Abstract:
A sealing apparatus for use in conveying molten glass from a first vessel to a second vessel, wherein at least a portion of the first vessel is nested within the second vessel without contact between the first and second vessels, and a flexible member comprising a gas-tight seal separates an atmosphere enclosed by the sealing apparatus and an ambient atmosphere. The sealing apparatus is useful for flexibly sealing a non-contact joint between conduits for supplying molten glass to a forming body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/709,766 filed on Feb. 22, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,240,170, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention is directed to an apparatus and method of controlling the environment disposed about a transition joint between two vessels for conveying molten glass, and particularly an expansion joint between two non-contacting conduits. 
     BACKGROUND 
     One method of forming a thin sheet of glass is by a drawing process where a ribbon of glass is drawn from a reservoir of molten glass. This may be accomplished, for example, via a down-draw process (e.g. slot or fusion), where the ribbon is drawn downward, typically from a forming body. Once the ribbon is formed, individual sheets of glass are cut from the ribbon. 
     In a conventional downdraw process, the molten glass is formed by melting precursor, or batch materials in a melting furnace. The molten glass is then flowed through various other components, such as fining vessels and stirring vessels. Eventually, the molten glass is conveyed to the forming body where the molten glass is formed into a continuous ribbon of glass. The ribbon may thereafter be separated into individual panes or glass sheets. The transfer apparatus for molten glass from the upstream portions of the conveying system to the forming body is particularly important, and must be capable of balancing many needs, such as the thermal expansion of the different materials of the system. For example, in the case of a fusion-type downdraw process, the forming body is typically a refractory material (e.g. a ceramic), that has a different thermal expansion characteristic than the principally platinum or platinum alloy vessels preceding it. To that end, the connection between the preceding system and the forming body inlet are typically 
     free-floating, in the sense that the inlet conduit and the feed conduit are not directly joined, but instead ride one within the other without direct contact. Nevertheless, there is a need to provide a seal between the feed and inlet conduits 
     SUMMARY 
     In a delivery system for conveying molten glass to a forming apparatus to produce high purity glass articles, such as glass for optical components (e.g. optical lenses) and liquid crystal display substrates, the vessels used to convey the molten glass are often formed from a oxidation resistant metal capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to very high temperatures, sometimes in excess of 1600° C. Certain platinum group metals are ideal for such applications, particular platinum group metals such as platinum, rhodium, and alloys thereof (e.g. alloys containing from 70%-80% platinum and 30%-20% rhodium). Since the delivery system is formed of metal vessels (e.g. conduits), the delivery system is typically rigidly connected and supported, and even small displacement can cause damage to the vessels and/or disruption to the forming process. This is particularly true in the case of vessels comprising platinum, since the high cost of the metal drives the need to make the vessels as thin as possible. 
     Unfortunately, certain components of the delivery and/or forming apparatus must be capable of movement. For example, certain components of the delivery and/or forming apparatus may be comprised of different materials with different thermal expansion characteristics. During heat up or cool down of the system or apparatus, the differential expansion can result in relative movement of the components that must be accommodated. In addition, one or more of the components may be intentionally moved. For example, in a fusion-type process for forming glass sheets, the molten glass is flowed over exterior forming surfaces of a forming body. The forming body may, from time to time, be tilted to adjust the mass flow rate over the forming body. Thus, the delivery system must be capable of accommodating this motion without damage to the system components. 
     To provide a flexible non-contact joint between portions of the delivery system and/or forming apparatus, it has been the practice to nest at least a portion of one vessel inside another vessel in a manner such that the first vessel does not contact the second vessel. For example, the end of a first conduit (pipe) may be inserted into the opening of another downstream conduit (pipe), wherein a gap separates the first and second conduits, and the molten glass is flowed from the first conduit into the second conduit. However, the gap provides a free surface to the molten glass that is exposed to the ambient atmosphere. Because of the large temperature differentials associated with the delivery system and surrounding apparatus, thermally induced drafts can cause the formation of gaseous inclusions (blisters) in the molten glass that are then transported to the forming apparatus and incorporated into the formed glass article. 
     As described herein, a flexible barrier is proposed that forms a gas tight seal around the vessel-to-vessel non-contact joint and isolates the atmosphere to which the molten glass free surface is exposed). The flexible barrier allows movement of one vessel of the joint without influencing the position of the other vessel of the joint, and facilitates conditioning of the atmosphere in contact with the molten glass free surface independently from the ambient atmosphere. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus for sealing a gap between vessels conveying molten glass comprises a first conduit having an open distal end and a second conduit having an open distal end. At least a first portion of the first conduit adjacent the first conduit distal end is disposed within the second conduit without contacting the second conduit. A gap is disposed between the first conduit and the second conduit that exposes a free surface of the molten glass in the second conduit to a first atmosphere. The apparatus further comprises a flexible barrier disposed about a second portion of the first conduit, wherein the second portion extends from the second conduit open distal end. A first sealing flange is joined to the first conduit and a second sealing flange is joined to the second conduit. The flexible barrier, the first sealing flange and second sealing flange comprise a gas-tight seal that separates the first atmosphere from an ambient atmosphere disposed about an exterior of the flexible barrier. The flexible barrier may be, for example, a bellows. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second flanges each comprise an inner ring and an outer ring joined to the respective inner ring. That is, the outer ring is joined about a periphery of the inner ring. The outer ring and the inner ring may, for example, be welded together. In certain embodiment the inner ring of both the first conduit and the second conduit flanges comprises platinum. The inner ring may be a platinum alloy, such as a platinum rhodium alloy. The first and second conduits may also comprise platinum. 
     To prevent the generation of galvanic electrical currents, the flexible barrier is electrically isolated from the first and second conduits. Moreover, the inner ring of the either or both of the first or second flanges is non-planar, having instead an undulation (deviation from planarity) that accommodates movement of the respective associated conduit by flexing of the respective flange. 
     Preferably, the first atmosphere in contact with the molten glass free surface is different than the second atmosphere. For example, the apparatus may include a control system for varying a hydrogen partial pressure of the first atmosphere. 
     The flexible barrier is preferably formed from a material capable of withstanding exposure to temperatures in excess of 500° C. for at least two months without significant deterioration. For example, a suitable material for the flexible barrier is stainless steel comprising nickel or chromium. In some instances, for example if either the first or second conduits is directly heated by flowing an electrical current through one or both of the conduits, is preferable that the flexible barrier is non-magnetic to prevent the generation of electrical eddy current. 
     To prevent the flow of galvanic currents between the conduits and subsequent generation of oxygen bubbles within the molten glass, the first and/or second conduit is electrically isolated from electrical ground. 
     In another embodiment, a method of making a glass article is described comprising producing a molten glass and conveying the molten glass from a first vessel to a second vessel. The glass article may be, for example, a glass ribbon that can then be separated into individual glass sheets. At least a portion of the first vessel extends within the second vessel without contact with the second vessel, there being a free surface of the molten glass exposed to a first atmosphere in a gap between the first and second vessels. The first atmosphere is separated from an ambient atmosphere by a flexible metallic barrier coupled to the first and second vessels. The flexible barrier comprises a gas tight seal between the first and ambient atmospheres. The molten glass is flowed from the second vessel to a forming body to produce a glass article. The flexible barrier may, for example, comprise a bellows. The bellows includes pleats that allow for both expansion and contraction of the bellows. The flexible barrier is preferably electrically isolated from the first and second vessels to eliminate galvanic current flow between the first and second vessels. 
     In some embodiments a partial pressure of hydrogen in the first atmosphere is controlled to prevent hydrogen permeation bubbles from being generated in the molten glass. In certain embodiments a first flange is joined to the first vessel and a second flange is joined to the second vessel, the first and second flanges being coupled to the flexible metallic barrier, and the first flange is electrically isolated from the second flange. 
     In some processes, the second vessel may be moved relative to the first vessel, and the movement of the second vessel results in an extension or compression of the flexible metallic barrier. To control a temperature of the molten glass conveyed within the first vessel, the first vessel may be heated, such as through the use of external heating elements disposed proximate the firs conduits wall, or by flowing an electrical current through the first vessel. 
     The first atmosphere is separated from a second atmosphere by the first flange, and a hydrogen partial pressure of the second atmosphere may also be controlled. In some embodiments, a third atmosphere may be disposed about at least a portion of the second vessel and the third atmosphere is separated from the second atmosphere. A hydrogen partial pressure of the third atmosphere may also be controlled independently from the first and second atmospheres. 
     The invention will be understood more easily and other objects, characteristics, details and advantages thereof will become more clearly apparent in the course of the following explanatory description, which is given, without in any way implying a limitation, with reference to the attached Figures. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross sectional elevation view of an exemplary fusion downdraw process according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of a forming body comprising the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary sealing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a sealing flange according to an embodiment of the present invention showing an undulation for accommodating movement of a connected vessel. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the sealing flange of  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, having had the benefit of the present disclosure, that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from the specific details disclosed herein. Moreover, descriptions of well-known devices, methods and materials may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention. Finally, wherever applicable, like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
     In an exemplary fusion-type downdraw process, molten glass is produced in a melting furnace to which a batch material (e.g. various metal oxides or other constituents) is supplied. The molten glass is thereafter conditioned to remove bubbles, and then stirred to homogenize the glass. The molten glass is then supplied via a feed conduit to an inlet of a forming body comprising a channel open at its top formed in an upper surface of the body. The molten glass overflows the walls of the channel and flows down converging outside surfaces of the forming body until the separate flows meet at the line along which the converging surfaces meet (i.e. the “root”). There, the separate flows join, or fuse, to become a single ribbon of glass that flows downward from the forming body. Various rollers (or “rolls”) positioned along the edges of the ribbon serve to draw, or pull the ribbon downward and/or apply an outward tensioning force to the ribbon that helps maintain the width of the ribbon. Some rolls may be rotated by motors, whereas other rolls are free-wheeling. Although the melting furnace, or “melter” is typically formed from a refractory ceramic material (e.g. alumina or zircon), much of the downstream system for conveying and treating the molten glass is formed from a high temperature-resistant metal, such as platinum or a platinum alloy (e.g. platinum-rhodium). Finally, the forming body itself is typically also a refractory (e.g. zircon). 
     Not only are the temperatures of the various components of the glass making system at different temperatures (resulting from the gradual cool down of the molten glass as it flows through portions of the platinum components), but portions of the downstream components are formed of different materials than other portions and have different thermal expansion characteristics. For example, the thermal expansion characteristics of the platinum components are different than the thermal expansion characteristics of the forming body. Because the process of forming glass sheet to stringent dimensional requirements, such as for the manufacture of glass sheets for LCD display applications, relies on a stable forming body, the forming body is isolated from the preceding platinum system so that movement of the platinum system does not influence the position of the forming body. 
     An exemplary fusion downdraw apparatus  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  comprising melter  12 , finer  14 , stirring vessel  16 , bowl  18  and downcomer  20 . Melter  12  is joined to finer  14  via melter to finer connecting conduit  22 , and finer  14  is joined to stirring vessel  16  via finer to stirring vessel connecting conduit  24 . Batch material  26  is placed in melter  12  and heated to produce a viscous molten glass material  28 . The molten glass flows from stirring vessel  16  to bowl  18  through connecting conduit  30  and from bowl  18  the molten glass flows vertically through feed conduit, or downcomer,  20 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , forming body  32  defines a channel or trough  34  and includes converging forming surfaces  36   a  and  36   b.  Converging forming surfaces  36  meet at root  38  that forms a substantially horizontal draw line from which molten glass  28  is drawn. Trough  34  is supplied with molten glass  28  from a platinum or platinum alloy inlet pipe  40  that is coupled to forming body  32 . The molten glass overflows the walls of the forming body trough and descends over the outer surfaces of the forming body as separate streams. The separate streams of molten glass flowing over converging forming surfaces  36   a  and  36   b  meet at root  38  and form glass ribbon  42 . Glass ribbon  42  is drawn from root  38  by opposing edge rollers  44   a  and  44   b  positioned below the root, and cools as it descends from the root, transitioning from a viscous molten material to an elastic solid. 
     When glass ribbon  42  has reached a final thickness and viscosity in an elastic region of the ribbon, the ribbon is separated across its width in the elastic region to provide an independent glass sheet  46 . As molten glass continues to be supplied to the forming body, and the ribbon lengthens, additional glass sheets are separated from the ribbon. 
     The connection between the downcomer and the forming body occurs at a joint between the downcomer  20 , rigidly connected to the platinum system upstream of the downcomer, and the forming body inlet pipe  40 . To differentiate, the term “platinum system”, as used herein, will be construed to mean the platinum (or platinum alloy) components of the glass making apparatus upstream of inlet pipe  40 , e.g. platinum-containing components  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24 . 
     To prevent movement of downcomer  20  from influencing the position of forming body  32 , the joint between the downcomer and the forming body inlet pipe is free-floating. That is, downcomer  20  and inlet pipe  40  do not directly touch. Instead, downcomer  20  is inserted a finite distance into the inlet pipe so that a portion  48  of downcomer  20  is positioned within inlet pipe  40 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the free tip or distal end  50  of downcomer  20  may be positioned above the average level of molten glass within the inlet, at the average level of the molten glass or below the average level of the molten glass. Thus, if movement of the platinum system occurs, downcomer  20  is free to move within inlet pipe  40  without transferring that movement to the inlet pipe and forming body. Similarly, because intentional movement of the forming body is sometimes necessary to balance the mass flow rate of the molten glass over the external forming surfaces of the forming body, a free-floating joint between the downcomer and the inlet allows the inlet to move (in unison with the forming body) without constraint by the downcomer. This decoupling of the downcomer from the inlet pipe provides for independent movement of the downcomer from the inlet pipe. 
     In spite of the advantages of having a free-floating joint between the downcomer and inlet pipe, without a gas-tight seal between these two components the free surface of the molten glass within the inlet would be open to the environment (e.g. the ambient atmosphere), thereby exposing the molten glass to contamination. For example, thermally generated drafts that develop in the downcomer-inlet joint area can lead to temperature gradients in the glass that can in turn result in gaseous inclusions in the glass. A seal between the inlet and downcomer should be capable of meeting multiple objectives. The seal should allow for differential movement of the downcomer from the inlet and forming body, the seal components must withstand elevated temperatures, adjustability between seal components must be maintained, thermal gradients in the molten glass conveying tubes should be minimized, the downcomer should be electrically isolated from the inlet and from ground, visual access should be maintained for alignment purposes, and a gas tight separation between the downcomer, inlet tube assemblies, and the general environment should be established. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus  52  for sealing the downcomer-to-inlet joint. The apparatus comprises a bellows  54 , downcomer sealing flange  56  and inlet sealing flange  58 . The apparatus may also comprise one or more downcomer bellows clamps  60 , one or more inlet bellow clamps  62  and electrical insulating material  64  disposed at various positions on or about the sealing apparatus. These and other features that address at least some of the objectives above will be described in more detail below. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  depict an exemplary sealing flange that may be used as either or both a downcomer sealing flange or an inlet sealing flange. Although downcomer and inlet sealing flanges  56 ,  58  may differ in size and shape, their basic materials and construction are generally identical. Consequently, reference will be made to downcomer sealing flange  56 , with the understanding that the description is equally applicable to inlet sealing flange  58 . 
     Downcomer sealing flange  56  may be formed from a single material. However, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , downcomer sealing flange  56  preferably comprises an inner ring  66  formed from platinum or a platinum alloy (e.g. platinum rhodium). Because inner ring  66  is formed from an expensive metal (i.e. a precious metal), the thickness of the inner ring should be thick enough to perform its sealing function while at the same time sufficiently thin to ensure sufficient flexibility to accommodate movement of the vessels (e.g. pipes) to which they are attached. Inner ring  66  may, for example, have a thickness between about 0.0254 cm and 0.0762 cm. Inner ring  66  further defines a cutout  68  in the inner ring interior, and an outer portion  70 . Inner ring  66  may, for example, have an annular shape. Downcomer  20  passes through cutout  68  and is joined to inner ring  66  along inside edge  72  of the ring, such as by welding. Downcomer sealing flange  56  further comprises an outer ring  74  formed from a high temperature-resistant metal, such as a metal comprising chromium, nickel and aluminum. For example, Haynes 214 has been found to be suitable for outer ring  74 . However, other materials can be used, provided they are sufficiently resistant to oxidation at the high temperatures experienced by the outer ring (e.g. greater than about 500° C.) for extended periods of time. Inner ring  66  is joined to outer ring  74  along outer portion  70  of inner ring  66 , such that outer ring  74  is generally concentric to inner ring  66 . Downcomer sealing flange  56  is then joined to downcomer casing  76  enclosing at least a portion of downcomer  20 , such as by bolting through outer ring bolt holes  78 . Downcomer casing  76  may be formed, for example, from steel. Electrical insulating material  64  is positioned between downcomer sealing flange  56  and downcomer casing  76  to provide electrical isolation between the downcomer and the downcomer casing, and between the downcomer sealing flange and electrical ground. For example, RS-100 manufactured by Zircar Refractory Composites, Inc. has been found to be a suitable electrical insulator. However, other electrical insulating materials may be used, provided they exhibit suitable high temperature resistance, and high dielectric constant. Bolts that secure the components (e.g. downcomer sealing flange  56 ) may include, for example, insulating bushings to prevent the connecting bolts from completing an electrical circuit. Insulating material  64  may be placed as necessary to electrically isolate downcomer  20  from downcomer casing  76 , inlet pipe  40  and electrical ground. 
     To accommodate thermal expansion movement between downcomer  20  and downcomer casing  76 , inner ring  66  preferably includes a wave or undulation  80  across a cross section of the inner ring that allows movement of the respective components without undue stress on the flange. The undulation illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is generally in the shape of an ogee. However, different types (shapes) of undulations may be employed. 
     As with downcomer sealing flange  56 , inlet sealing flange  58  preferably comprises an inner ring  82  and an outer ring  84 . Inner ring  82  is preferably formed from a high temperature resistant metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy (e.g. platinum rhodium). Outer ring  84  may be formed from a less expensive heat-resistant metal with low oxidation potential, such as Haynes  214 . Inner ring  82  is joined to an outer periphery of inlet pipe  40 , such as by welding, and outer ring  84  is coupled to a portion of an inlet pipe casing, e.g. inlet casing member  86 . Inlet sealing flange  58  is electrically isolated (insulated) from inlet casing member  86 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , with downcomer sealing flange  56  joined to downcomer  20  and inlet sealing flange  58  joined to inlet pipe  40 , a portion  88  of downcomer  20  extending from the end or mouth  90  of inlet  40 , as well as free surface  92  of molten glass  28  within inlet pipe  40 , would be left exposed to the ambient atmosphere. 
     As described above, sealing apparatus  52  further comprises bellows  54  formed from a material capable of withstanding the high temperatures at the downcomer-inlet joint area without significant oxidation or other corrosion. For example, bellows  54  can be formed from stainless steel. A first end of bellows  54  is removably attached to downcomer casing  76  via one or more clamps  60  that bolt to downcomer casing  76  and secure the bellows to the downcomer casing. Similarly, the second, opposite end of bellows  54  is coupled to inlet casing member  86  via one or more clamping members  62 . Clamping members  62  may be secured via bolts, for example. As described supra, these bolts may include, for example, insulating bushings to prevent the connecting bolts from completing an electrical circuit. 
     Bellows  54  is preferably installed such that when the glass making system is in operational readiness (e.g. both ends of bellows  54  clamped to their respective downcomer and inlet casings), bellows  54  is in tension (forcefully expanded or stretched). That is, if the bellows is released at either end (securing clamps removed) in this stretched condition, the bellows preferably will contract longitudinally, allowing for inspection of the interior region of the bellows. Visual access to the interior of the bellows can be used to facilitate radial and/or longitudinal positioning of the downcomer within the inlet pipe. 
     As with downcomer  20  and inlet pipe  40 , additional electrical insulating material  64  is positioned such that bellows  54  is electrically insulated from downcomer casing  76 , inlet casing member  86  and electrical ground. Thus, bellows  54 , downcomer  20 , inlet  40 , downcomer casing member  76 , inlet casing member  86  and electrical ground are all electrically insulated from each other. The positioning of the electrical insulating material  64  will depend of course on the specific design of the sealing apparatus components, and how they are joined. 
     To prevent hydrogen permeation blisters from forming within the molten glass flowing through downcomer portion  88  between downcomer sealing flange  56  and inlet sealing flange  58 , the atmosphere in contact with downcomer portion  88 , represented by reference numeral  89 , may be controlled. Hydrogen permeation blisters occur when the partial pressure of hydrogen in an external environment (such as the atmosphere within the interior region of the bellows) is lower than the partial pressure of hydrogen in the molten glass flowing through a platinum (or platinum alloy) vessel. The high temperature of the molten glass can cause OH radicals within the molten glass to disassociate, and the hydrogen partial pressure difference across the platinum boundary causes the hydrogen to permeate through the boundary, leaving the oxygen to form bubbles in the molten glass. By controlling the partial pressure of hydrogen in bellows interior region  94 , such as by introducing moisture into the bellows region and controlling the dew point, hydrogen permeation blisters can be avoided. For example, water vapor can be introduced into interior region  94  through one or more valves and associated piping (not shown), to adjust the dew point of the atmosphere within the interior region. The dew point of the interior atmosphere can be controlled to prevent the formation of so-called hydrogen permeation blisters. Of course other ways of controlling the hydrogen partial pressure in the bellows interior region  94  can be used, such as introducing hydrogen gas, methane, or other hydrogen sources. However, many hydrogen compounds present an explosion risk, and water vapor has been shown to provide a safe alternative. 
     In certain embodiments, a thermal insulating material (not shown) can be placed within the interior region of the bellows to prevent heat loss through the bellows. For example, a refractory (e.g. ceramic) blanket (not shown) can be placed within the bellows interior. Such refractory, thermally insulating blankets are commercially available. 
     As with most of glass making apparatus  10 , downcomer  20  and inlet pipe  40  are thermally insulated by insulating refractory material. For example, this insulating refractory material may take the form of refractory blocks  96 . In other embodiments the refractory material surrounding the downcomer and inlet pipe may be a castable refractory material. Additionally, downcomer  20  and inlet  40  may be heating members  98 ,  100  respectively. Thermocouples  102  and  104  may be used to monitor the temperature of the downcomer and inlet pipe, respectively. A feedback system may be used to link the temperature derived electrical signal from the thermocouples to a temperature regulating controller that regulates the electrical power to the heating members. 
     In some embodiments, an atmosphere within downcomer casing  76  may be controlled in a manner similar to the interior region of bellows  54 . That is, the partial pressure of hydrogen within the casing may be controlled via the introduction of a hydrogen containing constituent, either directly, such as with a hydrogen containing gas, or indirectly, via water vapor, as indicated by arrows  106 . In addition, inlet pipe  40 , and refractory blocks  96  surrounding the inlet pipe, may be surrounded by a second, inlet casing  108 . Because refractory blocks  96  are typically porous, a third atmosphere within enclosure  108 , represented by reference numeral may be controlled similar to the first and second atmospheres in the downcomer region and within the region surrounded by bellows  54 . Thus, a partial pressure of hydrogen in the third atmosphere may be controlled independently from the first and second atmospheres  89  and  94 . 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.