U.S. patent application number 13/751957 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-05 for truss-based monopole support structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark Fairbairn, Aubrey Jackson, Thad Mumm, Jim Palmer.
Application Number | 20130227897 13/751957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49042022 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130227897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palmer; Jim ; et
al. |
September 5, 2013 |
Truss-Based Monopole Support Structure
Abstract
A monopole support assembly includes at least two truss
assemblies secured to an outer surface of a monopole. At least two
helical piers or micropiles are secured to the at least two truss
assemblies, respectively.
Inventors: |
Palmer; Jim; (Arlington,
TN) ; Fairbairn; Mark; (Red Wing, MN) ;
Jackson; Aubrey; (Collierville, TN) ; Mumm; Thad;
(Wahoo, NE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
49042022 |
Appl. No.: |
13/751957 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61605534 |
Mar 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/157 ; 52/155;
52/292; 52/745.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 27/42 20130101;
E04H 12/20 20130101; E02D 5/80 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/157 ; 52/292;
52/155; 52/745.18 |
International
Class: |
E02D 27/42 20060101
E02D027/42; E04B 1/18 20060101 E04B001/18; E02D 5/80 20060101
E02D005/80 |
Claims
1. A monopole support assembly, comprising: at least two truss
assemblies secured to an outer surface of a monopole; and at least
two helical piers or micropiles secured to the at least two truss
assemblies, respectively.
2. The monopole support assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the at
least two truss assemblies, comprises: an angled brace element; a
horizontal brace element; at least one cross member coupled to the
angled brace element and the horizontal brace element; wherein a
first end of the angled brace element is coupled to the outer
surface of the monopole and a second end of the angled brace
element is coupled to a first end of the horizontal brace element;
and wherein the second end of the horizontal brace element is
coupled to the outer surface of the monopole.
3. The monopole support assembly of claim 2, wherein the angled
brace element further comprises a first pair of aligned support
elements; and wherein the horizontal brace element further
comprises a second pair of aligned support elements.
4. The monopole support assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and
second pairs of aligned support elements further comprise: pairs of
angle steel support elements; pairs of hollow structural section
(HSS) steel elements; or pairs of tubular steel elements.
5. The monopole support assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the at
least two truss assemblies further comprise: a first joint element
for coupling the first pair of aligned support elements at
respective first ends; a second joint element for coupling the
first pair of aligned support elements at respective second ends
and coupling the second pair of aligned support elements at
respective first ends; and a third joint element for coupling the
second pair of aligned support elements at respective second
ends.
6. The monopole support assembly of claim 5, wherein the first
joint element is secured between the first pair of aligned support
elements; wherein the second joint element is secured between the
first pair of aligned support elements and further secured between
the second pair of aligned support elements; and wherein the third
joint element is secured between the second pair of aligned support
elements.
7. The monopole support assembly of claim 5, wherein the second
joint element comprises a joint portion and a flange portion; and
wherein the flange portion is secured to the helical pier or
micropile.
8. The monopole support assembly of claim 5, further comprising: at
least one pier bracket secured to at least one of the second joint
elements or the horizontal brace element; and wherein the at least
one pier bracket is configured to receive an exposed end of a
corresponding number of helical piers or micropiles following
insertion of the helical piers or micropiles into the ground.
9. The monopole support assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least
one pier bracket comprises a hole formed therethrough; wherein each
of the corresponding number of helical piers or micropiles comprise
a mounting aperture formed therethrough; and wherein each of the
corresponding number of helical piers or micropiles are secured to
the at least one pier bracket via a bolt or pin inserted through
the mounting aperture and the hole.
10. The monopole support assembly of claim 5, wherein the angled
brace element and the horizontal brace element are secured to the
second joint element in a predetermined geometrical
configuration.
11. The monopole support assembly of claim 10, wherein the
predetermined geometrical configuration comprises a 45.degree.
angle.
12. The monopole support assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the
at least two truss assemblies, further comprises: a first mounting
bracket for securing the first joint element to the monopole; a
second mounting bracket for securing the third joint element to the
monopole; wherein the first and second mounting brackets comprise a
mounting plate and at least two bracket members projecting from the
mounting plate; and wherein the first joint element and third joint
element are secured between the at least two bracket members.
13. The monopole support assembly of claim 12, wherein the first
and third joint elements comprise a mounting aperture extending
therethrough; wherein the first and second mounting brackets
include a hole therethrough corresponding to the mounting aperture;
and wherein the first and third joint elements are secured to the
first and second mounting brackets, respectively, via a bolt or pin
inserted through the mounting aperture and the hole.
14. The monopole support assembly of claim 12, wherein the mounting
plate is welded to the outer surface of the monopole.
15. A monopole structure, comprising: a monopole having an outer
surface; at least two truss assemblies secured to the outer
surface; at least two helical piers or micropiles inserted into the
ground and secured to the at least two truss assemblies; and
wherein the at least two truss assemblies comprise: an angled brace
element having a first end and a second end; a horizontal brace
element having a first end and a second end; at least one cross
member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end
of the angled brace element is secured to a first position on the
outer surface of the monopole; wherein the second end of the
horizontal brace element is secured to a second position on the
outer surface of the monopole; wherein the second end of the angled
brace element is secured to the first end of the horizontal brace
element; and wherein the first end of the at least one cross member
is secured to the angled brace element and the second end of the at
least one cross member is secured to the horizontal brace
element.
16. The monopole structure of claim 15, wherein each of the at
least two truss assemblies are secured to the outer surface of the
monopole via at least two mounting brackets; wherein each of the at
least two mounting brackets comprises a mounting plate and at least
two bracket members projecting from the mounting plate; and wherein
each of the at least two truss assemblies are secured between the
at least two bracket members via a bolt or pin.
17. The monopole structure of claim 15 further comprising: at least
four truss assemblies spaced equidistantly about the outer surface
of the monopole; and at least four helical piers or micropiles
inserted into the ground and secured to the at least four truss
assemblies.
18. A method for remediating a monopole structure having a
monopole, comprising: inserting at least two helical piers or
micropiles into a support surface of the monopole; securing at
least four mounting brackets on an outer surface of the monopole;
securing at least truss two truss assemblies to the at least four
mounting brackets; securing the at least truss two truss assemblies
to the at least two helical piers or micropiles; and wherein each
of the at least two truss assemblies comprise: an angled brace
element having a first end and a second end; a horizontal brace
element having a first end and a second end; at least one cross
member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end
of the angled brace element is secured to one of the at least four
mounting brackets; wherein the second end of the horizontal brace
element is secured to one of the at least four mounting brackets;
wherein the second end of the angled brace element is secured to
the first end of the horizontal brace element; and wherein the
first end of the at least one cross member is secured to the angled
brace element and the second end of the at least one cross member
is secured to the horizontal brace element.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: bolting the first
end of the angled brace element to one of the at least four
mounting brackets; bolting the second end of the horizontal brace
element to one of the at least four mounting brackets; and using a
pin connection to secure the at least two truss assemblies to the
at least two helical piers or micropiles.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least two helical piers
or micropiles comprise at least four helical piers or micropiles;
wherein the at least four mounting brackets comprise at least eight
mounting brackets; and wherein the at least two truss assemblies
comprise at least four truss assemblies.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED TO APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119,
based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/605,534, filed
Mar. 1, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of monopole
structures, and more particularly to support systems associated
with such structures.
[0003] Monopole structures may be employed for housing or
supporting elements such as antennae and other communications
equipment, signage, high voltage transmission wires, or lighting in
an elevated position. Such structures often include a long, hollow
pole structure connected to an underlying surface such as a
concrete pad formed in the ground. Such monopole structures are
typically subjected to wind or other types of forces along their
length, which may cause the structure to bend or sway. These forces
create a moment about the base termination, which in turn stresses
the base termination location and can lead to fatigue and eventual
failure of the base termination material.
[0004] Conventional monopole structures are often rigidly connected
to the ground via direct embedment, or via concrete base plates,
via concrete encased anchor bolts, or via drilled, concrete filled
caissons. Unfortunately, each of these support structures can be
expensive and can raise environment concerns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1A is a isometric view of a portion of a monopole
support structure consistent with embodiment described herein;
[0006] FIG. 1B is an expanded isometric view of the monopole and
support structure of FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary truss element of FIG.
1A;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top view of the monopole and support structure
of FIG. 1B; and
[0009] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an exemplary helical pier
usable with the support structure of FIGS. 1A-3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different
drawings may identify the same or similar elements.
[0011] Consistent with implementations described herein, a number
of truss-based support structures may be used to structurally
connect a tubular monopole to a number of helical piers embedded
within an environment surface. As described below, each truss-based
support structure may be coupled to the monopole via pin or
bolt-based assemblies, thereby allowing the support assembly to
adapt to variations in installation parameters, such as angle of
inclination of the embedded piers. In contrast to existing monopole
support systems using concrete base plates, concrete encased anchor
bolts, or via drilled, concrete filled caissons, the described
system may be employed in environments that are not conducive to
the use of concrete or that are not conducive to the impact caused
by driving conventional piers or piles. In addition, the described
embodiments may be used to remediate or supplement existing
monopole support structures with minimal environmental impact.
[0012] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a portion of a support
structure 100 for supporting a tubular monopole 105 consistent with
an embodiment described herein. Tubular monopole 105 may include a
substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical configuration. In some
implementations, monopole 105 may be formed of tubular steel or
similar material. FIG. 1B is an isometric view of tubular monopole
105 showing an overall length of monopole 105. In some
implementations, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, monopole 105 may
include a multi-sided configuration, such as a 12-sided (dodecagon)
configuration, comprising 12 sides, each having a same width and an
angle of approximately 15.degree. relative to each adjacent
side.
[0013] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1B, monopole 105 may have an
extended length relative to its diameter, such length suitable for
a given application. For example, a monopole for supporting high
voltage power lines may be approximately 117 feet long, while a
monopole for supporting a traffic signal may be approximately 20-30
feet long. Embodiments described herein are suitable for monopole
105 having any particular length.
[0014] Consistent with implementations described herein, monopole
support structure 100 may include a plurality of truss assemblies
110-1 to 110-4 (collectively referred to as "truss assemblies 110"
and individually as "truss assembly 110") depicted in isometric
view in FIG. 1A, one of which is shown in side view in FIG. 2. In
an exemplary implementation, monopole support structure 100 may
include four truss assemblies 110 spaced equidistantly about a
perimeter of monopole 105, e.g., at 90.degree. intervals relative
to each other. In other implementations, more or fewer truss
assemblies 110 may be used. FIG. 2 is a side view of one of truss
assemblies 110 and FIG. 3 is a top view of monopole support system
100. Consistent numbering is used throughout, where
appropriate.
[0015] As shown, each truss assembly 110 may include an angled
brace element 112, a horizontal brace element 114, joint elements
116, 118, and 120, mounting brackets 122 and 124, pier bracket 126,
and cross members 128 and 130. Truss assemblies 110 are configured
for securing to monopole 105 and a number of helical piers 148-1 to
148-4 (collectively referred to as "helical piers 148" and
individually as "helical pier 148"). As described in additional
detail below, helical piers 148 may include a substantially
cylindrical body having a number of helical blade-like elements
projecting therefrom. Helical piers 148 are capable of being
drilled into a support surface, such as the ground to support a
structure attached thereto. In some instances, a number of helical
piers 148 may be linked together to allow driving of the piers 148
to significant depths within the Earth, such as depths of 10 to 60
or more feet. Exemplary helical piers 148 for use in the manner
described herein may have lengths of 26 feet, shaft diameters of
approximately eight inches, and blade diameters of approximately 24
inches. However, other dimensions may be used, depending on the
specific application. Though helical piers are shown, it is
understood that the system may include a variety of different
micropile and pier systems.
[0016] Angled brace element 112 may include one or more structural
elements configured to provide a rigid and supportive connection
between monopole 105 and pier bracket 126 via joint elements 116
and 118. As described in additional detail below, pier bracket 126
may be coupled to helical pier 148 (one of which is shown
schematically in FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 1A, in one embodiment,
angled brace element 112 includes two lengths of angle steel
(denoted as elements 112-a and 112-b in FIG. 1A) joined (e.g.,
welded) to opposing portions of joint elements 116 and 118. The two
lengths of angle steel 112-a and 112-b may be joined to each other
(e.g., welded) along their lengths for extra support and rigidity.
In other embodiments, other types of steel (or other rigid
material) may be used, such as hollow structural section (HSS)
steel, tubular steel, etc. For example, eight-sided tubular steel
may be used for brace elements 112 and 114 and/or cross members
128/130.
[0017] A length of angled brace element 112 (shown as "L.sub.1" in
FIG. 2) may be determined based on a positioning of helical piers
148 relative to monopole 105, such that a desired angle may be
maintained with respect to horizontal. For example, an angle of
45.degree. may be desired for angled brace element 112 with respect
to horizontal upon coupling with monopole 105. However, it should
be noted that deviations from this angle may be possible due to the
adjustable nature of joint mounting brackets 122 and 124, and pier
bracket 126, described in detail below.
[0018] Horizontal brace element 114 may include additional
structural elements to provide a rigid and supportive connection
between monopole 105 and pier bracket 126 via joint elements 118
and 120. As shown in FIG. 1A, in one embodiment, horizontal brace
element 114 may include two lengths of angle steel (denoted as
elements 114-a and 114-b in FIG. 1A) joined (e.g., welded) to
opposing portions of joint elements 118 and 120. In other
embodiments, other types of steel (or other rigid material) may be
used, such as HSS steel, tubular steel, etc. As with horizontal
brace element 112, a length of horizontal brace element 114 (shown
as "L.sub.2" in FIG. 2) may also be determined based on a
positioning of helical piers 148 relative to monopole 105.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, joint elements 116 and 118 may be
secured, such as via welding, to opposing ends of angled brace
element 112. In one embodiment, joint elements 116 and 118 may be
formed of steel or another rigid material. Joint element 116 may be
secured to an upper end of angled brace element 112 and may have a
four or five-sided configuration having a mounting aperture 127
formed therethrough. As described in detail below, mounting
aperture 127 may align with a corresponding hole 129 in mounting
bracket 122 upon assembly of truss assembly 110 to monopole
105.
[0020] Although not shown in the Figures, an upper portion of joint
element 116 may include an angled or curved configuration, thereby
allowing joint element 116 and angled brace element 112 to pivot or
move with respect to monopole 105 following assembly.
[0021] Mounting bracket 122 may be formed of one or more rigid
elements and may be secured to an outside surface of monopole 105.
In one embodiment, mounting bracket 122 may include a pair of
bracket members 123 and a mounting plate 125. This embodiment may
also be referred to as a "doubler". Bracket members 123 may be
secured (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) to mounting plate 125, such
that bracket members 123 extend substantially perpendicularly from
mounting plate 125. In addition, bracket members 123 may be spaced
parallel from each other by a width substantially similar to a
thickness of joint element 116, thereby enabling the end of joint
element 116 to be received between bracket members 123. In
implementations in which monopole 105 comprises a dodecagon or
other multi-faceted or multi-sided configuration, mounting plate
123 may include an angled or beveled surface, thereby allowing
mounting plate to conform to an outer configuration of monopole
105. By providing a doubler configuration for supporting angled
brace element 112, through plates extending through monopole 105
may be unnecessary, thereby increasing the ease of assembly and
reducing both the cost and complexity of monopole support system
100.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, during assembly of truss assembly 110,
the exposed end of joint element 116 may be inserted between
bracket members 123, and aperture 127 in joint element 116 may be
aligned with hole 129 in bracket members 123. A bolt or pin 134, as
shown in FIG. 1A, may be received through aperture 127 and hole 129
and may be secured via nut 135, as shown in FIG. 3. By providing a
bolt on assembly for truss assembly 110, field installation is made
possible without requiring welding, thereby increasing the speed
and efficiency with which the installation may be made.
[0023] Joint element 118 may be secured to a lower end of angled
brace element 112 and may include a joint portion 136 and a flange
portion 138. As shown, joint portion 136 may be further configured
to secure to a first end 140 of horizontal brace element 114 in
addition to the lower end of angled brace element 112. More
specifically, horizontal brace element 114 and angled brace element
112 may be fixed to joint element 118 in a desired relative angle,
such as a 45.degree. angle. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1A,
flange portion 138 may extend substantially perpendicularly from a
lower end of joint portion 136 and may form a base for receiving
pier bracket 126. In one embodiment, a width of flange portion 138
may be slightly larger than an outside diameter or maximum outer
dimension of pier bracket 126. Pier bracket 126 may be fixed to
flange portion 138 via welding, for example. In other embodiments,
pier bracket 126 may be co-formed with joint element 118 (e.g., via
casting, molding, etc.).
[0024] As described briefly above, joint element 120 may be secured
to a second end 142 of horizontal brace element 114. Joint element
120 may include a four or five-sided configuration having a
mounting aperture 144 formed therethrough, as shown in FIG. 2. As
described in detail below, mounting aperture 144 may align with a
corresponding hole 145 in mounting bracket 124 upon assembly of
truss assembly 110 to monopole 105.
[0025] Mounting bracket 124 may be formed substantially similar to
mounting bracket 122 and may be formed from one or more rigid
elements secured to an outside surface of monopole 105. For
example, mounting bracket 124 may include bracket members 123 and
mounting plate 125. As shown in FIG. 1A, mounting bracket 124 may
be vertically aligned with mounting bracket 122.
[0026] During assembly of truss assembly 110, the exposed end of
joint element 120 may be inserted between bracket members 123, and
aperture 144 in joint element 120 may be aligned with hole 145 in
bracket members 123. Bolt 134 is received within aperture 144 and
hole 145 and may be secured via nut 135.
[0027] Cross members 128 and 130 may be formed of a rigid material
and may have lengths dictated by a desired geometry of truss
assembly 110. For example, cross member 128 may have a length
(shown as "L.sub.3" in FIG. 2) configured to provide a vertical
(e.g., 90.degree. relative to horizontal brace element 114)
interconnect between an intermediate portion of angled brace
element 112 and an intermediate portion of horizontal brace element
114. Similarly, cross member 130 may have a length (shown as
"L.sub.4" in FIG. 2) configured to provide an angled (e.g., approx.
45.degree. relative to horizontal brace element 114) interconnect
between the intermediate portion of angled brace element 112 and an
end of horizontal brace element 114. In other implementations,
alternative geometry may be used, including additional cross
members, different angles, etc. In some embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 1A, one or more of cross members 128 and 130 may be formed of
more than one member (e.g., two, paired members, etc.).
[0028] Cross members 128 and 130 may be secured to angled and
horizontal brace elements 112 and 114 via welding. In one
embodiment, when brace elements 112 and 114 comprise pairs of
structural elements (e.g., elements 112-a/112-b or 114-a/114-b),
one of cross members 128 and 130 may be welded between each member
in the pair and the other of cross members 128 and 130 may be
welded outside of each member in the pair. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1A, one end of cross member 128 may be welded between the
elements 112-a and 112-b of angled brace element 112 and the other
end of cross member 128 may be welded between the elements 114-a
and 114-b of horizontal brace element 114. In this embodiment, the
two members of cross member 130 may be welded to the outside of
angled brace element 112 and horizontal brace element 114.
[0029] As described briefly above, joint member 118 may be
configured to support pier bracket 126. As shown in FIG. 1A, pier
bracket 126 may comprise a substantially tubular member having an
inside diameter substantially similar to an outside diameter of an
exposed end 146 of helical pier 148. Pier bracket 126 may include
holes 149 for aligning with holes in an end of helical pier 148, as
described below.
[0030] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of one of helical piers 148. As
shown, helical pier 148 includes a shaft portion 150 and a number
of auger or blade portions 152. An operating end 154 of shaft
portion 150 may include a pointed end for enabling pier 148 to more
easily penetrate the Earth during installation. A retaining end 156
of shaft portion 150 may include retaining apertures 155. Following
insertion of helical pier 148 into the Earth to a desired or
predetermined depth, retaining end 156 may project from the Earth
by a set amount. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, helical piers 148 may
be inserted into the Earth at locations radially aligned with
mounting brackets 122 and 124. Pier bracket 126 may be aligned with
retaining end 156 and retaining apertures 155 may be aligned with
holes 149 in pier bracket 126. In some instances, it may be
necessary to rotate helical pier 148 to bring apertures 155 into
alignment with holes 149. A pin 158 may be received through
apertures 155 and holes 149 to secure pier bracket 126 to helical
pier 148. In other embodiments, pin 158 may be secured via other
mechanisms, such as snap rings, nuts, clips, etc.
[0031] By providing pin or bolt-type securing of truss assemblies
110 to both monopole 105 and helical pier 148, field assembly may
be more easily managed. For example, it is not necessary for
installers to weld items together in the field. Rather,
pre-constructed truss assemblies 110 may be brought into the field
and secured to monopole 105 and helical piers 148 using easily
portable tools.
[0032] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, an
additional helical pier 148-5 may be mounted beneath a center of
monopole 105. For example, a pier bracket (not shown) similar to
pier bracket 126 may be welded or otherwise secured to a center of
the bottom of monopole 105. During installation, helical pier 148-5
may be driven into a location corresponding to the center of
monopole 105. The helical pier 148-5 may be aligned with the center
pier bracket and secured in a manner similar to that described
above with respect to piers 148-1 to 148-4.
[0033] In still other implementations, additional helical piers may
be installed and secured to truss assemblies 110. For example, one
or more additional pier brackets may be secured to a bottom surface
of horizontal brace element 114. Additional helical piers may be
driven corresponding to the locations of each additional pier
bracket. The additional piers may be able to support longer
monopoles having longer lengths or monopoles positioned in
potentially less stable environments. As previously mentioned,
though helical piers are shown in the embodiments, it is understood
that the system may include a variety of different micropile and
pier systems.
[0034] By providing a truss-based, helical pier monopole support
system 100, embodiments described herein may provide an efficient
and environmentally sensitive alternative to existing monopole
support systems. More particularly, helical piers may be driven
into the ground surrounding a monopole with minimal environment
impact. The above-described truss assemblies may be secured to both
the helical piers and the monopole to provide an effective support
system with minimal impact and cost.
[0035] The foregoing description of exemplary implementations
provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the embodiments described herein to the
precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible
in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of
the embodiments.
[0036] Although the invention has been described in detail above,
it is expressly understood that it will be apparent to persons
skilled in the relevant art that the invention may be modified
without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various changes
of form, design, or arrangement may be made to the invention
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Therefore, the above-mentioned description is to be considered
exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the
invention is that defined in the following claims.
[0037] No element, act, or instruction used in the description of
the present application should be construed as critical or
essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such.
Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or
more items. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean
"based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated
otherwise.
* * * * *