U.S. patent application number 13/720339 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for economical construction of well screens.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Aaron J. BONNER, Gregory S. CUNNINGHAM, Matthew E. FRANKLIN, Michael L. FRIPP, Stephen M. GRECI, Nicholas A. KUO, Brandon T. LEAST, Caleb T. WARREN.
Application Number | 20130206393 13/720339 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48944653 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130206393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUO; Nicholas A. ; et
al. |
August 15, 2013 |
ECONOMICAL CONSTRUCTION OF WELL SCREENS
Abstract
A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose
filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam,
and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well
screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in
a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been
installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through
the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can
include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space
between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters
fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.
Inventors: |
KUO; Nicholas A.; (Dallas,
TX) ; CUNNINGHAM; Gregory S.; (Grapevine, TX)
; WARREN; Caleb T.; (Richardson, TX) ; LEAST;
Brandon T.; (Dallas, TX) ; FRIPP; Michael L.;
(Carrollton, TX) ; FRANKLIN; Matthew E.;
(Lewisville, TX) ; GRECI; Stephen M.; (McKinney,
TX) ; BONNER; Aaron J.; (Flower Mound, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES,
INC.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
48944653 |
Appl. No.: |
13/720339 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/082 20130101;
E21B 43/08 20130101; E21B 43/088 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
E21B 43/084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/227 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/08 20060101
E21B043/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 13, 2012 |
US |
PCT/US12/24897 |
Claims
1-39. (canceled)
40. A well screen for use in a subterranean well, the well screen
comprising: a generally tubular base pipe; and a filter media
comprising a foam which filters fluid that flows between an
interior and an exterior of the base pipe, wherein a dispersible
material fills pores in the foam.
41. The well screen of claim 40, wherein the dispersible material
comprises polylactic acid.
42. The well screen of claim 40, wherein the dispersible material
comprises a wax.
43. The well screen of claim 40, wherein the dispersible material
comprises a dissolvable material.
44. The well screen of claim 40, wherein the dispersible material
comprises a salt.
45. The well screen of claim 40, wherein the dispersible material
comprises a sugar.
46-93. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC .sctn.119
of the filing date of International Application Serial No.
PCT/US12/24897, filed 13 Feb. 2012. The entire disclosure of this
prior application is incorporated herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and
operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and,
in one example described below, more particularly provides for
economical construction of well screens.
[0003] Well screens are used to filter fluid produced from earth
formations. Well screens remove sand, fines, debris, etc., from the
fluid. It will be appreciated that improvements are continually
needed in the art of constructing well screens.
SUMMARY
[0004] In this disclosure, well screen constructions are provided
which bring improvements to the art. One example is described below
in which a loose material is used as a filtering media. Another
example is described below in which a well construction uses
relatively inexpensive unconventional filtering media, such as
sandstone, square weave wire mesh, foam, fiber wraps, proppant,
stamped metal pieces, etc.
[0005] A well screen for use in a subterranean well is described
below. In one example, the well screen can include a generally
tubular base pipe and a loose filter media proximate the base
pipe.
[0006] In another example, the well screen can include a sandstone
which filters fluid that flows between an interior and an exterior
of the base pipe.
[0007] In another example, the well screen can include at least one
filter media made of a square weave mesh material which filters
fluid that flows between an interior and an exterior of the base
pipe.
[0008] In another example, the well screen can include a filter
media comprising a fiber coil which filters fluid that flows
between an interior and an exterior of the base pipe.
[0009] In another example, the well screen can include a filter
media comprising a foam which filters fluid that flows between an
interior and an exterior of the base pipe.
[0010] In yet another example, the well screen can include a filter
media comprising a nonmetal mesh material which filters fluid that
flows between an interior and an exterior of the base pipe.
[0011] A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well
is also described below. In one example, the method can include
dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after
the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting
a fluid to flow through the filter media.
[0012] A method of constructing a well screen is also described
below. In one example, the method can include positioning a loose
filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud,
so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall
of the base pipe.
[0013] These and other features, advantages and benefits will
become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful
consideration of the detailed description of representative
embodiments of the disclosure hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings, in which similar elements are indicated in the various
figures using the same reference numbers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of
a well system and associated method which can embody principles of
this disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 2A-C representatively illustrate steps in a method of
constructing a well screen, which well screen and method can embody
principles of this disclosure.
[0016] FIGS. 3-10 are representative cross-sectional views of
additional examples of the well screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 for
use with a subterranean well, and an associated method, which
system and method can embody principles of this disclosure.
However, it should be clearly understood that the system 10 and
method are merely one example of an application of this
disclosure's principles in practice. Many other examples are
possible, and so the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all
to any of the details of the system 10 and method described
herein.
[0018] As depicted in FIG. 1, a tubular string 12 (such as a
production tubing string, a testing work string, a completion
string, a gravel packing and/or stimulation string, etc.) is
installed in a wellbore 14 lined with casing 16 and cement 18. The
tubular string 12 in this example includes a packer 20 and a well
screen 22.
[0019] The packer 20 isolates a portion of an annulus 24 formed
radially between the tubular string 12 and the wellbore 14. The
well screen 22 filters fluid 26 which flows into the tubular string
12 from the annulus 24 (and from an earth formation 28 into the
annulus). The well screen 22 in this example includes end
connections 29 (such as internally or externally formed threads,
seals, etc.) for interconnecting the well screen in the tubular
string 12.
[0020] The tubular string 12 may be continuous or segmented, and
made of metal and/or nonmetal material. The tubular string 12 does
not necessarily include the packer 20 or any other particular
item(s) of equipment. Indeed, the tubular string 12 is not even
necessary in keeping with the principles of this disclosure.
[0021] It also is not necessary for the wellbore 14 to be vertical
as depicted in FIG. 1, for the wellbore to be lined with casing 14
or cement 16, for the packer 20 to be used, for the fluid 26 to
flow from the formation 28 into the tubular string 12, etc.
Therefore, it will be appreciated that the details of the system 10
and method do not limit the scope of this disclosure in any
way.
[0022] Several examples of the well screen 22 are described in more
detail below. Each of the examples described below can be
constructed conveniently, rapidly and economically, thereby
improving a cost efficiency of the well system 10 and method, while
effectively filtering the fluid 26.
[0023] In FIGS. 2A-C, a method of constructing one example of the
well screen 22 is representatively illustrated. In this example, a
loose filter media 30 is initially positioned between a shroud 32
and a drainage layer 34, with the shroud and drainage layer being
in the form of flat sheets, as illustrated in FIG. 2A.
[0024] The term "loose" is used to describe a material which
comprises solid matter, but which is flowable (such as, granular or
particulate material, aggregate, etc.). The solid matter could be
mixed with a liquid or other nonsolid matter, for example, to
enhance the process of conveying the material, etc.
[0025] The shroud 32 serves to contain and protect the filter media
30 during installation and subsequent use in the well. The shroud
32 is depicted in FIG. 2A as being a perforated sheet. The shroud
32 may be made of a metal or a nonmetal material.
[0026] It is not necessary for the shroud 32 to comprise a
perforated sheet. In other examples, the shroud 32 could comprise a
woven mesh material or another type of material. In addition, use
of the shroud is not necessary in the screen 22.
[0027] The drainage layer 34 facilitates flow of the fluid 26 from
the filter media 30, by providing flow paths for the fluid. The
drainage layer 34 can also serve to contain the filter media
30.
[0028] The drainage layer 34 is depicted in FIG. 2A as being made
of a woven mesh material. The mesh material may comprise a metal or
nonmetal.
[0029] It is not necessary for the drainage layer 34 to comprise a
woven mesh material. In other examples, the drainage layer 34 could
comprise a slotted sheet, a paper material, a foam or another type
of material. In addition, use of the drainage layer is not
necessary in the screen 22.
[0030] In FIG. 2B, the shroud 32 and drainage layer 34, with the
loose filter media 30 between them (although not visible in FIG.
2B), are rolled into a cylindrical shape in preparation for
installing the resulting screen jacket 36 on a base pipe 38 (see
FIG. 2C).
[0031] In FIG. 2C, the screen 22 is formed by securing the screen
jacket 36 on the base pipe 38, for example, by welding, adhesively
bonding, etc. The ends of the screen jacket 36 may be crimped to
retain the loose filter media 30 between the shroud 32 and the
drainage layer 34 prior to the securing step.
[0032] It is not necessary for the steps described above to be
performed in constructing the well screen 22. In other examples,
the annular space 46 could be formed, and then the loose filter
media 30 could be poured into the annular space. Similarly, it is
not necessary for the screen jacket 36 to begin as a flat assembly,
then to be rolled into a cylindrical shape, and then to be secured
onto the base pipe 38.
[0033] In some examples, differences in thermal coefficients of
expansion can be used to compress the filter media 30. The shroud
32 could have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion as compared
to the base pipe 38, so that at downhole temperatures, the base
pipe expands radially outward at a rate greater than that of the
shroud, thereby radially compressing the filter media 30 (whether
or not the drainage layer 34 is used). The shroud 32 could have a
lower coefficient of thermal expansion as compared to the drainage
layer 34, so that at downhole temperatures, the drainage layer
expands radially outward at a rate greater than that of the shroud,
thereby radially compressing the filter media 30 between the shroud
and the drainage layer.
[0034] Note that the base pipe 38 in this example has multiple
slots 40 extending through a wall 42 of the base pipe. The slots 40
permit the fluid 26 to flow into a interior flow passage 44
extending longitudinally through the base pipe 38. When
interconnected in the tubular string 12, the flow passage 44 also
extends longitudinally through the tubular string.
[0035] If the drainage layer 34 is not used, the slots 40 may be
dimensioned so that the loose filter media 30 cannot pass through
the slots. Of course, openings other than slots may be used in the
base pipe 38, if desired (such as circular holes, etc.).
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 2C, the loose filter media 30 is
contained in an annular space 46. In this example, the annular
space 46 is external to the base pipe 38, but in other examples the
annular space could be internal to the base pipe.
[0037] The base pipe 38 may be a separate generally tubular element
(with end connections 29 as illustrated in FIG. 1), or the base
pipe may be a section of a continuous tubular string. The base pipe
38 may be made of a metal or nonmetal material.
[0038] Note that, for illustrative clarity, a radial gap appears
between the drainage layer 34 and the base pipe 38, and between the
layers 32, 34 at their crimped ends. In actual practice, these gaps
can be eliminated.
[0039] Referring additionally now to FIG. 3, an enlarged scale
cross-sectional view of a portion of the well screen 22 is
representatively illustrated. In this example, the drainage layer
34 is not used, and the filter media 30 comprises a loose aggregate
material 48, such as sand, etc., of various dimensions. Preferably,
the aggregate material 48 is dimensioned so that it will exclude
undesired sand, fines, debris, etc., from the fluid 26 as is flows
through the filter media 30.
[0040] In FIG. 4, the filter media 30 comprises interlocking pieces
50 which randomly engage each other to form the filter media. The
pieces 50 could be metal pieces which are stamped or otherwise
formed, so that they have interlocking shapes.
[0041] Nonmetal material may be used for the pieces 50, if desired.
For example, rubber (e.g., from shredded tires, etc.), plastic
and/or composite material may be used for the filter media 30.
[0042] Suitable interlocking shapes are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
8,091,637 and 7,836,952, the entire disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by this reference. These patents describe a
concept of using prolate-shaped particles. The prolate particles
will lock together, and will filter material, while maintaining
substantial porosity.
[0043] Note that, in the FIG. 4 example, the shapes of the pieces
are preferably such that a locking pattern between the pieces 50 is
random. The shapes of the pieces 50 are not necessarily random, but
the locking pattern is preferably random.
[0044] In FIG. 5, the filter media 30 comprises a proppant 52. The
proppant 52 could comprise sand, ceramic beads, glass spheres, or
any other type of material used for propping fractures in earth
formations.
[0045] In FIG. 6, the filter media 30 is not loose, but instead
comprises a fiber coil 54. The fiber coil 54 could be formed prior
to installing it on the base pipe 38, or the coil could be formed
by wrapping one or more fibers 56 (such as, a glass fiber, a carbon
fiber, or another type of fiber) around the base pipe once or
multiple times. For protection from erosion, the fiber 56 can be
coated with ceramic or another erosion resistant material.
[0046] In some examples, the fibers 56 can comprise materials such
as metal, plastic and/or organic material. Any type of material and
any combination of one or more materials may be used in the fibers
56.
[0047] Note that, for illustrative clarity, gaps appear between the
fibers 56 in FIG. 6. In actual practice, these gaps can be
eliminated.
[0048] In FIG. 7, the filter media 30 comprises a foam 58. The foam
58 may be an expanded open cell metal foam, or another type of
foam. The foam 58 may be made of plastic or another nonmetal
material. The foam 58 may be expanded within the annular space 46
between the shroud 32 and the base pipe 38, or the foam may be
separately formed and then installed on the base pipe.
[0049] In FIG. 8, the filter media 30 comprises multiple
annular-shaped rings of stone 60. The stone 60 is preferably
selected so that it has a stable form under flowing conditions, and
so that it filters undesired sand, fines and debris from the fluid
26. Sandstone and/or another type of porous stone may be used for
the stone 60.
[0050] In FIG. 9, the filter media 30 comprises the shroud 32 and
drainage layer 34, each of which is made of a square weave woven
mesh material 62. The shroud 32 mesh material 62 may have a
different dimension or size relative to the drainage layer 34 mesh
material (e.g., a tighter or more open weave, etc.). The mesh
material may be metal or nonmetal (such as a synthetic
material).
[0051] In one example, the shroud 32 mesh material may be offset
relative to the drainage layer 34 mesh material. The shroud 32 mesh
material could be angularly offset (e.g., rotated 45 degrees, etc.)
relative to the drainage layer 34 mesh material. Such offsets can
affect how the filter media 30 excludes sand, fines, debris, etc.
from the fluid 26.
[0052] A nonmetal mesh material (such as a synthetic material)
could be used for any of the mesh materials described above (e.g.,
in the filter media 30, the shroud 32, the drainage layer 34,
etc.). A glue or porous coating could be applied to the mesh
material to secure it to the base pipe 38. In one example, a porous
coating could be used to secure a circumferential end of the mesh
material to another circumferential end of the mesh material after
the material has been wrapped about the base pipe 38 (if only one
wrap is used), or to another portion of the mesh material (e.g., if
multiple wraps are used).
[0053] The porous coating could be similar to titanium coatings
used in biomedical applications, for example, coatings comprising
small non-spherical beads that leave pores to allow bone ingrowth
and fusing with a coated surgical implant, etc. Examples include Ti
Porous Coating marketed by APS Materials, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio USA,
and 3DMatrix Porous Coating marketed by DJO Surgical of Austin,
Tex. USA.
[0054] Any shape of the beads (e.g., spherical or non-spherical,
etc.) may be used, and any material may be used in the beads. For
example, the beads may be made of titanium, a CoCr alloy, a
nonmetal, etc.
[0055] Pore size and/or bead size in the porous coating can be
varied as needed to achieve a desired porosity for optimal
filtration in the filter media 30. The porous coating could be
applied by plasma spray, for example.
[0056] In FIG. 10, the filter media 30 comprises sand 64 which has
been consolidated by use of a binder or other dispersible material
66 (such as wax, polylactic acid, anhydrous boron, salt (e.g., NaCl
or MgO), sugar, etc.). The material 66 can serve any of several
purposes, for example, holding the sand 64 (or other loose
material) together for convenient handling during the process of
constructing the well screen 22, preventing flow through the wall
42 of the base pipe 38 until after the well screen 22 has been
installed in a well, serving as a pressure barrier, preventing
plugging of the filter media 30, etc.
[0057] After installation of the well screen 22 in the well, the
dispersible material 66 can be dispersed by any technique. For
example, the material 66 could be melted, dissolved, sublimated,
etc.
[0058] If polylactic acid is used as the material 66, then water at
elevated temperature can dissolve the polylactic acid. If wax is
used as the material 66, then the wax can melt when elevated well
temperatures are encountered during or after installation of the
well screen 22 in the well. If anhydrous boron is used as the
material 66, then the anhydrous boron will disperse upon contact
with water. In other examples, acid could be used to dissolve the
material 66.
[0059] In one example, the drainage layer 34 could comprise a paper
material. Pores in the paper material could be initially plugged
with the dispersible material 66. The paper could be glued or
otherwise secured to the base pipe 38 (e.g., using a porous
coating).
[0060] The dispersible material 66 could also be used to seal off
pores, or serve as a binder, in any of the other filter media 30
described above and/or depicted in FIGS. 2A-9. Thus, the material
66 could initially be present in the pores of the foam 58 of FIG.
7, the material 66 could bind together the interlocking pieces 50
of FIG. 4, etc.
[0061] Note that, for illustrative clarity, radial gaps appear
between the drainage layer 34 and the base pipe 38, between the
layers 32, 34, and between the filter media 30 and the layers 32,
34, in FIGS. 9 & 10. In actual practice, these gaps can be
eliminated.
[0062] It may now be fully appreciated that the above disclosure
provides significant advancements to the art of constructing well
screens. In examples described above, well screens 22 are
constructed using relatively low cost materials and efficient
manufacturing methods.
[0063] A well screen 22 for use in a subterranean well is described
above. In one example, the well screen 22 can include a generally
tubular base pipe 38, and a loose filter media 30 proximate the
base pipe 38.
[0064] The loose filter media 30 may be retained in an annular
space 46 radially between the base pipe 38 and a shroud 32.
[0065] The loose filter media 30 can comprise sand 64, proppant 52,
pieces 50 of metal, sandstone 60, rubber, a granular material
(e.g., the sand, proppant, aggregate material, etc.), randomly
interlocking shapes (e.g., on the pieces 50), an aggregate material
48, and/or a composite material.
[0066] The base pipe 38 may have a wall 42 which separates an
interior from an exterior of the base pipe 38. The loose filter
media 30 may filter fluid 26 which flows through the base pipe wall
42.
[0067] Also described above is a well screen 22 which, in one
example, can include a generally tubular base pipe 38 and a stone
60 which filters fluid 26 that flows between an interior and an
exterior of the base pipe 38.
[0068] The stone 60 may be annular shaped.
[0069] The stone 60 can comprise multiple sandstone rings.
[0070] The stone 60 may circumscribe the base pipe 38.
[0071] The stone 60 may be positioned in an annular space 46 formed
radially between the base pipe 38 and a shroud 32.
[0072] The stone 60 may filter the fluid 26 which flows through the
base pipe wall 42.
[0073] In another example, the well screen 22 can include at least
a first filter media (such as the shroud 32) made of a square weave
mesh material 62 which filters fluid 26 that flows between an
interior and an exterior of the base pipe 38.
[0074] The first filter media 32 may be glued to the base pipe 38,
and/or may be coated with a resin. A second filter media may also
be glued to the base pipe 38 and/or coated with a resin.
[0075] The well screen 22 can also include a second square weave
mesh material filter media (e.g., the drainage layer 34) which
filters the fluid 26. The second filter media 34 may be offset
(e.g., angularly, laterally and/or longitudinally offset) relative
to the first filter media 32.
[0076] The well screen 22 can also include a loose second filter
media 30 positioned in an annular space 46 between the first filter
media 32 and the base pipe 38.
[0077] The first filter media 32 may filter the fluid 46 which
flows through the base pipe wall 42.
[0078] In another example, a well screen 22 can include a fiber
coil 54 which filters fluid 26 that flows between an interior and
an exterior of the base pipe 38.
[0079] The fiber coil 54 may comprise a carbon fiber 56, a glass
fiber 56, and/or a ceramic coated fiber 56. Other materials (such
as, metal, plastic, organic materials, etc.) may be used in other
examples.
[0080] The fiber coil 54 may comprise multiple wraps of a fiber 56
about the base pipe 38.
[0081] The fiber coil 54 can be positioned in an annular space 46
formed radially between the base pipe 38 and a shroud 32.
[0082] In another example, the well screen can include a filter
media 30 comprising a foam 58 which filters fluid 26 that flows
between an interior and an exterior of the base pipe 38.
[0083] The foam 58 may be positioned in an annular space 46 formed
radially between the base pipe 38 and a shroud 32.
[0084] The foam 58 can comprise a metal foam, a plastic foam,
and/or an open cell foam.
[0085] A dispersible material 66 may fill pores in the foam 58. The
dispersible material 66 may comprise polylactic acid, a wax, and/or
a dissolvable material.
[0086] In another example, a well screen 22 can include a filter
media 30 comprising a nonmetal mesh material 62 which filters fluid
26 that flows between an interior and an exterior of the base pipe
38.
[0087] The mesh material 62 may be positioned in an annular space
46 formed radially between the base pipe 38 and a shroud 32. For
example, the drainage layer 34 can be made of the nonmetal mesh
material 62.
[0088] The mesh material 62 can be coated with a porous
coating.
[0089] The mesh material 62 may be wrapped exteriorly about the
base pipe 38.
[0090] The mesh material 62 may be wrapped multiple times about the
base pipe 38.
[0091] The mesh material 62 may comprise a synthetic material.
[0092] A seam at a circumferential end of the mesh material 62 may
be secured (e.g., to the base pipe 38, to another portion of the
mesh material, etc.) with a porous coating.
[0093] A method of installing a well screen 22 in a subterranean
well can include dispersing a material 66 in a filter media 30 of
the well screen 22, after the well screen 22 has been installed in
the well, thereby permitting a fluid 26 to flow through the filter
media 30.
[0094] The filter media 30 may comprise a loose filter media.
[0095] The filter media 30 may comprise a sandstone 60, sand 64,
proppant 52, a fiber coil 54, and/or a foam 58. The foam 58 may
comprise a metal foam or a plastic foam.
[0096] The filter media 30 may comprise a square weave mesh
material 62, a nonmetal mesh material 62, pieces 50 of metal or
rubber, interlocking shapes, an aggregate material 48, a composite
material, a paper material, and/or a granular material.
[0097] The dispersing material 66 may comprise a wax, anhydrous
boron, polylactic acid, a salt, and/or a sugar.
[0098] A method of constructing a well screen 22 can include
positioning a loose filter media 30 in an annular space 46 between
a base pipe 38 and a shroud 32, so that the filter media 30 filters
fluid 26 which flows through a wall 42 of the base pipe 38.
[0099] The method can include positioning the loose filter media 30
between the shroud 32 and a drainage layer 34.
[0100] The method can include forming the shroud 32, the loose
filter media 30 and the drainage layer 34 into a cylindrical shape.
Positioning the loose filter media 30 in the annular space 46 can
include positioning the shroud 32, the loose filter media 30 and
the shroud 32 on the base pipe 38 after the forming.
[0101] Although various examples have been described above, with
each example having certain features, it should be understood that
it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be
used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features
described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined
with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any
of the other features of those examples. One example's features are
not mutually exclusive to another example's features. Instead, the
scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the
features.
[0102] Although each example described above includes a certain
combination of features, it should be understood that it is not
necessary for all features of an example to be used. Instead, any
of the features described above can be used, without any other
particular feature or features also being used.
[0103] It should be understood that the various embodiments
described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as
inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various
configurations, without departing from the principles of this
disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of
useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is
not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.
[0104] In the above description of the representative examples,
directional terms (such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower,"
etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying
drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope
of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions
described herein.
[0105] The terms "including," "includes," "comprising,"
"comprises," and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in
this specification. For example, if a system, method, apparatus,
device, etc., is described as "including" a certain feature or
element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc., can include
that feature or element, and can also include other features or
elements. Similarly, the term "comprises" is considered to mean
"comprises, but is not limited to."
[0106] Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful
consideration of the above description of representative
embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many
modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other
changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes
are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. Accordingly,
the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as
being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and
scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *