REINFORCEMENT TO REDUCE NOISE AND IMPROVE FLEXURAL STRENGTH FOR METAL ROLLERS

An example roller is provided. The example roller can include a metal tube extending between a first end and a second end, where the metal tube includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The example roller can include a first bearing disposed at the first end. The example roller can include a second bearing disposed at the second end. The example roller can include a reinforcement filling in contact with the inner surface of the metal tube, wherein the reinforcement filling is made at least partially of a non-metal material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to India Provisional Patent Application No. 20/231,1048454, filed Jul. 19, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally, in some examples, to a roller. More specifically, the present application relates, in some examples, to a reinforced metal roller.

BACKGROUND

Metal rollers are sometimes used in conveyors. For example, one or more metal rollers may be used to transport an object. The inventors have identified numerous deficiencies and problems with the existing technologies in this field. For example, existing technologies may result in excessively loud noise during transportation. In addition, existing technologies are a heavy and result in increased weight of a roller system. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified deficiencies and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are structured in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an example embodiment, a roller is provided. The example roller includes a metal tube extending between a first end and a second end, where the metal tube includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The example roller includes a first bearing disposed at the first end. The example roller includes a second bearing disposed at the second end. The example roller includes a reinforcement filling in contact with the inner surface of the metal tube, where the reinforcement filling is made at least partially of a non-metal material.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling fills a space inside the metal tube and between the first bearing and the second bearing.

A roller of an example embodiment further includes a shaft extending through the metal tube and between the first bearing and the second bearing.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling fills a space inside the metal tube, outside the shaft, and between the first bearing and the second bearing.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling includes a corrugated plastic filling.

In an example embodiment, the corrugated plastic filling includes at least one of a honeycomb reinforcement structure, a bubble reinforcement structure, a rectangular reinforcement structure, or a plate reinforcement structure.

In an example embodiment, the corrugated plastic filling includes a plurality of corrugated sheets.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets are stacked in a direction extending between the first bearing and the second bearing.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets defines a circular shape.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets is disposed between two reinforcement layers.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets is further disposed between two surface treatment layers.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of corrugates sheets are fused together.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling includes a silicone-based powder.

The roller of an example embodiment further includes a motor positioned inside the metal tube.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling fills a space inside the metal tube, outside the motor, and between the first bearing and the second bearing.

In an example embodiment, the metal tube includes 20 gauge metal.

In an example embodiment, at least one of the first bearing or the second bearing includes a hex shaft.

In an example embodiment, a roller conveyor system is provided. The example roller conveyor system includes one or more conveyor frames. The example roller conveyor system includes one or more conveyor legs. The example roller conveyor system includes one or more example rollers. Each of the example rollers includes a metal tube extending between a first end and a second end, where the metal tube includes an outer surface and an inner surface. Each of the example rollers includes a first bearing disposed at the first end. Each of the example rollers includes a second bearing disposed at the second end. Each of the example rollers includes a reinforcement filling in contact with the inner surface of the metal tube, where the reinforcement filling is made at least partially of a non-metal material.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling fills a space inside the metal tube and between the first bearing and the second bearing.

Each of the rollers of an example embodiment further includes a shaft extending through the metal tube and between the first bearing and the second bearing.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling fills a space inside the metal tube, outside the shaft, and between the first bearing and the second bearing.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling includes a corrugated plastic filling.

In an example embodiment, the corrugated plastic filling includes at least one of a honeycomb reinforcement structure, a bubble reinforcement structure, a rectangular reinforcement structure, or a plate reinforcement structure.

In an example embodiment, the corrugated plastic filling includes a plurality of corrugated sheets.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets are stacked in a direction extending between the first bearing and the second bearing.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets defines a circular shape.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets is disposed between two reinforcement layers.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets is further disposed between two surface treatment layers.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of corrugates sheets are fused together. In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling includes a silicone-based powder.

Each of the plurality of rollers of an example embodiment further includes a motor positioned inside the metal tube.

In an example embodiment, the reinforcement filling fills a space inside the metal tube, outside the motor, and between the first bearing and the second bearing.

In an example embodiment, the metal tube includes 20 gauge metal.

In an example embodiment, at least one of the first bearing or the second bearing includes at least one of a hex shaft or a circular shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout and in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and accordingly this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. In addition, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, coupling can be accomplished through welding one component to another component.

As used herein, the term “positioned directly on” refers to a first component being positioned on a second component such that they make contact. Similarly, as used herein, the term “positioned directly between” refers to a first component being positioned between a second component and a third component such that the first component makes contact with both the second component and the third component. In contrast, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component may or may not have contact with the second component and the third component. Additionally, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component is positioned such that there may be other intervening components between the second component and the third component other than the first component.

It is desirable, in some examples, for rollers to be lightweight and produce a low amount of noise while in use. Embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, a reinforced metal roller that is lightweight and does not create excessive noise. For example, example reinforced metal rollers may produce 10% to 20% less noise than existing technologies.

Turning now toFIG.1, an example roller100is provided. In one or more embodiments, the example roller100has a cylindrical shape. The example roller100may extend between a first end and a second end.

In one or more embodiments, a roller100has a metal tube110having a cylindrical shape. For example, metal tube110may extend between the first end and the second end. In some examples, metal tube110has a diameter equal to the diameter of the roller100. In some examples, metal tube110has a hollow cylindrical shape.

In one or more embodiments, metal tube110is made of, for example, ferrous or non-ferrous metals. For example, metal tube110may be made of stainless steel.

In one or more embodiments, metal tube110has an outer surface and an inner surface. In some examples, metal tube110has a low thickness between the outer surface and the inner surface. For example, metal tube110may have a thickness less than 16 gauge, in some examples, a thickness of 20 gauge in other examples, and a thickness of 3 mm in yet other examples. The low thickness of metal tube110provides example benefits including decreased weight and cost. The example roller100is able to bear weight with a lower thickness due, for example, a reinforcement filling such as a corrugated plastic material or a silicone-based powder.

In one or more embodiments, a roller has a first bearing120disposed at the first end of roller100. In some examples, first bearing120has a circular shape. For example, first bearing120may have a circular shape and have a diameter equal to the diameter of roller100and/or outer layer110.

In one or more embodiments, first bearing120is made of a hard material. For example, first bearing120may be made of ferrous metal, chrome steal, stainless steel, polymer plastic (e.g., nylon, polyoxymethylene, etc.), a hybrid material, and/or the like

In one or more embodiments, first bearing120is coupled to the first end of roller100. For example, first bearing120may be coupled to outer layer110of roller100and/or materials inside of outer layer110. For example, first bearing120may be coupled to a corrugated plastic filling inside roller100. As another example, first bearing120may be coupled to a motor placed inside of roller100. In some examples, first bearing120is fused to roller100via ultrasonic welding, friction welding, press fitting, and/or the like.

In one or more embodiments, first bearing120includes a shaft125. In some examples, shaft125extends away from roller100. In some examples, shaft125is a hex shaft, and in other examples, shaft125may be circular, rectangular, and/or the like.

In one or more embodiments, shaft125is made of the same material as the rest of first bearing120. For example, shaft125may be made of ferrous metal, chrome steal, stainless steel, polymer plastic (e.g., nylon, polyoxymethylene, etc.), a hybrid material, and/or the like

In one or more embodiments, a roller has a second bearing130disposed at the second end of roller100. In some examples, second bearing130has a circular shape. For example, second bearing130may be a circular shape and have a diameter equal to the diameter of roller100and/or outer layer110.

In one or more embodiments, second bearing130is made of a hard material. For example, second bearing130may be made of ferrous material, chrome steal, stainless steel, polymer plastic (e.g., nylon, polyoxymethylene, etc.), a hybrid material, and/or the like.

In one or more embodiments, second bearing130is coupled to the second end of roller100. For example, second bearing130may be coupled to outer layer110of roller100and/or materials inside of outer layer110. For example, second bearing130may be coupled to a corrugated plastic filling inside roller100, in other examples, second bearing130may be coupled to a motor placed inside of roller100. In one or more embodiments, second bearing130is fused to roller100via ultrasonic welding, friction welding, press fitting, and/or the like.

In one or more embodiments, second bearing130includes a shaft135. In some examples, shaft135extends away from roller100. In some examples, shaft135is a hex shaft, and in other examples, shaft135may circular, rectangular, and/or the like.

In one or more embodiments, shaft135is made of the same material as the rest of second bearing130. For example, in an embodiment where second bearing130is made of metal, shaft135is made of metal.

Turning now toFIG.2A, a front cross sectional view of an example roller100is provided. In this example, roller100includes reinforcement filling210. In some examples, reinforcement filling210consists of a plurality of corrugated sheets220. In some examples, reinforcement filling210is in contact with the inner surface of metal tube110.

In one or more embodiments, reinforcement filling210is made at least partially of a non-metal material. For example, reinforcement filling210may be made of a polymer material, wood, a rubber material, wood and polymer composite material, or other composite materials that would provide reinforcement to roller100. In some examples, reinforcement filling210includes additives. In some examples, reinforcement filling210is a corrugated plastic filling such as polypropylene or other similar materials.

For example, reinforcement filling210may be made of a lightweight plastic or silicone-based material that provides reinforcement to roller210. In some examples, reinforcement filling210is lighter in weight than metal materials. In some examples, reinforcement filling210increases the flexural strength by 50% to 100% compared to non-reinforced rollers. In some examples, reinforcement filling210dampens noise produced by roller100by 10% to 20%.

In one or more embodiments, reinforcement filling210is shaped into alternating ridges and/or grooves. For example, reinforcement filling210is textured. For example, reinforcement filling210may include a honeycomb structure, a bubble structure, a series of rectangular grooves, a series of plate-shaped grooves, and/or the like.

In one or more embodiments, metal tube110is configured house the plurality of corrugated sheets220. For example, the plurality of corrugated sheets220may be pushed into the metal tube110.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of corrugated sheets220are stacked such that a space inside the metal tube110and between the first bearing120and the second bearing130is filled. For example, corrugated sheets220may be stacked in a direction extending between first bearing120and second bearing130. In other examples, corrugated sheets220are stacked in a direction perpendicular to a direction between first bearing120and second bearing130. For example, each of corrugated sheets220may extend fully between first bearing120and second bearing130and be stacked to fill the metal tube110. In other examples, corrugated sheets220do not extend fully between first bearing120and second bearing130. In these examples, corrugated sheets220may be stacked both in the direction between first bearing120and second bearing130and perpendicularly to the direction between first bearing120and second bearing130. For example, corrugated sheets220may be stacked such that a space a space inside the metal tube110and between the first bearing120and the second bearing130is filled.

In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.2A, one or more of the plurality of corrugated sheets220may define a circular shape. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the plurality of corrugated sheets220may be square, rectangular, oval, triangular, hexagonal, and/or the like. In some examples, the plurality of corrugated sheets220may comprise a plurality of uniform or different shapes.

Turning now toFIG.2B, a front view of a plurality of corrugated sheets220is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the plurality of corrugated sheets220are fused together. For example, the plurality of corrugated sheets220may be fused together by an adhesive, by stacking under heat and pressure, and/or the like. In some, the plurality of corrugated sheets220are fused together and then pushed into the metal tube110.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of corrugated sheets220are each made of a corrugated plastic material (e.g., polypropylene). For example, each of corrugated sheets220may have a honeycomb, bubble, rectangular, plate, and/or the like structure. In some examples, each of corrugated sheets220shares the same structure, and in other examples, the plurality of corrugated sheets220include corrugated sheets with varied structures. The plurality of corrugated sheets220may provide reinforcement when an example roller100is bearing weight.

Turning now toFIG.2C, an example individual corrugated sheet220is provided. For example, the individual corrugated sheet220may be any of the plurality of corrugates sheets220depicted inFIGS.2A-2B.

In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets220is disposed between a two reinforcement layers230. For example, the reinforcement layers230each cover a side of corrugated sheet220. In this example, the reinforcement layers230are made of fiberglass or other plastic materials that provide strength and structural integrity to corrugated sheet220.

In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets220and the surrounding reinforcement layers230are disposed between two surface treatment layers240. For example, surface treatment layers240may be fused to the corrugated sheet220and/or reinforcement layers230through thermal fusing, thermoforming, compression molding, and/or the like. In some examples, surface treatment layers240are configured to increase the strength of corrugated sheet220. In some examples, surface treatment layers240are configured to be fused to a surface treatment layer of a different corrugated sheet.

In one or more embodiments, surface treatment layers240may be made of a polymer (e.g., plastic) material. In some examples, surface treatment layers240may include additives such as glass fiber, minerals, chopped strand glass fiber, and/or the like.

Turning now toFIG.3, an exploded view of an example roller100is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the roller100includes a plurality of layers positioned in between first bearing120and second bearing130. In some examples, the reinforcement filling210is placed within a metal tube110. For example, reinforcement filling210may be in contact with the inner surface of the metal tube110. In some examples, reinforcement filling210and metal tube110extend between first bearing120and second bearing130.

Turning now toFIG.4A, a front cross-sectional view of a roller100is provided when the roller100includes a shaft400. In this example, the reinforcement filling210fills a space inside the metal tube110, outside the shaft400, and between the first bearing120and the second bearing130.

In one or more embodiments, the shaft400extends through the metal tube110and between the first bearing120and the second bearing130. For example, the shaft400may extend through a center of the metal tube110. In some examples, the shaft400is in contact with the reinforcement filling210. In some examples, the shaft400is coupled to the first bearing120and/or the second bearing130. In some examples, the shaft is an extension of shaft125and/or shaft135.

In one or more embodiments, shaft400is a cylindrical shape. In other examples, shaft400may be a hexagonal shape, rectangular shape, and/or the like. In some examples, shaft400is hollow, and in other examples, shaft400may be solid throughout.

In one or more embodiments, shaft400is made of a metal material. For example, shaft400may be made of an identical material to first bearing120and/or second bearing130. As another example, shaft400may be made of an identical material to shaft125and/or shaft135. In some examples, shaft400may be made of carbon steel, stainless steel (e.g., grade306, grade316, etc.), ferrous material, and/or the like.

Turning now toFIG.4B, a side cross-section view of a roller100including a metal tube110and a shaft400is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, shaft400has a smaller diameter than metal tube110. For example, shaft400may have a diameter of 10-11 mm. In some examples, reinforcement filling210fills a space between the shaft400and the metal tube110.

Turning now toFIG.4C, an exploded view of an example roller100including a shaft400is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the shaft400is placed within the reinforcement filling210and the metal tube110. For example, reinforcement filling210may be in contact with an outer surface of the shaft400. In some examples, shaft400includes a single shaft extending from first bearing120to second bearing130. In other examples, shaft400may be two shafts connected within roller100. In some examples, shaft400, reinforcement filling210and metal tube110extend between first bearing120and second bearing130.

Turning now toFIG.5A, a side cross-section view of an example roller100is provided. In this example, metal tube110is filled with a reinforcement filling210including a plurality of corrugated sheets220stacked in a direction perpendicularly to a direction extending between first bearing120and second bearing130. In some examples, the plurality of corrugated sheets220may be fused together (e.g., by adhesives, stacking under heat and pressure, and/or the like). In other examples, the plurality of corrugated sheets220may be stacked without being fused. In some examples, the plurality of corrugated sheets220are stacked until there is not room for other corrugated sheets220within the metal tube.

Turning now toFIG.5B, an alternative side cross-section view of an example roller100is provided. In this example, metal tube110is filled with a reinforcement filling210including a plurality of corrugated sheets220oriented in a plurality of different directions. In some examples, the plurality of corrugated sheets may be stacked together while being oriented in different directions.

In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of corrugated sheets220may be extend partially between the first bearing120and the second bearing130. In some examples the plurality of corrugated sheets220are stacked lengthwise between the first bearing120and the second bearing130. In some examples, the direction between first bearing120and second bearing130defines an axis along which different corrugated sheets220extend in different directions. For example, at least one of the plurality of corrugated sheets220may be oriented on a horizontal plane. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the plurality of corrugated sheets220may be oriented on a second plane diagonal to the horizontal plane. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the plurality of corrugated sheets may be oriented on a third plane diagonal to the second plane and the horizontal plane.

Turning now toFIG.5C, an alternative side cross-section view of an example roller100is provided. In this example, metal tube110is filled with a reinforcement filling210including a silicone-based material510. In some examples, silicone-based material510is a silicone-based powder. As another example, silicone-based material510may be a solid rubber filling. In some examples, silicone-based material510may fill the entirety of metal tube110.

Turning now toFIG.6, a front cross-sectional view of a roller100is provided when the roller100includes a motor610. In this example, the reinforcement filling210fills a space inside the metal tube110, outside the motor610, and between the first bearing120and the second bearing130.

In one or more embodiments, motor610is configured to rotate the roller100. For example, motor610may be configured to rotate first bearing120and/or second bearing130. In other examples, motor610may be configured to rotate shaft125and/or shaft135, in other examples, motor610may be configured to rotate the shaft400, and in still other examples, motor610may be configured to rotate metal tube110. Motor610may be, for example, a gas motor, electric motor, and/or the like. In some examples, motor610may be an internal or external motor driven motor.

In one or more embodiments, motor is disposed inside of metal tube110. For example, motor610may be in contact with a first bearing120, a second bearing130, a shaft400, and/or an inside surface of metal tube110. In alternative examples, motor610may be outside metal tube110. For example, motor610may be in contact with a shaft125, a shaft135, a first bearing120, a second bearing130, and/or an outside surface of metal tube110.

Turning now toFIG.7A, an example structure of a reinforcement filling210is provided. In this example, reinforcement filling210includes a honeycomb reinforcement structure710. In some examples, honeycomb reinforcement structure710may be cut into a plurality of corrugated sheets220.

In one or more embodiments, honeycomb reinforcement structure710is made of a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene). In some examples, honeycomb reinforcement structure710provides strength to a roller100. In some examples, gaps in the honeycomb reinforcement structure710allow the roller100to be lighter in weight. In some examples, honeycomb reinforcement structure710dampens noise produced by roller100.

Turning now toFIG.7B, an alternative example structure of a reinforcement filling210is provided. In this example, reinforcement filling210includes a bubble reinforcement structure720. In some examples, bubble reinforcement structure720may be cut into a plurality of corrugated sheets220.

In one or more embodiments, bubble reinforcement structure720is made of a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene). In some examples, bubble reinforcement structure720provides strength to a roller100. In some examples, gaps in the bubble reinforcement structure720allow the roller100to be lighter in weight. In some examples, bubble reinforcement structure720dampens noise produced by roller100.

Turning now toFIG.7C, an alternative example structure of a reinforcement filling210is provided. In this example, reinforcement filling210includes a rectangular reinforcement structure730. In some examples, rectangular reinforcement structure730may be cut into a plurality of corrugated sheets220.

In one or more embodiments, rectangular reinforcement structure730is made of a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene). In some examples, rectangular reinforcement structure730provides strength to a roller100. In some examples, gaps in the rectangular reinforcement structure730allow the roller100to be lighter in weight. In some examples, rectangular reinforcement structure730dampens noise produced by roller100.

Turning now toFIG.7D, an alternative example structure of a reinforcement210is provided. In this example, reinforcement filling210includes a plate reinforcement structure740. In some examples, plate reinforcement structure740may be cut into a plurality of corrugated sheets220.

In one or more embodiments, plate reinforcement structure740is made of a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene). In some examples, plate reinforcement structure740provides strength to a roller100. In some examples, gaps in the plate reinforcement structure740allow the roller100to be lighter in weight. In some examples, plate reinforcement structure740dampens noise produced by roller100.

Turning now toFIG.8, an example roller conveyor system800is provided. In one or more embodiments, a roller conveyor system800includes one or more conveyor frames810, one or more conveyor legs820, and one or more rollers100.

In one or more embodiments, a roller conveyor system800includes two conveyor frames810. In some examples, the conveyor frames810are positioned perpendicularly to the plurality of rollers100. In some examples, the conveyor frames810extend parallel to each other. In some examples, the conveyor frames are coupled to shafts (e.g., shafts125and135) attached to the one or more rollers100.

In one or more embodiments, each conveyor frame810is coupled to one or more conveyor legs820. In some examples, each of the one or more conveyor legs820extends perpendicularly to both the plurality of rollers100and the plurality of conveyor frames810. In some examples, each of the conveyor legs820includes a bar portion821and a foot portion822. In some examples, the foot portion822shaped to provide surface contact with the ground (e.g., a circular shape). In some examples, the foot portion822is placed at an end of the bar portion821distal to conveyor frame810.

In one or more embodiments, the conveyor frames810, bar portion821, and/or foot portion822may be made of metal. In alternative examples, foot portion822may be made of plastic. In still other examples, foot portion822may be made of rubber.

Conclusion

The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject disclosure and corresponding figures and what is described in the Abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other embodiments having modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions can be implemented for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are therefore considered within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.