Abstract:
A device for trimming stems and the leafy plant structure projecting from a flower of a plant, for example a harvested flower of a marijuana plant. The device includes a blade head for supporting a pair of sheet blades, each sheet blade having a contact surface, the contact surface of the first sheet blade configured for reciprocating motion against the contact surface of the second. The first sheet blade and the second sheet blade are formed having numerous trimming apertures such that as the first sheet blade reciprocates against the second sheet blade, the plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures and the plurality of second sheet aperture alternately, and at last partially, align and close creating a shearing action between the edges defining each of the plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures and an edge defining each of the plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/866,860, entitled Trimmer, filed Aug. 16, 2013. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating vegetable products and more particularly a device and method for trimming unwanted vegetative growth from a harvested flower. 
     Background 
     The flowering portion of a number of plants are harvested and employed for a variety of purposes, teas, infusions, vapors and smoking materials. Among these are the flowers of the marijuana plant. It is estimated that marijuana has been used by man since 3000 B.C. The plant has been used for medicinal, religious, spiritual and recreational purposes. 
     The expanding legalization and decriminalization of the use of marijuana has contributed to the growth of markets for the product as well as the development of more sophisticated producers, sellers and consumers. This sophistication has become evident is in the preferences expressed by dispensaries, sellers and buyers for increased control in the selection of plant genetics, methods for plant cultivation and uniformity in the presentation of the product. 
     Control of the plant genetics is deemed important if not essential as different strains of the plant are said to provide relief for different medically recognize maladies or conditions. Control of plant cultivation is deemed important as sophisticated sellers and consumers want to know “where” the product came from, that is, what type of media the plant was grown whether and what kinds of fertilizers were used in plant growth and whether and what kinds of other chemicals may have been used in the process of controlling the plant growth environment. Control in the uniformity and presentation of the product is deemed important as consumers of the product are interested in utilizing the flower or the “buds” of the plant as opposed to leaves of the plant, which exhibit a higher level of chlorophyll resulting in an undesirable harsh or even bitter taste when smoked. It is considered desirable then to remove leafy growth, to the extent that a user desires to eliminate the harshness associated with smoking leaf. 
     The marijuana plant is structurally typical in the sense that the plant includes a stalk from which numerous stems branch out, and branch out again. The flower of the marijuana plant is a compound flower including multiple sepals emanating from a single stem, surrounding and wrapping around the stem. Each flower includes multiple sepals that form a whorl that enclose the petals of a flower. Collectively, the multitude of sepals is referred to as the calyx. The calyx then forms the “flower” part of the female marijuana plant. The flower of the marijuana plant is formed of multiple “buds” formed at the base of each stem or sub-stem. As the calyx grows, leaf and the phyllary of the flower structure, in effect a plurality of modified leaves may extend from the bud. Most if not all dispensaries as well as a vast majority of sellers and buyers of marijuana prefer to purchase only those buds separated from the main stalk and other buds and having the described leafy structure removed from the buds. 
     To date, removal of the buds from the main stem and the sub-stems and removal of unwanted leafy structure from the buds has been effected manually by shearing each leaf extending from a bud with a pair of scissors. With an estimated annual production of 22 million pounds in the United States alone, the task of separating buds from stems and shearing unwanted leafage by hand has become ominous. It would be desirable to provide a device and method that would expedite the process of leaf and stem removal and shaping of the bud. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a device and method that would expedite the process of leaf and stem removal from the harvested flowers of the marijuana plant. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a device for removing stems and the leafy plant structure projecting from the flower of a harvested plant. More particularly, the present invention is directed to device shearing the leafy plant structure projecting from the flower of a harvested marijuana plant. According to the present invention stems, leafy structure and other unwanted vegetative structure are removed by means of a mechanical shear. The present invention is also directed to a method for removing by shearing the leafy plant structure projecting from the flower of a harvested plant, and more particularly to method for removing stems and leafy plant structure projecting from the flower of a harvested marijuana plant. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes a blade head configured to support a first sheet blade and a second sheet blade, the first sheet blade having a first blade contact surface and the second sheet blade having a second blade contact surface, the first blade contact surface configured for reciprocating motion against the second blade contact surface. The first sheet blade also includes a plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures and the second sheet blade includes a plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures, the first sheet blade trimming apertures and the second sheet blade trimming apertures being located so that as the first sheet blade reciprocates against the second sheet blade, the first sheet aperture and the second sheet aperture alternately, and at last partially, align and close creating a shearing action between an edge defining the first sheet aperture and an edge defining the second sheet aperture. Material placed against the alternately opening and closing shear action is trimmed at a plane defined by the interface between the first blade contact surface and the second blade contact surface. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the first sheet blade and the second sheet blade are each formed having a curving contact surface such that the curving contact surface of the first sheet blade corresponds to the curving contact surface of the second sheet blade. The curve is formed about an axis that lies substantially parallel to a line that lies along a direction of the reciprocating motion of the first sheet blade and the second sheet blade with respect to each other. Trimming may be performed on the device with the blades presenting either a concave curving work surface or in the alternative against a convex curving work surface as each configuration has its advantages. 
     Additionally, the device preferably includes a stem chopper adapted to sever the individual buds from the main stem or smaller sub-stems. The stem chopper includes a first substantially circular aperture formed in a stationary first sheet blade, the substantially circular first aperture sized to accept the insertion of the stem of the flower. A second aperture is formed in a reciprocating second sheet blade, the location of the second aperture corresponding generally with the location of the substantially circular first aperture. As the contact surface of the second sheet blade reciprocates against a contact surface of the first sheet blade, a shearing action is caused at the interface of the first and second sheet blades and a stem inserted through the apertures is consequentially sheared. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the first sheet blade and the second sheet blade are each formed of food grade stainless steel sheet metal having a thickness in the range of 0.0122 inches to 0.060, and in one preferred embodiment, the blades are formed of 22 gauge sheet metal. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the first sheet blade and the second sheet blade are each formed having a plurality of sheet trimming apertures such that as the first sheet blade reciprocates with respect to the second sheet blade, the plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures and the plurality of second sheet apertures alternately, and at least partially, align and close creating a shearing action between the edges defining each of the plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures and an edge defining each of the plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures. Preferably, the plurality of trimming apertures formed on the first sheet blade are all formed having a longitudinal axis that lies substantially perpendicular to a side edge of the first sheet blade. Similarly, the plurality of trimming apertures formed on the second sheet blade are all formed having a longitudinal axis that lies obliquely to a side edge of the second sheet blade, and therefore the trimming apertures also lie obliquely to the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of trimming apertures formed on the first sheet blade, when the sheet blades are placed in the a blade head. This configuration permits a progressive shearing action between the edges defining the plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures and the plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures as they reciprocate back and forth one over the other. 
     An electric motor is operatively connected to a least one of the first or second sheet blades and is coupled and configured to provide a reciprocating motion of the sheet blade to which it is attached. The reciprocating motion occurs along an axis that lies parallel to a side edge of the sheet blade. Alternately an electric motor may be operatively connected each of the first sheet blade and the second sheet blade to provide a reciprocating motion between the first and second sheet blades. A control device provides for adjustment of the motor speed and thereby the speed of the relative reciprocation of the first sheet blade to the second sheet blade. 
     In one embodiment, the lateral edges of a stationary first sheet blade are fixed to the blade head and the lateral edges of a second reciprocating sheet blade are carried by a plurality of bearings mounted along either of the sides of the blade head. In a preferred embodiment, a curved contact surface of each of the pair of sheet blades are formed having substantially the same profile so as to provide a sliding interface between the pair of sheet blade surfaces. 
     Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the trimmer includes an enclosure adapted to catch and collect trimmed material. In one embodiment the enclosure is configured as a five-sided rectangular box adapted to permit the mounting of the blade head with its first and second sheet blades, together with the connected motor, linkage and motor control atop an upper facing open side of the box. With this configuration, as material is trimmed from the buds, the trimmings fall into the enclosure and may be readily retrieved. One or more screens may be places within the box to facilitate sorting of fines from the bulkier leaf material. 
     Additionally, the device may include a tray located about at least a portion of the periphery of the blade head to catch and collect trimmed buds. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, all of the metal parts of the head, blades and enclosure are formed of food grade materials, for instance food grade stainless steel. 
     In use, flower buds are placed on an upper curving surface of the upper sheet blade. As the sheet blade reciprocates with respect to one another, flower buds are rolled in a random pattern across the curving surface of the uppermost sheet blade. A slight pressure is exerted against the flower buds sufficient to keep a surface of the flower bud in contact with the face of the sheet blade. This may be achieved by hand, exerting a slight pressure against the buds using a palm of a hand and seeing that all surfaces of the flower bud is exposed to the shearing action of the sheet blades during the process. In the alternative, a paddle, trowel or other tool or other mechanical device may be employed to impart a rolling motion to the flower bud. As the bud is moved across the surface of the upper sheet blade, leaf and other non-uniform growth will project through a first sheet aperture and a second sheet aperture as they align. As the second sheet blade reciprocates the second sheet aperture will close with respect to the first sheet aperture creating a shearing action between an edge defining the first sheet aperture and an edge defining the second sheet aperture. Material projecting through the first sheet aperture beyond the contact surface of the first sheet blade is trimmed at a plane defined by the interface between the first blade contact surface and the second blade contact surface. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a representative perspective view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a representative end view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a representative end view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a representative end view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a representative end view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a representative top view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a representative end cutaway view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a representative end cutaway view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a representative end cutaway view of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a representative end cutaway view showing a blade keeper screw assembly of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a representative end cutaway view showing attachment and support of the marginal edges of a first and second sheet blade of a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a representative view of a drive motor and drive linkage for a trimming device according to the present invention showing the reciprocating motion of a sheet blade with the operation of the drive motor; 
         FIG. 13  is a representative bottom view of a drive motor and drive linkage for a trimming device according to the present invention showing the reciprocating motion of a sheet blade with the operation of the drive motor; 
         FIG. 14  is a representative top view of a first sheet blade for a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a representative top view of a second sheet blade for a trimming device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a representative top view showing the reciprocating shearing action between a plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures and a plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures; and 
         FIG. 17  is a representative side cutaway view of a first sheet blade and a second sheet blade according to the present invention showing the reciprocating shearing action between the edges defining the sheet trimming apertures. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , trimmer  10  is shown including blade head  11  which is mounted atop blade head base  12 . Motor  13  and motor control  14  are also shown attached to blade head  11 . A pair of trimmed product trays  15 A and  15 B are attached to either side of blade head base  12 . In  FIG. 1 , trimmer  10  is shown in a first configuration wherein blade head  11  is oriented such that convex surface  22  of first sheet blade  70  is presented as a convex trimming surface for trimming product. Referring to  FIG. 2 , trimmer  10  is shown in a second configuration wherein blade head  11  is oriented such that concave surface  23  of second sheet blade  75  is presented as a concave trimming surface for trimming product. 
       FIGS. 3 through 5  illustrate further the feature of the invention wherein blade head  11  may be removed from blade head base  12  and rotated to present either convex surface  22  of first sheet blade  70 , as seen in  FIG. 3 , or in the alternative, concave surface  23  of second sheet blade  75 , as seen in  FIG. 5 , as a work surface for trimming product. The difference from an operational standpoint is really one of operator preference. Convex surface  22  as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3  provides a work surface wherein buds that have been trimmed have a tendency to roll outwardly toward trimmed product trays  15 A or  15 B, while the concave surface  23  as seen in  FIGS. 2, 4 and 5  provides a work surface wherein buds that are not presently being trimmed have a tendency to roll towards the center of second sheet blade  75 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a top view of trimmer  10  including blade head  11  which is mounted atop blade head base  12 . Motor  13  and motor control  14  are shown attached to blade head  11 . A pair of trimmed product trays  15 A and  15 B are shown located to either side of blade head base  12 . First sheet blade  70  is shown attached to blade head  11  by a plurality of blade retainer screws typified by blade retainer screw  18 , fix marginal side edge  19  of first sheet blade  70  to blade head  11 . A plurality of blade keeper screw assemblies typified by blade keeper screw assembly  24  assist in maintaining the sliding fit of first sheet blade  70  and second sheet blade  75 .  FIG. 6  also shows first sheet blade stem chopping aperture  33  located in first sheet blade  70 . 
       FIGS. 7, 8 and 9  are representative end cutaway views of trimmer  10  showing blade head  11  mounted atop blade head base  12 . A pair of trimmed product trays  15 A and  15 B are attached to either side of blade head base  12 . In  FIGS. 7 and 8 , trimmer  10  is shown in a first configuration wherein blade head  11  is oriented such that convex surface  22  of first sheet blade  70  is presented as a work surface for trimming buds B. Referring to  FIG. 9 , trimmer  10  is shown in a second configuration wherein blade head  11  is oriented such that concave surface  23  of second sheet blade  75  is presented as a work surface for trimming bud B. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show first sheet blade  70  attached to blade head  11  by a plurality of blade retainer screws typified by blade retainer screw  18  which fix marginal side edge  19  of first sheet blade  70  to blade head  11 . Blade keeper screw assembly  24  assists in maintaining the sliding fit of first sheet blade  70  and second sheet blade  75 .  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9  show roller bearing assembly  20  attached to blade head  11  and adapted to maintain a rolling pressure against second sheet blade  75 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 , as leafage L and stems S project through the aligned trimming apertures and are subjected to the reciprocating action of second sheet blade  75  against the stationary fixed first sheet blade  70 , said leafage L and stems are severed from the bud B and drops to mesh screen  27 . Meshed fines M are separated further from leafage L and drop through mesh screen  27  to the bottom of blade head base  12  which is formed as a collection bin for trimmed product. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  first sheet blade  70  is formed having first sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  28  and first sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  29 . Positioned below these respectively are second sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  30  and second sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  31  formed in second sheet blade  75 .  FIG. 7  shows a plurality of buds B being rolled across convex surface  22  by hand H. 
       FIG. 8  shows operation of the stem chopping feature of trimmer  10 . The main stem S of flower F is inserted through first sheet blade stem chopping aperture  33  and as second sheet blade stem chopping aperture  34  aligns with first sheet blade stem chopping aperture  33  due to the reciprocating action of second sheet blade  75  against the stationary fixed first sheet blade  70 , stem S is pushed on through second sheet blade stem chopping aperture  34  and is severed with the return motion of second sheet blade  75  against fixed first sheet blade  70 . Stem S is thereby severed from flower F and as pressure is maintained pushing flower F against first sheet blade stem chopping aperture  33  the sub-stems attaching buds to flower F are severed and buds B are separated from flower F and the stem S drops to mesh screen  27 . 
       FIG. 9  shows trimmer  10  configured with convex surface  23  of second sheet blade  75  positioned as the work surface, First sheet blade  70  is formed having first sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  28  and first sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  29 . Positioned above these respectively are second sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  30  and second sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  31  formed in second sheet blade  75 .  FIG. 9  shows a plurality of buds B being rolled across cave surface  23  by hand H. 
       FIG. 10  is a detail cutaway showing blade keeper screw assembly  24  including machine screw  50 , a pair of washers  51  and  52  and locking nut  53 . Blade keeper screw assembly  24  is fixed through first sheet blade keeper screw aperture  25  and second sheet blade keeper screw slot  26  and is tightened to permit a sliding action between first sheet blade  70  and second sheet blade  75 . 
       FIG. 11  is a detail cutaway showing blade retainer screw  18  which fixes marginal side edge  19  of first sheet blade  70  to blade head  11 . Also seen in  FIG. 11  is roller bearing assembly  20  attached to blade head  11  and adapted to maintain a rolling pressure against second sheet blade  75  marginal edge  48 . Polymeric glide  49  facilitates the reciprocating action of marginal edge  48  and eliminates potential for galling between metallic surfaces. Bearing guards are shown attached to blade head  11  and configured to reduce the probability of product interfering with operation of roller bearing assembly  20  as well as reducing the probability of contact with roller bearing assembly  20  by an operator during use. 
       FIG. 11  also shows the curving contact surfaces first sheet blade curving contact surface  71  and second sheet blade curving contact surface  76  which are formed having substantially the same radius such that a sliding interface is maintained between first sheet blade  70  second sheet blade  75 . Blade keeper screw assembly  24 , shown in  FIG. 10  and the plurality of roller bearing assemblies located along the opposing marginal edges of second sheet blade  75  and typified by roller bearing assembly  20  seen in  FIG. 11  assist in maintaining the sliding interface is maintained between first sheet blade  70  second sheet blade  75 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , trimmer motor  13  is shown attached to second sheet blade  75  to provide a reciprocating action. Motor  13  is attached to second sheet blade  75  includes drive shaft  36  to which eccentric drive lug  37  is attached. Eccentric drive lug  37  rotates with drive shaft  36  and the attached drive linkage  38  moves thereby in a reciprocating motion traversing a distance X in both a forward and reverse direction. Linkage connector  39  attaches drive linkage  38  to second sheet blade  75  which also moves with operation of motor  14  with a reciprocating motion traversing a distance X in both a forward and reverse direction. 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of first sheet blade  70  shown including first outer row  40  of tapered trimming apertures, second outer row  41  of tapered trimming apertures, first inner row  42  of tapered trimming apertures and second inner row  43  of tapered blade apertures. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first sheet blade outer row trimming apertures typified by first sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  28  which is formed so as to extend across a face of first sheet blade  70  on line P that lies substantially perpendicular to first sheet blade marginal edge  19 . 
     Each of the first sheet blade outer row trimming apertures typified by first sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  28  has a tapered configuration that tapers from a width substantially equal to 0.375 inches to a width substantially equal to 0.0.250 inches. Similarly, each of the first sheet blade inner row trimming apertures typified by first sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  29  are formed so as to extend across a face of first sheet blade  70  on a line that lies substantially perpendicular to first sheet blade marginal edge  19 . Each of the first sheet blade inner row trimming apertures typified by first sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  29  has a tapered configuration that tapers from a width substantially equal to 0.218 inches to a width substantially equal to 0.0.125 inches. While the first sheet blade trimming apertures are described above as tapered, the use of non-tapered trimming apertures are clearly anticipated as being within the scope of the present invention. 
     Each of the first sheet blade outer row trimming apertures typified by first sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  28  is further defined by an outer row tapered trimming aperture first shearing edge  54  and an outer row tapered trimming aperture second shearing edge  55 . Similarly, each of the first sheet blade inner row trimming apertures typified by first sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  29  is further defined by an inner row tapered trimming aperture first shearing edge  56  and an inner row tapered trimming aperture second shearing edge  57 . 
       FIG. 14  also shows first sheet blade  70  shown including a plurality of retainer screw apertures typified by retainer screw aperture  58  formed along the opposing marginal edges of first sheet blade  70  and adapted for insertion of a retaining screw (not shown). Also shown in  FIG. 12  are a pair of sheet blade keeper screw apertures typified by first sheet blade keeper screw aperture  25 . First sheet blade stem chopping aperture  33  is also seen formed through first sheet blade  70 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a top view of second sheet blade  75  is shown including first outer row oblique trimming apertures  44 , second outer row oblique trimming apertures  45 , first inner row oblique trimming apertures  46  and second inner row oblique trimming apertures  47 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the oblique trimming apertures typified by second sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  30  and second sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  31  are formed so as to extend across a face of second sheet blade  75  on a line O that lies oblique to second sheet blade marginal edge  48 . 
     Each of the outer row oblique trimming apertures typified by second sheet blade outer row trimming aperture  30  is further defined by an outer row oblique trimming aperture first shearing edge  59  and an outer row oblique trimming aperture second shearing edge  60 . Similarly, each of the inner row oblique trimming apertures typified by second sheet blade inner row trimming aperture  31  is further defined by an inner row oblique trimming aperture first shearing edge  61  and an inner row oblique trimming aperture second shearing edge  62 . 
       FIG. 15  also shows second sheet blade  75  including a plurality of sheet blade keeper screw slots typified by second sheet blade keeper screw slot  26 . Second sheet blade stem chopping aperture  34  is also seen formed through second sheet blade  75 . 
       FIG. 16  is a representative view showing the reciprocating shearing action between a plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures  29 A,  29   b  and  29 C by and a plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures  31 A,  31 B and  31 C. With each forward stroke XF of the reciprocating action the plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures  31 A,  31 B and  31 C traverse a distance X. More particularly, and by way of illustration, with each forward stroke XF a shearing action is caused between inner row tapered trimming aperture second shearing edge  57  and inner row oblique trimming aperture first shearing edge  61 . Similarly, with each reverse stroke XR of the reciprocating action the plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures  31 A,  31 B and  31 C traverse a distance X. More particularly, and again by way of illustration, with each reverse stroke XR a shearing action is caused between inner row tapered trimming aperture first shearing edge  56  and inner row oblique trimming aperture second shearing edge  62 . 
       FIG. 17  is a representative side cutaway view of first sheet blade  70  and second sheet blade  75  showing the reciprocating shearing action between a plurality of first sheet blade trimming apertures  29 A,  29   b  and  29 C by and a plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures  31 A,  31 B and  31 C. With each forward stroke XF of the reciprocating action between first sheet blade  70  and second sheet blade  75  the plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures  31 A,  31 B and  31 C traverse a distance X. More particularly, and by way of illustration, with each forward stroke XF a shearing action is caused between inner row tapered trimming aperture second shearing edge  57  and inner row oblique trimming aperture first shearing edge  61 . Similarly, with each reverse stroke XR of the reciprocating action the plurality of second sheet blade trimming apertures  31 A,  31 B and  31 C traverse a distance X. More particularly, and again by way of illustration, with each reverse stroke XR a shearing action is caused between inner row tapered trimming aperture first shearing edge  56  and inner row oblique trimming aperture second shearing edge  62 . 
     The foregoing description of the illustrated embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or to exemplary embodiment(s) and implementation(s) disclosed. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Elements described might be interchangeable with other elements in order to achieve the same result. At least one preferred embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and a best mode of practical application, thereby to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use or implementation contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather means “one or more.” Moreover, no element, component, nor method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the following claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixth paragraph unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for . . . .”