U.S. patent application number 16/034667 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-17 for systems and methods for securement of cargo on a pallet.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Timothy J. Burleson, Andrew Millhouse, Jacob R. Schrader.
Application Number | 20190016502 16/034667 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65000600 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190016502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Millhouse; Andrew ; et
al. |
January 17, 2019 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECUREMENT OF CARGO ON A PALLET
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for securing cargo on a pallet
using a series of interconnected inflatable members. The system is
secured to the pallet using securement straps connected to a
fastener. The system prevents cargo from damage or loss as a result
of falls from the pallet or collisions with other objects in the
environment. Walls of the system can be gradually raised or lowered
as cargo is added or removed to provide access to the highest cargo
in a stack while protecting the cargo in a lower part of the stack.
In some embodiments, the inflatable members can be filled with
heated or cooled liquids to improve environmental storage
conditions of cargo on the pallet.
Inventors: |
Millhouse; Andrew; (Gilbert,
AZ) ; Schrader; Jacob R.; (Sterling, IL) ;
Burleson; Timothy J.; (Bentonville, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65000600 |
Appl. No.: |
16/034667 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62532559 |
Jul 14, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 19/06 20130101;
B65D 81/03 20130101; B65D 2519/00044 20130101; B65D 2519/00099
20130101; B65D 2519/00587 20130101; B65D 2519/00875 20130101; B65D
2519/00034 20130101; B65D 2519/0081 20130101; B65D 19/38 20130101;
B65D 2519/00064 20130101; B65D 2519/00661 20130101; B65D 2519/00527
20130101; B65D 71/0096 20130101; B65D 2519/00029 20130101; B65D
2519/00174 20130101; B65D 2519/00273 20130101; B65D 21/08
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/38 20060101
B65D019/38 |
Claims
1. An inflatable system for securing cargo on a pallet, comprising:
a plurality of inflatable members configured to operatively couple
to and extend about a perimeter of a pallet, the plurality of
inflatable members configured to have an inflated state in which
the plurality of inflatable members form a wall extending
vertically from the perimeter of the pallet to surround cargo on
the pallet and a deflated state in which the plurality of
inflatable members are collapsed to provide lateral access to the
cargo on the pallet, the plurality of inflatable members arranged
in a stack having a vertical configuration and being fluidically
connected by inlet passages and outlet passages; an inlet port
located on a lowest one of the plurality of inflatable members in
the stack; a pressure regulator located in each of the inlet
passages, the pressure regulator preventing fluid from passing from
lower to higher inflatable members in the stack through the inlet
passage until a threshold pressure is reached in the lower
inflatable member; at least one check valve located in each outlet
passage to facilitate ordered draining of fluid from the inflatable
members; and a securement strap attached to a fastener and at least
one of the plurality of inflatable members to selectively secure
the plurality of inflatable members to the pallet, wherein
inflation of the lowest inflatable member creates tension to secure
the fastener to the pallet.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inflatable
members in the stack are consecutively inflated in order from
lowest to highest via the inlet port and the inlet passages.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inflatable
members in the stack are consecutively deflated in order from
highest to lowest via a side port of each check valve.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing wire
ring at each intersection between inflatable members, the
reinforcing wire ring providing lateral rigidity to the plurality
of inflatable members, wherein a shape of a perimeter of the
plurality of inflatable members conforms to a shape of the
reinforcing wire ring.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a base that is laid
over a cargo supporting surface of the pallet and is attached to
the lowest inflatable member.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a hook or steel
cleat configured to latch on to the pallet as the lowest one of the
plurality of inflatable members is inflated.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the securement strap secures
under a cargo supporting surface of the pallet.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is air.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a chilled or heated
liquid.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum source
attachable to the inlet port to remove the fluid.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the inflatable members comprise
rubber, silicone, or plastic.
12. A method for securing cargo on a pallet, comprising: inflating
a plurality of inflatable members to extend vertically from a
pallet to surround cargo on the pallet, the inflatable members
arranged in a stack having a vertical configuration and being
fluidically connected by inlet passages and outlet passages, at
least one check valve located in each outlet passage to facilitate
draining of fluid from the inflatable members; and securing the
plurality of inflatable member to the pallet via a securement strap
attached to a fastener and at least one of the inflatable members
by inflating a lowest one of the plurality of inflatable member to
create tension and selectively secure the fastener to the pallet,
wherein inflating the plurality of inflatable members includes
introducing fluid into the lowest one of the plurality of
inflatable members through an inlet port, the lowest one of the
plurality of inflatable members being fluidically isolated from a
next higher one of the plurality of inflatable members in the stack
by a pressure regulator located in a first one of the inlet
passages configured to fluidically connect the lowest one of the
plurality of inflatable members to the next higher one of the
plurality of inflatable members until a threshold pressure is
reached in the lower inflatable member.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein inflating the plurality of
inflatable members in the stack proceeds consecutively in order
from lowest to highest via the inlet port and the inlet
passages.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising deflating the
plurality of inflatable members in the stack consecutively in order
from highest to lowest via a side port of each check valve.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a
reinforcing wire ring at each intersection between inflatable
members, the reinforcing wire ring providing lateral rigidity to
the plurality of inflatable members, wherein a shape of a perimeter
of the plurality of inflatable members conforms to a shape of the
reinforcing wire ring.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the lowest inflatable member is
attached to a base that is laid over a cargo supporting surface of
the pallet.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the fastener is a hook or steel
cleat configured to latch on to the pallet as the lowest one of the
plurality of inflatable members is inflated.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the securement strap secures
under a cargo supporting surface of the pallet.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the fluid is air.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein the fluid is a chilled or
heated liquid.
21. The method of claim 12, further comprising attaching a vacuum
source to each check valve to remove the fluid.
22. The method of claim 12, wherein the inflatable members comprise
rubber, silicone, or plastic.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/532,559, filed Jul. 14, 2017, the entire
contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cargo shipped on pallets is susceptible to damage or loss if
secured improperly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] Illustrative embodiments are shown by way of example in the
accompanying drawings and should not be considered as a limitation
of the present disclosure:
[0004] FIG. 1A illustrates a cutaway view of an inflatable system
for securing cargo on a pallet according to various embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 1B illustrates a magnified view of a portion of FIG.
1A.
[0006] FIG. 1C illustrates a magnified view of a portion of FIG.
1A.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates the system of FIG. 1A in a deflated state
in accordance with various embodiments described herein.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates the system of FIG. 1A in a partially
inflated state in accordance with various embodiments described
herein.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a top-down view of the system for
securing cargo on a pallet of FIGS. 1A-1C.
[0010] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a front view and a side cutaway
view, respectively, of a system for securing cargo on a pallet
wherein an inflatable member is in a deflated state according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a front view and a side cutaway
view, respectively, of the system of FIGS. 5A and 5B wherein the
inflatable member is in an inflated state according to various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Described in detail herein are methods and systems for
securing cargo on a pallet using a series of interconnected
inflatable members. The system can be secured to a pallet using
securement straps connected to a fastener. The system can prevent
damage or loss of cargo as a result of falls from the pallet,
shifting of objects on the pallet, or collisions with other objects
in the environment. Walls of the system can be gradually inflated
as cargo is added to secure cargo already added to the pallet as
additional cargo is placed on top of the previously added cargo,
and can be quickly deflated or gradually deflated to lower the wall
as cargo is removed to provide access to the highest cargo in a
stack while protecting the cargo in a lower part of the stack. In
some embodiments, the inflatable members can be filled with heated
or cooled liquids to improve environmental storage conditions of
cargo on the pallet.
[0013] In conventional transport systems, cargo on pallets is
secured and protected using blankets or shrink wrap. These
solutions are often inadequate to physically protect the cargo from
damage caused by collisions with other objects, shifting of objects
on the pallet, or to protect the cargo from falling off the pallet
during handling. Moreover, accessing the cargo requires removal of
the blanket or breach of the wrap such that the remaining cargo is
no longer protected. By surrounding the cargo with segmented
inflated buffer members that can absorb or deflect collisions and
retain cargo within the footprint of the pallet, exemplary
embodiments of the systems and methods described herein
advantageously provide improved security for cargo that overcomes
problems associated with conventional systems and methods of
securing cargo on pallets. Further, systems and methods described
herein can be selectively lowered (continuously or intermittently)
to allow lateral access to the top levels of cargo (for example,
for removal of items) while continuing to protect lower levels of
cargo. As such, systems and methods described herein can be
suitable for long term storage in a warehouse where cargo is
removed from the pallet intermittently over a period of time (e.g.,
as orders are fulfilled or as stock is depleted and must be
replenished from the pallet).
[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a cutaway view of an inflatable system
100 for securing cargo on a pallet 200 in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1B and 1C show
magnified views of portions of FIG. 1A. The system 100 can include
two or more inflatable members 110 that extend about a perimeter of
the pallet 200. The inflatable members 110 are arranged in a stack
having a vertical configuration when the inflatable members are
inflated and are fluidically connected by inlet passages 112 and
outlet passages 115. Each of the inflatable members 110 forms a
segment in the stack. A pressure regulator 152 is located in each
of the inlet passages 112 to facilitate ordered filling of the
inflatable members 110 from a lowest member in the stack to a
highest member in the stack, and at least one check valve 155 is
located in each of the outlet passages 115 to facilitated draining
of fluid from the inflatable members 110. A securement strap 120
can be attached to a fastener 124 and at least one of the
inflatable members 110 to secure the system 100 to the pallet 200.
When the inflatable members 110 are inflated through an inlet port
116 located on the lowest inflatable member 110, the fastener 124
is secured to the pallet 200 and the inflatable members 110 form a
wall extending vertically from the perimeter of the pallet 200 to
surround cargo on the pallet 200. In some embodiments, the
inflatable members 200 can be selectively deflated from highest to
lowest to provide lateral access to cargo on the pallet 200.
[0015] In some embodiments, each inflatable member 110 can extend
about the perimeter of the pallet 200 as a single piece or as
multiple independent or interconnected sections. Each inflatable
member 110 is interconnected with a neighboring or adjacent
inflatable member through inlet passages 112 and outlet passages
115. The inlet passages 112 and outlet passages 115 are configured
to selectively allow a fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid) to flow
therethrough or prohibit a fluid from flowing therethrough.
[0016] In some embodiments, the inflatable members 110 can be
filled with a temperature-controlled liquid. In some embodiments,
the inflatable members 110 can be filled with a heated liquid to
help stabilize or influence the temperature of the cargo. For
example, the inflatable members 110 can be filed with the heated
liquid to protect cargo against cold external conditions or to
maintain heated cargo at an elevated temperature. In some
embodiments, the inflatable members 110 can be filed with a cooled
liquid to help stabilize the temperature of the cargo. For example,
filling the inflatable members 110 with a cooled liquid can assist
with cold chain constraints while the pallet of cargo is en route
between destinations or is temporarily sitting on a loading
dock.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1B, the pressure regulator 152 located in
each of the inlet passages 112 can prevent fluid from flowing
through the inlet passage 112 until a threshold pressure is
reached. The value of the threshold pressure can depend upon the
substance being used to fill the inflatable members 110 as well as
the material composition of the inflatable members 110. For
example, more pliable materials can utilize a lower threshold
pressure while less pliable materials will use a higher pressure.
In various embodiments, the threshold pressure can be in a range
from 25-150 psi. In one embodiment, the inflatable members 110 can
include butyl rubber (polyisobutylene), and the threshold pressure
can be in a range of 25 to 60 psi. In another embodiment, the
inflatable members 110 can include nylon-reinforced composite
rubber, and the threshold pressure can be in a range of 40-80 psi.
In a further embodiment, the inflatable members 110 can include a
material suitable for use as a hydroforming bladder such as
polyurethane or urethane, and the threshold pressure can be greater
than 100 psi. In accordance with various embodiments, the pressure
regulator 152 can include a spring actuator connected to a valve.
The spring can open the valve once the threshold fluid pressure is
applied against the spring. In some embodiments, the tension on the
spring can be adjusted to adjust the threshold pressure. For
example, a screw connected to the spring can be turned to increase
or decrease the tension on the spring. In other embodiments, the
pressure regulator 152 can include a spring-loaded flap or valve
body. The pressure regulators 152 and inlet passages 112 are
illustrated as lining up vertically with respect to one another at
one side or corner of the system 100 in FIGS. 1A and 4. However,
the pressure regulators 152 and inlet passages 112 can be located
at any position around the perimeter of each inflatable member 110.
In some embodiments, the inlet passage 112 between first and second
inflatable members 110 is located at a position diametrically
opposed to the inlet passage between second and third inflatable
members 110. Distribution of the inlet passages 112 around the
perimeter of the system 100 can promote even filling of each
inflatable member 110 and mitigate filling blockages that could be
caused by folds or creases in an inflatable member 110.
[0018] The inflatable members 110 can be configured to have an
inflated state and a deflated state. For example, FIG. 1A
illustrates the system 100 with all inflatable members 110 in an
inflated state while FIG. 2 illustrates the system 100 with
inflatable members 110a-110g in a deflated state. FIG. 3
illustrates the system 100 with inflatable members 110a-110c that
are inflated and inflatable members 110d-110g that are deflated.
The inflatable members 110 can be stacked one atop another as
segments in a vertical configuration. In some embodiments, the
pressure regulator 152 located in the inlet passage 112 between a
lower inflatable member 110 and a higher neighboring inflatable
member 110 in the vertical stack (e.g., adjacent inflatable members
in the stack such as inflatable members 110a and 110b or inflatable
members 110b and 110c) can prevent fluid from passing from the
lower inflatable member to the higher inflatable member 110 through
the inlet passage 112 until the threshold pressure is reached in
the lower inflatable member 110. That is, the arrangement of
pressure regulators 152 can cause the inflatable members 110 to
inflate sequentially from a lowest member 110a in the stack to a
highest member 110g in the vertical stack in some embodiments. The
sequential inflation of the inflatable members 110 from lowest to
highest enables securement of cargo 250 on the pallet 200 from the
earliest stages of loading the pallet. For example, cargo 250 can
be added to form a lowest layer 250a on the pallet. Before stacking
additional cargo atop the lowest layer 250a, the lowest inflatable
member 110a and adjacent inflatable members 110b in the stack can
be fully inflated as necessary to protect and secure that lowest
layer 250a of cargo. The filling of the system 100 can then be
halted while an additional layer 250b of cargo 250 is added. In
this way, the cargo is secured level by level by sequentially
inflating the inflatable members 110a-110g as each cargo layer
250a-250d is completed. In some embodiments, the system 100 can
include redundant pressure regulators 152 within each inlet passage
112 or in multiple inlet passages between the same inflatable
members 110. The redundancy in pressure regulators 152 can allow
the system 100 to continue inflation in the event that a single
regulator seizes or fails.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1C, at least one check valve 155 can be
located in each outlet passage 115 to facilitate ordered draining
of fluid from the inflatable members 110a-110g. In some
embodiments, the check valve 155 can optionally include a side port
156. The check valve(s) 155 can include relief valves that are
manually or automatically actuated. During a deflation of the
system, the check valves 155 can be used to drain fluid from the
inflatable members 110. For example, the inlet port 116 can be
opened to allow fluid to exit the lowest inflatable member 110a. As
the pressure drops inside the lowest inflatable member 110a, fluid
passes through the check valves 155 from inflatable members
110b-110g that are vertically stacked above the lowest inflatable
member 110a. This process of fluid flow from highest inflatable
member 110g to lowest inflatable member 110a and through the inlet
port 116 can draw all of the fluid out of the system. In some
embodiments, the system 100 can include redundant check valves 155
within each outlet passage 115 or in multiple outlet passages 115
between the same inflatable members 110. The redundancy in check
valves 155 can allow the system 100 to continue deflating in the
event that a single check valve seizes or fails.
[0020] In some embodiments, draining of the system can take time as
each inflatable member 110 slowly drains to relieve pressure once
the check valves are opened. In some embodiments, the system 100
can include a vacuum source attached to each check valve 155 to
remove the fluid in each inflatable member 110. The vacuum source
can more quickly remove the fluid from the inflatable members 110
to speed up the collapse of the inflatable members, for example,
for repacking of the system 100 when it is no longer needed.
[0021] In some embodiments, the check valve 155 can vent the
contents of an inflatable member directly to the outside
environment through the side port 156. In some embodiments, the
side port 156 can include a drainage port with a manual plug. In
some embodiments, a vacuum source can be connected directly to each
check valve 155 individually to draw the fluid out of the
inflatable members 110 to which it is connected. If the inflatable
members 110 are vented directly to the outside environment through
the side port 156, the inflatable members 110 can be selectively
deflated in some embodiments. For example, the inflatable members
110 can be deflated in order from top to bottom or one-at-a-time in
any order (not necessarily in order of how the members are
stacked). In some embodiments, the sequential deflation of the
inflatable members 110a-g from highest to lowest enables lateral
access to higher layers of stacked cargo while the system 100
continues to secure lower layers of stacked cargo. For example,
cargo may be offloaded from the pallet over a period of time in
some situations as needed to replenish supplies or to fulfill
orders. To remove the highest layer 250d of cargo 250, the highest
inflatable member 110g can be deflated to allow lateral access to
the highest layer 250d. As the higher layers are depleted and
access is needed to lower layers, progressively lower inflatable
members 110a-110f can be sequentially deflated. During this
process, the lowest levels of stacked cargo remain secured by the
system 100.
[0022] The inflatable members 110 can be made of any suitable
material including, but not limited to, pliable rubbers, silicone,
plastics, or other materials that are capable of being inflated to
hold air, liquid, or other fluids as appropriate. In some
embodiments, the inflatable members 110 can be puncture resistant
to prevent inadvertent deflation should the inflatable member 110
come into contact with a sharp object. For example, the inflatable
members 110 can be formed of a tough, rubbery material. In some
embodiments, the inflatable members 110 can be formed of a pliable
material that can be easily folded away and stowed when the system
100 is not in use. For example, the inflatable members 110 can be
formed of a lightweight plastic material. In some embodiments, the
inflatable members 110 can be compacted or bailed to allow compact
transport or storage of the system 100 when not in use.
[0023] In some embodiments, a reinforcing wire ring 118 can be
located at each intersection between inflatable members 110. The
reinforcing wire ring 118 can provide lateral rigidity to the
inflatable members 110 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a
shape of the perimeter of the inflatable members 110 can conform to
a shape of the reinforcing wire ring 118. In some embodiments, the
reinforcing wire ring can be internal to each inflatable member 110
and can be located adjacent to the intersection point at which the
inflatable member 110 connects to an adjacent inflatable member
100.
[0024] An inlet port 116 can be located on the lowest of the
inflatable members 110 in the vertical stack. In some embodiments,
the inlet port 116 can be configured to connect with a fluid pump
or other fluid source. For example, the inlet port 116 can include
screw threads, pipe fittings, or valves such as needle valves to
facilitate connection to hoses or tubes leading to the fluid
pump.
[0025] In some embodiments, the system 100 can include a base 130
that is laid over a cargo-supporting surface 201 of the pallet 200.
In some embodiments, the base 130 can be attached to the lowest
inflatable member 110a in the vertical stack. The base 130 can help
stabilize the system 100 with respect to the pallet 200 by
preventing shifting of the inflatable members 110 with respect to
the pallet 200 particularly when cargo has been placed onto the
pallet 200. For example, the weight of cargo resting on the base
130 can pin the base 130 in place and prevent shifting or movement
of the system 100 with respect to the pallet 200. In various
embodiments, the base 130 and inflatable members 110 can be
provided as a single unit. Alternatively, the base 130 and
inflatable members 110 can be provided separately and can be
attached by a user at the time of installation of the system
100.
[0026] The securement strap 120 attached to the fastener 124 can
selectively secure one or more inflatable members 110 to the pallet
200. The operation of the securement strap is shown in detail in
FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6B. In some embodiments, the securement strap
120 can include reinforced canvas or fabric to provide strength and
flexibility to the strap. In some embodiments, the securement strap
120 can attach to at least one of the inflatable members 110 at an
attachment point 122. For example, the securement strap 120 can be
attached using robust stitching, adhesives, or other suitable
attachment mechanisms. In some embodiments, a portion of the
securement strap 120 can be attached to the inflatable member 110
using a heating or melting process that seals the securement strap
120 to the inflatable member 110 at the attachment point 122. In
some embodiments, the securement strap 120 can be attached to the
lowest inflatable member 110a in the vertical stack.
[0027] FIGS. 5A and 5B show front and side cutaway views,
respectively, of the system 100 for securing cargo to a pallet
before the securement strap 120 has been secured to the pallet 200.
As shown, the inflatable member 110a is not inflated to its maximum
extent, and the securement strip 120 hangs below the
cargo-supporting surface 201 of the pallet. As the inflatable
member 110 is inflated, the securement strap 120 is carried upward
due to its attachment at the attachment point 122.
[0028] FIGS. 6A and 6B show front and side cutaway views,
respectively, of the system of FIGS. 5A and 5B when the inflatable
member 110a has been inflated to its fullest extent (i.e., the
pressure inside the inflatable member has reached the threshold
pressure value such that the pressure regulator is allowing any
additional fluid to pass into adjacent inflatable members through
the inlet passage 112). As illustrated in these figures, the
fastener 124 attached to the securement strap 120 eventually
contacts the underside of the cargo-supporting surface 201 of the
pallet 200 as the inflatable member 110 is filled. As the pressure
reaches the threshold pressure level and the inflatable member
inflates to its greatest extent, tension is created in the
securement strap 120 between the attachment point 122 and the
fastener 124 that secures or latches the fastener 124 to the pallet
200.
[0029] In various embodiments, the fastener 124 can include a
variety of shapes including clamps, hooks, cleats, spikes, nails,
screws, or other suitable fastening forms. In various embodiments,
the fastener 124 can be formed of a variety of materials including
metals (e.g., steel, iron, or aluminum) or plastics. In exemplary
embodiments, the fastener 124 can be formed of a harder material
than the material that forms the pallet 200. For example, the
fastener 124 can be formed of metal when the pallet 200 is formed
of wood.
[0030] In describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is
used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each
specific term is intended to at least include all technical and
functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where
a particular exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of system
elements, device components or method steps, those elements,
components or steps may be replaced with a single element,
component, or step Likewise, a single element, component, or step
may be replaced with a plurality of elements, components, or steps
that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments
have been shown and described with references to particular
embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and
detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. Further still, other aspects, functions, and
advantages are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0031] Exemplary flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative
purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that exemplary methods may include
more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the exemplary
flowcharts, and that the steps in the exemplary flowcharts may be
performed in a different order than the order shown in the
illustrative flowcharts.
* * * * *