Abstract:
Silencers are provided for a weapon having a combustion chamber and a barrel. The weapon is configured to launch a projectile with combustion gases generated in the combustion chamber. An exemplary silencer includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for mounting the silencer to the barrel, the distal end being configured to allow the projectile to pass therethrough, and at least one vortex chamber disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The at least one vortex chamber includes a circular peripheral wall for inducing a vortex on a portion of the combustion gases expelled from the combustion chamber during launch of the projectile. The vortex impedes flow of the combustion gases from the barrel such that acoustic energy associated with the launch of the projectile is dissipated.

Description:
GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
   The invention described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensed by or for the United States Government. 
   BACKGROUND 
   1. Technical Field 
   The present disclosure generally relates to silencers for weapons having combustion chambers. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Many known weapons utilize expanding high-pressure combustion gases to expel a projectile from the weapon. For example, to “fire” a bullet from a firearm, gun powder is ignited behind the bullet. Ignition of the gun powder creates a high-pressure pulse of combustion gases that forces the bullet down the barrel of the firearm. When the bullet exits the end of the barrel, the high-pressure pulse of combustion gases exits the barrel as well. The rapid pressurization and subsequent depressurization caused by this high-pressure pulse creates a loud sound known as “muzzle blast.” As would be expected, the muzzle blast can indicate to an observer the direction from which a weapon is being fired. There are those occasions, such as during law enforcement operations or military operations, when it is desirable to conceal the location from which a weapon is fired. In those instances, it is often desirable to reduce the amplitude of the muzzle blast. 
   The use of silencers with weapons to reduce the amplitude of muzzle blasts is known. A typical silencer is located on the end of the barrel and provides a large expansion volume compared to the barrel, typically 20 to 30 times greater. With the silencer in place, the pressurized combustion gases behind the projectile have a relatively large volume into which to expand. As the combustion gases expand into the volume of the silencer, the pressure of those gases falls significantly. Therefore, as the projectile finally exits the silencer, the pressure of the combustion gases being released to the atmosphere is significantly lower than the pressure of the combustion gases when a silencer is not used. By reducing the peak amplitude of the combustion gas pressure released to the atmosphere, the sound of the weapon being fired is much softer. 
   Many existing silencers are typically of complex construction. For example, many silencers have moving parts and tight variances that may become fouled by residue deposited as combustion gases pass through the silencer. Fouling of these parts and variances during the repeated firing of the weapon may cause reduced efficiency and/or total inoperability of the silencer. Many existing silencers also require the use of baffling materials for the reduction of the muzzle blast of the weapon. Often, these baffling materials must be replaced frequently during repetitive firing to maintain the effectiveness of the silencer. 
   SUMMARY 
   Briefly described, devices and systems involving a silencer for use with a weapon are disclosed. A representative embodiment of a silencer is provided for a weapon that has a combustion chamber and a barrel. The weapon is configured to emit a projectile with combustion gases. The silencer also includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for mounting the silencer to the barrel, the distal end being configured to allow the projectile to pass therethrough. The silencer includes at least one vortex chamber disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, the at least one vortex chamber including a circular peripheral wall for inducing a vortex on a portion of the combustion gases during emission of the projectile. 
   Another embodiment provides a weapon for emitting a projectile with combustion gases. The weapon includes a combustion chamber, a barrel for guiding the projectile along a flight path, and a silencer. The silencer includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for mounting the silencer to the barrel, the distal end being configured to allow the projectile to pass therethrough, and at least one vortex chamber disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The at least one vortex chamber includes a circular peripheral wall for inducing a vortex on a portion of the combustion gases during emission of the projectile. 
   Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be included within this description and be protected by the accompanying claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a weapon that includes an embodiment of a silencer. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are cut-away side views of an embodiment of a silencer. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are schematic illustrations of an embodiment of a vortex chamber showing internal fluid flow. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the silencer as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , along line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 5  is a cut-away side view of another embodiment of a silencer. 
       FIG. 6  is a cut-away side view of another embodiment of a silencer. 
       FIG. 7  is a cut-away side view of another embodiment of a silencer. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Embodiments of silencers for reducing the muzzle blast of a weapon are discussed.  FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a silencer as would be disposed on a weapon.  FIGS. 2A–2B  and  4  depict an exemplary embodiment of a silencer of the disclosure. The principles of operation of an embodiment of a vortex diode are depicted in  FIGS. 3A–3B . The remaining figures depict other exemplary embodiments of silencers. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a weapon  100  is depicted to which an embodiment of a silencer  110  is attached. Specifically, the silencer  110  is attached to the barrel  102  of the weapon  100 . Although the weapon  100  is a rifle-type firearm, embodiments of silencers may be used with other types of weapons, such as hand guns. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict another embodiment of a silencer. As shown, the silencer  110   a  includes a proximal end  112  including an entry opening  114 , and a distal end  116  including a discharge opening  118 . Preferably, the proximal end  112  is configured to be removably attached to the end of the barrel of a weapon, such as barrel  102  of  FIG. 1 . By way of example, matching threads are preferably used. The longitudinal axis of the barrel  102  and the silencer  110   a  form a single longitudinal axis, or projectile path  119 . Preferably, an inner cylindrical wall  130  extends from the entry opening  114  to the discharge opening  118  about the projectile path  119 . An outer housing  132  is disposed about the inner cylindrical wall  130 , thereby forming an expansion chamber  134   a . Preferably, although not necessarily, the proximal end  112  and distal end  116  of the silencer  110   a  are formed by a first wall  113  and a second wall  117 , respectively, that are substantially parallel. As such, the first wall  113 , the second wall  117 , the inner cylindrical wall  130 , and the outer housing  132  form a cylindrical expansion chamber  134   a . Preferably, materials used in constructing the silencer have desirable heat conduction/absorption properties to help remove energy from the expanding combustion gases. 
   Preferably, the silencer  110   a  includes a plurality of vortex diodes  120  disposed on the inner cylindrical wall  130  ( FIG. 4 ). Each vortex diode  120  includes a circular peripheral wall  124  defining a substantially cylindrical vortex chamber  122 , a vent  126 , and a nozzle  128  formed in the circular peripheral wall  124 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3A , the circular peripheral wall  124  is disposed about the vent  126  and the nozzle  128  is formed tangential to the circular peripheral wall  124 . Embodiments are envisioned wherein multiple nozzles  128  are positioned at various points around the circular peripheral wall  124 , each providing a tangential input to the chamber. As such, combustion gases, flowing in the direction of the flow arrows, enter the vortex diode  120  through the vent  126  and pass through the vortex chamber  122  directly out the nozzle  128 . Fluid flow in this direction is restricted only by the cross sections of the vent  126  and nozzle  128 . 
   In contrast, combustion gasses flowing in the direction of the flow arrows shown in  FIG. 3B  first pass through the nozzle  128 , thereby entering the vortex chamber  122  tangentially to the circular peripheral wall  124 . As such, the fluid is forced to spiral, creating a vortex prior to exiting through the vent  126 . As is evident from  FIG. 3B , the circular shape of the vortex chamber  122  provides an angular acceleration to the tangentially flowing fluid. The resultant angular velocity of the fluid causes the formation of the vortex within the vortex chamber  122 , thereby restricting the exit flow of the fluid through the vent  126 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2A , one or more vortex diodes  120  are disposed within the silencer  110   a  such that the vortex chamber  122  is in fluid communication with the projectile path  119  by way of the vent  126  and the expansion chamber  134   a  by way of the nozzle  128 . Therefore, during the firing of a projectile  104  from a weapon  100 , combustion gases will be allowed to freely expand into the expansion chamber  134   a  by flowing through the vent  126 , through the vortex chamber  122 , and out the nozzle  128 , as previously discussed with regard to  FIG. 3A . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2A , as the projectile  104  is urged along the projectile path  119  by the expanding combustion gases  106 , the projectile  104  will eventually reach a location within the silencer  110   a  where the combustion gases  106  are allowed to pass through the vortex diodes  120  with minimal resistance and into the expansion chamber  134   a.    
   To facilitate the flow of gases into the expansion chamber  134   a , a pressure bleed port or ports (not shown) can be positioned toward the distal end  116 , thereby removing any “block-loaded” pressure condition and reducing the input impedance of gases into the chamber  134   a . An exemplary port could be a simple hole or could also be a vortex diode that will change resistance significantly when the chamber begins to become pressurized. The port would also facilitate the purging of water from the silencer  100   a  after submersion or cleaning. Another possible location for such a pressure bleed port could be between adjacent chambers  134   a , should there be more than one, with the fluid communication path eventually leading to the discharge part  118 . 
   Once the combustion gases  106  have passed into the expansion chamber  134   a , the pressures within the weapon  102  and the silencer  110   a  represented by P 1 , P 2 , P 3 , and P 4  are substantially equal and greater than the ambient pressure represented by P 5 . Note however, although greater than ambient pressure P 5 , those pressures represented by P 1  through P 4  are substantially less than the pressure exhibited by combustion gases leaving the barrel  102  of a weapon  100  when the silencer  110   a  is not used. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2B , as the projectile  104  leaves the silencer  110   a  and the pressures P 1  and P 4  approach ambient pressure P 5 , pressures P 2  and P 3  are now greater than pressures P 1  and P 4 . As such, the higher pressure combustion gases present in the expansion chamber  134   a  will flow to the lower pressure region represented by pressures P 1  and P 4  by flowing through the vortex diodes  120 . Each vortex diode  120  now slows the depressurization of the expansion chamber  134   a  by inducing a vortex, represented by flow arrows  136 , on the combustion gases as they flow first through the nozzle  128 , tangentially about the vortex chamber  122 , and eventually to the atmosphere through the vent  126  and then the discharge opening  118 . As such, each vortex diode  120  not only aids in reducing the peak pressure of the combustion gases released to atmosphere, but also delays the depressurization of the expansion chamber  134   a , thereby reducing the muzzle blast of the weapon being discharged. Additional versions of vortex diodes and chamber combinations can be placed within the same silencer for successive pressure drops. 
     FIG. 5  depicts another embodiment of a silencer  110   b . Preferably, the silencer  110   b  includes a proximal end  112  and a distal end  116 . The proximal end is formed by a first wall  113  including an entry opening  114 , and the distal end is formed by a second wall  117  including a discharge opening  118 . The entry opening  114  and discharge opening  118  are both disposed about the projectile path  119 . A cylindrical outer housing  132  extends from the first wall  113  to the second wall  117  about the projectile path  119 , such that the silencer  110   b  forms a preferably cylindrical volume. As shown, the silencer  110   b  includes a first vortex diode  120   a , a second vortex diode  120   b , and a third vortex diode  120   c . Note, embodiments of the silencer  110   b  are envisioned that include as few as one vortex diode  120 , as well as numbers of vortex diodes  120  greater than that shown. For ease of description, only the operation of first vortex diode  120   a  and second vortex diode  120   b  will be discussed. 
   As shown, the first vortex diode  120   a  includes a vortex chamber  122   a  formed by the second wall  117 , a first partition  140 , and a circular peripheral wall  124   a . The circular peripheral wall  124   a  is preferably the inner surface of the outer housing  132 . The first vortex diode  120   a  also includes a nozzle  128   a  configured to introduce combustion gases tangentially to the circular peripheral wall  124   a , and a vent, the function of which is performed by the discharge opening  118  of the second wall  117 . Similarly, the second vortex diode  120   b  is formed between the first partition  140  and a second partition  150 , and includes a circular peripheral wall  124   b  and a nozzle  128   b  for introducing combustion gases tangential to the circular peripheral wall  124   b . Note, the dimensions of the various vortex chambers do not need to be uniform with respect to other vortex chambers within the same silencer. 
   A first projectile aperture  142  formed in the first partition  140  functions as the vent for the second vortex diode  120   b . A third vortex diode  120   c  is similarly formed between a third partition  160  and the second partition  150 . The first projectile aperture  142 , the second projectile aperture  152 , and a third projectile aperture  162  formed in the third partition  160  are all disposed along and about the projectile path  119 . The inside diameters of projectile apertures  142 ,  152 , and  162  exceed the projectile&#39;s outside diameter to ensure the projectile travels through the apertures without contact, but with minimal clearance to improve the effectiveness of the silencer 
   As shown, the proximal end  112  of the silencer  110   b  includes an expansion chamber  134   b  formed between the third partition  160 , the first wall  113 , and a portion of the outer housing  132 . As shown, the expansion chamber  134   b  is a cylindrical volume, although this is not necessary for all embodiments. Preferably, a first fluid conduit  144  extends from an inlet  143  in the outer wall of the expansion chamber  134   b  to the nozzle  128   a  of the first vortex diode  120   a . Note, the first fluid conduit  144  does not need to be outside the silencer  110   b , as shown. Rather, the fluid conduit  144  could be fashioned to conduct flows internal to the outer housing  132  in voids created by walls  124   a,b,c  (not shown). Similarly, a second conduit  154  extends from an inlet  153  formed in the outer wall of the expansion chamber  134   b  to the nozzle  128   b  of the second vortex diode  120   b . The first and second conduits  144 ,  154  allow combustion gases, as indicated by the flow arrows, to flow from the expansion chamber  134   b  to their respective vortex diodes  120   a ,  120   b.    
   After the weapon has been fired, the projectile (not shown) will eventually reach the vicinity of the third projectile aperture  162 . At this point, the combustion gases that have propelled the projectile out of the barrel  102  pass into the expansion chamber  134   b  where at least a portion of the combustion gases exit through first and second inlets  143 ,  153  and travel down the first and second conduits  144 ,  154  into the first and second vortex diodes  120   a ,  120   b , respectively. The combustion gases that reach the first vortex diode  120   a  are introduced to the vortex chamber  122   a  tangentially to the circular peripheral wall  124   a . As such, a first vortex  148  is induced, thereby delaying the escape of the combustion gases from the silencer  110   b  by way of the discharge opening  118 . Similarly, the combustion gases that reach the second vortex chamber  122   b  are introduced tangentially to the circular peripheral wall  124   b  through nozzle  128   b , thereby forming a second vortex  158 . Thus, the escape of the combustion gases through the first projectile aperture  142 , and ultimately to the atmosphere, is delayed. Note, embodiments of the silencer  110   b  are envisioned wherein the conduits pass through the various partitions to their respective vortex diodes rather than being external to the outer housing  132 . Additional internal helical baffles (not shown) can optionally be added to the proximal and distal ends of each vortex chamber to initiate swirl to the expanding gases prior to any additional circulation being induced by the nozzles. These baffles could be configured similar to turbine blade shapes that redirect the expanding fluids in the same direction of the induced swirl of the vortex diode. 
   Another embodiment of a silencer  110   c  is depicted in  FIG. 6 . As shown, the silencer  110   c  includes a proximal end  112  and a distal end  116 , the proximal end being formed by a first wall  113  including an entry opening  114 , and the distal end being formed by a second wall  117  including a discharge opening  118 . A cylindrical outer housing  132  extends from the first wall  113  to the second wall  117 , thereby forming a cylindrical expansion chamber. The entry opening  114 , the discharge opening  118 , and the outer housing  132  are disposed about the projectile path  119 . As shown, the silencer  110   c  also includes a helically-shaped baffle  170  extending from the proximal end  112  for a portion of the length of the silencer  110   c . The helically-shaped baffle  170  contacts the first wall  113 . However, the helically-shaped baffle  170  can be spaced from the first wall  113  in other embodiments. Preferably, the induced swirl of the combustion gases caused by the baffle should be in the same direction as the rifling of the weapon to reduce potential de-stabilizing effects of the gases on the projectile. However, this is not necessary. 
   The silencer  110   c  functions under the vortex diode flow principles previously described to reduce the amplitude of the sound of firing a weapon. In the embodiment shown, a vortex diode  120   d  includes a vortex chamber  122   d  formed by the cylindrical volume of the silencer  110   c , a circular peripheral wall  124   d  formed by the inner surface of the outer housing  132 , and a vent as formed by the discharge opening  118 . The function of a nozzle is performed by the helically-shaped baffle  170 . As a projectile exits the barrel  102  of the weapon, the combustion gases enter the vortex chamber  122   d  of the vortex diode  120   d , where they encounter the helically-shaped baffle  170 . Preferably, the helically-shaped baffle  170  includes an outer edge  172  that is in contact with the circular peripheral wall  124   d  and an inner edge  174  which is adjacent the projectile path  119 . 
   Preferably, the inner edge  174  has an edge extension  174   a  that extends slightly in the direction toward the proximal end  112 , whereby the edge extension  174   a  helps capture the expanding gases and force containment and circulation outward along the helical baffle  170 . As the combustion gases encounter the helically-shaped baffle  170 , an angular acceleration is imparted on the combustion gases, causing the gases to flow outwardly toward the circular peripheral wall  124   d . As such, as the combustion gases travel the length of the vortex chamber  122   d , a vortex is induced, as shown by the flow arrows. Therefore, the helically-shaped baffle  170  has performed the function of a nozzle  128  ( FIGS. 3A–3B ) by inducing a vortex on the combustion gases. Similar to the prior discussions, the induced vortex will contain the gases within the chamber  122   d  due to outwardly expanding circular swirl and delay the escape of the expanding combustion gases to atmosphere, thereby reducing the sound of the weapon being fired. 
     FIG. 7  depicts another embodiment of a silencer  110   d . As shown, the silencer  110   d  includes a proximal end  112  including an entry opening  114 , and a distal end  116  including a discharge opening  118 . Preferably, the proximal end  112  is configured to be removably attached to the end of the barrel of a weapon, such as barrel  102 . By way of example, matching threads are preferably used. The longitudinal axis of the barrel  102  and the silencer  110   d  form a single longitudinal axis, or projectile path  119 . As shown, the silencer  110   d  includes a first stage  110   e  that functions similarly to the silencer  110   a  shown in  FIGS. 2A–2B  and  4 , and a second stage  110   f  that functions similarly to the silencer  110   b  shown in  FIG. 5 . Note, however, that in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , expansion chamber  134   b  has been replaced with the first stage  110   e.    
   Preferably, an inner cylindrical wall  130  of the first stage  110   e  extends from the entry opening  114  to a third projectile aperture  162  formed in a third partition  160  of the second stage  110   f . An outer housing  132   a  is disposed about the inner cylindrical wall  130 , thereby forming an expansion chamber  134   a.    
   Preferably, the first stage  110   e  includes a plurality of vortex diodes  120  disposed on the inner cylindrical wall  130  ( FIG. 4 ). Each vortex diode  120  includes a circular peripheral wall  124  defining a substantially cylindrical vortex chamber  122 , a vent  126 , and a nozzle  128  formed in the circular peripheral wall  124 . Embodiments are envisioned wherein multiple nozzles  128  are positioned at various points around the circular peripheral wall  124 , each providing a tangential input to the chamber. 
   Preferably one or more vortex diodes  120  are disposed within the first stage  110   e  such that the vortex chamber  122  is in fluid communication with the projectile path  119  by way of the vent  126  and the expansion chamber  134   a  by way of the nozzle  128 . Therefore, during the firing of a projectile from a weapon, combustion gases will be allowed to freely expand into the expansion chamber  134   a  by flowing through the vent  126 , through the vortex chamber  122 , and out the nozzle  128 , as previously discussed with regard to  FIG. 3A . As the projectile is urged along the projectile path  119  by the expanding combustion gases  106 , the projectile will eventually reach a point within the first stage  110   e  where the combustion gases  106  are allowed to pass through the vortex diodes  120  with minimal resistance and into the expansion chamber  134   a.    
   Preferably, the second stage  110   f  of the silencer  110   d  includes a cylindrical outer housing  132  extending from the third partition  160  to the second wall  117 , a first axially-disposed vortex diode  120   a , a second axially-disposed vortex diode  120   b , and a third axially-disposed vortex diode  120   c . Note, embodiments of the silencer  110   d  are envisioned that include as few as one axially-disposed vortex diode  120   a–c , as well as numbers of vortex axially-disposed diodes  120   a–c  greater than that shown. For ease of description, only the operation of first axially-disposed vortex diode  120   a  and second vortex diode  120   b  will be discussed. 
   As shown, the first axially-disposed vortex diode  120   a  includes a vortex chamber  122   a  formed by the second wall  117 , a first partition  140  and a circular peripheral wall  124   a . Preferably, the circular peripheral wall  124   a  is the inner surface of the outer housing  132 . The first vortex diode  120   a  also includes at least one nozzle  128   a  configured to introduce combustion gases tangentially to the circular peripheral wall  124   a , and a vent, the function of which is performed by the discharge opening  118  of the second wall  117 . Similarly, the second vortex diode  120   b  is formed between the first partition  140  and a second partition  150 , and includes a circular peripheral wall  124   b  and at least one nozzle  128   b  for introducing combustion gases tangential to the circular peripheral wall  124   b . Note, the dimensions of the various vortex chambers do not need to be uniform with respect to other vortex chambers within the same silencer. 
   A first projectile aperture  142  formed in the first partition  140  functions as the vent for the second vortex diode  120   b . A third vortex diode  120   c  is similarly formed between a third partition  160  and the second partition  150 . The first projectile aperture  142 , the second projectile aperture  152 , and a third projectile aperture  162  formed in the third partition  160  are all disposed along and about the projectile path  119 . The inside diameters of projectile apertures  142 ,  152 , and  162  exceed the projectile&#39;s outside diameter to ensure the projectile travels through the apertures without contact, but with minimal clearance to improve the effectiveness of the silencer  10   b.    
   Control ports  135  bleed a portion of high pressure air from the expansion chamber  134   a  to a volume formed between the outer housing  132   a  and a second housing  133 . As indicated by the flow arrows, combustion gases are allowed to flow from the expansion chamber  134   a  to the axially-disposed vortex diodes  120   a–c  by way of the volume and the nozzles  128   a–c.    
   The combustion gases that reach the first vortex diode  120   a  are introduced to the vortex chamber  122   a  tangentially to the circular peripheral wall  124   a . As discussed in regard to  FIG. 3B , a first vortex  148  is induced, thereby delaying the escape of the combustion gases from the silencer  110   d  by way of the discharge opening  118 . Similarly, the combustion gases that reach the second vortex chamber  122   b  are introduced tangentially to the circular peripheral wall  124   b  through nozzle  128   b , thereby forming a second vortex  158 . The escape of the combustion gases through the first projectile aperture  142 , and ultimately to the atmosphere, is delayed. 
   As the projectile  104  leaves the silencer  110   d  the higher pressure combustion gases remaining in the expansion chamber  134   a  will flow to the lower pressure region along the flight path by flowing through the vortex diodes  120  of the first stage  110   e . Each vortex diode  120  now slows the depressurization of the expansion chamber  134   a  by inducing a vortex, represented by flow arrows  136 , on the combustion gases as they flow first through the nozzle  128 , tangentially about the vortex chamber  122 , and eventually to the atmosphere through the vent  126  and then the discharge opening  118 . As such, each vortex diode  120  not only aids in reducing the peak pressure of the combustion gases released to atmosphere, but also delays the depressurization of the expansion chamber  134   a , thereby reducing the muzzle blast of the weapon being discharged. 
   Note, although the silencers that have been disclosed are for use in reducing the muzzle blast of a weapon, similar devices operating on similar principles can be used to quiet exhausting of high pressure fluids (gases, liquids, gas/liquid combinations, etc.) in industrial equipment, engines, vehicle mufflers, and other manufacturing equipment. 
   The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and/or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed, however, were chosen and described to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and/or variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly and legally entitled.