U.S. patent application number 13/765435 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for rotary damping mechanism with pivotal vanes.
This patent application is currently assigned to C&D ZODIAC, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is C&D ZODIAC, INC.. Invention is credited to Stephen Kearsey, Richard McClure.
Application Number | 20130209221 13/765435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48945681 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130209221 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kearsey; Stephen ; et
al. |
August 15, 2013 |
ROTARY DAMPING MECHANISM WITH PIVOTAL VANES
Abstract
A damping mechanism that includes a housing having fluid
disposed therein and an inner circumferential surface, an axle
shaft that is rotatable with respect to the housing, and a first
vane having a distal end and being pivotally associated with the
axle shaft. When the axle shaft rotates in a first direction, the
first vane pivots to a deployed position, and when the axle shaft
rotates in a second direction, the first vane pivots to a stowed
position. A first clearance is defined between the distal end of
the first vane and the inner circumferential surface of the housing
when the first vane is in the deployed position, and a second
clearance is defined between the distal end of the first vane and
the inner circumferential surface of the housing when the first
vane is in the stowed position. The second clearance is greater
than the first clearance.
Inventors: |
Kearsey; Stephen;
(Wheathampstead, GB) ; McClure; Richard;
(Huntington Beach, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
C&D ZODIAC, INC.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
C&D ZODIAC, INC.
Huntington Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
48945681 |
Appl. No.: |
13/765435 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61598846 |
Feb 14, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/1 ;
415/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05F 3/14 20130101; E05F
3/20 20130101; E05Y 2201/234 20130101; E05D 7/083 20130101; F01D
25/04 20130101; E05D 7/081 20130101; E05Y 2900/502 20130101; E05Y
2900/538 20130101; E05Y 2201/21 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
415/1 ;
415/119 |
International
Class: |
F01D 25/04 20060101
F01D025/04 |
Claims
1. A damping mechanism comprising: a housing that defines a housing
interior that includes a volume of fluid disposed therein, wherein
the housing includes an inner circumferential surface, an axle
shaft that is rotatable with respect to the housing, and at least a
first vane having a distal end and being pivotally associated with
the axle shaft and positioned in the housing interior and within
the volume of fluid, wherein when the axle shaft and first vane
rotate in a first direction, the first vane pivots to a deployed
position, and wherein when the axle shaft and first vane rotate in
a second direction, the first vane pivots to a stowed position,
wherein a first clearance is defined between the distal end of the
first vane and the inner circumferential surface of the housing
when the first vane is in the deployed position, wherein a second
clearance is defined between the distal end of the first vane and
the inner circumferential surface of the housing when the first
vane is in the stowed position, and wherein the second clearance is
greater than the first clearance.
2. The damping mechanism of claim 1 wherein the housing has an
opening defined therein through which the axle shaft extends.
3. The damping mechanism of claim 2 wherein the axle shaft includes
a hub member mounted thereon, and wherein the first vane is
pivotally mounted to the hub member.
4. The damping mechanism of claim 3 wherein the first vane includes
opposing concave and convex surfaces.
5. The damping mechanism of claim 4 wherein when the hub member
rotates in the first direction, the concave surface of the first
vane leads and the convex surface trails, and wherein when the hub
member rotates in the second direction, the convex surface of the
first vane leads and the concave surface trails.
6. The damping mechanism of claim 5 further comprising at least a
second vane having a distal end, wherein the second vane is
pivotally mounted to the hub member and is positioned in the
housing interior and within the volume of fluid, wherein when the
axle shaft and second vane rotate in a first direction, the second
vane pivots to a deployed position, and wherein when the axle shaft
and second vane rotate in a second direction, the second vane
pivots to a stowed position, wherein a first clearance is defined
between the distal end of the second vane and the inner
circumferential surface of the housing when the second vane is in
the deployed position, wherein a second clearance is defined
between the distal end of the second vane and the inner
circumferential surface of the housing when the second vane is in
the stowed position, and wherein the second clearance is greater
than the first clearance.
7. The damping mechanism of claim 6 wherein the first and second
vanes are positioned approximately 180.degree. apart on the hub
member.
8. The damping mechanism of claim 7 further comprising a flange
extending radially outwardly from the housing, wherein the flange
includes at least one attachment opening defined therein.
9. The damping mechanism of claim 3 wherein the first vane is
pivotally mounted to the hub member by a pivot pin.
10. The damping mechanism of claim 1 wherein the first vane
includes a stop member that prevents the first vane from pivoting
beyond the deployed position.
11. A damping mechanism comprising: a housing that defines a
housing interior that includes a volume of fluid disposed therein,
wherein the housing includes an inner circumferential surface, an
axle shaft that extends through an axial opening in the housing, a
hub member mounted on the axle shaft, and first and second vanes
pivotally mounted to the hub member approximately 180.degree. apart
and extending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein the first and
second vanes each include a distal end and are positioned in the
housing interior and within the volume of fluid, wherein when the
axle shaft rotates in a first direction, the first and second vanes
pivot to a deployed position, and wherein when the axle shaft
rotates in a second direction, the first and second vanes pivot to
a stowed position, wherein the distance in a radial direction
between the distal ends of the first and second vanes and the inner
circumferential surface of the housing is greater when the first
and second vanes are in the stowed position than when the first and
second vanes are in the deployed position.
12. The damping mechanism of claim 11 wherein the first and second
vanes each include opposing concave and convex surfaces.
13. The damping mechanism of claim 12 wherein when the axle shaft
rotates in the first direction, the concave surfaces of the first
and second vanes lead and the convex surfaces trail, and wherein
when the hub member rotates in the second direction, the convex
surfaces of the first and second vanes lead and the concave
surfaces trail.
14. A method comprising the steps of: obtaining a damping mechanism
that includes a housing that defines a housing interior that
includes an inner circumferential surface and a volume of fluid
disposed therein, rotating an axle shaft in a first direction,
wherein a first vane that is positioned within the volume of fluid
and has a distal end pivots to a deployed position and a first
clearance is defined between the distal end and the inner
circumferential surface of the housing, and rotating the axle shaft
in a second direction, wherein the first vane pivots to a stowed
position and a second clearance is defined between the distal end
and the inner circumferential surface of the housing, wherein the
second clearance is greater than the first clearance.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the housing is affixed to a
first object and the axle shaft is affixed to a second object, and
wherein the first and second objects are pivotal with respect to
one another.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first object is stationary
and the second object pivots with respect to the first object.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the first vane includes opposing
concave and convex surfaces, wherein when the axle shaft rotates in
the first direction, the concave surface of the first vane leads
and the convex surface trails, and wherein when the axle shaft
rotates in the second direction, the convex surface of the first
vane leads and the concave surface trails.
18. An overhead stowage bin comprising: an upper portion, a bucket,
wherein the bucket and the upper portion combine to define a bin
interior, and at least one damping mechanism that includes a
housing that defines a housing interior that includes a volume of
fluid disposed therein, wherein the housing includes an inner
circumferential surface, an axle shaft that is rotatable with
respect to the housing, and at least a first vane having a distal
end and being pivotally associated with the axle shaft and
positioned in the housing interior and within the volume of fluid,
wherein when the axle shaft and first vane rotate in a first
direction, the first vane pivots to a deployed position, and
wherein when the axle shaft and first vane rotate in a second
direction, the first vane pivots to a stowed position, wherein a
first clearance is defined between the distal end of the first vane
and the inner circumferential surface of the housing when the first
vane is in the deployed position, wherein a second clearance is
defined between the distal end of the first vane and the inner
circumferential surface of the housing when the first vane is in
the stowed position, and wherein the second clearance is greater
than the first clearance, wherein the axle shaft is secured to one
of the upper portion or the bucket, and wherein the housing is
secure to the other of the upper portion or the bucket, whereby the
bucket can pivot with respect to the upper portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional
Application No. 61/598,846, filed Feb. 14, 2012, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to rotary damping
mechanisms, and, more particularly, to a rotary damping mechanism
with pivotal vanes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional damping mechanisms provide resistance in the
opening direction for a controlled descent of a pivoting overhead
stowage bin bucket when loaded with luggage. However, prior art
damping mechanisms in commercial aircraft overhead stowage bins are
often bulky and take up a large amount of space. Furthermore, prior
art damping mechanisms typically have an angular working range that
is less than 360.degree..
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0004] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a damping mechanism that includes a housing
having a volume of fluid disposed therein and an inner
circumferential surface, an axle shaft that is rotatable with
respect to the housing, and at least a first vane having a distal
end and being pivotally associated with the axle shaft and
positioned within the volume of fluid. When the axle shaft and
first vane rotate in a first direction, the first vane pivots to a
deployed position, and when the axle shaft and first vane rotate in
a second direction, the first vane pivots to a stowed position. A
first clearance is defined between the distal end of the first vane
and the inner circumferential surface of the housing when the first
vane is in the deployed position, and a second clearance is defined
between the distal end of the first vane and the inner
circumferential surface of the housing when the first vane is in
the stowed position. The second clearance is greater than the first
clearance. In a preferred embodiment, the housing has an opening
defined therein through which the axle shaft extends and the axle
shaft includes a hub member mounted thereon to which the first vane
is pivotally mounted. Preferably, the first vane includes opposing
concave and convex surfaces such that when the hub member rotates
in the first direction, the concave surface of the first vane leads
and the convex surface trails, and when the hub member rotates in
the second direction, the convex surface of the first vane leads
and the concave surface trails. In a preferred embodiment, the
damping mechanism includes a second vane positioned approximately
180.degree. apart from the first vane on the hub member.
Preferably, the damping mechanism includes a flange extending
radially outwardly from the housing. The flange includes at least
one attachment opening defined therein. Preferably, the first vane
includes a stop member that prevents the first vane from pivoting
beyond the deployed position.
[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a damping mechanism that includes a housing, an
axle shaft that extends through an axial opening in the housing, a
hub member mounted on the axle shaft, and first and second vanes
pivotally mounted to the hub member approximately 180.degree. apart
and extending radially outwardly therefrom. The housing defines a
housing interior that includes a volume of fluid disposed therein
and includes an inner circumferential surface. The first and second
vanes each include a distal end and are positioned in the housing
interior and within the volume of fluid. When the axle shaft
rotates in a first direction, the first and second vanes pivot to a
deployed position. When the axle shaft rotates in a second
direction, the first and second vanes pivot to a stowed position.
The distance in a radial direction between the distal ends of the
first and second vanes and the inner circumferential surface of the
housing is greater when the first and second vanes are in the
stowed position than when the first and second vanes are in the
deployed position.
[0006] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a method that includes obtaining a
damping mechanism that includes a housing that defines a housing
interior that includes an inner circumferential surface and a
volume of fluid disposed therein, rotating an axle shaft in a first
direction such that a first vane that is positioned within the
volume of fluid and has a distal end pivots to a deployed position
and a first clearance is defined between the distal end and the
inner circumferential surface of the housing, rotating the axle
shaft in a second direction, such that the first vane pivots to a
stowed position and a second clearance is defined between the
distal end and the inner circumferential surface of the housing.
The second clearance is greater than the first clearance. In a
preferred embodiment, the housing is affixed to a first object and
the axle shaft is affixed to a second object. The first and second
objects are pivotal with respect to one another. Preferably, the
first object is stationary and the second object pivots with
respect to the first object.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an overhead stowage bin that includes an upper
portion and a bucket that cooperate to define a bin interior, and
at least one damping mechanism. The axle shaft of the damping
mechanism is secured to one of the upper portion or the bucket, and
the housing of the damping mechanism is secured to the other of the
upper portion or the bucket. The bucket can pivot with respect to
the upper portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of rotary damping mechanism in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the rotary
damping mechanism of FIG. 1 showing the vanes mounted on a side of
the hub member and in a deployed position; and
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the rotary
damping mechanism of FIG. 1 showing the vanes mounted on a side of
the hub member and it stowed position.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevational view of another
embodiment of the rotary damping mechanism of FIG. 1 showing the
vanes mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the hub member
and in a deployed position;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the rotary
damping mechanism of FIG. 1 showing the vanes mounted on an outer
circumferential surface of the hub member and in a stowed
position;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the rotary damping
mechanism of FIG. 1 secured to a first object and a second object
such that it can provide damping of the rotation of the second
object when it rotates in the first direction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The following description and drawings are illustrative and
are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are
described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.
However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details
are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can
be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and,
such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
[0015] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by
others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be
requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[0016] The terms used in this specification generally have their
ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure,
and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms
that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or
elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to
the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For
convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using
italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no
influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning
of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is
highlighted.
[0017] It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in
more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms
may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No
special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is
elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are
provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the
use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this
specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is
illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope
and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise,
the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this
specification.
[0018] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure,
examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related
results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are
given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the
examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit
the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present
document, including definitions, will control.
[0019] It will be appreciated that terms such as "front," "back,"
"top," "bottom," "side," "short," "long," "up," "down," "aft,"
"forward," "inboard," "outboard" and "below" used herein are merely
for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the
components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that
any orientation of the components described herein is within the
scope of the present invention.
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes
of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-6 show embodiments of a rotary
damping mechanism 10. In particular, the invention can be used on
commercial passenger aircraft as a part of an overhead stowage bin.
However, this is not a limitation on the present invention and the
rotary damping mechanism 10 can be used elsewhere.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the rotary damping mechanism 10
provides damping in one rotational direction (the first direction)
(see FIG. 2), while providing little to no damping in the other
rotational direction (the second direction)(see FIG. 3). As shown
in FIGS. 1-5, the rotary damping mechanism 10 includes a housing
12, an axle shaft 14, and at least one pivotal vane 16 that is
mounted on a hub member 18 that is mounted on axle shaft 14. In a
preferred embodiment, the rotary damping mechanism includes a pair
of pivotal vanes 16. However, more pivotal vanes 16 can be includes
as desired. In another embodiment, the vanes 16 can be pivotally
mounted directly on the axle shaft 14 and the hub member can be
omitted. Housing 12 includes a first portion 20 and a second
portion 22 that cooperate to define a housing interior 24 that
houses the hub member 18, pivotal vanes 16 and a volume of damping
fluid 26. The first portion 20 and second portion 22 can be unitary
or be separate pieces. In a preferred embodiment, the second
portion 22 of the housing 12 includes a flange 22a with openings
therein for connecting the housing 12 to an object. However, this
is not a limitation on the present invention and the housing 12 can
be connected to an object in other ways. For example, the housing
12 can be glued within an opening.
[0022] In use, axle shaft 14 and hub member 18 are rotatable within
housing interior 24, which causes the pivotal vanes 16 to rotate
within fluid 26 because the vanes 16 are operationally coupled to
the axle shaft 14 via the hub member 18. The hub member 18 can
include a ring 18a and pivot pins 28, posts or the like on which
the vanes 16 are mounted. FIGS. 2-3 show the vanes 16 (and
associated pivot pins 28) mounted on a side of the hub member and
FIGS. 4-5 show the vanes 16 (and associated pivot pins 28) mounted
on an outer circumferential surface of the hub member.
[0023] As a result of the friction placed on the vanes 16 by the
fluid 26, when the axle shaft 14 rotates in the first direction D1,
the vanes 16 pivot to the in the deployed position (see FIG. 2),
such that they extend radially outwardly, thereby providing a first
level of resistance. The distal ends of the vanes 16 define a
restriction space or first clearance C1 in a radial direction
between the distal end of the vane 16 and the inside surface of the
housing 12. The first clearance C1 allows fluid 26 to pass
therethrough, but, due to the small clearance provides damping.
Damping can also be controlled by making the vanes 16 thicker or
thinner in a direction parallel to the axis of axle shaft 14.
[0024] When the axle shaft 14 rotates in the second direction D2,
the vanes 16 pivot to the stowed position (see FIG. 3) thereby
providing a second level of resistance that is less than the first
level of resistance. In the stowed position, the distance between
the distal ends of the vanes 16 and the inner circumferential
surface 12a of the housing 12 is greater than in the deployed
position, thereby providing a second clearance C2. In the stowed
position, when the vanes 16 rotate with fluid 26, fluid is not as
restricted from passing through the second clearance C2, this
provides less damping than when the vanes 16 are in the deployed
position. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, in a preferred embodiment, the
vanes 16 include a stopper 16c thereon for positioning the vanes 16
in the deployed position and preventing the vanes 16 from rotating
passed the deployed position. A stopper for preventing rotation
passed the stowed position can also be included (see the embodiment
described below).
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the vanes 16 include a curved
shape with a concave surface 16a and a convex surface 16b. In
another embodiment, surface 16b can be flat and surface 16a can be
concave. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, when the axle shaft 14 rotates
clockwise (first direction D1), the force of the fluid 26 against
the concave surface 16a causes the vanes 16 to "flap open" to the
deployed position, thereby providing damping. When the axle shaft
rotates counter-clockwise (second direction D2), the force of the
fluid 26 against the convex surface 16b pushes the vanes 16 to the
stowed position, thereby reducing damping. It will be understood
that the vanes 16 can be reversed so that the greater damping is
provided in the counter-clockwise direction. In use in a commercial
aircraft, the first direction D1 would likely be the opening of the
overhead stowage bin 104 and the second direction D2 would likely
be the closing of the overhead stowage bin 104. Therefore, when the
bin interior 106 is full of luggage and it is opened, the damping
provides a controlled descent. For example, the housing 12 can be
affixed to the stationary upper portion 100 of the overhead stowage
bin 104 (the first object) and the axle shaft 14 (that extends
through an opening 30 in the housing 12) can be affixed to the
lower, pivoting portion of the overhead stowage bin 104 (the bucket
102 or second object). Therefore, when the bucket pivots downwardly
(is opened), the axle shaft 14 rotates, the vanes 16 flap to the
deployed position and the descent of the bucket is damped. When the
bucket 102 pivots upwardly (is closed), the vanes 16 flap to the
stowed position. In another embodiment, the housing 12 can be
affixed to the bucket, and the axle shaft 14 can be affixed to the
stationary upper portion 100 of the pivot bin. FIG. 3 shows the
rotary damping mechanism 10 attached via threaded fasteners 32.
However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. The
axle shaft 14 can extend through one or both of the first portion
20 or the second portion 22 of the housing 12. As will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the axle shaft
14 can include a flat surface, key or the like or can be polygonal
such that rotation can be transferred from the pivoting object to
the axle shaft.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the rotary damping mechanism 10
operates through a full 360.degree. of rotation. In another
embodiment, the movement of the vanes 16 can be actuated
electronically or mechanically, such as by splines, teeth,
indentation, etc. For example, in an embodiment, gearing can be
provided to speed up rotation of the vanes 16 within the fluid 26,
thereby providing extra damping. In another embodiment, the axle
shaft 14 (and hub member 18 and vanes 16) can be stationary and the
housing 12 can rotate. In another embodiment, the axle shaft can be
a separate component that is inserted into an axially aligned
opening in the housing and the hub.
[0027] The rotary damping mechanism 10 can be applied to any axis
that requires different damping rates in either direction (lavatory
doors, overhead stowage bin doors/buckets for example). It will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that varying the
fluid viscosity can provide greater or lesser damping. Varying the
vane length and/or the gap between the distal free end of the vane
and the inner circumferential surface of the housing can also
provide greater or lesser damping. Varying the number of vanes can
also affect the damping.
[0028] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can
be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, shall refer to this application as a
whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where
the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the
Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also
include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or"
in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the
following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the
list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the
items in the list.
[0029] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific
embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above
for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are
possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in
the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers
noted herein are only examples; alternative implementations may
employ differing values, measurements or ranges.
[0030] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be
applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described
above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any
measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not
a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be
used.
[0031] Any patents and applications and other references noted
above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing
papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ
the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references
described above to provide yet further embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0032] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in
light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred
Embodiments. While the above description describes certain
embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode
contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the
teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may
vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being
encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above,
particular terminology used when describing certain features or
aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure
with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms
used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the
disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification unless the above Detailed Description of the
Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms.
Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not
only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of
practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.
[0033] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various
aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For
example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a
means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6, other
aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or
in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable
medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, 6 will include the words "means for"). Accordingly, the
applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing
the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other
aspects of the disclosure.
[0034] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention
have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the
terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that
many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *