U.S. patent application number 17/208105 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-22 for actuator for holding an object.
The applicant listed for this patent is Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Umesh N. Gandhi, Paul A. Gilmore, Shardul Singh Panwar, Brian J. Pinkelman, Ryohei Tsuruta.
Application Number | 20220299016 17/208105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005495743 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220299016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsuruta; Ryohei ; et
al. |
September 22, 2022 |
ACTUATOR FOR HOLDING AN OBJECT
Abstract
Systems and methods relate to a manner of improving an actuator
used to hold an object. In one embodiment, an actuator includes a
body that is bi-stable with a coiled state and an uncoiled state.
The actuator also includes a strip, coupled to the body, that coils
the body according to a power source that activates in response to
a detected proximity of an object. The actuator also includes a
wire coupled to a side of the body opposite from the strip and the
wire uncoils the body in response to heat caused by the power
source.
Inventors: |
Tsuruta; Ryohei; (Ann Arbor,
MI) ; Panwar; Shardul Singh; (Ann Arbor, MI) ;
Gandhi; Umesh N.; (Farmington Hills, MI) ; Pinkelman;
Brian J.; (Ann Arbor, MI) ; Gilmore; Paul A.;
(Ann Arbor, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America,
Inc. |
Plano |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005495743 |
Appl. No.: |
17/208105 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25J 15/02 20130101;
F03G 7/065 20130101; F16K 31/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F03G 7/06 20060101
F03G007/06; F16K 31/02 20060101 F16K031/02; B25J 15/02 20060101
B25J015/02 |
Claims
1. An actuator comprising: a body that is bi-stable with a coiled
state and an uncoiled state; a strip, coupled to the body, that
coils the body according to a power source that activates according
to a detected proximity of an object using a sensor signal; and a
wire coupled to a back of the body opposite from the strip and the
wire uncoils the body according to heat caused by the power
source.
2. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the wire contracts from the
heat to uncoil the body and the body is stable in the uncoiled
state without the heat to the wire.
3. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the body applies a force when
the strip coils according to a size or weight of the object
detected by a sensor.
4. The actuator of claim 3, wherein the actuator uncoils the body
to release the object from a detected pull on the object.
5. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the body applies a force when
the strip coils the body according to a shape of a cup or a mobile
device.
6. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the body is a bi-stable strip
and the wire extends from ends of the bi-stable strip.
7. The actuator of claim 1, wherein a proximity sensor detects the
proximity and a touch sensor detects a touch on the body.
8. The actuator of claim 7, wherein a controller activates the
power source to control the strip according to the proximity and
the touch.
9. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the strip is positioned at an
end of the body.
10. An actuator comprising: a bi-stable body associated with an
active state and an inactive state; a memory alloy (MA) part,
coupled to the bi-stable body, that alters the bi-stable body by
entering the active state in according to a detected proximity of
an object; and a MA body on a side of the bi-stable body opposite
from the MA part and the MA body straightens the bi-stable body to
enter the inactive state according to heat triggered by a power
source.
11. The actuator of claim 10, wherein the MA body contracts from
the heat to straighten the bi-stable body and the bi-stable body is
stable in the inactive state without further heating.
12. The actuator of claim 10, wherein the bi-stable body applies
pressure in the active state according to a size or weight of the
object detected by a sensor.
13. The actuator of claim 12, wherein the actuator straightens the
bi-stable body to release the object from a detected pull on the
object.
14. The actuator of claim 10, wherein the bi-stable body applies
pressure when the MA part causes a bend of the bi-stable body
according to a shape of a cup or a mobile device.
15. The actuator of claim 10, wherein the MA body extends from ends
of the bi-stable body.
16. The actuator of claim 10, wherein a controller activates the
power source to control the MA part according to the proximity and
touch detected by a sensor.
17. The actuator of claim 10, wherein a proximity sensor detects
the proximity and a touch sensor detects a touch on the bi-stable
body.
18. The actuator of claim 17, wherein a controller activates the
power source to control the MA part according to the proximity and
the touch.
19. An actuator system comprising: bi-stable actuators; memory
alloy (MA) parts, coupled to two or more of the bi-stable
actuators, that separately trigger an alteration of the two or more
bi-stable actuators and an active state according to proximity of
an object; and MA bodies coupled to the two or more bi-stable
actuators that separately cause the two or more bi-stable actuators
to enter an inactive state according to heat triggered by a power
source, wherein a controller activates the heat to enter the
inactive state.
20. The actuator system of claim 19, wherein the two or more
bi-stable actuators apply pressure when each of the MA parts
triggers a bend of a body according to a shape of a cup or a mobile
device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The subject matter described herein relates, in general, to
actuators, and, more particularly, to actuators using memory alloys
for holding an object.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An actuator is a machine component that may control a
mechanism to move in a system. For example, an actuator may open a
valve, close a mechanical switch, regulate flow, and so on. Some
actuators operate by using a power convertor to convert energy,
such as electrical energy, into a mechanical force. Solenoids or
electric motors are electromagnetic actuators that use electricity
to operate a mechanical load. Pneumatic actuators use air to
operate a mechanical load. In addition, a system may use a
controller to ensure the correct functioning of input quantities
and output action by solenoid or pneumatic actuators.
[0003] Systems using actuators are becoming smaller and lighter.
Solenoids, electronic motors, and other actuators are needed to
meet certain size and weight parameters for use on a mobile device,
vehicle, and so on. However, these actuators may be too bulky and
heavy for certain applications. Furthermore, battery usage of a
mobile device or vehicle may be impacted by the materials and
design of actuators. For example, actuators in auxiliary systems of
an electric vehicle may impact range during increased usage of
windows, power seats, and so on. Thus, actuators may be bulky,
heavy, or inefficient for certain applications.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, example systems and methods relate to a
manner of improving an actuator used to hold an object. In various
implementations, actuators may use power levels that limit usage in
mobile devices or vehicles. Furthermore, actuators may also be
bulky and mechanical, thereby adding weight to battery-operated
devices or vehicles and increasing manufacturing costs.
Accordingly, an actuator may have a design that uses materials and
a purpose-built body that is bi-stable to reduce power consumption
and weight for battery-operated devices or vehicles. In particular,
a wire and a strip made of a memory alloy (MA) on the body may
uncoil and coil to grasp an object, such as a cup or mobile device,
according to a detected size or weight. As a benefit, the MA is
lighter than a motor and remains in a state or shape without
additional energy. In this way, the actuator in the
battery-operated device or the vehicle is lighter and uses less
power to hold or release an object.
[0005] In one embodiment, an actuator includes a body that is
bi-stable with a coiled state and an uncoiled state. The actuator
also includes a strip, coupled to the body, that coils the body
according to a power source that activates in response to a
detected proximity of an object. The actuator also includes a wire
coupled to a side of the body opposite from the strip and the wire
uncoils the body in response to heat caused by the power
source.
[0006] In one embodiment, an actuator includes a bi-stable body
associated with an active state and an inactive state. The actuator
also includes a MA part, coupled to the bi-stable body, that bends
the bi-stable body by entering the active state in response to a
detected proximity of an object. The actuator also includes a MA
body on a side of the bi-stable body opposite from the MA part and
the MA body straightens the bi-stable body to enter the inactive
state in response to heat triggered by a power source.
[0007] In one embodiment, an actuator system includes bi-stable
actuators. The actuator system also includes MA parts, coupled to
two or more of the bi-stable actuators, that separately trigger a
bend by the two or more bi-stable actuators and an active state in
response to proximity of an object. The actuator system also
includes MA bodies coupled to the two or more bi-stable actuators
that separately cause the two or more bi-stable actuators to enter
an inactive state in response to heat triggered by a power source,
wherein a controller activates the heat to enter the inactive
state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various systems,
methods, and other embodiments of the disclosure. It will be
appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes,
groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one
embodiment of the boundaries. In some embodiments, one element may
be designed as multiple elements or multiple elements may be
designed as one element. In some embodiments, an element shown as
an internal component of another element may be implemented as an
external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be
drawn to scale.
[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of an actuator that is
bi-stable and includes memory alloy (MA) or shape memory alloy
(SMA) components.
[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates the thermodynamic properties of a MA or
a SMA.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a bi-stable actuator with a
coiled state and an uncoiled state.
[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate one embodiment of an actuator
used in a system to hold an object.
[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one embodiment of a system using
an actuator to hold a mobile device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Embodiments associated with improving an actuator using
memory alloys (MA) to hold an object are disclosed herein. An
actuator may use lightweight and compact MAs to hold or release a
cup, a mobile device, or object of various sizes. The actuator may
morph or change shape to firmly grip the cup or the mobile device.
In one approach, the body of the actuator may be a metal that is
bi-stable with a coiled state and an uncoiled state that a
controller activates to hold or release the object. In association
with actuation, the controller may activate a power source to heat
a strip composed of a MA or a shape memory alloy (SMA) and spring
the body into the coiled state. In this way, the controller may
remotely increase the force to hold an object according to shape,
size, or weight. Correspondingly, the coiled body and strip may
maintain a stable shape without additional heat or energy,
benefiting systems with limited energy (e.g. electric
vehicles).
[0015] Furthermore, the controller may automatically uncoil another
strip or a wire on the side of the body opposite from the strip by
activating the power source to apply voltage for heating. For
example, the wire contracts from the heat causing the body to
straighten and enter the uncoiled state. In this state, the
uncoiled body may reduce force to release a grip on the cup or the
mobile device. Furthermore, the uncoiled body and wire may maintain
a stable shape without additional heat or energy. Thus, the
actuator using MAs may be smaller, lighter, and more
energy-efficient than solenoid actuators thereby improving systems
particularly in electric vehicles.
[0016] FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of an actuator 100 that
is bi-stable and includes MA or SMA components. The body 110 of the
actuator 100 may be a strip composed of metal, steel, composite,
and so on arranged in a substantially thin shape to be lightweight
and bi-stable. For example, a bi-stable arrangement may comprise
the body transitioning into a coiled state or uncoiled state. In
addition, a bi-stable arrangement may also comprise the body
transitioning into an active state when bent or an inactive state
when substantially flat. In one approach, the outer layer of the
body 110 may be covered in a plastic, silicon, composite, cloth,
and so on material. Regarding actuation, the body 110 may cause
mechanical stimulus from a springing or recoiling action.
Furthermore, the body 110 may be a strip that is substantially
elongated, rectangular, tapered, or the like according to packaging
parameters such as length, width, depth, or weight.
[0017] Regarding form and parts, the actuator 100 may include MA or
SMA components for substantially coiling or uncoiling the body 110.
A MA or SMA material is lightweight and compact resulting in more
basic packaging than a solenoid, pneumatic, and so on based
actuation. For example, a MA or SMA component may be 50% -60%
lighter than similar components and readily controlled through low
voltage and current flow. Regarding composition, the MA or the SMA
component may be composed of nickel, titanium, tungsten, or another
metal alloy.
[0018] For actuation or triggering, the component 120 may be a
strip composed of MA or SMA material that contracts when heated by
a power source 122 to spring, recoil, or trigger the body 110 into
the coiled state. The component 120 may be positioned at an end of
the body 110. When heated, the component 120 may contract.
Conversely, the component may expand through cooling. Regarding
needed energy from the power source 122, the actuator 100 may
utilize a circuit that applies voltage when activated by a
controller 124 to opposite ends of the component 120. In one
approach, a MA or SMA material may contract, shrink, deform, bend,
stretch, expand, form a shape, and so on according to parameters
such as the amount of material, length, area, density, and so on of
the component. For example, in various implementations, a voltage
level of 2V-12V causes current flow for electric heating of the MA
or SMA to 60.degree. C.-90.degree. C. with a reaction time for
contraction or actuation that varies according to the
parameters.
[0019] Turning to changes in shape, phase, or activity by the
actuator 100, FIG. 1B illustrates the thermodynamic properties of a
MA or a SMA. The heating may cause a phase change of the MA or SMA
from martensite to austenite at a rate according to the parameters
such as length, area, density, and so on. A martensite phase is a
reversible transformation of a crystalline structure related to the
cooling of a MA or SMA. Correspondingly, the cooling of the MA or
SMA to the martensite phase may cause a decrease in density.
Regarding static applications, the martensite phase may handle
higher loads or strains than the austenite phase, thereby being
more applicable for certain applications requiring support.
[0020] Concerning the use of heat, the component 120 begins heating
beyond a certain threshold when a power source applies voltage. In
response, the MA or SMA enters the austenite phase having increased
density. For example, in various implementations, the austenite
phase may be denser than the martensite phase by approximately 1.08
times. The MA or SMA may maintain or remain in the austenite phase
in a certain shape or form without further heating or energy from
the power source 122. However, an external force may cause or
trigger a transition from the austenite to martensite phase since
austenite may be a substantially unstable state.
[0021] Furthermore, a MA or SMA may change up to 8% from an
original shape, such as by contraction. The MA or SMA material
through the shape change may provide actuation by an elastic
modulus of up to 70 giga pascals (GPa) of pressure or force.
Therefore, the actuator 100 may provide an output or force greater
than a solenoid actuator at up to 1/3 the amount of steel using MA
or SMA material. The actuator 100 may use MA or SMA material at a
volume of up to 6 grams/centimeters (cm){circumflex over ( )}3 that
is similar to steel.
[0022] For the actuator 100, the component 130 may be a wire, flat
body, strip, or other MA or SMA component that substantially
flattens or straightens the body 110 from a substantially coiled,
bent, stretched, rounded, curled, and so on shape when heated by
voltage from the power source 122. For example, a wire that is
compact at 0.1 millimeters (mm)-0.5 mm may result in a lightweight
and basic form for the actuator 100. In various implementations,
the component 130 may couple or fasten to the ends of the body 110
to create tension or pressure points. Now referring to the view
140, the component 120 may be on Side A and the component 130 on an
opposite Side B. In one approach, the power source 122 may be a
circuit that applies voltage at the ends of the body 110 to the
component 130 to cause current flow and heating. As a result, as
the component 130 heats the MA or SMA material contracts causing
the body 110 to substantially flatten or straighten.
[0023] Turning now to FIG. 2, an example of a bi-stable actuator
200 with a coiled state and an uncoiled state is illustrated. Here,
the bi-stable actuator 200 may transition between states 210 in
response heating or cooling of MA or SMA components. For example,
heating the component 130 may cause the bi-stable actuator 200 to
transition from a substantially coiled, bent, stretched, rounded,
curled, and so on shape to a substantially flattened or
straightened shape. In one way, the transition of the bi-stable
actuator 200 may be similar to a cantilever, where the MA or SMA
applies a force to substantially the center of the body 110.
Regarding flattening or straightening, the related rate may depend
on the MA or SMA material and related parameters. For example, the
parameters may be length, area, density, and so on. To consider
another state change, heating the component 120 may cause the
bi-stable actuator 200 to revert or reverse to a substantially
coiled, bent, stretched, rounded, curled, and so on shape.
Furthermore, the bi-stable actuator 200 may remain or maintain
actuation in a shape without additional heating, energy, or power
to the MA or SMA components.
[0024] Regarding FIG. 3A, one embodiment of the actuator 100 used
in a system to hold an object is illustrated. Regarding
composition, the holder 300 may include a body 310 composed of
metal, plastic, composite, and so on. In various implementations,
the holder 300 may be attached to the dashboard, console, panel,
vent, and so on of a vehicle. In one approach, the holder 300 may
be universal by holding cups or beverages of various sizes thereby
providing customization.
[0025] Furthermore, the holder 300 may include a proximity
sensor(s) 330 that uses ultrasonic, optical, pressure, heat,
magnetic, and so on sensing. When the proximity sensor(s) 330
detects the object or the cup 320 near the body 310, the controller
124 may activate the power source 122. In one approach, the
proximity sensor(s) 330 may use ultrasonic or optical detectors to
identify a shape of the object or the cup 320 through image
recognition, thereby improving the accuracy of activation. For
sensing, the body 310 may include a touch sensor(s) or a pressure
sensor(s). The touch sensor(s) may detect touch by changes in
surface resistance or capacitance. Regarding pressure, a pressure
sensor(s) may detect a push or a pull on the body 310 or the body
110 of the actuator 100. Correspondingly, the pressure sensor(s)
may also detect a force or weight of an object near the holder 300.
As a result, the controller 124 may use signals from the proximity
sensor(s) 330 with any detected touch or pressure to activate the
power source 122 to prevent erroneous triggering.
[0026] In FIG. 3A, the component 120 of the actuator 100 may be
heated by the power source 122 applying a voltage in response to
activation by the controller 124. Correspondingly, in FIG. 3B the
component 120 may spring, recoil, or trigger the body 110 into the
coiled state 340 once heating beyond a certain threshold causes
contraction of the component 120. The coiled state 340, in various
implementations, may sometimes be referred to as the active state.
Accordingly, the body 110 may bend or deform to grasp, hold, and so
on the object or the cup 320. To make adaptable, different
compositions, shapes, thicknesses, widths, and so on of the body
110 may be utilized in the holder 300 depending on a desired
reaction time to grip the object or the cup 320. For example, the
holder 300 may have a reaction time of 1-3 Hertz (Hz) to suit the
grasping of a cup without a noticeable delay to a user.
[0027] Turning now to the release of the object or the cup 320, the
controller 124 may utilize the proximity sensor(s) 330, touch
sensor(s), and/or pressure(s) to determine a release for the holder
300. In response to a detected release, the controller 124 may
activate the power source 122 to heat the component 130. As the
component 130 heats, the MA or SMA material contracts causing the
body 110 to substantially flatten or straighten to enter the
uncoiled state or the inactive state and release the object or the
cup 320. The body 110 may stay in the uncoiled state without
applied power by the power source 122 thereby allowing efficient
operation.
[0028] As another embodiment, FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 using
the actuator 100 to hold a mobile device. Regarding composition,
the system 400 may include the body 410 composed of metal, plastic,
composite, and so on. Furthermore, the system 400 may be attached
to the dashboard, console, panel, vent, and so on of a vehicle. In
one approach, the system 400 may be universal and hold mobile
devices of various sizes by custom actuation.
[0029] Furthermore, the system 400 may include a proximity
sensor(s) 430 that uses ultrasonic, optical, pressure, heat,
magnetic, and so on sensing. When the proximity sensor(s) 430
detects a mobile device 420 near the body 410, the controller 124
may activate the power source 122. For example, the proximity
sensor(s) 430 may use ultrasonic or optical detectors to identify
shapes of a phone or a tablet through image recognition, thereby
improving the accuracy of activation. In one approach, the body 410
may include a touch sensor(s) or a pressure sensor(s). The touch
sensor(s) may detect touch by changes in surface resistance or
capacitance. Regarding pressure, a pressure sensor(s) may detect a
push or a pull on the body 410 or the body 110 of the actuator 100.
Correspondingly, the pressure sensor(s) may also detect a force or
weight of an object near the system 400. As a result, the
controller 124 may use signals from the proximity sensor(s) 430
with any detected touch or pressure to activate the power source
122 to prevent erroneous triggering.
[0030] Moreover, in FIG. 4A the component 120 of the actuator 100
is heated by the power source 122 applying a voltage in response to
activation by the controller 124. Correspondingly, in FIG. 4B the
component 120 may spring, recoil, or trigger the body 110 into the
coiled state 440 once heating beyond a certain threshold causes
contraction. The coiled state 440, in various implementations, may
sometimes be referred to as the active state. Accordingly, the body
110 may bend or deform to grasp, hold, and so on to the mobile
device 420. To make the system adaptable, different compositions,
shapes, thicknesses, widths, and so on of the body 110 may be
utilized in the system 400 depending on a desired reaction time to
grip the mobile device 420. For example, the system 400 may have a
reaction time of 1-3 Hertz (Hz) to suit the grasping of a mobile
device without a noticeable delay to a user.
[0031] Turning now to the release of the mobile device 420, the
controller 124 may utilize the proximity sensor(s) 430, touch
sensor(s), and/or pressure(s) to determine a release for the system
400. In response to a detected release, the controller 124 may
activate the power source 122 to heat the component 130. As the
component 130 heats, the MA or SMA material contracts causing the
body 110 to substantially flatten or straighten to enter the
uncoiled state or the inactive state and release the mobile device
420. The body 110 may stay in the uncoiled state without applied
power by the power source 122 thereby allowing efficient
operation.
[0032] In various implementations, the system 400 may be arranged
in a cup holder to allow universal use of a component on a console
or a door panel. In one approach, a pressure sensor(s) detects the
mobile device 420 in the cup holder. In response, the controller
124 may activate the actuator 100 to enter the coiled state.
Accordingly, the body 110 may morph to the shape of the mobile
device 420 in the cup holder during coiling. In this way, the
system 400 may adapt to various sizes and form factors of a mobile
device thereby improving compatibility and use.
[0033] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is to
be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended as
examples. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects
herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further,
the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting
but rather to provide an understandable description of possible
implementations. Various embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1-4, but
the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structure or
application.
[0034] The systems, components and/or processes described above can
be realized in hardware or a combination of hardware and software
and can be realized in a centralized fashion in one processing
system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are
spread across several interconnected processing systems. Any kind
of processing system or another apparatus adapted for carrying out
the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of
hardware and software can be a processing system with
computer-usable program code that, when being loaded and executed,
controls the processing system such that it carries out the methods
described herein. The systems, components and/or processes also can
be embedded in a computer-readable storage, such as a computer
program product or other data programs storage device, readable by
a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable
by the machine to perform methods and processes described herein.
These elements also can be embedded in an application product which
comprises the features enabling the implementation of the methods
described herein and, which when loaded in a processing system, is
able to carry out these methods.
[0035] Furthermore, arrangements described herein may take the form
of a computer program product embodied in one or more
computer-readable media having computer-readable program code
embodied, e.g., stored, thereon. Any combination of one or more
computer-readable media may be utilized. The computer-readable
medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a
computer-readable storage medium. The phrase "computer-readable
storage medium" means a non-transitory storage medium. A
computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not
limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,
infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any
suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a
non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would
include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk
drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), a ROM, an EPROM or Flash
memory, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a
digital versatile disc (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic
storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In
the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium
may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for
use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,
apparatus, or device.
[0036] The terms "a" and "an," as used herein, are defined as one
or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined
as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is
defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or
"having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open
language). The phrase "at least one of . . . and . . . ." as used
herein refers to and encompasses any and all combinations of one or
more of the associated listed items. As an example, the phrase "at
least one of A, B, and C" includes A, B, C, or any combination
thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC or ABC).
[0037] Additionally, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and
clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have
been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding
or analogous elements. In addition, the discussion outlines
numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of
the embodiments described herein. Those of skill in the art,
however, will understand that the embodiments described herein may
be practiced using various combinations of these elements.
[0038] Aspects herein can be embodied in other forms without
departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims,
rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope
hereof.
* * * * *