Method and apparatus for mounting a light sleeve

One embodiment relates to a method of sealing a gap formed between each end cap of a fluorescent bulb and a protective sleeve, where the fluorescent bulb is disposed within the protective sleeve to form a bulb and sleeve assembly with the gap defined between an external surface of the end caps and an internal surface of the protective sleeve. The method comprises rotating the bulb and sleeve assembly and injecting a sealant in the gap associated with each end cap as the bulb and sleeve assembly rotate to provide a continuous bead of sealant between the end caps and the protective sleeve.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of fluorescent lamps. More specifically the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus of sealing the ends of a protective sleeve to a fluorescent lamp. It is known to provide a protective sleeve formed from a material such as polycarbonate for a fluorescent bulb. Such sleeves surround the bulb and are intended to contain shards of glass, and the phosphor powder that coats the inside of the bulb in the event of breakage. This is advantageous in environments involving food and food preparation such as food processing plants and supermarket displays. It is desirable to seal the ends of the sleeve to help contain any shards of glass, phosphors, or gasses within the sleeve if the bulb breaks.

One such method of sealing the ends includes affixing caps collars or other end fittings to the ends of the bulbs. Such end fittings generally overlap the sleeve and may be configured to be removable and reusable. However, such end fittings have several disadvantages. Whether removable or not, such end fittings are generally insufficient to properly seal the ends of the sleeve. The end fittings generally must be designed specifically for different bulb styles. Additionally, such end fittings may have a diameter that is too large to fit into some fixtures. End fittings often represent a relatively significant increase in cost for the finished bulb assembly.

Another method involves coating the end cap of the fluorescent bulb with an adhesive coating or a double-sided adhesive tape. Such methods generally require heating and mechanically deforming the ends of the sleeve (e.g., with a collet or similar mechanism) to create the seal between the bulb and the sleeve. However, such methods typically require the addition of a complicated step in the manufacturing process that may result in breakage or other damage to the sleeve of the bulb. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain a satisfactory seal with such methods due to the difficulty in forming polycarbonate tubes, and the difficulty in obtaining a durable and lasting seal with the adhesive tape.

It would be advantageous to provide an apparatus and method for sealing the ends of a protective sleeve to a fluorescent bulb that is relatively inexpensive and that provides an improved seal.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a method of sealing a gap formed between each end cap of a fluorescent bulb and a protective sleeve, where the fluorescent bulb is disposed within the protective sleeve to form a bulb and sleeve assembly with the gap defined between an external surface of the end caps and an internal surface of the protective sleeve. The method comprises rotating the bulb and sleeve assembly and injecting a sealant in the gap associated with each end cap as the bulb and sleeve assembly rotate to provide a continuous bead of sealant between the end caps and the protective sleeve. The method may also include biasing the sleeve into an eccentric relationship with the bulb, to better accommodate insertion of a nozzle or needle into the gap.

Another embodiment relates to an apparatus for sealing a gap formed between each end cap of a fluorescent bulb and an overlying protective sleeve. The apparatus comprises a sealing station having a first roller and a second roller disposed substantially parallel to one another, a conveyor, a drive device, and a nozzle. The conveyor is operable to deliver the bulb and sleeve assembly to the rollers and to remove the bulb and sleeve from the rollers. The drive device is operable to rotate at least one of the rollers or the bulb and sleeve assembly at a predefined rotational speed. The nozzle is axially translatable between a retracted position to permit placement and removal of the bulb and sleeve assembly and an extended position within the gap to permit injection of a sealant through a flow path in the nozzle and into the gap as the bulb and sleeve assembly rotates on the rollers.

Another embodiment relates to a method of sealing a gap formed between each end cap of a fluorescent bulb and a protective sleeve, where the fluorescent bulb is disposed within the protective sleeve to form a bulb and sleeve assembly with the gap defined between an external surface of the end caps and an internal surface of the protective sleeve. The method includes the steps of positioning a nozzle in the gap, moving the nozzle in a substantially circular path defined by the gap while injecting a sealant from the nozzle and into the gap to form a bead having continuous contact with the end cap and the sleeve, and removing the nozzle from the gap.

Another embodiment relates to a method of sealing a gap formed between each end cap of a fluorescent bulb and a protective sleeve, where the fluorescent bulb is disposed within the protective sleeve to form a bulb and sleeve assembly with the gap defined between an external surface of the end caps and an internal surface of the protective sleeve. The method includes the steps of shifting the protective sleeve in one direction to a first offset position to expose one end cap, applying a bead of sealant along a circumference of the one end cap, shifting the protective sleeve in an opposite direction to a second offset position to expose the other end cap, applying a bead of sealant along a circumference of the other end cap, and shifting the protective sleeve to a centered position with each end of the protective sleeve substantially covering a respective end cap with a bead of sealant therebetween.

Another embodiment relates to an apparatus for sealing a gap formed between each end cap of a fluorescent bulb and a protective sleeve. The apparatus includes a sealing station operable to receive a bulb and sleeve assembly with the gap defined between an external surface of the end caps and an internal surface of the protective sleeve. The nozzle is axially translatable between a retracted position substantially free of engagement with the bulb and sleeve assembly and an extended position within the gap to permit injection of a sealant through a flow path in the nozzle and into the gap. The drive device is operable to move the nozzle in a substantially circular path defined by the gap to form a bead of the sealant having continuous contact with the end cap and the sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally toFIGS. 1A-1D, an apparatus10for sealing a gap formed between each end cap of a fluorescent bulb12and an overlying protective sleeve14is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The bulb12is slid into the sleeve14to form a bulb and sleeve assembly16. Typically, bulb12is an elongated lamp that includes a glass tube coated with phosphor salts. The ends of the glass tube are closed by metal end caps18. End caps18are coupled to filaments provided within the glass tube and electrical contacts such as pins provided outside the glass tube that are configured to couple the lamp to a power source. Fluorescent lamps may break under a variety of circumstances, for example, by contact with other objects, or if at the end of the bulb life, the filament breaks and falls to contact the glass tube. The hot filament may thermally shock the glass and cause it to shatter. Sleeve14is intended to be a protective member that surrounds bulb12and is configured to contain glass shards, phosphor dust, gasses, and other hazardous materials (e.g., mercury, etc.) if bulb12is broken. According to an exemplary embodiment, sleeve14is formed from a generally transparent polymer (e.g. polycarbonate, etc.) with UV inhibitors. Apparatus10is provided to seal the ends of sleeve14to bulb12to prevent gas or debris from escaping sleeve14. The protective sleeve14may be installed (e.g. placed, positioned, slid, pushed, etc.) over the bulb12using any one or more of a number of methods and equipment. For example, sleeve14may be positioned manually (e.g. by hand, or through manual operation of an appropriate tool, etc.), alternatively, the sleeve14may be pushed over the bulb using a linear actuator (such as an air cylinder or the like) that operates in a generally reciprocal manner to push a sleeve into position on a bulb. According to a further embodiment, the sleeve may be pushed onto the bulb using air pressure (e.g. “blowing” the sleeve onto the bulb). Any such method and equipment may be used to install the protective sleeve14over the bulb12to form the bulb and sleeve assembly16, which may be formed separately and “stockpiled” for sealing of the ends by apparatus10. According to an alternative embodiment, the apparatus for sealing the ends of the bulb and sleeve assembly may also be configured to install the sleeve over the bulb.

Referring further toFIGS. 1A and 1B, apparatus10includes a feeder device20(e.g. hopper, bin, etc.) for delivering a supply of bulb and sleeve assemblies16onto two pairs of spaced apart guide rails22,24that are arranged to maintain an axially aligned position of the bulb12and sleeve14relative to one another and for guiding the bulb and tube assemblies16through the various stages of the sealing operation. According to one embodiment, the guide rails22,24are vertically spaced a sufficient distance to permit the electrodes extending from each end cap to rotate between the guide rails22,24without contacting the rails. Note that inFIG. 1Aa portion of the guide rail24is not shown for clarity. A loading device26(e.g. “pusher” etc.) operates in a reciprocating manner to “push” the bulb and tube assemblies along the guide rails toward a moving conveyor30having a track32(e.g. belt, chain, caterpillar track, etc.). The loading device26operates at a frequency corresponding to the speed of the conveyor30and operation of the sealing station of the operation, and may be driven by any suitable device, such as a linear actuator28(e.g. air cylinder, etc.).

The conveyor track32operates to position and transport the bulb and sleeve assemblies16through various stages of the sealing operation. According to one embodiment, conveyor30includes a separator wheel34(e.g. toothed wheel, sprocket, etc.) having projections36that separate the bulb and sleeve assemblies16on the conveyor track32at a predetermined spacing interval, which corresponds to the spacing of holders38that are attached to the conveyor track32for maintaining the position of each bulb and sleeve assembly16on the conveyor30. As the bulb and sleeve assemblies16approach the sealing station40, the conveyor track32“descends” (e.g. lowers, etc.) so that the holders38deliver the bulb and tube assembly16to the sealing station40. Upon sealing of the ends of the bulb and sleeve assembly16, the assembly is recaptured on the holder38and delivered by the conveyor30to a packaging station39(e.g. bin, etc.) in preparation for shipping.

According to an alternative embodiment, the bulbs and sleeves may be assembled with one another on the conveyor. For example, the separator wheel may be beveled to permit sleeves to be installed over the bulbs as the bulbs are loaded on the conveyor. According to another alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 1C, the loading device220may be provided in the form of an elevating hopper226that has a sloped lower surface228configured to allow gravity loading of bulb and tube assemblies16onto a ramp225. The ramp225is shown to include a reciprocating separator pin227that is extendably and retractably associated with the ramp225and that “meters” or permits gravity loading of the assemblies16onto the conveyor230at a frequency corresponding to the speed of the conveyor230. The assemblies16are then transferred along conveyor belt232and captured between guide rails222and224to sealing station40(note that inFIG. 1Ca portion of the guide rail224is not shown for clarity).

Referring further toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the sealing station40is shown in further detail according to an exemplary embodiment. Sealing station40is shown to include a generally parallel first roller42and second roller44to support the bulb and sleeve assembly16, and a vertically reciprocal drive roller48, a drive device46to rotate the drive roller48and rotate the bulb and sleeve assembly16, and a nozzle52that injects a sealant between the ends of sleeve14and end caps18. Upon loading of the bulb and sleeve assembly16onto rollers42and44, drive roller48engages (e.g. descends into contact, etc.) with the assembly16to rotate the assembly16at a predetermined speed as provided by drive device46. Positioning of drive roller48may be accomplished by a linear actuator50(e.g. air cylinder, etc.) or other suitable device. Upon completion of the sealing process, drive roller48disengages (e.g. “lifts up”, etc.) and the assembly16is discharged from rollers42,44onto its associated holder38for delivery by the conveyor30to the packaging station39.

Referring further toFIGS. 1A and 1B, first roller42and second roller44cooperate to receive and rotate bulb and sleeve assembly16. Rollers42and44may be substantially similar, for example, to rollers commonly used for conveyers. According to one exemplary embodiment, rollers42and44are arranged side by side such that bulb and sleeve assembly16may be received on and supported by both first roller42and second roller44in a “triangular” arrangement. A drive device26such as a variable speed electric motor provides a rotational force to the drive roller48upon engagement of the drive roller48with the assembly16to rotate bulb and sleeve assembly16about longitudinal axis17. Alternatively, drive device46may be coupled directly to one or more of first roller42, second roller44, or bulb and sleeve assembly16or may be coupled to the components with a gear box or other intermediate component.

Nozzle52is provided to inject a sealant56between an outside surface of the end cap18of bulb12and an inside circumferential surface of sleeve14. According to one embodiment, nozzle52is a needle-like member with a hollow flow path54(e.g., a “veterinary” type needle or the like) through which a sealant56flows. According to one preferred embodiment, the nozzle52comprises a hollow needle having an outside diameter of approximately 0.062 inches and an inside diameter of approximately 0.040 inches, although other dimensions may be used that are suitable for extension into the gap70and for injecting sealant56through the needle and into the gap. According to an alternative embodiment, the nozzle may be provided as an annular orifice configured for insertion into the gap and injection of the sealant in a one-shot type manner without having to rotate either the assembly or the nozzle. According to one exemplary embodiment, sealant56is contained in a reservoir58and is delivered from reservoir58through flow path54. Sealant56may be forced from reservoir58, for example with compressed air provided by a pressurization source. A valve60, disposed between reservoir58and nozzle52controls the flow of sealant56. According to one embodiment, the sealant56is contained in a reservoir58(e.g. container, bucket, pail, etc.) having a heated plate or platen64that rests (e.g. “floats”, rides, etc.) on an upper surface of the sealant56to maintain a portion of the sealant56adjacent to (and beneath) the platen64in a warmed or melted state. A pump66(e.g. a positive displacement metering pump, etc.) driven by a motor68(e.g. electric motor or an air motor, etc.) rests on top of the heated platen64and draws a supply of sealant56from the warmed or melted portion beneath the platen64and delivers sealant to nozzle52(e.g. via heated hoses, tubes, pipes or the like that provide flow path54).

Sealant56is an adhesive material that is at least partially viscous before curing. According to a preferred embodiment, sealant56is fast-setting (e.g. within 30 seconds) hot melt silicone. Hot melt silicone is desirable because it is relatively quick setting, forms a good bond, and is resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. According to other exemplary embodiments, other silicone compounds (e.g., silicone caulk, two-part silicone foam, etc.) or any other suitable compound may be used to seal a gap70between the sleeve14and bulb12.

As shown best inFIGS. 2-4, nozzle52is configured to be inserted through an opening (e.g. notch, aperture, etc.) in rail22and into a gap70between bulb12and sleeve14when nozzle52and bulb and sleeve assembly16are translated relative to each other. For example, the nozzle52may be linearly reciprocal between a retracted position (e.g. to permit loading and unloading of the bulb and sleeve assembly to/from the sealing station40) and an extended position (e.g. for injecting a sealant to seal the gap between the bulb and sleeve). Nozzle52may be extended and retracted by a suitable device, shown as a linear actuator53(e.g. air cylinder, etc.). Gap70is an annular space defined at least partially by an external surface72of an end cap18and an internal surface74of protective sleep14. It should be noted that the width of the gap between bulb12and sleeve14is exaggerated inFIGS. 2,3, and5for clarity, and that the width of the gap may not be consistent along its circumference due to tolerance associated with manufacture of the bulb. Referring toFIG. 2, once nozzle52is inserted into gap70, sealant56is extruded out of nozzle52along a circular path76in gap70as bulb and sleeve assembly16is rotated on rollers42and44. Once bulb and sleeve assembly16has completed at least one full revolution, a continuous bead of sealant56is deposited between bulb12and sleeve14, sealing gap70. A sufficient amount of sealant56is provided to be able to seal gap70regardless of minor variations in the width of gap (e.g. due to manufacturing variations in bulb12, etc.).

According to an alternative embodiment, the assembly16may remain stationary, and the nozzle16may be configured to move in a generally circular path defined by the gap70for sealing the gap70. For example, the nozzle may be disposed within a corresponding circular track and moved about the track using actuators or other devices known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Also, the nozzle may be moved using suitable robotics, or alternatively may be moved using actuators, such as opposed air cylinders or the like. According to another alternative embodiment the bulb and sleeve assembly may be axially shifted (e.g. translated, reciprocated, etc.) in a back-and-forth like manner into engagement with a non-translating nozzle, in which case the assembly may rotate about its axis for injection of sealant from a stationary nozzle, or the nozzle may remain non-rotational as the nozzle is rotated to traverse the circumference of the gap to inject sealant for sealing the gap.

According to one exemplary embodiment, apparatus10includes a biasing device operable to bias the sleeve14into an eccentric relationship with the bulb12(shown for example as an eccentric pusher80inFIG. 1B). Eccentric pusher80operates to bias the bulb12relative to sleeve14prior to the insertion of nozzle52such that gap70is wider at some point along the circumference (i.e. wider on one side than it is on the opposite side, etc.) to induce an eccentricity between the sleeve14and the bulb12. The eccentric pusher80may be driven by an actuator82(such as an air cylinder or the like) between a retracted position where the eccentric pusher is disengaged from the bulb and sleeve assembly16, and an applied position where the eccentric pusher engages a side of the sleeve14and applies a sufficient force to bias the sleeve14relative to the bulb12. For example, eccentric pusher80may include a separate U-shaped element so that gap70is wider at the top as shown inFIG. 5. Nozzle52is inserted into the wider portion78of gap70. As bulb and sleeve assembly16is rotated, sealant56is compressed between sleeve14and end cap18, further assuring that sealant32will bond to both sleeve14and end cap18.

A continuous bead of sealant56is intended to insure that glass shards, phosphor dust, gasses, and other hazardous materials (e.g., mercury) are contained within sleeve14. A variety of different methods may be employed to fully seal gap70. According to one exemplary embodiment, a known flow rate of sealant56and rotation speed of the bulb and sleeve assembly16may be used to calculate the time it take to apply a bead of sealant around the circumference of end cap18. Further, assembly16may be slightly “over-rotated” to create an overlap between the two ends of the bead of sealant56and reduce the chance of a gap being left. According to another exemplary embodiment, an optical system may be used to sense when a complete bead of sealant56has been applied in gap70. According to another exemplary embodiment, a pressure testing station may be provided to pressure test the assembly to ensure a complete seal has been established in gap70.

Referring toFIG. 1D, an apparatus300for sealing a gap formed between each end cap of a fluorescent bulb12and an overlying protective sleeve14is shown according to another alternative embodiment. Apparatus300is shown to include a conveyor330having a track332(such as a “smooth” track) for receiving bulb and tube assemblies16along guide rails322and324(in a manner such as previously described with references toFIGS. 1A and 1C) and transporting the assemblies to a sealing station340. Sealing station340includes a first roller342and a second roller344that are vertically reciprocal between a retracted (e.g. disengaged) position and an extended (e.g. engaged) sealing position. Any suitable device may be used to extend and retract the rollers, such as a linear actuator (e.g. air cylinder, etc.). Sealing station is also shown to include separators346, shown has vertically reciprocal “gates” or the like that retract (e.g., “lift up”, etc.) to permit transport of an assembly into the sealing station and extend to prevent entry of other assemblies until the sealing step is completed. Conveyor330further includes a backing support334to support conveyor track332as it travels through the sealing station340. In operation, the separators346retract and the conveyor track transports an assembly16into the sealing station. Next, the separators346and rollers342and344descend into their extended position. The rollers bear against the assembly16and provide “free-wheel” support to the assembly as the moving conveyor track332(supported by backing support334) rotates the assembly16against rollers342and344. The gap between the sleeve and bulb is then sealed in a manner such as previously described.

According to the exemplary embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1D, the sealing apparatus is shown in a generally horizontal configuration. According to alternative embodiments, the components of the sealing apparatus may be arranged in other suitable configurations. For example, the sealing apparatus may be configured in a circular or rotary arrangement, or the sealing apparatus may be configured in a generally vertical arrangement (e.g. for gravity-feed of the assemblies to the sealing station, etc.), or any of a variety of other configurations.

Referring toFIGS. 5-8, the nozzle52and bulb and sleeve assembly16may be moved relative to each other to insert nozzle52into gap70according to various methods. Referring toFIG. 6, according to one exemplary embodiment, a method90includes a stationary bulb and sleeve assembly16and one or more moveable nozzles52. In a first step92, bulb and sleeve assembly16is loaded onto conveyor30. In a second step93, the assembly16is delivered by the conveyor to the sealing station40. In a third step94, nozzle52is inserted into gap70between bulb12and sleeve14. According to an exemplary embodiment, nozzles52are provided on either side of assembly16such that gaps70on either side of assembly16are sealed simultaneously. In a fourth step96, drive roller48engaged the assembly16and drive device46rotates assembly16. In a fifth step98, sealant56is injected into gaps70. In a sixth step100, nozzles52are retracted from gaps70. In a seventh step102, assembly16is removed from apparatus10by carriage20.

Referring toFIG. 7, according to another exemplary embodiment, a method110includes a two-step shifting process where protective sleeve14is shifted relative to bulb12. In a first step112, bulb and sleeve assembly16is loaded onto conveyor30. In a second step113, the assembly16is delivered by the conveyor to the sealing station40. In a third step114, sleeve14is shifted relative to bulb12in one direction to expose one of end caps18. In a fourth step116, a bead of sealant56is applied to the exposed end cap18. In a fifth step118, sleeve14is shifted relative to bulb12in the opposite direction to expose the other end cap18. In a sixth step120, a bead of sealant56is applied to the exposed end cap18. In a seventh step122, sleeve14is shifted relative to bulb12back to it's original position such that it is generally centered on bulb12. In an eighth step124, assembly16is removed from the conveyor30. According to one embodiment where the sleeve has a cross-sectional shape that is out-of-round (e.g. oval, elliptical, egg-shaped, etc.—such as may be due to manufacturing tolerances of the sleeve) a shaping device (such as a close-fitting circular tube, fixture, chuck or the like may be provided over the sleeve to “force” the sleeve into a circular shape to enhance the coverage characteristics of the bead and to reduce the amount of sealant that may be pushed (e.g. wiped, etc.) from the gap as the sleeve and bulb are shifted relative to one another. According to a further embodiment, an additional step126may be included to trim (e.g. remove, clean, etc.) any excess sealant that is exposed or remains or migrates beyond either edge of the sleeve and onto an exposed portion of the end cap when the sleeve is shifted to its final centered position.

Referring toFIG. 8, according to another exemplary embodiment, a method130includes a one-step shifting process where protective sleeve14is shifted relative to bulb12. In a first step132, bulb and sleeve assembly16is loaded onto conveyor30. In a second step133, the assembly16is delivered by the conveyor to the sealing station40. In a third step134, sleeve14is shifted relative to bulb12in one direction to expose one of end caps18. In a fourth step136, a bead of sealant56is applied to the exposed end cap18on one end of the assembly. In a fifth step138a bead of sealant is applied to an inside circumferential surface of the sleeve14on the opposite end of the assembly. In a sixth step140sleeve14is shifted relative to bulb12back to it's original position such that it is generally centered on bulb12. In a seventh step142, assembly16is removed from the conveyor30. According to one embodiment where the sleeve has a cross-sectional shape that is out-of-round (e.g. oval, elliptical, egg-shaped, etc.—such as may be due to manufacturing tolerances of the sleeve) a shaping device (such as a close-fitting circular tube, fixture, chuck or the like may be provided over the sleeve to “force” the sleeve into a circular shape to enhance the coverage characteristics of the bead and to reduce the amount of sealant that may be pushed (e.g. wiped, etc.) from the gap as the sleeve and bulb are shifted relative to one another. According to a further embodiment, an additional step144may be included to trim (e.g. remove, clean, etc.) any excess sealant that is exposed or remains or migrates beyond either edge of the sleeve and onto an exposed portion of the end cap when the sleeve is shifted to its final centered position.

Sealant56advantageously creates a relatively low-cost seal between sleeve14and bulb12. Further, sealant56does not add as much bulk to the finished assembly as a separate end cap the fits over the end of sleeve14and bulb12. This allows bulbs12with sleeves14to be packaged similar to stock tubular fluorescent lamps (e.g., in boxes with cardboard trays that receive the ends of the bulbs). Sealant32does not obstruct the electrical connectors coupled to end caps18. The disclosed method further creates a seal between sleeve14and bulb12without a secondary mechanical compression step as is sometimes needed with a pressure sensitive adhesive or 2-sided tape.

It is also important to note that the arrangement of the apparatus and method, as shown, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited herein. Many modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention unless specifically recited in the claims. For example, the sealant may be introduced to the gap in any of a wide variety of ways, such as spraying the sealant from a nozzle positioned within the gap, or positioned external to the gap. Further, the sealant may have properties that cause expansion of the sealant upon injection into the gap to further enhance sealing of irregularly shaped gaps between the end caps of the bulb and the inner surface of the sleeve. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as expressed herein.