U.S. patent application number 13/727226 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for flow tube reactor.
This patent application is currently assigned to COLORADO ENERGY RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES. The applicant listed for this patent is COLORADO ENERGY RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES. Invention is credited to Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson, Donald E. Lenci, Wayne J. Powell, Ken Swartz.
Application Number | 20140178959 13/727226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50975055 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140178959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Powell; Wayne J. ; et
al. |
June 26, 2014 |
Flow Tube Reactor
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates
of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are
preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a
tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses
to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be
used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels
production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
Inventors: |
Powell; Wayne J.;
(Centennial, CO) ; Boehmer; Robert D.;
(Centennial, CO) ; Johnson; Lee L.; (Littleton,
US) ; Swartz; Ken; (Denver, CO) ; Lenci;
Donald E.; (Boyton Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COLORADO ENERGY RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES |
Littleton |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
COLORADO ENERGY RESEARCH
TECHNOLOGIES
Littleton
CO
|
Family ID: |
50975055 |
Appl. No.: |
13/727226 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
435/165 ; 426/11;
435/290.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12M 27/24 20130101;
C12M 35/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/165 ;
435/290.1; 426/11 |
International
Class: |
C12M 1/42 20060101
C12M001/42 |
Claims
1. A flow tube reactor system for facilitating fermentation of a
liquid within a first fermentation vat, comprising: a reactor tube
having a lumen, and a length of at least 0.1 meter; a pulse driving
circuitry that provides electrical pulses to an interior of the
lumen at a pulse length and duty cycle effective to increase a
fermentation rate of a microorganism; wherein the electrical pulses
are produced at a plurality of electrodes places along a length of
the reactor tube; and wherein the reactor tube is sized and
dimensioned to be at least one of (a) submerged in a solution of
the first fermentation vat, and (b) suspended in the first
fermentation vat.
2. The reactor system of claim 1, wherein the reactor tube has a
length of at least 1 meter.
3. The reactor system of claim 1, wherein the reactor tube has an
inner diameter of at least 2 cm.
4. The reactor system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the
plurality of electrodes are placed along the length of the reactor
tube with an uneven spacing.
5. The reactor system of claim 4, wherein the uneven spacing
approximates a phi spacing.
6. The reactor system of claim 4, wherein at least four of the
plurality of electrodes have a progressively greater
inter-electrode spacing along the length of the reactor tube.
7. The reactor system of claim 4, wherein the pulse driving
circuitry drives the electrical pulses at a frequency of at least
10 kHz.
8. The reactor system of claim 4, wherein the pulse driving
circuitry drives the electrical pulses at a frequency of at least
20 kHz.
9. The reactor system of claim 4, wherein the pulse driving
circuitry drives the electrical pulses at a frequency previously
determined to be advantageous to growth of a type of microbe
present within the liquid.
10. A method of fermenting a fluid to produce a product,
comprising: placing components of the fluid in a vat, at least one
of the components comprising a microbe; suspending a flow tube in
the vat; and operating the flow tube such that a portion of the
fluid within the vat flows through the tube, and the tube provides
electrical pulses via a plurality of electrodes to the fluid
flowing within a lumen of the flow tube at a pulse length and duty
cycle effective to increase a fermentation rate of the microbe.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising maintaining a pH of
the fluid no lower than 4 for at least one hour.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising maintaining a
temperature of the fluid no greater than 40.degree. C. for at least
one hour.
13. The method of claim 10, further comprising operating the vat at
below 2 atm pressure.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising pumping the fluid
through the flow tube.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjusting a pulse
driving circuitry to drive the electrical pulses at a frequency
previously determined to be advantageous to growth of a type of
microbe present within the fluid.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the microbe is a yeast.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the microbe is a bacterium.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the product comprises an
alcoholic beverage.
19. The method of claim 10, wherein one of the components comprises
a cellulosic waste.
20. The method of claim 10, wherein the product comprises
ethanol.
21. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid comprises a slurry
that includes water and a cellulosic waste.
22. The reactor system of claim 1, further comprising a second
reactor tube having a lumen, and a length of at least 0.1 m,
wherein the second reactor tube is sized and dimensioned to be at
least one of (a) submerged in the solution of the fermentation vat,
and (b) suspended in the fermentation vat.
23. The reactor system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
electrodes comprises a plurality of electrode pairs, and wherein a
distance between at least one electrode pair of the plurality of
electrode pairs is adjustable via at least one of a control and a
rotation assembly coupled to the at least one electrode pair.
24. The reactor system of claim 1, wherein the reactor tube is
further sized and dimensioned to be suspended in the first
fermentation vat via at least one collar.
25. The reactor system of claim 24, wherein the at least one collar
allows for an adjustment of a position of the reactor tube within
the first fermentation vat.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention is fermentation.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description includes information that may be
useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an
admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any
publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] With declining global petroleum production, renewable
bioenergy (e.g., biofuel) may be needed to sustain and generate
economic growth. Bioenergy can be derived from biological sources
via fermentation (enzymatic decomposition and utilization of
carbohydrates, etc., by microbes). Unfortunately, it can take many
hours for a microbe to ferment.
[0004] Various factors can affect the rate of fermentation in yeast
cells and other microbes. These factors include the type of
carbohydrate (rate of CO.sub.2 production), concentration of
carbohydrate, concentration of salt, osmolarity (total
concentration of sugars or salts in the fermentation solution),
ethanol concentration, pH, and temperature, among others.
[0005] Some have experimented with methods of increasing
fermentation rates (i.e., growth and metabolism rates), but have
apparently failed to increase growth/metabolic rates by more than a
modest amount. Some prior experiments relate to electromagnetic
biostimulation. See e.g., Electromagnetic Biostimulation of Living
Cultures for Biotechnology, Biofuel and Bioenergy Applications, by
Ryan W. Hunt et al., Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10, 4515-4558;
doi:10.3390/ijms10104515. Unfortunately, Hunt et al. and others
apparently fail to teach, motivate or suggest an apparatus, systems
or methods of bioelectromagnetic stimulation of microbes for
production of biofuels or bioenergy on a commercial scale.
[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each individual publication or patent application
were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated
reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that
term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein
applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not
apply.
[0007] Thus, there is still a need for improved apparatus, systems
and methods of biostimulation of microorganisms to increase their
fermentation rates for production of bioenergy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and
methods in which a device is configured to achieve increases in
fermentation rates of microorganisms via biostimulation (e.g., bio
electromagnetic stimulation). A device or system of the inventive
subject matter can advantageously be used in existing biofuels
production plants without the need for significant retrofits, and
be configured to decrease the time required for complete
fermentation of a bioorganism by at least 10%, at least 100%, at
least 500%, or even 1,000% or more. For example, it is contemplated
that the time required for fermentation of a strain of yeast can be
cut from 20-30 hours, to approximately 2-3 hours.
[0009] In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, a flow tube
reactor system facilitates fermentation of a solution by a microbe
within a bioreactor, and comprises a Rapid Fermentation Reactor
("RFR"). A RFR generally comprises a lumen having a suitable length
(e.g., at least 0.1 meter, at least 0.5 meter, or even 1 or more
meters), and a suitable inner diameter (e.g., at least 1
centimeter, at least 2 centimeters, or even 10 or more
centimeters).
[0010] Electromagnetic /electric Pulses ("EPs") can be produced via
at least two electrodes disposed along an interior or exterior
length of the RFR. In some embodiments the electrodes can be spaced
along an interior or exterior length of the RFR with regular or
irregular spacing (e.g., a phi spacing, a spacing approximating a
phi spacing, etc.).
[0011] In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, at least
four of a plurality of electrodes can have a progressively greater
inter-electrode spacing along an interior or exterior length of the
RFR.
[0012] Pulse driving circuitry can be provided and configured to
drive an EP to the electrodes. The pulse can comprise a high
voltage pulse having a frequency of at least 10 kHz, at least 20
kHz, at least 500 kHz, or any other suitable frequency configured
to accommodate or be advantageous to the growth/metabolism of a
microorganism present in a solution (e.g., a liquid, a slurry, any
other fluid, etc.).
[0013] It is contemplated that each system or component thereof
(e.g., RFR, electrode, rectification cell, etc.) can have a duty
cycle of between 0.01 to 5%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.1%. As used
herein, a "duty cycle" means a percentage of time that a system or
device is actively working, compared to the time the system or
device is off or resting. For example, where a rectification cell
is actively driving a pulse 20% of the time, the rectification cell
has a duty cycle of 20%. Similarly, if the rectification cell is
actively driving a pulse only 5% of the time, the rectification
cell has a duty cycle of 5%.
[0014] A system of the inventive subject matter can have
non-pulsing periods of at least 0.1, at least 1, at least 5, at
least 10, or at least 15 or more minutes between each pulse. A
rectification cell or other pulse driving circuitry can be
configured to deliver pulses of at least 400, at least 500, at
least 600, or even at least 800 or more Volts/cm (V/cm).
[0015] Methods of fermenting a fluid to produce a product can
include placing a device, system or component (e.g., RFR) of the
inventive subject matter into a bioreactor operating upon a microbe
containing solution. Methods can also comprise operating the device
or system such that a portion of the solution flows through at
least a portion of a RFR component, which provides
electromagnetic/electric pulses to the solution flowing
therethrough.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with
the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent
like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a device of the
inventive subject matter situated inside a fermentation tank.
[0018] FIGS. 2A-D are graphs showing test data from tests conducted
with different EPs.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway schematic of a fermentation tank
used in conjunction with a device or system of the inventive
subject matter.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a probe locking collar of
the inventive subject matter.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an RFR of the inventive subject
matter, with corresponding electrical circuit.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic of another RFR of the inventive
subject matter, with corresponding electrical circuit.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a rectification cell of the
inventive subject matter.
[0024] FIGS. 8A-D is a schematic of a selection of possible RFR
shapes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following discussion provides many example embodiments
of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment
represents a single combination of inventive elements, the
inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible
combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment
comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises
elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also
considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or
D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a RFR 170, pulse driving circuitry
150 and pump 160 of the inventive subject matter, situated inside a
fermentation tank 110. In this embodiment, the RFR 170 comprises a
flow tube reactor coupled with a pump 160. However, a RFR 170 can
have any suitable form factor, preferably configured as a tube with
a lumen. As used herein, a "pulse probe" and a "flow tube reactor"
are types of RFR.
[0027] The fluid pump 160 coupled with the flow tube reactor of
FIG. 1 is configured to direct a flow of a fluid (e.g., a solution
comprising a microbe and a carbohydrate) from one portion of the
reactor to another. Electrodes 140 are provided along an interior
length of the reactor, which are configured to administer EPs
driven by a pulse driving circuitry 150. The circuitry 150 can be
coupled to a power supply configured to supply power to the
circuitry via wires 130. Circuitry 150 can also be coupled to
control(s) configured to allow an operator to adjust at least one
of the voltage of a pulse, duration of a pulse, and a period
between pulses.
[0028] The term "pulse driving circuitry" should be interpreted
broadly to include, for example, any component comprising two or
more contacts configured to create an adjustable spark gap between
them. It is contemplated that a spark gap can be adjusted by
changing the distance between the at least two contacts via one or
more controls. The "pulse driving circuitry" may also be referred
to herein from time to time as a "rectification cell" or "pulse
circuitry".
[0029] Contemplated RFRs (and other components of a device of the
inventive subject matter) can be suspended via a bracket (e.g.,
120) or other mechanism, either within or outside a fermentation
tank (e.g., 110), algae pond or other bioreactor. Moreover, each
component of the device can comprise any size and shape suitable
for use with a new or existing bioreactor.
[0030] Devices and systems of the inventive subject matter can be
configured to administer two or more Electromagnetic Pulses ("EPs")
either continuously, or at predetermined or random intervals. Some
EPs are administered for less than 1 second, less than 1/10 of a
second or even less than 1/100 of a second. Moreover, some EPs are
only administered less than 50, less than 25, less than 10, or even
less than 5 times an hour.
[0031] One possible form of EP can include a short-duration, direct
current, high-voltage pulse. For example, a pulse length can be
between 25 to 130 milliseconds, with voltage ranging from 300 to
4,000 V/cm DC. Very high efficacy has been found with a pulse
length of around 70 milliseconds and voltages of approximately 900
V/cm.
[0032] The pulse shape can comprise a square wave, sine wave, a
saw-tooth wave or any other suitable shape. Resting periods between
two pulses can range from less than one minute to over twenty
minutes, and preferably between approximately eight and twelve
minutes.
[0033] The EP(s) can be generated by pulse driving circuitry (e.g.,
150), and utilized in a tube or tube-like RFR (e.g., 170). The
circuitry can compose or be coupled to the device, a power supply,
and one or more controls. An EP of correct frequency and resting
period generated by circuitry of the inventive subject matter has
been shown to shorten the S-curve growth pattern of some
microorganisms (e.g., yeast) by over 50%. In other words, the
microorganism's growth/metabolic rates have been increased by
approximately 150% or even more.
[0034] In some embodiments, a variable pump (e.g., 160) can be
provided that allows adjustment of flow rates and flow direction
(e.g., from top to bottom, from one end to another end, etc.).
Variable pumps can be variable displacement pumps and/or variable
speed pumps. Pump sizes and capacities can be preferably selected
relative to the size of the bioreactor with which it is used. EPs
can be synchronized to the variable flow rate in order to maximize
stimulation of an organism in the bioreactor. When appropriate, two
or more devices can be used in conjunction with a single
bioreactor. Thus, increased biological production can be achieved
over a wide variety of bioreactor sizes using a device(s) of the
inventive subject matter.
[0035] It is also contemplated that a device of the inventive
subject matter can be used in greenhouse situations to greatly
increase the growth rate of plants, especially in stimulating the
growth of seedlings, for example with hydroponic/aeroponics
systems' conductive pathways. Yet another use of a device of the
inventive subject matter is in increasing the growth/metabolism of
bacteria. Contemplated uses can range from wastewater treatment to
methane production or even composting. Numerous existing bacterial
bioreactors could be used in conjunction with a device of the
inventive subject matter.
[0036] From a methods perspective, technology of the inventive
subject matter can comprise self-contained probe units that are fit
for use in conjunction with an existing or new bioreactor, for
example, a fermentation tank.
[0037] FIGS. 2A-2D show test data from various tests conducted
using device(s) of the inventive subject matter with an existing
bioreactor. The devices were configured to administer different EPs
to a solution reacted upon by the reactor to increase the
fermentation rate of microbes in the nutrient solution. The Y-axis
represents milliliters of displacement based on CO.sub.2 output,
while the X-axis represents a time in minutes. The numerical
Y-value corresponding to each 30(n) minutes is listed below the
X-axis.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows a fermentation tank 330 used in conjunction
with a system of the inventive subject matter, which comprises
probes 320 (e.g., Dry EM Stimulator pulse probe 322, EM wet probe
324, etc.). Each probe (RFR) can be submerged in a solution 326
comprising at least one of water, yeast, and sugar. A rectification
cell 310 can be configured (e.g., via one or more controls) to
drive high voltage electric pulses (e.g., 600V, 800V, or even 1,000
or more V, etc.), have a short duration (e.g., 1 microsecond, 5
microseconds, 10 microseconds, etc.). A control can also be
configured to allow operators to control a period between pulses
(e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes between a first and second
pulse and 10 minutes between a second pulse and third pulse, etc.).
The device can further comprise one or more pumps configured to
direct at least a portion of the solution through an RFR at a
particular rate, and in a selected direction. Contemplated
solutions can comprise a slurry that includes at least one of
water, a microbe, and cellulosic waste (e.g., a biofuel, etc.).
[0039] It is contemplated that the flow rate of the solution, the
number of probes 320, and the stimulation of EPs from the probes
can be scaled to optimize, or be used in conjunction with, any
suitable bioreactor and process.
[0040] The fermentation tank 330 can be coupled to a drain valve
340 configured to allow a solution 326 to exit fermentation tank
330 and flow to a distillation column or other apparatus, for
example, upon completion of a fermentation.
[0041] In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, the solution
can be maintained at a suitable pH relative to the microorganisms
used. For many microorganisms, a suitable pH is contemplated to be
in the range of 6 to 8. In one aspect of the inventive subject
matter, the solution can be maintained at a suitable temperature
relative to the microorganisms used. For many microorganisms, a
suitable temperature is contemplated to be in the range of 20 to
40.degree. C.
[0042] The fermentation tank (e.g., 330) can advantageously be
operated at a pressure of below 10 atm, below 5 atm or even below 2
atm. Especially preferred embodiments can operate at ambient
(atmospheric) pressure.
[0043] Pulse driving circuitry (e.g., rectification cell 310) can
be provided in a system to drive EPs at a frequency that was
previously determined to be advantageous to a growth/metabolism of
a type of microbe present in the solution.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows a RFR/probe locking screw collar 400 of the
inventive subject matter. The screw collar 400 provides a means for
suspending the probes at least partially within a bioreactor, when
desired. The collar further provides for quick and easy removal,
replacement, or height adjustment of a probe. Setscrews or any
other suitable collar locking mechanism (e.g., 410) of the collar
can be tightened around a probe to lock it in place within a
bioreactor.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows one possible RFR of the inventive subject
matter. Dry EM Stimulator Probe 500 consists of a water-tight
cylinder 520 within which a series of tungsten or other suitable
metal electrodes are energized, providing a series of sparks
between them, transcending up the length of the probe. These sparks
produce EPs of a wide range of frequencies that can stimulate the
growth/metabolism of microorganisms. Again, the power supply, the
pulse driving circuitry and the controls can be integral to the
probe itself.
[0046] The electrodes 510 can be disposed along a length of a probe
500 in any suitable configuration, for example, having a particular
spacing (e.g., at a phi ratio).
[0047] FIG. 6 shows another possible RFR of the inventive subject
matter having a cylinder 620 and a vent 630. The EM Web Probe 600,
like the probe of FIG. 5, can be submerged in a solution being
treated 650 in a bioreactor. The probe comprises a plurality of
flow holes at upper and lower ends in which the solution 650 can
flow in and out of the pipe. This flow 640 can be directed or sped
up via one or more pumps (e.g., an external pump). Electrodes are
disposed along the inner length of the probe, and a high voltage
rectification cell is disposed within the probe.
[0048] Where DC current is used, the anode preferably comprises, or
is at coated with, gold or platinum and the cathode preferably
comprises, or is coated with, gold or platinum. These metals are
selected because of their nonreactivity and high electron shell
configurations. Other suitable anode materials are contemplated to
include platinum metal group (PMG) and transitional conductive
metals, or any alloy thereof. Other suitable cathode materials are
contemplated to include PMG and transitional conductive metals, or
any alloy thereof.
[0049] The electrode chain can be mounted on two separate
semicircular assemblies, wherein rotation of these assemblies
adjusts the distance between the submerged electrodes, allowing for
optimization of a stimulation process. Again, the power supply, the
pulse driving circuitry (e.g., rectification cell 610) and the
controls can be integral to the probe itself. Rectification cell
610 comprises first and second contacts (e.g., 611, 613), which are
described in further detail below.
[0050] FIG. 7 shows a rectification cell 700 of the inventive
subject matter. The rectification cell 700 can be disposed exterior
to, or disposed interior to, a probe of the inventive subject
matter. This rectification cell can provide a source of EPs that
assists the stimulation of a fermentation process. A high voltage
potential across two contacts (carbon foam impregnated with
mercury, and aerogel impregnated with copper, etc.) 710 and 720 can
create a spark between them. The spark(s) can provide a source of
EP, and can be adjusted by changing the distance between the two
contacts 710 and 720.
[0051] FIG. 8A-8D are examples of possible RFR and pump
configurations. RFR 810 comprises a substantially straight tube
having a length 816 and a lumen 815. Electrodes 812 are disposed
between a first wall 813 and second wall 814 of the RFR 810. Pump
811 is configured to direct a flow of a solution in a particular
direction (e.g., flow direction 818).
[0052] In FIG. 8B, RFR 820 comprises a curved shape having a first
length 823 and a second length 824. The second length runs between
first wall 821 and second wall 822 of RFR 820. A pump (not shown)
pumps fluid through the device.
[0053] In FIG. 8C, RFR 830 comprises a multi-curved tube shape and
is coupled with first pump 831 and second pump 832. In this
embodiment, a solution can flow into RFR 830 in direction 834 as
directed by second pump 832, then flow out of RFR 830 in direction
835 as directed by first pump 831. RFR 830 comprises a first length
833 and various other lengths (e.g., a length of a first wall,
length of a second wall, length along a lumen, etc.).
[0054] In FIG. 8D, RFR 840 comprises a substantially-Y shape and is
coupled with pump 841, configured to direct a solution along flow
directions 842, 843, 844 and 845. Pump 841 pumps fluid through the
device. The lengths and other dimensions of each of the arms can be
whatever is suitable to the application. While some possible
configuration are described above, it should be appreciated that
RFRs of any suitable size and shape are contemplated.
[0055] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of
ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions,
and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the
invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances
by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the
numerical parameters set forth in the written description and
attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular
embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be
construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and
by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the
numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of
some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical
values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely
as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments
of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting
from the standard deviation found in their respective testing
measurements.
[0056] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as
used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in"
and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0057] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended
to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated
herein, each individual value is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. All
methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language
(e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments
herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and
does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the
invention.
[0058] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations.
Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in
any combination with other members of the group or other elements
found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or
deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or
patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified
thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used
in the appended claims.
[0059] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise,
the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling
(in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each
other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms
"coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.
[0060] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications besides those already described are possible
without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive
subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the
spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in
the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one
of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . .
and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element
from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *