U.S. patent application number 17/115829 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-25 for gel stick cleaner with reusable handle and disposable cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Senko Advanced Components, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Senko Advanced Components, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jimmy Jun-Fu CHANG, Kazuyoshi TAKANO.
Application Number | 20210088731 17/115829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005261036 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210088731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAKANO; Kazuyoshi ; et
al. |
March 25, 2021 |
GEL STICK CLEANER WITH REUSABLE HANDLE AND DISPOSABLE CARTRIDGE
Abstract
A cleaning device is provided for removing debris from an end
surface of a fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connectors may
be a Multi Push On (MPO) or Mechanical Transfer (MT). The end
surface may have a one or more ferrules with a fiber optic glass
cable. The cleaning device includes a housing with a first end open
to a gel that adheres to debris. A second end of the housing may be
releasably attached to a protrusion or handle to insert and remove
the device from an adapter receptacle. The handle may be replaced
with a plug frame and protrusion so the device may be inserted into
the receptacle of the adapter. The device may be placed over the
end surface of the fiber optic connector that is not inserted into
an adapter receptacle.
Inventors: |
TAKANO; Kazuyoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; CHANG; Jimmy Jun-Fu; (Worcester, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Senko Advanced Components, Inc. |
Marlborough |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Senko Advanced Components,
Inc.
Marlborough
MA
|
Family ID: |
1000005261036 |
Appl. No.: |
17/115829 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15909250 |
Mar 1, 2018 |
10866369 |
|
|
17115829 |
|
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62473782 |
Mar 20, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B08B 7/0028 20130101;
G02B 6/3866 20130101; G02B 6/3893 20130101; G02B 6/3821 20130101;
B08B 2240/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38; B08B 7/00 20060101 B08B007/00 |
Claims
1. A cleaning device for removing debris from the end surface of a
ferrule of a fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing having a
longitudinal axis and a front end portion and a rear end portion
spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, the housing having an
interior chamber comprising an enclosed rear end and an open front
end that opens through the front end portion of the housing, the
interior chamber having a perimeter that extends along the
longitudinal axis from the enclosed rear end to the open front end,
the housing comprising a chamber perimeter wall that extends
circumferentially around the interior chamber along the
longitudinal axis and defines the perimeter of the interior
chamber, the housing further comprising a rear chamber wall
adjacent the rear end portion of the housing, the rear chamber wall
extending transverse to the longitudinal axis and defining the
enclosed rear end of the chamber; a gel disposed in the interior
chamber on the rear chamber wall and the chamber perimeter wall
such that the gel is accessible through the open front end of the
interior chamber; wherein the second end portion of the housing
comprises a fitting configured to releasably couple the housing to
a separate body; wherein the housing is sized and shaped to be
received in a receptacle of an adapter.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. pat. application
Ser. No. 15/909,250 filed on Mar. 1, 2018, title "Gel Stick Cleaner
with Reusable Handle and Disposable Cartridge", and this
application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
62/473,782, filed on Mar. 20, 2017, titled "Gel Stick Cleaner with
Reusable Handle and Disposable Cartridge", and both applications
are included by reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention present disclosure relates generally to tools
and methods for cleaning optical connectors and adapters
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to tools and
methods for cleaning optical connectors and adapters.
[0004] The prevalence of the Internet has led to unprecedented
growth in communication networks. Consumer demand for service and
increased competition has caused network providers to continuously
find ways to improve quality of service while reducing cost.
[0005] Certain solutions have included deployment of high-density
interconnect panels. High-density interconnect panels may be
designed to consolidate the increasing volume of interconnections
necessary to support the fast-growing networks into a compacted
form factor, thereby increasing quality of service and decreasing
costs such as floor space and support overhead.
[0006] The use of optical connectors and ferrules has exploded as
the need for faster data transfer has increased. Due to the nature
of fiber optics (i.e., that they are optical in nature),
maintaining a clean connection is important to reduce data loss or
corruption. With the increase in use of fiber connectors, systems
and methods have been introduced to protect ferrules from dirt and
debris, as well as to clean them. However, current methods fall
short of what is needed to adequately clean and maintain fiber
ferrules.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning
heading is releasably attached from a body of the cleaning device.
The cleaning head contains a gel preloaded into the front end of
the head. The cleaning head is sized and shaper to fit into a
standard adapter capable of securing a LC and MPO connector. The
head is made to slidably release from one end of the cleaning
device body.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the cleaning
device body is spring loaded to releasably attach the cleaning head
from the body. The body has body may have protrusion that locks the
head. Further the body may have a cavity to accept the compressed
spring which biases the head forward preventing it from being
unlocked during use.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a dust cap is
placed over the exposed gel end of the cleaning hear to protect
against debris from soiling the gel stick area, and prolonging the
cleaning device life. The gel stick body may have grip surface for
ease of use. The gel stick cleaning head is sized to ensure it does
not engage the internal latching or securing mechanism of the port
or adapter inserted therein to clean the connector optic
fibers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example gel stick with
replaceable cartridge;
[0011] FIG. 1B is another perspective view of an example gel stick
wherein the replaceable cartridge is removed;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a top view of an example gel stick with
replaceable cartridge;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a front view of an example replaceable
cartridge;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of an example gel stick with
replaceable cartridge;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a front view of an example replaceable
cartridge;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of an example gel stick
with replaceable cartridge;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example gel stick with
replaceable cartridge, an optical adapter, and an optical
connector;
[0018] FIG. 6A is a top down cross sectional view of an example gel
stick and replaceable cartridge inserted into an optical adapter
and in contact with an optical connector;
[0019] FIG. 6B is a cross sectional side view of an example gel
stick and replaceable cartridge inserted into an optical adapter
and in contact with an optical connector;
[0020] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example dust cap;
[0021] FIG. 7B is a front view of an example dust cap;
[0022] FIG. 7C is a side view of an example dust cap;
[0023] FIG. 7D is a top view of an example dust cap;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example dust cap, an
optical adapter, and an optical connector;
[0025] FIG. 9A is a top down cross sectional view of an example
dust inserted into an optical adapter and in contact with an
optical connector;
[0026] FIG. 9B is a cross sectional side view of an example dust
inserted into an optical adapter and in contact with an optical
connector;
[0027] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an example dust cap and an
optical connector;
[0028] FIG. 10B is a front view of an example dust cap;
[0029] FIG. 10C is a cross sectional side view of an example dust
can and an optical connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems,
devices and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology
used in the description is for the purpose of describing the
particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to
limit the scope.
[0031] As used in this document, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific
terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to
be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this
disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue
of prior invention. As used in this document, the term "comprising"
means "including, but not limited to."
[0032] The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this
application, the respective meanings set forth below.
[0033] A "connector," as used herein, refers to a device and/or
components thereof that connects a first module or cable to a
second module or cable. The connector may be configured for fiber
optic transmission or electrical signal transmission. The connector
may be of any suitable type now known or later developed, such as,
for example, a ferrule connector (FC), a fiber distributed data
interface (FDDI) connector, an Lucent Connector (LC) connector, a
mechanical transfer (MT) connector, a square connector (SC)
connector, an SC duplex connector, or a straight tip (ST)
connector. The connector may generally be defined by a connector
housing body. In some embodiments, the housing body may incorporate
any or all of the components described herein.
[0034] A "fiber optic cable" or an "optical cable" refers to a
cable containing one or more optical fibers for conducting optical
signals in beams of light. The optical fibers can be constructed
from any suitable transparent material, including glass,
fiberglass, and plastic. The cable can include a jacket or
sheathing material surrounding the optical fibers. In addition, the
cable can be connected to a connector on one end or on both ends of
the cable.
[0035] Various embodiments described herein generally relate to a
system and method for removing dirt and debris from a connector as
disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a gel is pressed against the
surface of an optical connector where one or more ferrules or one
or more lensed ferrules exist. The gel may have adhesive properties
which allow dirt and/or debris to be attracted or "stuck" to it.
Removing the gel from the face of the connector thus removes the
dirt and/or debris from the connector as well.
[0036] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a gel stick. In some
embodiments, the gel stick may comprise a body or stick portion 101
and a replaceable cartridge 102. As shown in FIG. 1B, the stick 101
and the replaceable cartridge 102 may be separated. This allows for
the replaceable cartridge 102 to be replaced when it is at end of
life. Due to the nature of adhesive gel, as more and more debris is
removed from optical connectors, it adheres to the gel's surface,
thus making the gel less effective over time after multiple uses.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the stick 101 may, in further
embodiments, comprise a spring loaded connector 103 to interlock
with the replaceable cartridge 102.
[0037] By way of non-limiting example, the replaceable cartridge
102, may have a groove or cavity 104, wherein the spring loaded
connector 103 interlocks with the replaceable cartridge. The spring
loaded connector 103, may comprise a raised portion 105, as shown
in FIG. 1B, which is complementary to the groove or cavity 104. The
raised portion 105, may snap up into the groove or cavity 104, of
the replaceable cartridge 102, thereby securing the replaceable
cartridge to the stick 101 allowing for proper use as discussed
herein.
[0038] Referring briefly to FIG. 2A, a top view of the gel stick
201 and replaceable cartridge 202 is shown. In some embodiments,
the replaceable cartridge may have a visual indicator, (e.g., an
arrow) to demonstrate the proper orientation of the replaceable
cartridge 202. FIG. 2B shows a front view of the replaceable
cartridge 202. The shape of the cartridge is specifically chosen in
order to fit a variety of connectors and adapters. In some
embodiments, the internal area of the replaceable cartridge is
filled with the gel 210.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the of the stick 301 and the
replaceable cartridge 302. As discussed herein, the stick 301 may,
in some embodiments, comprise a spring loaded connector 303 which
allows for connection and release from the replaceable cartridge
302. The stick 301, may also comprise a grip section 306. It should
be understood, that the grip section 306 can be of any form that
allows for additional grip of the stick 301, and that the grip
shown is for exemplary purposes only.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a front view of the replaceable
cartridge 402 is shown. FIG. 4B depicts a cross sectional view of
the stick 401 connected to the replaceable cartridge 402. In some
embodiments, as discussed herein, the stick 401 may comprise a
spring loaded connector 403. The spring loaded connector 403 may
further comprise a raised portion 405 which interlocks with the
replaceable cartridge 402. In some further embodiments, the stick
401 may comprise a cavity 407 which allows for compression of the
spring loaded connector 403. When the spring loaded connector 403
is compressed, the raised portion 405 is disengaged from the recess
of the replaceable cartridge, and the cartridge may be removed.
Additionally, as discussed herein, some embodiments may comprise a
cleaning gel 410 within in the removable cartridge.
[0041] As discussed herein, some embodiments may be able to clean a
fiber connector while the connector is housed within an adaptor.
For example, referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment is shown where the
gel stick 521, a Multi-fiber Push-On (MPO) adapter 522, and an MPO
connector 523 are shown disconnected for added detail. In this
specific non-limiting embodiment, the gel stick 521 is of the
correct form factor to be inserted into the channel 524 of the MPO
adaptor 522 and reach the end and ferrules of the MPO connector
523.
[0042] Further example embodiments are shown in FIG. 6A and 6B,
where a gel stick 621, an MPO adaptor 622, and an MPO connector 623
are combined in a manner similar to how they would be in the field.
Specifically, wherein the gel stick 621 goes through the MPO
adapter 622 and contacts the end of the MPO connector 623 thereby
cleaning the connector end and ferrules. In some embodiments, and
as shown, the gel stick is of such a dimension as to not interact
or connect with a latching mechanism 624 on the MPO adapter. As
shown, FIG. 6A is a top down cross sectional view of the system,
and FIG. 6B shows a cross sectional view of the system from the
side.
[0043] In some further embodiments, the concepts described herein
may be applied via other methods. For example, dust caps can be
used in certain instances to protect optical connectors (e.g., MPO
connectors) or optical adaptors (e.g., MPO adapters) by placing a
connector inside the dust cap, or inserting a dust cap into the
open end of an adapter. Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D, embodiments
are shown involving a dust cap 730 for use with an optical adapter
are shown. FIG. 7A is an perspective view of an example dust cap
730 comprising a cutout 731. The cutout 731 may allow for easy
insertion of replaceable cartridge, as discussed herein to allow
for replacement of the gel once it reaches end of life. The dust
cap 730 may also comprise one or more raised portions 732 which
allow the dust cap to fit tightly within its future housing.
Finally, the dust cap 730 may also comprise a cleaning cavity 733
wherein the optical connector would be received and pressed
directly into the gel. This offers two levels of dust and debris
protection. First, the dust cap 730 helps prevent unwanted items
from contacting the optical connector. Also, the inclusion of the
gel ensures that if anything did contact the optical connector,
that it adhered to the gel surface when the dust cap 730 is
removed.
[0044] FIG. 7B shows a front view of the dust cap 730. As shown,
and in some embodiments, the dust cap 730 may comprise one or more
raised portions 732 and a cleaning cavity 733 for housing the
cleaning gel. FIG. 7C shows a side view of the dust cap 730,
wherein the plug wall 734 is clearly visible. In some embodiments,
such as that shown, a dust cap 730 may comprise a plug wall 734
which sits against the face of an adapter to prevent dust from
getting into the adapter. FIG. 7D shows a top view of a dust cap
730 wherein the dust cap comprises an indention 735 to allow for
the hooks within a typical optical adapter to rest. Moreover, the
dust cap 730 may, in some embodiments, comprise a grip system 736
for firmly grasping and removing the dust cap from an adapter.
[0045] As discussed herein, some embodiments may be able to clean a
fiber connector while the connector is housed within an adaptor
using a dust cap. For example, referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment
is shown where the dust cap 825, a Multi-fiber Push-On (MPO)
adapter 822, and an MPO connector 823 are shown disconnected for
added detail. In this specific non-limiting embodiment, dust cap
825 is of the correct form factor to be inserted into the channel
824 of the MPO adaptor 822 and reach the end and ferrules of the
MPO connector 823.
[0046] Further example embodiments are shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B,
wherein a dust cap 925, the MPO adaptor 922, and the MPO connector
923 are combined in a manner similar to how they would be in the
field. Specifically, the dust cap 925 goes through the MPO adapter
922 and contacts the end of the MPO connector 923 thereby cleaning
the connector end and ferrules. In additional embodiments, a cut
out 926 may be present in the dusk cap 925, which interacts with
the typical adaptor hooks (e.g., MPO adapter hook) 927 as shown. As
discussed herein, the gel 910 is present in the dust cover 925.
[0047] Other embodiments may exist regarding various types of dust
caps or plugs. One additional non-limiting example, such as that
shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, may comprise a cleaning connector dust cap
1028 that is placed over the optical connector 1023. As discussed
herein, a dust cap 1028 may be used to protect ferrules from dirt
and debris. As shown in the cross section of FIG. 10C, the dust cap
1028 may slide over the optical connector 1023. Inside the dust cap
1028 may be a gel 1010, as discussed herein, which contacts the
ferrules as well as the end of the optical connector. This constant
contact not only provides an additional layer of protection from
dust and debris, but also removes any previous debris from the area
due to its adhesive properties.
[0048] Accordingly, as described herein, various embodiments may
utilize a cleaning gel that is applied to a stick, dust cap, or
replaceable cartridge. In some embodiments, the gel may be applied
as a liquid, which becomes to a gel overtime. Thus, in some
embodiments, (e.g., where the replaceable cartridge isn't
utilized), the cleaning gel must then be contained during the
cooling/hardening process. Thus, dust cap designs and/or gel stick
designs cannot have a cutout where the gel will be present, as this
would cause the liquid gel to leak out prior to hardening. In some
embodiments, the cleaning gel is placed into a replaceable
cartridge, which allows a user to easily swap out the cartridge
thus reducing waste and cost. In some embodiments, the cartridge
itself is thrown away with the gel, and in alternative embodiments,
the cartridge may be reused and/or refilled with new liquid gel
after removal of the gel that has reached end of life.
[0049] Typically, where a dust cap is taken off of a connector, a
user then further cleans the end-face, using one of the known
methods, and then inserts the connector into the adapter.
Alternatively, embodiments discussed herein, specifically those
utilizing both adapter and connector dust caps include cleaning gel
solutions, maybe used to further reduce the risk of dust ending up
on the end-face of the connector, and thus increase reliability and
the life of the connector. This is because dust on end-face of the
connector can cause damage to the end-face. Ferrules are extremely
sensitive, and although dust and debris particles may be small,
they can still damage the flat surfaces and/or scratch the surface,
and thus weaken the connection strength. In the case of fiber-optic
ferrules, damage or scratching can cause signal loss (i.e.,
insertion and return loss).
[0050] Thus, some embodiments may utilize a gel stick cleaner to
clean the entire MPO/MT end-face, as well as to clean lensed MT/MXC
end-faces. Additionally, embodiments may use a gel stick that has a
reusable stick handle and replaceable gel head, that is easily
removable from the stick handle, and is beneficial in both use and
cost. With the potential of hundreds of MPO/MT/Lensed MT ferrule
end-faces to clean, having removable gel heads helps address the
problem of having to dispose of hundreds of gel sticks while in the
field.
[0051] Accordingly, some embodiments, may have a molded stick with
a replaceable cartridge used for the cleaning of fiber optic MPO/MT
end-faces. The cartridge may contain an adhesive gel on the end to
capture dust and particles that may build up on an MPO/MT end-face.
The stick may then be used in a push-pull motion as it is inserted
in an MPO adapter/receiver. The gel-tipped cartridge then cleans
the surface of the end-face. Generally, an end-face may have pins
(i.e., male) or no pins (i.e., female). In some embodiments, the
gel tip is pressed against the end-face and sticks to any
debris/dust/particles on the end-face, cleaning the end-face
without scratching the surface of said end-face. The removable
cartridges, discussed herein, may be packaged via large packs with
an easy access method to attach a new cartridge to a stick.
[0052] In the above detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,
similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless
context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described
in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to
be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may
be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject
matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the
aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein,
and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted,
combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated
herein.
[0053] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described in this application, which are
intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications
and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and
scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of
the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to
fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present
disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is
not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds,
compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It
is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to be limiting.
[0054] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0055] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended
as "open" terms (for example, the term "including" should be
interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having"
should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes"
should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," et
cetera). While various compositions, methods, and devices are
described in terms of "comprising" various components or steps
(interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to"), the
compositions, methods, and devices can also "consist essentially
of" or "consist of" the various components and steps, and such
terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially
closed-member groups. It will be further understood by those within
the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation
is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the
claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is
present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following
appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at
least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations.
However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply
that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite
articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such
introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory
phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles
such as "a" or "an" (for example, "a" and/or "an" should be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same
holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim
recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an
introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in
the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted
to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, et cetera" is used, in general such, a construction is
intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand
the convention (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B,
and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A
alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and
C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). In those
instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or
C, et cetera" is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or
C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be
further understood by those within the art that virtually any
disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0056] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are
described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of
any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush
group.
[0057] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and
all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description,
all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible
subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range
can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling
the same range being broken down into at least equal halves,
thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, et cetera As a non-limiting
example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down
into a lower third, middle third and upper third, et cetera As will
also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as
"up to," "at least," and the like include the number recited and
refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into
subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one
skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus,
for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2,
or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups
having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.
[0058] Various of the above-disclosed and other features and
functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other
different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the
disclosed embodiments.
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