FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD

A fluid dispensing apparatus and method of operation is provided. The fluid dispensing apparatus has a housing, a central control unit positioned at least partially within said housing, the central control unit being in communication with a user interface. The apparatus houses a plurality of cartridges located at least partially within said housing for storing a plurality of liquid products and have an opening for the output of liquid. A plurality of engagement racks are within the housing, and the cartridges engage with the engagement racks to control output of the liquid based on commands from said central control unit. The apparatus also has a mixing dish for collecting output of the liquid products and removes excess fluid from cartridge openings during engagement of the apparatus.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing apparatus and method, and more particularly, a portable nail polish dispensing device that provides customized color(s) and/or coatings in selectable increments to consumers based on the consumers' desired input selection.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that most people who use nail polish own a multitude of colors in individual nail polish bottles. Unfortunately, nail polish use is limited by the polish's shelf life. As nail polish ages, it often separates and develops a sticky consistency that is not amenable to creating a smooth coat of polish on the nails of a user. Furthermore, nail polish bottles typically come in a 0.5 oz size that is unlikely to be finished by a user before the aging of the polish makes it unusable. As a result, many bottles of nail polish are often discarded with an ample amount of polish within.

SUMMARY

One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a nail polish dispensing apparatus. The nail polish dispensing apparatus has a housing, a central control unit positioned at least partially within the housing. The central control unit is in communication with a user interface. A plurality of cartridges located at least partially within the housing for storing a plurality of liquid products have an opening for the output of liquid. A plurality of engagement racks are located within the housing, wherein the plurality of cartridges engage with the plurality of engagement racks to control output of liquid based on commands from the central control unit, and a mixing dish collects output of liquid products and wipes excess liquid from the cartridge openings during engagement of the nail polish dispensing apparatus.

Another example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of operating a nail polish dispensing apparatus. The method includes the steps of communicating a plurality of user selection parameters, wherein the user selection parameters include product type and product volume, receiving a command regarding a product type selection, receiving a command regarding a product volume selection, calculating whether the product type selection is available in an inventory of product types in a housing of the nail polish dispensing apparatus, calculating whether the product volume selection is available based on the inventory of product types in the housing of the nail polish dispensing apparatus, and, responsive to the product type selection being unavailable in the inventory of a plurality of product types, displaying a command indicating a lack of availability. Responsive to the product volume selection being unavailable based on the inventory of a plurality of product types, the method then includes displaying a command indicating a lack of availability, and responsive to the product type and volume selection being available in the inventory of a plurality of product types, the method then has the step of dispensing liquids for creating the liquid product into a mixing dish.

Yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a nail polish dispensing system. The system has a plurality of incrementally dispensable products housed within a plurality of removably couplable product cartridges, an upper and lower housing, the lower housing for holding the incrementally dispensable products, a removably couplable mixing dish for collecting dispensation of the incrementally dispensable products, a plurality of engagement racks that are selectively engageable with the plurality of product cartridges, and a central control unit for controlling the dispensing of the incrementally dispensable products into the mixing dish based on a selection made at a user interface, the central control unit performing an iteration to select an incrementally dispensable product based on selected choices from a plurality of user selection parameters and select a product volume based on a selected choice from said user selection parameters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing apparatus and method, and more particularly, a portable nail polish dispensing device that provides customized color(s) and/or coatings in selectable increments to consumers based on the consumers' desired input selection.

FIG.1illustrates a front perspective view of a fluid dispensing apparatus10and associated kit11constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example embodiment, the fluid or nail polish dispensing apparatus10is for producing nail polish. However, the nail polish dispensing apparatus10could also be expanded to other liquid pigments, such as liquid eyeliner, liquid eyeshadow, lip gloss, and the like.

The nail polish dispensing apparatus10is dimensioned and configured to be portable for a user. In one example embodiment, the nail polish dispensing apparatus10has a six-inch (6) diameter and the weight is sixteen (16) ounces. In another example embodiment, the dimensions are eighteen (18) inches and the weight is forty-five (45) ounces. It should be appreciated that larger and smaller weights and sizes are within the scope of the present disclosure as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art after having the benefit of reviewing this specification and accompanying drawings. The size of the nail polish dispensing apparatus10enables a user to use the nail polish dispensing apparatus10at home, or to transport it in a bag or tote without difficulty.

In one example embodiment, the nail polish dispensing apparatus10includes a user interface12comprising an interactive screen for different product options or types14, such as color, coating, type of liquid, and the like that can be selected by the user's touch. For example, the user interface12comprises a capacitive sense screen (not shown) that reads an input based on the customer or user's touch in one example embodiment. In another example embodiment, there is no screen, and the user interface comprises switches that a user engages to select different product types or options.

In yet another example embodiment, the nail polish dispensing apparatus10is remotely coupled to an internet-based application (app)16(seeFIG.2) for an internet enabled device18such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, desktop, laptop, tablet, hand-held personal computing device, IAN, WAN, WWW, and the like, running on any number of known operating systems and accessible for communication with remote data storage, such as a cloud, host operating computer, via a world-wide-web or Internet. In this example embodiment, a user makes a selection from different product options featured in the app16displayed on the internet enabled device18, and the device18transmits the information wirelessly via a communication link20to a central control unit (CCU)22housed in the nail polish dispensing apparatus10.

In one example embodiment, the CCU22includes a programmable processor24and data storage26for receiving and storing information about product color, product finish, and product dispensation amount options selected by users of the dispensing apparatus10. The CCU22further includes a power supply30and communication link20. In one example embodiment, the communication link20communicatively couples the CCU22with the user interface12, LAN systems, WAN systems, remote programming stations, internet, using wireless communication system such as WiFi, or Bluetooth, and/or hardwired systems in parallel or series, and the like, and/or any combination thereof.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the app16includes color reading features for reading a color strip17such as a color scanner19that operates through a coupled device18camera and/or scanning operation. The app16utilizes a number of user selection parameters, which may be adjusted based on the type of product being dispensed from the nail polish dispensing apparatus10. Some example user selection parameters include product color, product type, product volume, and product finish. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that such possible user selection parameters are numerous and may be adjusted based on consumer needs. In one example embodiment, the app16communicates different paint or polish finishes from which a user may select. Example finishes available include shiny, matte, glittery and/or luminescent finishes. In another example embodiment, the dispensing apparatus10can be used in conjunction with a formula book containing a plurality of pre-set nail polish formulas for different colors and/or finishes.

As seen inFIGS.1and2, the apparatus housing32comprises a cover32A and housing32B coupled by hinged joint31, which allows the nail polish dispensing apparatus10to be folded into a closed position during use (seeFIG.6). In one example embodiment, the cover32A and housing32B are hemispherical in shape. In another example embodiment, the cover32A and housing32B are hemi-cubical. One of ordinary skill in the art, after reviewing the contents of the present disclosure, would understand that the cover32A and housing32B could comprise a variety of matching three-dimensional shapes. The housing32B, when assembled as a kit11, has a storage space37with detachable tray39which, in this example embodiment, features a plurality of carved openings to fit nail polish application tools, extra mixing dishes85, and the like.

The kit11detachable tray39slidably engages the housing32B to be concealed therein when not in use. The detachable tray39includes a slot41that spaces the internal construction of the housing32B when positioned therein.

FIG.2shows the nail polish dispensing apparatus10in an open position. The cover32A features a window33, which allows for observation of the dispensing apparatus10during operation in one example embodiment. In another example embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover32A features a magnifying glass viewable when the cover32A is in the open position. The cover and housing32A,32B are dimensioned and configured to fit together in a folded arrangement (seeFIG.7). This folded arrangement is further secured through a closure35such as a clasp. One of ordinary skill in the art, after reviewing the contents of the present disclosure, would understand that a variety of clasps and securing mechanisms such as latches that would be suitable for securing the cover and housing32A,32B into the closed position.

The cover32A and housing32B are concave in nature and dimensioned and configured to house and protect a plurality of product cartridges34. The housing32B holds a molded plate36that forms a recess38having a central opening40. The central opening40provides a coupling point for a central dish42. In one example embodiment, the recess38comprises a three-dimensional polygon. In another example embodiment, the recess38is three-dimensional with curvilinear edges. In another example embodiment, the recess38comprises a plurality of right triangular prism-shaped indentations wherein the hypotenuse slopes in a downward direction toward the central opening40away from a side wall43formed in the plate.

FIG.4shows the recess38, which can support a different number of removably couplable product cartridges34in different example embodiments. In one example embodiment, the recess38houses six cartridges. In another example embodiment, the recess38houses eight cartridges. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure and accompanying figures that an undefined number of cartridges38could be used and intended to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

In one example embodiment, the cartridges34are held via a press fit inside of the recess38and the cartridges are arranged around the central opening40. Although the cartridges are held in a press fit, they are selectively removable. In one example embodiment, the central opening40has a curvilinear shape. In another example embodiment, the central opening40comprises a polygonal shape. The recess38, in one example embodiment, further comprises an outdented portion which surrounds the central opening40.

The central opening40frictionally secures a recess42A of the removably couplable central dish42to the plate36(seeFIG.7A) by a boss91projecting from the plate. The recess42A of the central dish is, in one example embodiment, located on an opposite side of a dish87for mixing pigments. The central dish42is made of hard-durometer silicone in one example embodiment of the present disclosure, and comprises a hexagonal shape. In another example embodiment of the present disclosure, the silicone used to construct the central dish42has a durometer of between Shore A 10 and Shore A 60. One of ordinary skill in the art, after reviewing the contents of the present disclosure, would understand that the central dish42could also be constructed from EPDM, neoprene, or any rubber-like material that wipes clean and has sealant properties, and that the central dish42could comprises a plurality of polygonal, cylindrical or obrounded shapes. The central dish42serves multiple purposes: one is providing a centralized location or dish87where liquid pigments44may be dispensed and then manually mixed by a user. The central dish42also acts as a sealant/cap to the cartridges34when the nail polish dispensing apparatus10is not in use. The sealant cap objective is achieved through the pliability of dish42along its sidewall93as the cartridges34and a dispensing aperture95is pivoted above and below the dish42. A squeegee wiping action is achieved through the pliability of the dish42and rigid construct of the cartridge34to remove excess liquid product44from the cartridge openings34A after use.

The central dish42further comprises a circumferential lip46which is formed by an arcuate edge surrounding the perimeter of the polygonal shape of the central dish42. Advantageously, the faces of the lip46that face the dispensing opening95A of each cartridge34allows for positive displacement of liquid44remaining around the dispensing opening95A after it has dispensed liquid44to wipe any remaining liquid away and thus avoid plugging and clogging of the nail polish dispensing apparatus10. As seen inFIG.7A, the central dish42is selectively removable and frictionally secured in the central opening40and each of its faces are engaged with the surrounding cartridges34, advantageously acting to cap the dispensing openings34A when not in use.

FIGS.5A-5Cshow a product cartridge34in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The cartridges34fit into the recess38of the molded plate36through a plurality of position assists48, as seen inFIG.3of the present disclosure. The position assists48are made of metal such as steel in one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The position assists48, which fit into the recess38, provide elongated grooves50which are selectively couplable to a cartridge housing body52formed in the rear of cartridges34(seeFIG.5B) through an interference fit. In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated grooves50of the position assists48comprise a downward slope. This slope allows gravity to aid in dispensation of the liquid product44.

FIGS.5A and5Bshow the product housing54having a cartridge34situated internally to the housing.FIG.5Cillustrates a cartridge34outside of the housing54. The cartridge housing54may be constructed from metal such as steel or any other suitable cartridge material that allows for temperature control of the liquid product44within. Other suitable materials for the housing could be a polymer or rubber having a durometer ranging from 10 to 50 on a shore D scale. The cartridge housing54features a dispensation opening34A where liquid product44may exit.

FIG.5Cillustrates through a transparent container101the internal components of the product cartridge34. In particular, a fluid advancement assembly103is shown comprising container101, a linear advance105, a plunger107, and pinion104. The fluid advancement assembly103of desired color, coating, etc. i.e. fluid44is positioned into the housing34. A gap G is set between the pinion109and rear wall111of the container101. A window or opening76in the top surface77of the housing54is provided so viewing confirmation of the correct fluid44can be made by the user of the apparatus10.

The gap G is filled by an internal surface113that holds the assembly103into position within the housing54along the housing's longitudinal axis. In one example embodiment, a slot115is used to next the linear advance in the housing54about the housing's lateral axis.

In this example embodiment, the fluid advancement assembly103pivots in two directions in the nail polish dispensing apparatus10to allow for the dispensation of liquid product44. The first direction is in an open dispensing position A. The second direction is a closed or capped position B.

Located with the recess portion38is a plate117for receiving housing54. The plate54allows for the housing54and cartridge34to pivot to/from and from/to a closed position to an open position. This change in position is achieved by the exerting force F on a first end119of the housing54. The initiation of force F on the first end119in the direction of arrow A (seeFIGS.7A and7B) cause the end to pivot into the recess38about a fulcrum120advancing a second end121to raise from the recess38and to an open or dispensing position (seeFIG.7C).

The racks64,66may move in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and are driven by motor74(not shown) to engage the gears62.

In the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS.7A-7Cof the present disclosure, the pinion gear62that is coupled to the linear advance105such as a ball screw or worm gear that when rotated drives the plunger56to dispense the product44. Such movement of the pinion gear62and plunger56aid in the dispensing of controlled amounts of fluid from internal fluid container58. The pinion gear62engages one of two rack gears64and66, respectively when the housing54is pivoted to the dispensing position (seeFIG.7C). Depending on the selected switch, high72or low70, the low or high volume rack64,66engages the pinion gear62turns further while engaged with the rack64or66to push more fluid44out of the cartridge34in high-volume dispensations, and turn less with the rack64or66to push a smaller amount of fluid44out in lower-volume dispensing portions. When the plunger56is engaged through the movement of the gear62with the rack64or66, it simultaneously advances the plunger68in the direction of arrow C (seeFIG.5E) for dispensing of liquid44.

The two activation switches70,72, which trigger movement of the gears62to interact with rack64or rack66and to dispense fluid44when the housing is advanced to the dispensing position. In this example embodiment of the present disclosure, the racks64and66are adjacent to and extend along the perimeter of the lower housing32B. As can be seen inFIG.7B, based on the angle of the inner container58and the selected rack64,66, the gear62is more or less engaged to expel a higher or lower volume of fluid44, respectively.

In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation switch70triggers dispensation of approximately half of the amount of liquid44that is triggered by engagement of the second activation switch72. In another example embodiment, the second activation switch72triggers dispensation of approximately ten times the amount of fluid44triggered by engagement of the first activation switch70. In one example embodiment, the nail polish dispensing apparatus10may come with the first and second activation switches70,72preset to trigger set fluid volume dispensations. In another example embodiment, the first and second activation switches70,72are programmed by a user to trigger set dispensation volumes. In yet another example embodiment, the activation switches70,72, are instructed by the CCU22to trigger dispensation of a set volume of fluid44based on an amount of fluid selected by a user through remotely coupled app16.

The activation switches70,72when engaged by a user triggers the CCU22to initiate delivery of power to a motor74, housed in the lower plate32B, which causes the pinion gear62of the cartridge34to engage with rack64if first activation switch70is activated, or to engage with rack66if second activation switch72is activated while the housing54is in the dispensing position ofFIG.7C. In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, rack64is associated with lower volume dispensation of fluid44than that resulting from engagement of rack66. The motor74, in one example embodiment of the present disclosure, is powered by a portable power source such as a battery. In another example embodiment, the motor68is powered via corded or hard-wired connection.

Each cartridge34of the nail polish dispensing apparatus10features a product indicator76. In one example embodiment, the product indicator76comprises a sticker displaying the color and/or product type contained inside the cartridge34. In another example embodiment, the product indicator76comprises a clear window allowing for the contents of the cartridge34to be visible to a user.

Although the central dish42prevents plugging and clogging of the cartridge opening34A,95through its squeegee mechanism, advantageously, the cartridge openings34A may be manually unclogged with the insertion of a needle, if necessary. Depending on the liquid product44contained within the product cartridge34, the product cartridge opening34A,95may comprise a variety of diameters.

After the nail polish dispensing apparatus10has finished dispensing the selected/programmed volume of liquid44into the central dish42, the motor stops rotation of the selected rack64or66, thereby ceasing the advancement of plunger105and the dispensing of material44, and a notification78is delivered by the dispensing apparatus10. In one example embodiment, the notification78comprises a visual notification such as a light. In another example embodiment, the notification78comprises an audible alert.

In example embodiments of the nail polish dispensing apparatus10where the user interface comprises a remotely coupled app16, the app16features a color reader which allows the user to scan a selected color, where the app16reads the color via the third party device18camera. From the image captured and/or scanned on the app16, the app16then matches the color scanned to one of a large library of colors. Alternatively, the user can select the desired color from the selective color palette on the remotely-coupled app16. In another example embodiment, the user selects from a palette of preset formulas, via a scanning operation, such as a barcode, a QR code, a 2D barcode, a color chip, or the like with the camera, or employ a user adjustable color palette system, varying the amounts of color of the entire color spectrum.

The app16further comprises a product volume selection interface that the user can use to select the volume of product from a variety of pre-set dispensing volume options. In one example embodiment, the selection includes a standardized single-use dispensing (e.g. 1-3 mls) from one or more cartridges34that are mixed manually by the user in the dispensing dish87that will allow for a manicure and/or pedicure. While in yet another example embodiment, the user can select a custom volume selection (in milliliters or ounces) and the nail polish dispensing apparatus10will use the CCU22to meter the custom selected volume by the user into central dish42,87that has a higher volume capacity than the volumes available for selection by the user so that the contents of the product44do not over flow from the central dish42.

In one example embodiment, the final product44includes a colored nail polish that is selected by the customer from the user interface12. In another example embodiment, the product44is color and specific type of nail polish (e.g. acrylic or gel) that is selected by the customer from the user interface12. While in yet another example embodiment, the product44is a color of paint or stain (for a car, house, hobby, or DIY project) selected by the customer from the user interface12. In a further example embodiment, the product44is a coating, either clear or opaque (e.g. water-based coating, oil-based coating, urethane, lacquer, or clear nail polish) that is selected by the customer from the user interface12. While in another example embodiment the product44is a combination of fluids from multiple cartridges34that are dispensed to the mixing dish87.

A measuring feed assembly80in the illustrated example embodiment is a closed-loop assembly in which a load cell or scale82measures the amount of product44being dispensed into the central dish42,87. In one example embodiment, the load cell or scale82measures the amount of fluid44in milligrams to know how many micro-liters have been dispensed and received by the central dish42at and by the measuring feed assembly80.

The measuring feed assembly80includes a feed-back-loop84in which an output signal as to weight is provided by the load cell82to the central control unit22. When the target weight and/or volume has been dispensed by the cartridge dispensing opening34A (as prescribed weight programmed by the controller22) as measured by the load cell82, the controller22terminates the dispensing operation by stopping the flow of power to the motor74. Stated another way, the volume of the fluid44such as tint, nail polish, coating, catalyst or the like is monitored and controlled by the weight change sensed in the scale82as controlled by the controller22. In another example embodiment, once the proper amount of liquid44is added to create the requested end product44, the engagement of the gears62with the racks64,66will terminate (accounting for any lag in volume that would be in “mid-drop” that can be determined from empirical data during testing). In one example embodiment, the amount of controlled and measured fluid44dispensed by all cartridges34from the dispensing apparatus10ranges between 1 and 3 milliliters.

In another example embodiment, the central dish42is manually pre-filled with a neutral base before placed in the dispensing apparatus10. As such, only an additional amount of fluid44such as tint for color or catalyst for coating is required from a cartridge34to complete the necessary ingredients for the desired customer product44. The cartridge opening34A thereby expels the prescribed amount (programmed by the controller22) of the fluid44to the central dish42. Upon the completion of filling the central dish42with fluid44, a user may remove the dish42. The removal of the dish42from the plate36allows the user to apply the mixed end product106to the desired surface or further mix the product44or for washing/cleaning of the dish.

Operation of the nail polish dispensing apparatus10in accordance with one example embodiment is illustrated inFIG.8in accordance with the process200. At210, the process200is enabled by the user engaging one of the start buttons70,72or the user remotely starts the nail polish dispensing apparatus10through the app16. The process200continues at230with the user's selection of the product volume, that is, the volume desired of the liquid product44. The process200continues at220(which can occur before or after the step230) where the user selects the product type, such color, coating, or liquid desired from the nail polish dispensing apparatus10by advancing each of the cartridges34to the dispensing position as required.

At240, the process200continues where a determination is made by the CCU22as to whether or not the selected product volume is available. That is, does the nail polish dispensing apparatus10have the correct amount of each color and/or finish required to create the user-selected polish106. The CCU22calculates the necessary compiled contents to make the selected product size and product type106selected by the user of the nail polish dispensing apparatus10. If the determination at240is negative, the process defaults that the selection is unavailable at245and the process200terminates.

If the determination at240is an affirmative, the process200advances to step250. That is, the product cartridges34are indexed to dispense the necessary material (pigments, solvents, and the like) into the dispensing nozzles34A by advancing the cartridge34to the dispensing position until the motor74stops. A biasing member139advances the cartridge34and housing54to a capped or closed position (seeFIG.7B). As the first end of the housing54moves to the closed position, the central dish42pliable surface wipes clean the dispensing opening95and provides a seal when the housing54and cartridges34come to a rest. The use of both powdered and liquid pigments for creating the end product106are both contemplated. The dispensing openings34A then begin to eject liquid product44after engagement of the plunger56and gear62and biasing member68. At260, the process200continues with the liquid product44being dispensed from the dispensing opening34A of the product cartridges34into the central dish42, providing the necessary contents for forming the end product106that may or may not require further manual mixing by the user. A user may then manually mix the contents of the product44to achieve and use the end product106.

In the illustrated example embodiment of the process200, once the user input is provided at step230and220, the process from step240to260takes between thirty (30 s) seconds and two minutes, but preferably less than one minute or sixty (60) seconds. Other time periods for the process are also compatible with the present disclosure.

In one example embodiment, the product cartridges34are indexed or activated (separately or collectively) to dispense the necessary material (pigments, solvents, and the like) into and from the dispensing openings34A into central dish42. The end product106in this embodiment contents44can be shaken or mixed with a mixing wand, brush etc. by the user until the desired end product106is achieved.

FIG.9shows another example embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the nail polish dispensing apparatus10works with a method of operation300which allows for a user to manually choose the set volume of liquid44dispensed from each cartridge34. In this method of operation300, the method begins at step310when a user selects a high or low volume dispensation of liquid product44by engaging the second activation switch72or first activation switch70, respectively. After the user engages the first or second activation switch70,72, the user then manually presses on the cartridge34corresponds with the pivoting motion of the cartridge34housing54that further corresponds with the color or formula of liquid the user would like to dispense it. Since the cartridge34has a cartridge housing body52that sits at an angle within the elongated groove50of the plate36, pressing on the cartridge34engages the gear62and selected rack64or66to cause movement of the cartridge plunger56at step320to simultaneously uncap the cartridge34for dispensing of fluid44to the dish42. This engagement with first or second rack64,66would advance fluid44out of the container58into the central dish42at step330to make the desired end product106. Next, at step340, a user would manually mix up the product(s)44of the central dish42while it is housed in the bottom housing32B, or the user could remove the central dish42and then mix the liquids44within the central dish42to create the end product106.

FIGS.10-12show another example embodiment of the present disclosure in which the function of the apparatus10is substantially the same. However, the embodiment ofFIGS.10-12illustrates that the apparatus10could be of a different length, height, width, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS.1-10, the apparatus10is approximately twenty (20) inches in diameter and has an overall height or thickness of approximately six (6) to eight (8) inches. It should be appreciated that the height and diameter could be much larger or smaller as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure after reviewing this present specification and drawings.

The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected or in contact either temporarily or permanently, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. The term “integral” as used herein unless defined otherwise means configured in such a way that separation would require destruction to the parts or the assembly of the parts.

It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art after having the opportunity of reviewing the drawings and/or specification of the present disclosure includes one or more embodiments E1, E2, . . . . EN, and that each embodiment E may have multiple parts A1, B1, C1 . . . that could be combined with other embodiments EN parts, lack of parts, or any combination of parts and embodiments. It should further be appreciated that an embodiment includes only one part or a lesser number of parts of any combination that was described or shown in the specification and/or drawings, respectively.

To the extent that the materials for any of the foregoing embodiments or components thereof are not specified, it is to be appreciated that suitable materials would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art for the intended purposes after having the benefit of reviewing the subject disclosure and accompanying drawings.