Abstract:
A powered dental and interdental cleaning tool includes a body, an interdental cleaning member, and a drive member. The drive member extends from the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member is connected to the interdental cleaning member. A neck extends from the body and defines a drive member shaft for containing and supporting the drive member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/935,830, titled MULTI-FUNCTION ELECTRIC BRUSH APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR CLEANING TEETH AND INTERDENTAL SPACES, filed Feb. 4, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure generally relates to oral hygiene tools. In particular, the disclosure relates to electric cleaning tools having a brush for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument that is useful for cleaning teeth and gums. Conventional toothbrushes may include one or more heads of bristles that are arranged for cleaning the oral cavity—particularly, the teeth, tongue, and gums. Toothpaste is typically an abrasive fluid, paste, or gel dentifrice, and is used with toothbrushes to enhance cleaning by mechanical action. The cleaning effectiveness of toothbrushes has also been enhanced by using different bristle textures, sizes, and forms. In the past century, conventional toothbrushes have been modified to include soft bristles to protect tooth enamel and minimize gum damage or irritation, and may be formed of nylon or other materials that have desirable hardness and durability. 
         [0004]    Some conventional toothbrushes are powered by electricity. An electric toothbrush includes a brush that is driven by a motor that oscillates or rotates the brush. Electric toothbrushes have been found to be easier to use than brushes that require completely manual brushing action. Moreover, electric toothbrushes have been clinically proven to generally be more effective for cleaning teeth than unpowered toothbrushes. 
         [0005]    Other types of conventional toothbrushes include interdental or interproximal brushes and end-tufted brushes. Interdental cleaning instruments such as interdental brushes are designed for cleaning between teeth, and between braces and teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may have a cleaning head that has a tapered surface profile. For example, a head of an interdental cleaning instrument may have a conical shape for cleaning the narrow spaces between teeth. An interdental cleaning instrument may alternatively include a brush having bristles located about a slender rod that is suitable for sliding between teeth to clean interdental spaces. 
         [0006]    End-tufted toothbrushes are designed for cleaning along gumlines adjacent to teeth. End-tufted toothbrushes typically include a bristle head that is shaped to form an angled cleaning surface that conforms to interdental spaces. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A need has been recognized for an electric interdental cleaning device configured for easier, more effective, and more comprehensive interdental space cleaning. Embodiments of the invention may provide solutions to this and other problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by current dental cleaning technologies. 
         [0008]    A powered interdental cleaning device of embodiments advantageously enables cleaning of tooth surfaces and interdental spaces by way of a rotating and pulsing interdental cleaning member. The interdental cleaning device may be useful for orthodontic, pedodontal, and periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced subgingival cleaning. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, a powered interdental cleaning apparatus includes a body having a first end and a second end. The apparatus has an interdental cleaning member at a head, a drive member, and a neck. The drive member extends from the first end of the body at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. The drive member is connected to the interdental cleaning member. The neck has a first end and a second end, and the neck extends from the first end of the body at the first end of the neck. The neck is configured to define or contain a drive member shaft that contains the drive member. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the head may include a brush assembly having an interdental cleaning member and a brush support. The brush support may extend from the head to form a cone shape defining a hollow interior. The interdental cleaning member may be slidably positioned and configured to extend through a portion of the hollow interior of the brush support. 
         [0011]    The interdental cleaning member may be configured and arranged to enable the interdental cleaning member to pulse or reciprocate axially through an opening at the end of the brush support. The apparatus further includes a drive assembly configured to rotate and cause pulsing movement of the interdental cleaning member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    In order that the advantages of embodiments of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. While it should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective cutaway view of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus showing a drive system in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus having a uniform cleaning surface in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an end view of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a brush assembly according to an embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a brush assembly for an electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional end view of a head of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a head of an electric interdental cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment, wherein an interdental cleaning member is in a first position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the head of the electric interdental cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 11A , wherein the interdental cleaning member is a second position that is different than the first position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of the head of the electric interdental cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 11A , wherein the interdental cleaning member is in a third position that is different than the first position and the second position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a powered interdental cleaning device that enables cleaning of interdental spaces. The interdental cleaning device may be useful for orthodontic, pedodontal, and periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced subgingival cleaning under the gumline. For example, an interdental cleaning member may be configured to reach approximately 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline, and preferably is configured for cleaning at about 5 millimeters below the gumline. The interdental cleaning member may reach further, however, as a matter of design choice. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a powered interdental cleaning device  100 , according to an embodiment. Interdental cleaning device  100  includes a body  101 . Body  101  contains or supports a drive system (not shown). 
         [0028]    Body  101  is connected to a neck  121  at a first end of neck  121 . A brush assembly head  131  may extend from or be connected to a second end of neck  121 . Body  101  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  125  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  101 . Actuating mechanism  125  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  125  may facilitate turning on and off the device, and adjusting a speed of the drive system of interdental cleaning device  100 . In some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor (not shown). The motor and actuating mechanism  125  may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system. 
         [0029]    Drive member  107  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  101  to a brush assembly  131 . In an embodiment, the angle may be about 20 degrees. In an embodiment, body  101  and neck  121  may have a unitary construction where body  101 , neck  121 , and brush assembly  131  form a substantially unitary construction. For example, portions of body  101 , neck  121 , and brush assembly  131  may be formed from a single material. 
         [0030]    The brush assembly includes interdental cleaning member  135  and a brush support member  133 . Brush support member  133  may be configured to define a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  135  may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside the substantially cone-shaped support member  133 . Electric interdental cleaning device  100  is advantageously suitable for cleaning interdental regions and spaces. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an electric interdental cleaning device  200  in accordance with an embodiment. Interdental cleaning device  200  has a body  201 . Body  201  contains or supports a drive system. The drive system includes a drive member  207 . Drive member  207  may be a flexible shaft in some embodiments. 
         [0032]    Body  201  is connected to a neck  221  at a first end of neck  221 . Neck  221  may include support structures that support drive member  207 . Drive member  207  may include a cable, wire, flexible shaft, rod, or any other suitable structure. Drive member  207  may be formed of metal, an alloy, a polymer, a composite, or any other suitable material that is now known or later developed. A head assembly  231  is connected to a second end of neck  221 . A button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  225  is connected to the drive system and through an opening of body  201 . Actuating mechanism  225  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  225  may facilitate turning interdental cleaning device  200  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor (not shown). The variable speed motor and actuating mechanism  225  may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system. 
         [0033]    Drive member  207  is connected to a motor  227  at a first end of drive member  207 . Motor  227  may be powered by a power source. The power source may be a battery power source, power from an outlet, or any other suitable AC or DC source, for example. Motor  227  may be connected to actuating mechanism  225  to enable variable speed control. Motor  227  may be anchored for rotation inside body  201 . 
         [0034]    Drive member  207  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  201  to a brush assembly  231 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. Brush assembly  231  may include an interdental cleaning member  235  and a brush support member  233 . Brush support member  233  may be configured to define a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  235  may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside the opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of interdental cleaning member  235 . 
         [0035]    Drive member  207  may be contained or supported within a drive shaft defined by neck  221 . Support structures formed in or defined by the interior of neck  221  may be useful for supporting an angled, flexible drive member. Drive member  207  may be connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear  241  and a drive member gear  245 . Drive member gear  245  may be attached to and rotated by drive member  207 . Drive member gear  245  may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear  241 . 
         [0036]    The second end of drive member  207  may be attached to an offset connecting rod (not shown). The connecting rod may be associated with a ball and socket assembly (not shown). The ball and socket assembly may connected to interdental cleaning member  235  and may be configured to cause interdental cleaning member  235  to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of drive member  207  as drive member  207  rotates. 
         [0037]    Brush support member  233  may be connected to brush assembly gear  241 . When drive member  207  is rotated by motor  227 , drive member gear  245  is caused to rotate brush assembly gear  241  and thus interdental cleaning member  235 . Meanwhile, rotating drive member  207  moves the connecting rod to cause pulsing movement of interdental cleaning member  235  through the central opening of brush support member  233 . In some embodiments, interdental cleaning member  235  may also be connected to brush assembly gear  241  to enable rotation of interdental cleaning member  235  during the pulsing. For example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear  241  and drive member gear  245  is 1:2, interdental cleaning member  235  may pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a speed of about twice the speed of rotation of interdental cleaning member  235 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an electric interdental cleaning device  300 , according to an embodiment. Interdental cleaning device  300  includes a body  301 . Body  301  contains or supports a drive system (not shown). 
         [0039]    Body  301  is connected to a neck  321  at a first end of neck  321 . A head  331  is connected to a second end of neck  321 . Body  301  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  325  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  301 . Actuating mechanism  325  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  325  may facilitate turning interdental cleaning device  300  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor (not shown). The motor and actuating mechanism  325  may be may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system. 
         [0040]    Drive member  307  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  301  to a brush assembly  331 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. Brush assembly  331  may include the interdental cleaning member (not shown) and a brush support member  333 . Brush support member  333  may be configured to define a central opening, and the interdental cleaning member  335  may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside brush support member  335 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  a top view of an interdental cleaning device  400  in accordance with an embodiment. Interdental cleaning device  400  includes a body  401 . Body  401  contains or supports a drive system. 
         [0042]    Body  401  is connected to a neck  421  at a first end of neck  421 . A head  431  is connected to a second end of neck  421 . Body  401  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  425  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  401 . Actuating mechanism  425  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  425  may facilitate turning apparatus  400  on and off, and adjusting a speed of the drive system. 
         [0043]    Drive member  407  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  401  to a brush assembly  431 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. The brush assembly may include an interdental cleaning member  435  and a brush support member  433 . Brush support member  433  may be substantially cone-shaped, and may be configured to define a central opening. Interdental cleaning member  435  may be configured and arranged for axial and rotational movement inside the opening. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an interdental cleaning device  500 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Interdental cleaning device  500  has a body  501 . Body  501  contains or supports a drive system (not shown). 
         [0045]    Body  501  is connected to a neck  521  at a first end of neck  521 . A head  531  is connected to a second end of neck  521 . Body  501  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A first button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  523  may be included at an end of body  501 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Switch  523  may be configured to power a drive system of interdental cleaning device  500  on and off. A second button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  525  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  501 . Actuating mechanism  525  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  525  may facilitate turning interdental cleaning device  500  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. 
         [0046]    Drive member  507  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  501  to a brush assembly  531 . In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. The brush assembly may include an interdental cleaning member  535  and a brush support member  533 . Brush support member  533  may be configured to define a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  535  may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside the opening. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is an end view of an interdental cleaning device  600  in accordance with an embodiment. Interdental cleaning device  600  includes a body  601 . Body  601  contains or supports a drive system (not shown). 
         [0048]    Body  601  is connected to a neck  621  at a first end of neck  621 . A head  631  may be connected to a second end of neck  621 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , body  601  and neck  621  may have a unitary construction where body  601 , neck  621 , and brush assembly  631  form a substantially unitary construction. For example, portions of body  601 , neck  621 , and brush assembly  631  may be formed from a single material. 
         [0049]    A first button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  623  may be included at an end of body  601  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Switch  623  may be configured to power a drive system of interdental cleaning device  600  on and off. One or more now known or later developed actuating mechanisms may be connected to the drive system and accessible from an outer portion of body  601 , and may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanisms may facilitate turning multi-functional electric brush  600  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. In some embodiments, the drive system may be connected to a variable speed motor. The motor and actuating mechanism may be configured for variable speed adjustment of the motor, and thus variable speed adjustment of the drive system. 
         [0050]    The brush assembly may include an interdental cleaning member  635  and a brush support member  633 . Brush support member  633  may be configured to define a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  635  may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside the opening. Brush support member  633  may be fixed, or in alternative embodiments, may be connected to the gear assembly for rotation. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  is a side view of an interdental cleaning device  700  in accordance with an embodiment. A drive system includes a drive member  707 . The drive member  707  may be a flexible shaft, for example. 
         [0052]    Body  701  is connected to a neck  721  at a first end of neck  721 . A brush assembly is connected to a second end of neck  721 . Body  701  may define an opening for access to the drive system. A first button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  723  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  701 . A second button, switch, or other now known or later developed actuating mechanism  725  may be connected to the drive system and accessible through the opening of body  701 . Actuating mechanism  725  may be configured to enable and cause an adjustment of the drive system. For example, actuating mechanism  725  may facilitate turning electric interdental cleaning device  700  on and off and adjusting a speed of the drive system. Drive member  721  may be flexible to accommodate angled extension from body  701  to the brush assembly. In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees. 
         [0053]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a brush assembly  800 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Brush assembly  831  includes an interdental cleaning member  835  and a brush support member  833 . Brush support member  833  may be configured to define a central opening and interdental cleaning member  835  may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside the opening. 
         [0054]    The drive member may be contained or supported within a drive shaft defined by the neck. The drive member may be connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear  841  and a drive member gear  845 . Drive member gear  845  may be attached to and rotated by the drive member. Drive member gear  845  may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear  841 . 
         [0055]    The second end of the drive member may be attached to an offset connecting rod, which may be associated with a ball and socket assembly  847 . The ball and socket assembly  847  may be connected to an interdental cleaning member  835 , and may be configured to cause interdental cleaning member  835  to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the drive member as the drive member rotates. 
         [0056]    Brush support member  833  may be connected to brush assembly gear  841 . When the drive member is rotated, drive member gear  845  rotates brush assembly gear  841 , thus rotating interdental cleaning member  835 , and in alternative embodiments, brush support member  833 . Meanwhile, the rotating drive member moves the connecting rod and ball and socket assembly to cause pulsing movement of interdental cleaning member  835  through the central opening of brush support member  833 . In some embodiments, interdental cleaning member  835  may also be connected to brush assembly gear  841  to enable rotation of cleaning member  835  during the pulsing. For example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear  841  and drive member gear  845  is 1:2, interdental cleaning member  833  may pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a speed of about twice that of the speed of rotation. 
         [0057]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a brush assembly  900  in accordance with an embodiment. Brush assembly  900  includes a centrally disposed interdental cleaning member  935 . Interdental cleaning member  935  is configured to rotate and pulse within the opening defined by a brush support member  933 . In an alternative embodiment, interdental cleaning member  935  may be configured to meet a brush support to cause rotation of interdental cleaning member  935  as brush support member  933  rotates, brush support member  933  being caused to rotate by a gear assembly. The gear assembly and brush support member  933  may be keyed to interdental cleaning member  935  to cause rotation of interdental cleaning member  935  by way of the gear assembly, and to restrict axial movement of interdental cleaning member  935 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional end view of a head  1000  of an electric interdental cleaning device  1000  in accordance with an embodiment. Head  1000  includes an interdental cleaning member  1035  and a brush support member  1033 . Brush support member  1033  may be configured to define a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  1035  may be disposed for movement inside the ring in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation. 
         [0059]    A drive member may be contained or supported within a drive shaft defined by a neck (not shown). The drive member may be connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear  1041  and a drive member gear (not shown). The drive member gear may be attached to and rotated by the drive member. The drive member gear may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear  1041 . 
         [0060]    The drive member may be attached to an offset connecting rod. The connecting rod may be associated with a ball and socket assembly  1047 . Ball and socket assembly  1047  may connected to interdental cleaning member  1035 , and may be configured to cause interdental cleaning member  1035  to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to direction of rotation of the drive member as the drive member rotates. 
         [0061]    Interdental cleaning member  1035  may be connected to brush assembly gear  1041 . When the drive member is rotated, a drive member gear (not shown) rotates interdental cleaning member  1035 . Meanwhile, the rotating drive member moves the connecting rod and ball and socket assembly to cause pulsing movement of interdental cleaning member  1035  through the central opening of brush support member  1033 . Interdental cleaning member  1035  may be connected to brush assembly gear  1041  to enable rotation during the pulsing. For example, when a gear ratio of brush assembly gear  1041  and drive member gear  1041  is 1:2, the interdental brush may rotate, and pulse in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rotation at a speed of about twice that of the speed of rotation of interdental member  1035 . 
         [0062]      FIGS. 11A-C  are perspective views of a head  1100  of an electric interdental cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment. Head  1100  includes an interdental cleaning member  1135  and a brush support member  1133 . Brush support member  1133  may be configured to form a ring defining a central opening, and interdental cleaning member  1135  may be disposed for axial and rotational movement inside the opening. 
         [0063]    A drive member may be connected at a second end to a crankshaft assembly having a brush assembly support gear  1141  and a drive member gear  1145 . Drive member gear  1145  may be attached to and rotated by the drive member. Drive member gear  1145  may be configured to interlock with and cause rotation of brush assembly support gear  1141 . 
         [0064]    A second end of the drive member may be attached to an offset connecting rod. The connecting rod may be associated with a ball and socket assembly  1147 . Ball and socket assembly  1147  may connected to interdental cleaning member  1135 , and may be configured to cause interdental cleaning member  1135  to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to direction of rotation of the drive member as the drive member rotates. In  FIG. 11A , interdental cleaning member  1135  is in a first, fully retracted position or non-extended position where ball and socket assembly  1147  supports interdental cleaning member  1135  in a first, least extended position. For example, in a first position the interdental member may extend about 5 mm beyond the brush support member  1133 . 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 11B , interdental cleaning member  1135  is located at a second position that is about midway between the first least extended position shown in  FIG. 11A  and a third most extended position shown in  FIG. 11C , where interdental cleaning member  1635  is substantially fully extended. For example, the interdental cleaning member  1135  may be configured to be extendible to about 1 centimeter beyond the brush support member  1133 . 
         [0066]    Accordingly, the interdental cleaning device in accordance with embodiments discussed herein advantageously enable enhanced and efficient cleaning of teeth and interdental spaces. The electric interdental cleaning device may be useful for many applications, including pedodontal, and orthodontic applications. 
         [0067]    The interdental cleaning device may be useful for periodontal applications, and may enable enhanced cleaning under the gumline. For example, the interdental cleaning device in accordance with embodiments may include an interdental cleaning member that is configured to reach about 3 to 5 millimeters below the gumline for cleaning. Preferably, the electric interdental cleaning device is constructed to enable cleaning at about 5 millimeters below the gumline. 
         [0068]    It will be readily understood that the components of various embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments of the systems, apparatus, and methods, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments. 
         [0069]    The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, reference throughout this specification to “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiment,” “in other embodiments,” or similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0070]    The modifiers “about” and “approximately” used in connection with a quantity are inclusive of the stated value and have the meaning dictated by the context. For example, it includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity. When used with a specific value, they also disclose that value. 
         [0071]    It should be noted that reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0072]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0073]    It would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.