TOOL FOR ALIGNING RAIL SEGMENTS

A tool for aligning a first rail segment with a second rail segment includes an elongated rigid member, a first arrangement, and a second arrangement. The member is configured to be positioned in an overlapping state with the first rail segment and the second rail segment. The first arrangement engages a first end portion of the first rail segment and is actuated to urge the first end portion towards the elongated rigid member. The second arrangement engages a second end portion of the second rail segment and is actuated to urge the second end portion towards the elongated rigid member. When each of the first end portion and the second end portion is urged towards the elongated rigid member, the first rail segment and the second rail segment adjoin and fall in alignment with each other to be connected together and form a contiguous rail portion of a rail line.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a tool for aligning rails segments with each other to form a rail line, e.g., at a worksite.

BACKGROUND

Various applications implemented at worksites, such as mine sites, use rail lines for the transfer of material, power, personnel, and the like. To produce a rail line (e.g., a single rail line), typically, multiple rail segments are serially connected one after the other. For enabling connections between the rail segments, adjoining rail segments of the rail line are generally required to be aligned to each other. Depending upon the type of application, some rail lines may need to be elevated above a ground level, and, in such cases, support may be provided from below or underneath each rail segment so as to elevate the rail line above the ground level. While forming or assembling rail segments at an elevation to form the rail line, as individual rail segments may be positioned above a support, end portions of those rails segments may sag or tend to curve downwards towards the ground, thus making one rail segment's alignment with an adjoining rail segment difficult.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,279 relates to a railroad alignment system for lifting and aligning railroad tracks during installation. The railroad alignment system generally includes a first vertical support and a second vertical support with a horizontal support extending therebetween. The vertical supports are vertically adjustable through use of a pair of adjustment members. A clamp assembly extends downwardly from the horizontal support at a position midway between the first vertical support and second vertical support. Through use of a pair of adjustment members, the clamp assembly may be closed to secure a track in place for alignment and lifting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a tool for aligning a first rail segment with a second rail segment. The tool includes an elongated rigid member, a first arrangement, and a second arrangement. The elongated rigid member is configured to be positioned in an overlapping state with respect to each of the first rail segment and the second rail segment. The first arrangement is configured to engage a first end portion of the first rail segment and be actuated to urge the first end portion towards the elongated rigid member. The second arrangement is configured to engage a second end portion of the second rail segment and be actuated to urge the second end portion towards the elongated rigid member. When each of the first end portion and the second end portion is urged towards the elongated rigid member, the first rail segment and the second rail segment adjoin and fall in alignment with each other to be connected together and form a contiguous rail portion of a rail line.

In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method for aligning a first rail segment with a second rail segment. The method includes positioning an elongated rigid member in an overlapping state with respect to each of the first rail segment and the second rail segment; engaging a first end portion of the first rail segment by using a first arrangement and actuating the first arrangement to urge the first end portion towards the elongated rigid member; and engaging a second end portion of the second rail segment by using a second arrangement and actuating the second arrangement to urge the second end portion towards the elongated rigid member. When each of the first end portion and the second end portion is urged towards the elongated rigid member, the first rail segment and the second rail segment adjoin and fall in alignment with each other to be connected together and form a contiguous rail portion of a rail line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g.,1,1′,1″,101and201could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and/or different depicted embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1, an exemplary worksite100is shown. The worksite100may correspond to one of a mine site, a quarry, a construction site, and the like. The worksite100may employ a machine104, such as a large mining truck, as shown, although there could be a variety of other machines, personnel, equipment, and the like, present at the worksite100. The worksite100may include a rail line108. The rail line108may be used to transfer one or more of material, personnel, equipment, and the like, between one or more locations of the worksite100. In some embodiments, the rail line108may be used to supply power to various locations and/or equipment of the worksite100and may accordingly embody a power line112. In some embodiments, the rail line108may be made or produced from a number of rail segments116. In this regard, the rail segments116may be arranged and connected one after the other in a serial, lengthwise manner, as shown, to form the rail line108. As an example, each rail segment116of the rail line108may be mounted on supports120standing on a ground surface124of the worksite100, and, in so doing, the rail line108may be elevated with respect to the ground surface124.

As part of an exemplary installation procedure of the rail line108at the worksite100, multiple supports120and multiple rail segments116may be provided, as shown. Although not limited, the supports120may include posts128(e.g., vertical posts). The posts128may define ends (referred to as a post ends132) (only few marked) and may be made to stand upright relative to the ground surface124such that the post ends132may be raised above and away from the ground surface124. Also, the posts128may be arranged serially along a path (e.g., a predefined path) on the ground surface124along which the rail line108is to be laid. To form the rail line108, multiple rail segments116may be serially mounted and arranged atop the post ends132such that when the rail segments116are joined or connected one after the other, they can cumulatively form the rail line108. Owing to the placement of the rail segments116on the post ends132of the posts128, the rail line108may be elevated (e.g., by elevation, E) with respect to the ground surface124of the worksite100.

Referring toFIGS.1through7, in some embodiments, each rail segment116is mounted onto the post ends132of two or more posts128. In such a case, end portions136(seeFIG.4) of each rail segment116may extend outwards of the posts128, causing the end portions136to sag or define overhangs outwardly of the post ends that curve downwards towards the ground surface124, e.g., under the action of gravity. Such a scenario may be referred to as a ‘sag state’ of the corresponding rail segment116(seeFIGS.4and5). A sag state can make the alignment of one rail segment116difficult with respect to an adjoining rail segment116. The forthcoming description describes a tool150(seeFIGS.2and3) and a manner of an alignment attained between two adjoining rail segments116of the rail line108, e.g., a first rail segment116′ and a second rail segment116″, by use of the tool150. It will be assumed that each of the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ may be mounted atop two corresponding posts—for example, the first rail segment116′ may be mounted atop a first post128′ and a second post128″ and the second rail segment116″ may be mounted atop a third post128′″ and a fourth post128″″ (seeFIG.1). Discussions related to the rail segments116′,116″ or to the posts128′,128″,128′″,128″″ may be equitably applicable to any rail segment116or to any post128.

Referring toFIGS.4through7, the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ define linear profiles, although the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ can define non-linear profiles in certain cases, such as a curve so as to be routed along a bend or turn in the path along which the rail line108may be laid. Further, the first rail segment116′ defines a first end portion136′ and the second rail segment116″ defines a second end portion136″. When the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ are fully aligned, end faces154′,154″ of the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ may face each other (seeFIG.7). The manner of alignment between the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″, as described herein, can be contemplated and used for aligning each adjoining pair of rail segments116of the rail line108by use of the tool150. The tool150that aligns the first rail segment116′ to the second rail segment116″ includes an elongated rigid member158, a first arrangement162, and a second arrangement166.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, and in conjunction withFIGS.4through7, the elongated rigid member158may be configured to be positioned in an overlapping state (e.g., seeFIG.6) with respect to each of the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ during an alignment process. The alignment process may involve the alignment of the first rail segment116′ with the second rail segment116″. The elongated rigid member158may define a length, L, a width, W, and a height, H, and lateral sides170(e.g., a left side170′ and a right side170″) defined about the width, W. Although not limited, the elongated rigid member158may be exemplarily hollow, as shown. The elongated rigid member158may define a first part174with a first end178and a second part182with a second end186. As shown, the second part182may be disposed away from the first part174and the second end186may be disposed opposite to the first end178. The elongated rigid member158may also define an interface190between the first part174and the second part182.

As an example, in the overlapping state and during the alignment process, the elongated rigid member158may overlap the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ of the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″, respectively (e.g., seeFIG.5). In further detail, the first part174of the elongated rigid member158may overlap the first end portion136′ of the first rail segment116′ in the sag state of the first end portion136′, and the second part182of the elongated rigid member158may overlap the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″ in the sag state of the second end portion136″. In so doing, the elongated rigid member158may attain the overlapping state with respect to the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ in the sag states of the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″. Given the sag state of the first end portion136′, a clearance, C1, (seeFIG.5) defined between the elongated rigid member158and the first end portion136′ may vary along a length, L1, of the first part174. Similarly, given the sag state of the second end portion136″, a clearance, C2, (seeFIG.5) defined between the elongated rigid member158and the second end portion136″ may vary along a length, L2, of the second part182. Further, the elongated rigid member158may include a hook194which may be engaged by a suitable mechanism to lift the elongated rigid member158(e.g., by use of a crane) (not shown) and move it to a desired location. As an example, the hook194may be provided on the interface190.

The elongated rigid member158may include a linear profile, although, in some cases, the elongated rigid member158may define one or more curvatures. Such curvatures may depend upon a profile of the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ of the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″, respectively. As an example, the first part174and the second part182of the elongated rigid member158may respectively follow a profile of the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ so as to be compliant with them in the overlapping state and so as to also aid in the alignment of the first rail segment116′ with the second rail segment116″ (details related to the alignment process are described later in the present disclosure). In some embodiments, it is possible that the elongated rigid member158is long enough to be in an overlapping state with more than two rail segments116so as to align each of those rail segments116with one another.

The first arrangement162and the second arrangement166shall now be discussed. The first arrangement162is configured to engage the first end portion136′ of the first rail segment116′ and be actuated to urge the first end portion136′ towards the elongated rigid member158. Similarly, the second arrangement166is configured to engage the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″ and be actuated to urge the second end portion136″ towards the elongated rigid member158. When each of the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ is urged towards the elongated rigid member158, the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ (or their end portions136′,136′) adjoin and fall in alignment with each other to be connected together and form a contiguous rail portion of the rail line108.

In some embodiments, the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ may be urged towards the elongated rigid member158to either be abutted to the elongated rigid member158or define a clearance (e.g., a common consistent clearance) with respect to the elongated rigid member158.FIGS.4through7correspond to an exemplary alignment process in which the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ are urged towards the elongated rigid member158to be abutted with respect to the elongated rigid member158for attaining the alignment therebetween.

Each of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166may include one or more clasping mechanisms198—as an example, each of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166includes multiple clasping mechanisms198. However, details corresponding to only a single clasping mechanism (i.e., clasping mechanism198′) (seeFIGS.2through10) is primarily discussed. Said details related to the clasping mechanism198′ may be equitably applicable to all clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166. In particular, some of said details of the clasping mechanism198′ may be discussed with respect to the second part182of the elongated rigid member158and/or the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″. Said discussions may be applicable to all clasping mechanisms198of the second arrangement166, and similar and equitable discussions may also be contemplated for each of the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162as well. The clasping mechanism198′ includes a foot peg202, a shifting system206, and a stopper210.

Referring toFIG.8, and in conjunction withFIGS.2through10, the foot peg202may clasp the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″, thus enabling the second arrangement166to engage with the second end portion136″. Similarly, one or more foot pegs202of the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162may clasp the first end portion136′ of the first rail segment116′, thus enabling the first arrangement162to engage with the first end portion136′. The foot peg202may define a block214and a clasping edge218extending from the block214. The clasping edge218may define a profile configured to be abutted with and clasped to the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″. As an example, the clasping edge218may define a thickness, T1, relatively close to the block214that lessens to a thickness, T2, as the clasping edge218extends away from the block214. In some embodiments, the clasping edge218may define an arcuate surface248(seeFIG.9).

The block214may be integral with the clasping edge218and may define a through hole222defining a hole axis226. Further, the block214may define an outer side wall230(also seeFIGS.2and3) extending at least partially around the through hole222. In some embodiments, the through hole222may define internal threads234(seeFIG.8). The outer side wall230of the foot peg202may define a first surface238and a second surface242(seeFIG.3). The first surface238and the second surface242may be defined in different planes (e.g., respectively, in a first plane238′ and a second plane242′), and each of which may be parallel to the hole axis226. Further, the outer side wall230of the block214of the foot peg202may define a curved transition region246(seeFIGS.3,9, and10) extending between the first surface238and the second surface242such that the first surface238, the second surface242, and the curved transition region246, form a continuous uninterrupted surface250of the foot peg202.

The shifting system206facilitates a movement of the foot peg202to actuate the first arrangement162or the second arrangement166. The shifting system206includes a spacer254and a fastener258.

The spacer254may be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) (e.g., by welding) to the elongated rigid member158(e.g., to one of the lateral sides170of the elongated rigid member158). As an example, the spacer254may define a cylindrical shape which in turn defines a spacer axis262, although shapes and profiles other than a cylinder may be contemplated. Also, the spacer254may be positioned orthogonally relative to the length, L, of the elongated rigid member158. The spacer254may also define a first spacer axial end266and a second spacer axial end270opposite to the first spacer axial end266. The spacer254may define a through-bore274around the spacer axis262, and the through-bore274may extend from the first spacer axial end266to the second spacer axial end270. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the through-bore274may define a smooth internal peripheral surface278with no threads.

The fastener258may be received into the through-bore274to pass through the through-bore274. The fastener258may be freely rotatable with respect to the through-bore274. The fastener258may define a head280, a shank282extending from the head280, and a longitudinal axis286which may pass through both the head280and the shank282. As an example, the shank282may define a threaded portion290and a non-threaded portion294. The non-threaded portion294may extend from the head280up to the threaded portion290and the threaded portion290may extend from the non-threaded portion294all the way to an end (e.g., a shank end298) of the shank282. In an assembly of the fastener258to the spacer254, the head280of the fastener258may abut or be in contact with the first spacer axial end266and one portion (e.g., non-threaded portion294) of the shank282may be accommodated within the through-bore274, while the other portion (e.g., threaded portion290) may be disposed outside the through-bore274, such that the shank end298may be disposed away from the second spacer axial end270. Also, in assembly of the fastener258with the spacer254, the longitudinal axis286may be aligned with the spacer axis262.

Further, the shank282of the fastener258may be received into the through hole222of the foot peg202and the threaded portion290of the shank282, disposed outside of the second spacer axial end270, may be threadably coupled with the internal threads234formed in the through hole222of the foot peg202. Effectively, the fastener258may be threadably coupled to the foot peg202, and the foot peg202may be angularly rotatable about the longitudinal axis286of the fastener258. When the fastener258is rotated with respect to the foot peg202, the head280of the fastener258may abut against the spacer254(i.e., the first spacer axial end266of the spacer254) and the foot peg202may move towards the spacer254and thus the elongated rigid member158. Because the foot peg202may be clasped with the first end portion136′ or the second end portion136″, during the alignment process, a movement of the foot peg202may urge and cause the first end portion136′ of the first rail segment116′ or the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″ to move towards the elongated rigid member158.

The stopper210may be fixedly coupled to the elongated rigid member158. In other words, the stopper210may be immovably coupled with respect to the elongated rigid member158. The stopper210may selectively abut with the first surface238and the second surface242to restrict a rotation of the foot peg202about the longitudinal axis286(or the spacer axis262) within an angular threshold range, AR (see through the cutout provided inFIG.10). An angle swept by the foot peg202across the angular threshold range, AR, may also be equal or correspond to an angle defined between the first surface238and the second surface242. In some embodiments, the stopper210may include a plate302defining a flat face306that may abut with the first surface238and the second surface242in a selective manner.

According to some embodiments, when the foot peg202is at one angular limit of the angular threshold range, AR, the stopper210may be abutted with the first surface238and the foot peg202may be at a first condition (see clasping mechanism198′,FIGS.7and10) to engage the second end portion136″. Conversely, when the foot peg202is at another angular limit of the angular threshold range, AR, the stopper210may be abutted with the second surface242and the foot peg202may be at a second condition (see clasping mechanism198′,FIGS.8and9). When foot pegs202of all clasping mechanisms198are in the second condition, they clear a path, P, P′, (seeFIG.4) for the first end portion136′ and/or the second end portion136″ to be either brought into or be removed from the overlapping state with respect to the elongated rigid member158. In some exemplary embodiments, the angular threshold range, AR, may be defined between 80 to 100 degrees of an angular movement of the foot peg202about the longitudinal axis286.

Given that there may be multiple clasping mechanisms (such as the clasping mechanism198′) as part of each of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166, the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162may be arranged on the first part174and the clasping mechanisms198of the second arrangement166may be arranged on the second part182. Moreover, the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162may be arranged on opposing lateral sides170of the first part174of the elongated rigid member158and the clasping mechanisms198of the second arrangement166may be arranged on opposing lateral sides170of the second part182of the elongated rigid member158.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Referring toFIG.1, during operations, as the first rail segment116′ may be mounted atop the post ends132of the first post128′ and the second post128″ and the second rail segment116″ may be mounted atop the post ends132of the third post128′″ and the fourth post128″″, both the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ may be in the sag state and thus may be non-aligned with respect to each other. To align the first end portion136′ with the second end portion136″ and thus also attain alignment and connection between the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″, an operator may bring forth the tool150and position the tool150atop the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ in such a manner that the first part174of the elongated rigid member158may overlap the first end portion136′ of the first rail segment116′ and the second part182of the elongated rigid member158may overlap the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″.

Referring toFIGS.2through8, while positioning the tool150atop the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″, the operator may ensure that the foot pegs202of each of the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166are in the second condition (e.g., seeFIGS.4and8) such that the path, P, for the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ to be brought into the overlapping state with respect to the elongated rigid member158is clear. It may be noted that in the overlapping state, the elongated rigid member158is aligned with each of the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″ such that the first part174of the elongated rigid member158is disposed along (i.e., generally along) a first extension, E1, of the first rail segment116′ and the second part182of the elongated rigid member158is disposed along (i.e., generally along) a second extension, E2, of the second rail segment116″. The term ‘generally’ is used to account for the sag state of the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″.

Once the elongated rigid member158is positioned in the overlapping state with respect to each of the first rail segment116′ and the second rail segment116″, the operator may turn the foot pegs202of each of the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166into the first condition (see foot pegs202inFIG.7) (also see foot peg202of the clasping mechanism198′ inFIG.10). In so doing, the foot pegs202of the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162can clasp the first end portion136′ of the first rail segment116′ and the foot pegs202of the clasping mechanisms198of the second arrangement166can clasp the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″. Therefore, the first end portion136′ of the first rail segment116′ is engaged by using the first arrangement162and the second end portion136″ of the second rail segment116″ is engaged by using the second arrangement166. With regard to each of the foot pegs202of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166, as the foot pegs202move between the first condition and the second condition, the arcuate surface248of the foot pegs202may interact with the first end portion136′ and/or second end portion136″, while the curved transition region246of the foot pegs202may interact with the stopper210. In that manner, both the curved transition region246and the arcuate surface248may aid in the movement of the foot peg202between the first condition and the second condition.

According to an embodiment, a method by which the foot pegs202may be turned to clasp the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ may include sequentially activating the clasping mechanisms198(including turning the corresponding foot pegs202from the second condition to the first condition) of the first arrangement162arranged on the first part from the first end178towards the interface190. In so doing, the first arrangement162is actuated to urge the first rail segment116′ towards the elongated rigid member158. The method may also include sequentially activating the clasping mechanisms198(including turning the corresponding foot pegs202from the second condition to the first condition) of the second arrangement166arranged on the second part182from the second end186towards the interface190. In that manner, the second arrangement166is also actuated to urge the second rail segment116″ towards the elongated rigid member158.

Once the foot pegs202are turned to the first condition to engage the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″, and as part of the actuation of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166, the operator may turn (e.g., in a clockwise manner) (e.g., sequentially from the first end178towards the interface190) the fasteners258of the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162such that the first end portion136′ may be urged towards the elongated rigid member158. The operator may also turn (e.g., in a clockwise manner) (e.g., sequentially from the second end186towards the interface190) the fasteners258of the clasping mechanisms198of the second arrangement166such that the second end portion136″ may also be urged towards the elongated rigid member158. In some embodiments, a turning induced to the fasteners258may cause the corresponding foot pegs202to also rotate and move (e.g., automatically rotate and move owing to the threadable connection of the foot pegs202with the fasteners258) to the first condition (e.g., seeFIGS.6and7).

The fasteners258of the clasping mechanisms198of both the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166may be turned until the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ are raised and either are abutted to the elongated rigid member158or define respective clearances, C1and C2, with respect to the elongated rigid member158which may become equal to each other. The abutment or the equal clearances ensure that the first end portion136′ (or the first rail segment116′) has fallen in alignment with the second end portion136″ (or the second rail segment116″). At this point, the foot pegs202may be tightly clasped with the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″. When the clearances, C1and C2, become equal to each other, said clearances, C1and C2, may correspond to a common consistent clearance defined by the elongated rigid member158with the first part174and the second part182throughout the length of the first part174and the second part182.

In that manner, once the first end portion136′ (and/or the first rail segment116′) and the second end portion136″ (and/or the second rail segment116″) are aligned, the operator may use a connection plate (not shown) to connect the first end portion136′ with the second end portion136″—e.g., the connection plate may be positioned in part over the first end portion136′ and in part over the second end portion136″, and then one or more fastening elements (not shown) may be driven into the connection plate and the assemblage of the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ such that the connection plate can be connected (e.g., immovably connected) to each of the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″, in turn connecting (e.g., rigidly connecting and reinforcing) the first rail segment116′ with the second rail segment116″ and thus forming a rail portion of the rail line108.

After the connection is complete, the operator may turn the fasteners258of the clasping mechanisms198of the first arrangement162and the second arrangement166in reverse (e.g., in a counter clockwise direction) to loosen the foot pegs202. Once the foot pegs202are loosened by the turning of the fasteners258, each foot peg202may be moved to the second condition (seeFIG.8). In some embodiments, the turning induced to the fasteners258may cause the corresponding foot pegs202to also rotate and move (e.g., automatically rotate and move owing to the threadable connection of the foot pegs202with the fasteners258) to the second condition (seeFIG.8). As the foot pegs202move to the second condition, they may clear the path, P′, (seeFIG.4) for the first end portion136′ and the second end portion136″ to be removed from the overlapping state with respect to the elongated rigid member158, and thus the tool150may be lifted and moved away from the rail portion.

It may be understandable from the above description that the tool150provides for an easy, inexpensive, and a reliable solution, to align the first rail segment116′ with the second rail segment116″ of the rail line108, and the same may be performable by operators with basic or minimum skill. Also, the tool150may be applicable at various worksites that include a rail line. Moreover, the tool150is easy to use and is relatively compact for transportation and handling. Furthermore, the tool150is simple in construction and requires no parts which are complex or cumbersome to manufacture and/or assemble.

Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and/or system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the method and/or system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.