will recognize
the various means (e.g., welding, hot glue, etc.) that are suitable
for attaching the ties 20 to the longitudinal or transverse wire
members 14, 16. The other end of each tie 20 may be disposed
proximate an intersecting transverse or longitudinal wire member
16, 14 such that after charging the rebars 22 through the column
grids 12, the wire ties 20 may be easily tightened about the
charged rebars 22.
[0030] The use of such ties 20 with a prefabricated column grid 12
permits the rebar to be positioned within about 1/16'' of its
intended location. Such close tolerance positioning of the charged
rebar 22 minimizes metal usage, improves structural strength, and
reduces the amount of time in labor required to form the column
cage 10. These consistently exact dimensions improve the
reliability of the reinforced concrete structure and permit them to
withstand violent earthquake forces.
[0031] Strength of the column cage 10 is improved since each of the
rebars 22 is confined within a welded corner of the column grid 12.
This increases the rigidity of the column cage 10 such that the
column cage 10 does not tend to distort or corkscrew when erected.
Accordingly, the resulting rigidity and high tolerance construction
of the column cage 10 therefore substantially enhances and improves
the erection process. In particular, the column cage 10 may be
fabricated greater than thirty feet in length which is the typical
length of prior art column cages 10. Accordingly, fewer column
cages 10 are interconnected to each other for a given height
compared to prior art column cages.
[0032] The column grids 12 may be stacked upon each other for
storage and transportation as shown in FIG. 5. After the column
grids 12 are stacked upon each other, they may be shrink wrapped to
facilitate handling. Shrink wrapping the stacked column grids 12
helps to prevent movement of the grids 12 relative to one another
during shipping and handling.
[0033] With particular reference to FIG. 5, the charging process of
the rebar 22 is illustrated. During charging, a plurality of rebars
22 are pushed through the cells of the plurality of column grids 12
at the four corners thereof. Charging of the rebar 22 may be
performed with the column grids 12 still stacked and shrink
wrapped. By charging the shrink wrapped column grids 12, the
individual column grids 12 may be maintained in a desired
configuration which facilitates their handling, and thus, makes the
charging process easier. This is accomplished by pushing the rebar
22 through the plastic shrink wrap. In particular, four rebars 22
may be charged through the stacked and shrink wrapped column grids
12. One rebar 22 may be disposed at each corner. Each of the rebars
22 may pass through the ties 20 disposed at the four corners of the
column grids 12. After the rebars 22 are charged through the
stacked and shrink wrapped column grids 12, the plastic shrink wrap
may be removed from the stacked column grids 12. The stacked column
grids 12 may then be expanded along the length of the rebars 22.
Preferably, the column grids 12 are separated equidistant from each
other and generally in parallel relationship with one another or
generally perpendicular to the rebars 22. The ties 20 attached to
the column grids 12 may then be tightened to the charged rebars to
securely attach the individual column grids 12 to the charged
rebars 22. This forms the column cage 10.
[0034] The rebars 22 may be charged through the plurality of column
grids 12 via the method and device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,392,580, filed May 6, 1992, the entire content of which is
expressly incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the stacked
and shrink wrapped column grids 12 may be supported by elongate
sections. The rebars 22 may then be charged through the stacked and
shrink wrapped column grids 12. After the rebars 22 are charged
through the column grids 12, the shrink wrap may be removed from
the stacked column grids 12. The column grids may be separated from
each other at equi-distant spaces. Thereafter, the wire ties 20 may
be wrapped around the rebar 22 to securely hold the rebars 22 in
place. The elongate rebar sections may be removed from the
plurality of column grids 12.
[0035] In an aspect of the column cage 10 described herein, it is
contemplated that the column cages 10 may be erected on site or
pre-fabricate off site and transported (e.g., truck) to the site of
use.
[0036] After forming column cage 10 as described above, the column
cage 10 may be erected on the ground as shown in FIG. 3. Concrete
forms are secured about the column cage 10 and wet concrete is then
poured into the forms. The concrete forms are typically comprised
of fiber glass or steel. As in prior art concrete column
construction, the concrete substantially encapsulates the column
cage 10. After pouring the concrete into the form, it is typically
vibrated to minimize voids or air pockets formed therein during the
pouring process. The column grids 12 enhance the pouring of
concrete to eliminate voids or pockets of air because the
extraneous protuberances are eliminated which would otherwise
inhibit the flow of wet concrete through the plurality of column
grids 12 and vertically extending rebars 22. Furthermore, the
amount of wire ties is reduced because only four wire ties are
required instead of twelve. Additionally, the rebars forming the
column grids 12 are not overlapping thereby reducing the overall
weight of the column cage 10.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3, a plurality of column cages 10a, b
may be interconnected to each other until a required height is
achieved. In particular, a first column cage 10a may be disposed
vertically on the ground 38. A form may be secured about the column
cage 10a and concrete poured within the form. At this time, the
upper distal end portion 40 of the column cage 10a is not
encapsulated with concrete. A second column cage 10b may be
vertically disposed on the upper distal end portion 40 of the first
column cage 10a. The first and second column cages 10a, b may each
have vertically extending rebars 22 which are aligned to each
other. As such, a lower distal end portion 42 of the second column
cage 10b having four rebars 22 may be aligned to the upper distal
end portions of the four rebars 22 of the first column cage
10a.
[0038] A rebar coupler 44 may be used to attach the four rebars 22
of the first column cage 10a to the four rebars 22 of the second
column cage 10b. Examples of various rebar couplers 44 that may be
used to interconnect the vertically extending rebars of the column
cages 10a, b are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,305,573; 5,459,973;
and 5,606,839, the entire contents of which are expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
[0039] Alternatively, the rebar coupler 44 may be a swedged on
coupler 50, as shown in FIG. 6. During assembly, the four
vertically extending rebars 22 of the column cage 10a extend
upward. Concrete does not encapsulate the upper distal end portions
46 of the vertically extending rebars 22. The swedged on couplers
50 may have an elongate cylindrical configuration, as shown in FIG.
6. An inner diameter 50 of the coupler 50 may be sized and
configured to the outer diameter 52 of the rebar 22 such that the
swedged on coupler 50 may be pressed fit onto the upper distal end
portion 46 (see FIG. 6) of the rebar 22. One swedged on coupler 50
may be pressed fit onto each of the upper distal end portions 46 of
the rebars 22 of the first column cage 10a (see FIG. 3). The second
column cage 10b may have a plurality of rebars 22. Lower distal end
portions 48 (see FIG. 6) of the rebars 22 of the second column cage
10b may be aligned to respective upper distal end portions 46 of
the rebars of the first column cage 10a. The swedged on couplers 50
may be press fit onto the lower distal end portions 48 of the
rebars 22 of the second column cage 10b.
[0040] Once the second column cage 10b is attached to the first
column cage 10a via the rebar coupler 44 or a swedged on coupler
50, a form may be secured about the upper distal end portion 40 of
the first column cage 10a and at least the lower distal end portion
42 of the second column cage 10b. Concrete is then poured into the
form to encapsulate the upper distal end portion 40 of the first
column cage 10a and the lower distal end portion 42 of the second
column cage 10b. The poured concrete may now be vibrated to
minimize voids or air pockets formed therein during the pouring
process. The upper distal end portion 40 of the second column cage
10b may not be encapsulated with concrete at this time. A third
column cage may now be attached to the second column cage 10b in
the same manner that the second column cage 10b is attached to the
first column cage 10a discussed above. A plurality of column cages
10 may be attached to each other in the aforementioned process
until a desired height of column cages 10 is reached.
[0041] Since the column cage 10 may be fabricated so as to be
longer than the typical thirty feet prior art column cage, less
interconnections between column cages 10 are required. By way of
example and not limitation, for a ninety feet concrete column 18,
three prior art column cages, each having a length of thirty feet,
are required to meet the ninety feet height requirement. In
contrast, two column cages 10a, b, each having a length of
forty-five feet may be fabricated in the manner described herein
and attached to each other to meet the ninety foot requirement. As
such, only one splice between the column cages 10a, b exist in the
ninety foot column.
[0042] In an aspect of the column cages 10, each of the column
cages 10 are more rigid compared to the prior art column cages.
Accordingly, each of the column cages 10 may be fabricated to be
longer than the typical thirty foot length of prior art column
cages. More particularly, the column cage 10 fabricated in the
method described herein may extend up to sixty feet in length or
more so as to be limited by the length of available rebar in
industry.
[0043] In an aspect of the column cages 10, it has been found that
the labor required to assemble the column cages and stacked
plurality of column cages upon each other was reduced by 75%
compared to prior art column cages and stacking the same.
[0044] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to
the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the
claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *