Abstract:
A two-part key coded device that can be added to existing container and dispense stations. The key coded device includes a female key ring that is retrofitted to an existing bung and a compatible male key ring that is retrofitted to an existing or new dispense head. The key code system can enable only a specific or compatible type of chemical to be connected to the dispense head, and provides a measure of safety against inadvertently connecting the wrong type of chemical.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/731,233, filed Nov. 29, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is generally directed to the field of pressurized dispensing systems for liquids. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for keyed mating of containers and dispense heads for pressurized dispensing systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    Key coded dispense heads are recognized in the art. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0057347 to Leys et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,499 to Asp et al., owned by the owner of the instant application and the disclosure of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, except for any patent claims and any express definitions contained therein. The key coded dispense heads can provide some assurance that a container (and chemical contained therein) is compatible with the process and apparatus to which it is connected by providing a physical barrier to connecting with the wrong container. 
         [0004]    Nevertheless, there are existing dispensing systems are not key coded, and as such are susceptible to being errantly connected to the wrong process chemical. Such dispensing systems pose a risk to damaging equipment that is not compatible with an errantly connected process chemical, and, in some instances, pose an injury risk to operating personnel. 
         [0005]    A device that can be implemented with existing dispensing systems to provide a physical barrier to errant connection without interfering with normal operation and without requiring the replacement of major components of the existing system would be welcomed in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Various embodiments disclosed herein include a two-part key code device that can be field installed or otherwise added to existing container and dispense stations. The key code ring can be coupled to the outside neck of the container connection in a non-wetted area. The existing dispense head can then be modified to include the new code ring that mates with the container ring. 
         [0007]    The two-part retrofit system enables current connection systems to incorporate a barrier key code connection capable of thousands of unique, specific key code combinations to promote safety. In some embodiments, the components are all plastic and non-wetted, and include snap-on assembly. The container ring that rotate with the dispense head while engaging the head, and does not interfere with existing closures. 
         [0008]    Structurally, various disclosed embodiments are of a field installation kit for keying a container and a dispensing system, the kit comprising a first key ring that includes a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions defining a protrusion pattern. A second key ring can define a plurality of pockets, the plurality of pockets defining a pocket pattern that is complementary to the protrusion pattern of the first key ring, the protrusion pattern being configured to mesh within the pocket pattern. One of the first key ring and the second key ring is adapted for coupling with a dispense head, whereas the other of the first key ring and the second key ring is adapted for coupling with a bung of the container. The other of the first key ring and the second key ring can be configured to freely rotate about an exterior of a neck portion of the bung. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the first key ring is an inner key ring and the second key ring is an outer key ring, the inner key ring being surrounded by the outer key ring when the protrusion pattern is engaged within the pocket pattern. The outer key ring can include a flange portion that extends radially inward from a perimeter portion to define an inner radius. Also, the bung can include external threads that define an outer radius, the outer radius being greater than the inner radius of the flange portion. The flange portion can include structure that defines a plurality of slots that extend radially outward from the inner radius. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, a guard for covering an opening of the bung can be provided to prevent particulates from entering the container. An assembly tool adapted surround the guard and to contact the outer key ring can also be included in the kit. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, a first key ring portion and a second key ring portion are joined together to form one of the first key ring and the second key ring. The first key ring portion and the second key ring portion can include at least one clasping structure to join the first key ring portion to the second key ring portion. The first key ring portion and the second key ring portion can be separate components, or can be hinged together to form a clamshell arrangement. 
         [0012]    In various embodiments, the field installation kit includes instructions that are provided on a tangible medium that describe assembly of the key code device. The tangible medium can comprise, for example, printed matter or a non-transitory computer-readable medium for access with a digital device. The instructions can include:
       coupling one of the first key ring and the second key ring to a dispense head;   coupling the other of the first key ring and the second key ring to a bung of the container, such that the other of the first key ring and the second key ring freely rotates about an exterior of a neck portion of the bung;   coupling the dispense head having the one of the first key ring and the second key ring coupled thereto with the bung having the other of the first key ring and the second key ring coupled thereto, so that the protrusion pattern is engaged within the pocket pattern; and   coupling the dispense head to the bung.       
 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the instructions can further comprise inserting the guard into the bung before the step of coupling the other of the first key ring and the second key ring to a bung of the container, then removing the guard from the bung after the step of inserting and before the step of coupling the dispense head with the bung. In other embodiments, the instructions can further comprise inserting the guard into the bung before the step of coupling the other of the first key ring and the second key ring to a bung of the container, engaging the assembly tool with the outer key ring while the outer key ring is coupled to the bung of the container and while the guard is inserted within the bung, exerting a force on the assembly tool while the assembly tool is engaged with the outer key ring, causing the flange portion of the outer key ring to course over the external threads of the bung, and, after the step of exerting, removing the assembly tool from engagement with the outer key ring and the guard from the bung. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the instructions can further comprise positioning the first key ring portion and the second key ring portion proximate the neck portion of the bung, and joining the first key ring portion to the second key ring portion so that the first key ring portion and the second key ring portion form one of the first key ring and the second key ring that surrounds the neck portion of the bung. 
         [0019]    In various embodiments of the disclosure, a method for field installing a keying system to a container and a dispensing system is disclosed, comprising:
       providing a first key ring that includes a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions defining a protrusion pattern;   providing a second key ring that defines a plurality of pockets, the plurality of pockets defining a pocket pattern that is complementary to the protrusion pattern of the first key ring;   coupling one of the first key ring and the second key ring to a dispense head;   coupling the other of the first key ring and the second key ring to a bung of the container, such that the other of the first key ring and the second key ring freely rotates about an exterior of a neck portion of the bung;   coupling the dispense head having the one of the first key ring and the second key ring coupled thereto with the bung having the other of the first key ring and the second key ring coupled thereto, so that the protrusion pattern is engaged within the pocket pattern; and   coupling the dispense head to the bung.
 
The method for field installing a keying system to a container and a dispensing system can also include:
   providing a guard for insertion into the bung, the guard covering an opening of the bung to prevent particulates from entering the container;   inserting the guard into the bung before the step of coupling the other of the first key ring and the second key ring to a bung of the container; and   removing the guard from the bung after the step of inserting and before the step of coupling the dispense head with the bung       
 
         [0029]    Additionally, the method for field installing a keying system to a container and a dispensing system can also include:
       providing a guard for insertion into the bung, the guard covering an opening of the bung to prevent particulates from entering the container; and   providing an assembly tool adapted to contact the outer key ring while the outer key ring is coupled to the bung of the container and while the guard is inserted within the bung;   inserting the guard into the bung before the step of coupling the other of the first key ring and the second key ring to a bung of the container;   engaging the assembly tool with the outer key ring while the outer key ring is coupled to the bung of the container and while the guard is inserted within the bung;   exerting a force on the assembly tool while the assembly tool is engaged with the outer key ring, causing the flange portion of the outer key ring to course over the external threads of the bung; and   after the step of exerting, removing the assembly tool from engagement with the outer key ring and the guard from the bung.       
 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the method for field installing a keying system to a container and a dispensing system further comprises:
       providing a first key ring portion and a second key ring portion to joined together to form one of the first key ring and the second key ring;   positioning the first key ring portion and the second key ring portion proximate the neck portion of the bung; and   joining the first key ring portion to the second key ring portion so that the first key ring portion and the second key ring portion form one of the first key ring and the second key ring that surrounds the neck portion of the bung.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a key code assembly, bung and drum in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0041]      FIG. 2  is depicts a bung subassembly and a dispense head subassembly of the key code assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3  depicts the fully assembled key code assembly to the bung and drum of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of a bung subassembly and a dispense head subassembly of the key code assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the bung and dispense head subassemblies of  FIG. 4  being brought into contact with each other; 
           [0045]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the fully assembled key code assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of components used in the buildup of a bung assembly in an embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0047]      FIGS. 8 through 12  are sectional views of the components of  FIG. 7  at various stages of the buildup of the bung assembly in a disclosed embodiment; 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the bung assembly of  FIG. 12  with a protective cap in a disclosed embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of a split outer key ring in an embodiment of the disclosure; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of a clamshell outer key ring in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , a key code assembly  20  is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure in various stages of assembly. The key code assembly  20  includes an outer or female key ring  22 , a dispense head  24 , an inner or male key ring  26 , a retainer  28  and an exterior O-ring  32 . The key code assembly  20  is adapted for coupling with a bung  34  that is coupled to a drum  36 . The bung  34  defines an opening  37 , and typically includes a dispensing line  38  centered therein and external threads  40  that mate with the key code assembly  20 . 
         [0052]    The key code assembly  20  defines a central axis  39  about which the various components, when assembled, are concentric. For purposes of this disclosure, “axial” is a coordinate that is parallel to the central axis  39 . Also for this disclosure, “proximal” refers to a direction that is external to the drum  36  and away from the dispensing line  38  of the bung  34  (i.e., upwards in the depictions of  FIGS. 1 through 6 ), and “distal” refers to a direction that is external to the drum  36  and towards the dispensing line  38  (i.e., downward in the depictions of  FIGS. 1 through 6 ). 
         [0053]    The dispense head  24 , retainer  28 , exterior O-ring  32  and bung  34  are existing components from a prior assembly. The outer key ring  22  and the inner key ring  26  are provided as part of a retrofit kit. In one embodiment, the outer key ring  22  includes a perimeter portion  42  and a flange portion  44  that extends radially inward from a lower edge  46  of the perimeter portion  42  to define an inner radius  48 . In one embodiment, the inner radius  48  of the flange portion  44  is less than an outer radius  50  of the external threads  40  of the bung  34 . A plurality of protrusions  52  extend radially inward from an inside surface  54  of the perimeter portion  42  to define a plurality of pockets  56  therebetween. The plurality of pockets  56  can define a pocket pattern  57 . The flange portion  44  can also have a plurality of slots  58  formed thereon that extend radially outward from the inner radius  48 . 
         [0054]    In the depicted embodiment, the dispense head  24  includes a dispensing port  62  and a venting port  64  integrally formed with or otherwise coupled to a flange  66 . The dispensing port  62  can include a collar portion  68  of expanded diameter (best depicted in  FIG. 4 ) to define a female port for mating with a male end of the dispensing line  38  of the bung  34 . The dispensing and venting ports  62  and  64  can each include threaded portions  72  to facilitate connection with external lines. The venting port  64  can also include gussets  74  each having a notch  76  formed thereon. The dispense head  24  can further include an O-ring or gasket member  78  ( FIG. 4 ) for sealingly engaging with an inner surface  82  of the bung  34 . 
         [0055]    The inner key ring  26  can comprise a coupler  84  having a distal end  85  with protrusions  86  that extend radially outward therefrom. The protrusions  86  can define a protrusion pattern  87  normal to the central axis  39 . The coupler  84  can be cylindrical and can include an internal threaded portion  88  that mates with the external threads  40  of the bung  34 . The inner key ring  26  can also include an internal flange  92  that extends radially inwards from the coupler  84 . In one embodiment, the inner key ring  26  also includes a proximal end  93  having a grip portion  94  to accommodate gripping of the coupler  84  by hand or with tools. 
         [0056]    The retainer  28  can include two sections  28   a  and  28   b  joined together at a living hinge  96  for hinged rotation about a hinge axis  98 , the hinge axis  98  being substantially parallel to the central axis  39  when assembled. In one embodiment, the sections  28   a  and  28   b  cooperate to define an aperture  100  shaped to accommodate the exterior shapes of the dispensing and venting ports  62  and  64 . The retainer  28  can be fabricated from a solid material, such as PTFE. The external O-ring  32  fits within a gland  102  defined on the perimeter of the retainer  28 . The O-ring  32  can be made of a suitable flexible material, such as FEP encapsulated white silicone. 
         [0057]    The key code assembly  20  comprises two subassemblies: the bung subassembly  110  and the dispense head subassembly  120  ( FIG. 2 ). The bung subassembly  110  is assembled by sliding the outer key ring  22  in the distal direction over the external threads  40  of the bung  34 . For embodiments where the inner radius  48  of the outer key ring  22  is less than the outer radius  50  of the external threads  40  of the bung  34 , there is an interference between the flange portion  44  and the external threads  40  such that the flange portion  44  courses over the external threads  40  as the outer key ring  22  is slid over the bung  34 . In other embodiments, the inner radius  48  of the outer key ring  22  is greater than the outer radius  50  of the external threads  40 , so that the outer key ring  22  can be slid over the bung  34  without coursing over the external threads  40 . The inner radius  48  is also dimensioned to be greater than a radius  114  of a neck portion  112  ( FIG. 4 ) of the bung  34 . 
         [0058]    The dispense head subassembly  120  comprises the dispense head  24 , the inner or male key ring  26 , the retainer  28  and the exterior O-ring  32 . In assembly, the dispense head  24  is inserted within the inner key ring  26  so that an upper surface of the flange  66  of the dispense head  24  contacts a lower surface of the internal flange  92  of the inner key ring  26 . The sections  28   a  and  28   b  of the retainer  28  are then opened about the living hinge  96  and clamped about the dispensing and venting ports  62  and  64  and within the notches  76  of the gussets  74 . The external O-ring  32  is then snapped into the gland  102  of the retainer  28  to hold the retainer  28  in a closed position. Upon completion of the dispense head subassembly  120 , the bottom surface of the retainer  28  is in contact with the upper surface of the internal flange  92  of the inner key ring  26 , and the retainer  28  captures the dispense head  24  within the inner key ring  26 . 
         [0059]    The key code assembly  20  is designed so that, for a chemical that is compatible for use with a given system, the protrusion pattern  87  of the protrusions  86  of the inner key ring  26  are configured to be complementary with the pocket pattern  57  of the outer key ring  22 . That is, the protrusions  86  are configured to slidably engage in the axial direction to seat within the pockets  56  of the outer key ring  22 . The dimensions of the protrusions  86  and corresponding pockets  56  can be asymmetrical (i.e., of non-uniform tangential dimensions) so that the dispense head subassembly  120  can mate only with one bung subassembly  110  or only with certain subsets of bung subassemblies compatible with bung assembly  110 . 
         [0060]    In operation, the dispense head assembly  120  is aligned over the bung assembly  110  (e.g., as depicted in  FIG. 4 ) and brought into initial contact with the bung assembly  110  so that the collar portion  68  of the dispensing port  62  is substantially aligned with the dispensing line  38  of the drum  36  (e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). For certain embodiments, the dispense head assembly  120  can be arranged in any rotational orientation about the central axis  39 . The outer key ring  22  is then rotated about the central axis  39  until a rotational orientation is found that enables the protrusion pattern  87  of the inner key ring  26  to mate with the pocket pattern  57  of the outer key ring  22 . The outer key ring  22  is then slid axially (i.e., parallel to the central axis  39 ) into the inner key ring  26 , such that the inner and outer key rings  26  and  22  define a keyed assembly  130 . The keyed assembly  130  is then threaded onto the exterior threads  40  of the bung  34  via the internal threaded portion  88  of the coupler  84  until the dispense head assembly  120  is sealingly mounted to the bung  34 . 
         [0061]    Functionally, the patterns of the protrusions  86  and  52  of the inner key ring  26  and the outer key ring  22 , respectively, enable coupling of the dispense head assembly  120  with the bung subassembly  110  only if the patterns are complementary. For dispense head subassemblies that are not compatible with the bung subassembly  110 , the respective protrusions  86  and  52  can be patterned to physically interfere with each other in the axial direction (i.e., a direction parallel to the central axis  39 ) regardless of their rotational orientations with respect to each other. The interference can physically prevent the interior threads  88  of inner key ring  26  (and therefore the dispense head  24 ) from engaging with the external threads  40  of the bung  34 , or otherwise prevents operational coupling between the inner key ring  26  and the bung  34 . That is, when the inner key ring  26  and the outer key ring  22  are not complementary, the engagement between the dispense head assembly  120  and the bung subassembly  110  does not progress beyond that which is depicted in  FIG. 5 . In this way, the key code system enables only a specific chemical or compatible subset of chemicals to be connected to the dispense head  24 , thus providing a measure of safety against inadvertently connecting the wrong type of chemical. 
         [0062]    The slots  58  enable the innermost portion of the flange portion  44  to flex as the outer key ring  22  courses in the axial direction (i.e., a direction parallel to the central axis  39 ) over the external threads  40  during installation on the bung  34 . The external O-ring  32  operates to hold the two sections  28   a  and  28   b  of the retainer  28  in a closed orientation. The smaller radius of the neck portion  112  relative to the inner radius  48  of the outer key ring  22  enables the outer key ring  22  to rotate freely about the neck portion  112 . For embodiments where the inner radius  48  of the outer key ring  22  is less than the outer radius  50  of the external threads  40  of the bung  34 , the outer key ring  22  is effectively captured between the drum  36  and lowermost portion of the external threads  40  of the bung  34 . 
         [0063]    Also, in the depicted embodiment, the outer key ring  22  of the bung subassembly  110  is free to rotate about the neck portion  112  of the bung  34 , and does not interfere with existing closure connections. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 through 13 , accessories  150  for building up the bung subassembly  110  is depicted in a disclosed embodiment, along with a method for implementing the accessories  150  in an embodiment of the disclosure. The accessories  150  include a guard  152  and an assembly tool  154 . The guard  152  comprises a flange portion  162  having a proximal face  164  and a distal face  166 . In one embodiment, a shoulder portion  168  extends from the distal face  166 . A plurality of tabs  172  can project axially from the distal shoulder portion  168 . A handle portion  174  can also extend from the proximal face  164 . 
         [0065]    The assembly tool  154  comprises a flange portion  182  having a proximal face  184  and a distal face  186 . In one embodiment, a skirt portion  188  extends from the distal face  186 . A handle portion  190  can also extend from the proximal face  184 . The handle portion  190  can define a hollow cavity  192 . The hollow cavity  192  can be dimensioned so that the handle portion  174  can freely fit within the hollow cavity  192  (i.e., without contact between the handle portion  174  and the boundaries of the hollow cavity  192 ). The skirt portion  188  can include a distal end  194  that defines an inner radius  196  that is greater than the inner radius  48  of the flange portion  44  of the outer key ring  22 , and an outer radius  198  that fits within the perimeter portion  42  of the outer key ring  22 . 
         [0066]    Functionally, a purpose of the guard  152  is to prevent particulates from entering the drum  36 . Particularly for configurations where the flange portion  44  of the outer key ring  22  courses over the external threads  40 , there can be significant particle generation proximate the opening  37  of the bung  34 . The guard  152  serves as a barrier to the particulates that are generated during buildup of the bung subassembly  110 . 
         [0067]    The tabs  172  of the guard  152  can serve to visually and/or physically guide the guard  152  into the opening of the bung  34 . The shoulder portion  168  can have a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of the opening  37  of the bung  34 , which acts to substantially center the guard  152  within the opening  37 . The inner and outer radii  196 ,  198  of the skirt portion  188  are dimensioned so that the distal end  194  of the skirt portion  188  does not contact the exterior threads  40  of the bung  34  while contacting the flange portion  44  of the outer ring  22 . The inner radius  196  of the skirt portion  188  can be set radially outward from the exterior threads  40  at a distance that enables the flange portion  44  to flex as the flange portion  44  courses over the exterior threads  40 . 
         [0068]    A method for building up the bung subassembly  110  is as follows:
       Insert the guard  152  into the opening  37  of the bung  34 , so that the flange portion  182  of the guard  152  covers the opening  37  ( FIG. 8 ).   Place the outer key ring  22  so that the flange portion  44  rests on the proximal end of the threads  40  of the bung  34  ( FIG. 9 ).   Place the assembly tool  154  so that the distal end  194  rests on the flange portion  44  of the outer key ring  22 , and so that the assembly tool  154  is substantially centered about a central axis  202  of the outer key ring  22  ( FIG. 10 ).   Exert an axial force F that is parallel the central axis  202  so that the flange portion  44  of the outer key ring  22  courses over the exterior threads  40  of the bung  34 , until the flange portion  44  is below the distal end of the threads  40  and surrounds the neck portion  112  of the bung  34  ( FIG. 11 ).   Remove the assembly tool  154  and the guard  152  to expose a fully assembled bung assembly  110  ( FIG. 12 ).       
 
         [0074]    In one embodiment, a cap  204  can be threaded onto the external threads  40  of the bung  34  to hermetically seal the drum  36  in the absence of a dispense head  24  ( FIG. 13 ). 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , a split outer key ring  210   a  and a clamshell outer key ring  210   b  are depicted in embodiments of the disclosure. The outer key rings  210   a  and  210   b  each include a first key ring portion  212  and a second key ring portion  214 . The first and second key ring portions  212  and  214  include at least one clasping structure  216 , such as a snap  222  and buckle  224  arrangement (depicted). The split outer key ring  210   a  includes two clasping structures  216 . The clamshell outer key ring  210   b  includes only one clasping structure, with a living hinge  226  diametrically opposed to the clasping structure  216 . 
         [0076]    The clasping structure(s)  216  enable the first and second key ring portions  212  and  214  to be readily fastened together to define an outer key ring having the same key coding utility as described for the outer key ring  22 . The first and second key ring portions  212  and  214  can be mounted laterally (i.e., from the side) to the neck portion  112  and joined together, without need for coursing the outer key ring(s)  210   a,    210   b  over the threads  40  of the bung  34 . 
         [0077]    References to relative terms such as upper and lower, top and bottom, front and back, left and right, horizontal, or the like, are intended for convenience of description and are not contemplated as limiting, or its components, to any one positional or special orientation, unless otherwise explicitly stated. All dimensions depicted in the figures can vary with a potential design and the intended use of a specific embodiment without departing from the scope thereof. 
         [0078]    Each of the additional figures and methods disclosed herein can be used separately, or in conjunction with other features and methods, to provide improved devices and methods for making and using the same. Therefore, combinations of features and methods disclosed herein may not be necessary to practice the invention as claimed in its broadest sense and are instead disclosed merely to particularly describe representative embodiments. 
         [0079]    Various modifications to the embodiments may be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the various features described for the different embodiments can be suitably combined, un-combined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or in different combinations, within the spirit of the disclosure. Likewise, the various features described above should all be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitations to the scope or spirit of the disclosure. 
         [0080]    Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above can be utilized. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments can be utilized, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0081]    Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 
         [0082]    References to “embodiment(s)”, “embodiment(s) of the disclosure”, and “disclosed embodiment(s)” contained herein refer to the specification (text, including the claims, and figures) of this patent application that are not admitted prior art. 
         [0083]    For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in the respective claim.