Abstract:
A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to pressurized systems for storing and providing fluids. In particular, the present disclosure relates to mitigation of leaks and creep phenomena in pressurized gas systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a system for mitigating leaks is disclosed, comprising: a fluid source; an injector; a regulator disposed between the fluid source and the injector; a system isolation valve disposed between the regulator and the injector; a first line connecting the fluid source to the regulator; a second line connecting the regulator to the system isolation valve, the second line having a second volume; and a third line connecting the system isolation valve to the injector, the third line having a third volume. The combined second volume and third volume may be configured to reduce an initial pressure of a fluid in the first line to a distribution pressure when the system isolation valve is opened. The system isolation valve may be configured to open if the distribution pressure is equal to a target pressure for the injector. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the system may further comprise a pressure relief valve configured to vent the fluid in the second line if the distribution pressure would be greater than the target pressure. The pressure relief valve may be further configured to reduce the pressure in the second line to not exceed a release pressure. The fluid source may be a storage tank having a tank valve. The fluid may be pure hydrogen. The injector may be disposed between the second line and a fuel cell. According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the system may further comprise a low pressure sensor configured to sense the pressure in the second line. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a startup method is disclosed for a pressurized system having a first line disposed between a tank valve of a storage tank and a regulator, comprising: sensing an initial pressure of a fluid in a second line having a second volume and disposed between a regulator and a system isolation valve, wherein the system isolation valve selectively connects the second line with a third line having a third volume and being disposed between the system isolation valve and an injector; calculating a distribution pressure; and if the distribution pressure is less than or equal to a target pressure, opening the system isolation valve, whereby the fluid in the second line is distributed across the second line and the third line and delivered to the injector at the target pressure. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the startup method may further comprise: if the distribution pressure is greater than the target pressure, opening a bleed valve connected to the second line, whereby the fluid in the second line is at least partially vented. According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the startup method may further comprise: opening the tank valve. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a startup method is disclosed for mitigating leaks in a pressurized system having a first line disposed between a tank valve of a storage tank and a regulator, comprising: sensing an initial pressure of a fluid in a second line having a second volume and disposed between a regulator and a system isolation valve, wherein the system isolation valve selectively connects the second line with a third line having a third volume and being disposed between the system isolation valve and an injector; if the pressure in the second line is greater than a release pressure, connecting the second line to a pressure relief valve, whereby the pressure in the second line is reduced to the release pressure; and if the pressure in the second line is less than or equal to the release pressure, opening the system isolation valve, whereby the fluid in the second line is distributed across the second line and the third line and delivered to the injector at a target pressure. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, connecting the second line to a pressure relief valve may further comprise: opening a bleed valve. The connecting step may further comprise: closing the bleed when the pressure in the second line is substantially equal to the release pressure. A pressure differential across the tank valve may be reduced prior to opening the tank valve. A pressure differential across the system isolation valve may be reduced prior to opening the system isolation valve. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram of a traditional bi-directional system; 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic diagram of a storage tank with an active on tank device; 
         FIG. 3  shows a schematic diagram of a bi-directional pressurized system; 
         FIG. 4  shows a flow chart of a startup process for a pressurized system; 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic diagram of a pressurized system; and 
         FIG. 6  shows a flow chart of a startup process for a pressurized system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Traditionally, regulators are not effective as sealing devices. A regulator&#39;s function is to control its downstream pressure in a flow condition. At no flow, the upstream pressure will gradually leak through the internal seat, resulting in a decrease of upstream pressure and an increase of downstream pressure. This phenomenon is known as “creep.” Furthermore, regulators having more precise output regulation (e.g., +/−0.1 Mpa) make the creep phenomena more significant, particularly where additional components downstream of a regulator require pressure variation to be within a precise range for proper operation. 
       FIG. 1  shows a traditional bi-directional mechanization for a hydrogen storage system. Fill line  20  provides a fluid (gas or liquid) through check valve  22  to a point that diverts into two directions along spending line  24 : one direction to storage tank  30  and another direction to regulator  40 . This bi-directional mechanization has multiple advantages. For example, redundant tubing is avoided inasmuch as portions of spending line  24  are the same as portions of fill line  20 . Thus, this mechanization provides minimal tubing connections and minimal joints for external leak. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, storage tank  30  is provided with appropriate control and regulation devices to manage the flow and conditions of fluid of storage tank  30 . For example, tank valve  32  may be provided at the entrance and exit line of storage tank  30 . Tank valve  32  may be a solenoid valve, a manual valve, an air activated valve, or other valve to selectively control flow in and out of storage tank  30 . According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, tank valve  32  may be part of a broader system for managing storage tank  30 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , active on tank device  31  of storage tank  30  may include temperature sensor  34 , pressure sensor  33 , excess flow valve  35 , filter  36 , manual valve  37 , tank valve  32 , thermal pressure relief device  38 , defueling valve  39 , orifice  41 , and appropriate inlets and outlets. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, regulator  40  may be provided between storage tank  30  and the destination, such as injector  90  or other component that receives a flow of the fluid from storage tank  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, single stage regulator  40  may be provided. Regulator  40  may be configured to reduce any upstream pressure from storage tank  30  to within an acceptable range with tolerances (i.e., a target pressure). For example, regulator  40  may be configured to reduce the downstream pressure to 0.9 MPa (g)+/−0.1. The acceptable range with tolerances may correspond to limitations imposed by an intermediate or ultimate destination of the fluid. One or more devices at or downstream of a destination of a system may be sensitive to pressure. For example, regulator  40  may be configured to manage downstream pressure to injector  90 , which may only be configured to receive fluid within certain pressure conditions without sustaining undesirable damage. Without adequate accommodation, leakage from tank valve  32  or regulator  40  may cause an undesirable pressure load to be delivered to the destination. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, devices and configurations for managing the downstream pressure to the destination may be managed to mitigate leaks at tank valve  32  or regulator  40  stage of the system. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a bi-directional system is shown in  FIG. 3 . System isolation valve  50  may be provided between regulator  40  and the destination (e.g., injector  90 ), as shown in  FIG. 3 . System isolation valve  50  may be a solenoid valve that can be open at very low electrical power (i.e., because the pressure load is as low as 0.9 Mpa (g) nominal). Upon initiation of the system, system isolation valve  50  may open and provide its upstream flow from regulator  40  to the destination. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, creep at regulator  40  will provide an initially excessive upstream pressure to system isolation valve  50 . For example, first line  51  may be defined as the connection between tank valve  32  and regulator  40 . Second line  52  may be defined as the connection between regulator  40  and system isolation valve  50 . Creep at regulator  40  occurring while tank valve  32  and system isolation valve  50  are closed will eventually cause the pressure between in first line  51  (upstream to regulator  40 ) to balance with the pressure in second line  52  (downstream to regulator  40 ). This may present an excessive pressure condition to the destination when system isolation valve  50  is opened. If system isolation valve  50  opens, downstream injector  90  will receive higher pressure impulse. Such a high pressure impulse may cause injector  90  to leak, which may be particularly dangerous if the fluid leaked is volatile. Moreover, the operation life of injector  90  may be shortened due to these high pressure conditions. Furthermore, system isolation valve  50  and injector  90  would require more power to overcome the increase pressure differential due to regulator creep. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a volumetric solution is provided to provide an acceptable pressure to the destination of a system, even after an occurrence of regulator creep. This solution is based on the isothermal balance of the fluid. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, first line  51  is provided between tank valve  32  and regulator  40 . First line  51  has a first volume (V 1 ) and first pressure (P 1 ) therein. According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, second line  52  is provided between regulator  40  and system isolation valve  50 . Second line  52  has a second volume (V 2 ) and second pressure (P 2 ) therein. According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, third line  53  is provided between system isolation valve  50  and injector  90  (or other destination device). Third line  53  has a third volume (V 3 ) and third pressure (P 3 ) therein. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a target pressure (P T ) may be defined as an acceptable pressure to be provided to injector  90 . According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the system has an initial state at or before the time system isolation valve  50  is opened. In the initial state, the second pressure results from the existence of any regulator creep leading up to the time of the initial state. The third pressure may be equal to or substantially equal to zero, because prior cycles would deplete the amount of fluid in third line  53  after system isolation valve  50  is closed. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, when system isolation valve  50  is opened, the fluid in second line  52  will be distributed across second line  52  and third line  53 . Accordingly, a distribution pressure (P D ) may be defined as the pressure resulting from the substantially even distribution of the fluid in second line  52  across the combined volume of second line  52  and third line  53  (V 2 +V 3 ) at the time system isolation valve  50  is opened. 
     According to Boyle&#39;s law, pressure multiplied by volume and divided by temperature in the first state will be equal to pressure multiplied by volume and divided by temperature in the second state. This may be expressed as:
 
( P   A   *V   A )/ T   A =( P   B   *V   B )/ T   B   (Formula 1).
 
     Where temperature remains substantially constant across both states, this reduces to:
 
( P   A   *V   A )=( P   B   *V   B )  (Formula 2).
 
     Thus, the pressure and volumes of a system during a state prior to the opening of system isolation valve  50  as compared to a state after opening system isolation valve  50  may be expressed as:
 
( P   2   *V   2 )+( P   3   *V   3 )= P   D *( V   2   +V   3 )  (Formula 3).
 
     Where the third pressure is equal to zero, this reduces to:
 
( P   2   *V   2 )= P   D *( V   2   +V   3 )  (Formula 4).
 
     To determine what the distributed pressure will be once system isolation valve  50  is opened, Formula 4 may be rearranged and expressed as:
 
 P   D =( P   2   *V   2 )/( V   2   +V   3 )  (Formula 5).
 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the system may be configured with known dimensions and parameters. Furthermore, the pressure in second line  52  may be measured by low pressure sensor  42  located at second line  52 . The known dimensions of the system and the measured pressure allow a distribution pressure to be calculated according to Formula 5. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a startup phase as shown in  FIG. 4  may be performed. Tank valve  32  and system isolation valve  50  may be closed while the system is at rest in a rest phase (operation  200 ). During this rest phase, the pressure in second line  52  may increase due to regulator creep, but the pressure may be contained while system isolation valve  50  is closed. When a startup command is received, a startup phase may be initiated (operation  202 ). The pressure in second line  52  may be measured (e.g., by a low pressure sensor  42  (operation  204 ). With the measured pressure in second line  52  and know values for the volumes of second line  52  and third line  53 , a distribution pressure may be calculated, for example with Formula 5 (operation  206 ). If the distribution pressure exceeds the target pressure, then system isolation valve  50  may remain closed until corrective measures are taken (operation  208 ). A warning or other indication may be sent to an operator or another system (operation  210 ). If the distribution pressure does not exceed the target pressure, then tank valve  32  and system isolation valve  50  may be opened (operations  212  and  214 ). While fluid flows from storage tank  30  to injector  90 , the system may maintain a steady state phase of operation. When a shutdown command is received, at least one of system isolation valve  50  and tank valve  32  may be closed, if needed. (operations  216 ,  218 , and  220 ). 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a bi-directional system is shown in  FIG. 5 . Devices for relieving excessive pressure may be provided. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , pressure relief valve  60  may be provided in fluid communication with second line  52 . Pressure relief valve  60  may be a pressure responsive valve, such as a valve that only conducts fluid when its upstream pressure reaches a certain threshold. The pressure threshold for activation of pressure relief valve  60  is disclosed further herein, according to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, system isolation valve  50  and pressure relief valve  60  may operate together to mitigate pressure of the system. The activation pressure of pressure relief valve  60  may be the pressure at which a calculated distribution pressure exceeds the target pressure of the destination device. For example, where the distribution of the fluid in second line  52  across second line  52  and third line  53  by opening system isolation valve  50  is still insufficient to achieve the target pressure, then it can be said that the hypothetical distribution pressure is greater than the target pressure. Pressure relief valve  60  may be configured to become activated under such conditions so that the pressure in second line  52  is reduced and the hypothetical distribution pressure is equal to or less than the target pressure. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the volumes of second line  52  and first line  51  may be selected to correspond to the activation pressure of pressure relief valve  60 . This is the scenario in which the distribution pressure is the target pressure, thus Formula 3 may be rearranged and expressed as:
 
 V   3   /V   2 =( P   D   −P   2 )/( P   3   −P   D )  (Formula 6).
 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the pressure at which pressure relief valve  60  becomes activated may be defined as the release pressure (P R ). The release pressure may correspond to the pressure in second line  52  while system isolation valve  50  is closed, at which pressure the calculated distribution pressure would equal the target pressure. The release pressure may be determined and adjusted based on physical characteristics of pressure relief valve  60 . With this configuration, pressure relief valve  60  may reduce the pressure in second line  52  such that the distribution pressure does not exceed the target pressure when system isolation valve  50  is opened. With this, Formula 6 may be expressed as:
 
 V   3   /V   2 =( P   D   −P   R )/( P   3   −P   D )  (Formula 7).
 
     For example, pressure relief valve  60  may be configured to become activated at P R =1.6 Mpa(g), as measured in second line  52 ; the target pressure desired for the distribution pressure to achieve may be P D =0.9 Mpa(g); and the pressure in third line  53  may be P 3 =0 while system isolation valve  50  is closed. Under these conditions, the ratio of V 3 /V 2  is calculated as 0.77 based on Formula 7. Thus, with second line  52  and third line  53  having this ratio, pressures in second line  52  exceeding 1.6 Mpa(g) will be released through pressure relief valve  60 . Furthermore, pressures in second line  52  not exceeding 1.6 Mpa(g) will be distributed across second line  52  and third line  53  when system isolation valve  50  opens, and the distribution pressure will not exceed the target pressure. In this way, pressure relief valve  60  and system isolation valve  50  may operate together to ensure that the pressure to the destination device does not exceed the target pressure. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, for automatic operation, bleed valve  62  may be provided upstream of pressure relief valve  60  or otherwise disposed between regulator  40  and pressure relief valve  60 . Bleed valve  62  may be a solenoid valve, manual valve, or other valve having “open” and “closed” states. In some applications, particularly in a vehicle with tight spaces, a manual valve may be less desirable because of the tight space; thus other valves, such as a solenoid valve, may be provided. According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, bleed valve  62  may address issues relating to continual leakage through regulator  40  and release by pressure relief valve  60 . For example, while system isolation valve  50  is closed, regulator  40  may experience creep there through. Where pressure relief valve  60  is provided, the pressure in second line  52  may be constantly reduced to the release pressure. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, release of fluid through pressure relief valve  60  may be continual, planned, programmed, scheduled, controlled, variable, or otherwise configurable. In some instances, some fluids may be flammable and introduce a risk of fire. The pressure in first line  51  may be reduced to the release pressure if pressure relief valve  60  is permitted to operate continually. Where the release pressure is low relative to the pressure in storage tank  30 , this causes a high differential across tank valve  32 , thereby increasing the energy requirement for opening tank valve  32 . Furthermore, the fluid may be vented through pressure relief valve  60  to an unrecoverable state, such as into the atmosphere or surrounding environment. Where the fluid is a fuel, this decreases fuel efficiency. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, a startup phase as shown in  FIG. 6  may be performed. Bleed valve  62  may be closed while system isolation valve  50  is closed and the system is at rest in a rest phase (operation  300 ). During this rest phase, the pressure in second line  52  may increase due to regulator creep, but the pressure may be contained while system isolation valve  50  and bleed valve  62  are closed. When a startup command is received, a startup phase may be initiated (operation  302 ). The pressure in second line  52  may be measured (e.g., by a low pressure sensor  42 ) (operation  304 ). If the pressure in second line  52  exceeds the release pressure, bleed valve  62  may be opened prior to system isolation valve  50 , whereby the pressure in second line  52  is reduced to the release pressure by pressure relief valve  60  (operations  306  and  308 ). Low pressure sensor  42  may verify that second line  52  has achieved the release pressure. When the pressure in second line  52  does not exceed the release pressure, one or more of the following may be performed: closing bleed valve  62 , opening tank valve  32 , and opening system isolation valve  50  (operations  310 ,  312 , and  314 ). While fluid flows from storage tank  30  to injector  90 , the system may maintain a steady state phase of operation. When a shutdown command is received, at least one of system isolation valve  50 , tank valve  32 , and bleed valve  62  may be closed, if needed (operations  316 ,  318 , and  320 ). 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, maintaining bleed valve  62  in a closed state during a rest phase reduces the amount of fluid that may be lost if pressure relief valve  60  is active during a rest phase. Without bleed valve  62 , tank valve  32  and regulator  40  may both leak, whereby the fluid in storage tank  30  may continuously feed to first line  51  and second line  52 . Given sufficient time, storage tank  30  may entirely empty through pressure relief valve  60 . Regulator  40  may better maintain a seal to substantially or completely limit creep where the downstream pressure is high. Where bleed valve  62  maintains any pressure within second line  52 , regulator  40  may experience limited and improved creep phenomena. The fluid maintained in at least second line  52  may be preserved for later use by the system, rather than lost to unintended leakage. Furthermore, the release of fluid during a startup phase in excess of the release pressure occurs within a known period of time and location, thereby allowing the system or user to make adequate accommodations. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the energy requirement for opening tank valve  32  is reduced. For example, the pressure in first line  51  is maintained by preventing pressure relief valve  60  to vent the fluid leaked via regulator creep. Where the volume of first line  51  is large in comparison to the volume of second line  52 , the leak of fluid via regulator creep may not significantly reduce the pressure in first line  51  as long as second line  52  is contained by system isolation valve  50  and bleed valve  62 . Thus, the energy requirement for opening tank valve  32  may be reduced because the pressure downstream (i.e., in first line  51 ) of tank valve  32  is substantially similar to the pressure upstream (i.e., from storage tank  30 ). 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, the energy requirement for opening system isolation valve  50  is also reduced. Because the pressure in second line  52  may be reduced to the release pressure, as disclosed herein, the pressure upstream of system isolation valve  50  (i.e., in second line  52 ) is brought closer to the pressure downstream of system isolation valve  50  (i.e., in third line  53 , which pressure may be zero). 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, systems and methods of the present disclosure may mitigate issues relating to leak of both regulator  40  and tank valve  32 . As disclosed herein, when system isolation valve  50  and bleed valve  62  are closed, the fluid within second line  52  may be contained. Thus, undesirable loss through pressure relief valve  60  during a rest phase may be avoided even where both regulator  40  and tank valve  32  leak the fluid from storage tank  30  into second line  52 . 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, reducing the energy requirements during operation of one or more valves of a system may improve energy efficiency of the system. Furthermore, reducing creep resistance requirements of one or more regulators may improve cost efficiency by allowing implementation of devices that are not entirely creep resistant. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, bleed valve  62  may be configured to be capable of opening under a maximum differential pressure occurring within the system. For example, bleed valve  62  may be capable of opening at a differential equal to a maximum fill pressure of storage tank  30 . Bleed valve  62  may be provided with a current drive as needed to operate under such conditions. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, system isolation valve  50  may be configured to selectively contain at least maximum upstream pressure corresponding to the maximum pressure occurring within the system. For example, system isolation valve  50  may be capable of containing an upstream pressure equal to a maximum fill pressure of storage tank  30 . System isolation valve  50  may further be configured to open at the release pressure. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, pressure sensors of the system, such as high pressure sensor  33  or low pressure sensor  42 , may be configured to operate and sustain the maximum pressure occurring with the system (e.g., a maximum fill pressure of storage tank  30 ). 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, adequate control systems and devices may be provided in connection with relevant components to monitor the system, control operation thereof, and interface with a user or other systems. Such control systems may store, process, and communicate operation parameters, commands, data, and information relating to the system. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, any given device or component of the present disclosure may be provided in plurality through the system. For example, multiple valves, etc. may be provided in series or parallel to provide customizable results. By further example, multiple storage tanks  30  may be provided and connected to a common line leading to a destination, as shown in Appendix A, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth herein. 
     According to aspects of at least one exemplary implementation, where pressures are disclosed herein, such pressures may represent absolute pressure values or pressure values relative to a reference point, such as atmospheric pressure, as those skilled in the art will recognize. 
     Aspects of exemplary implementations disclosed herein are intended to be capable of combination, separation, and exchange with other aspects of exemplary implementations disclosed herein, except where expressly stated otherwise. 
     While the method and agent have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred exemplary implementations, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed exemplary implementations. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all exemplary implementations of the following claims. 
     It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. It should be understood that this disclosure is intended to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system and in both method and apparatus modes. 
     Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an exemplary implementation of any apparatus exemplary implementation, a method or process exemplary implementation, or even merely a variation of any element of these. 
     Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. 
     Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. 
     It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. 
     Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. 
     Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in at least one of a standard technical dictionary recognized by artisans and the Random House Webster&#39;s Unabridged Dictionary, latest edition are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Finally, all referenced listed in the Information Disclosure Statement or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference; however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s), such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s). 
     In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant has presented claims with initial dependencies only. 
     Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. 
     To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular exemplary implementation, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative exemplary implementations. 
     Further, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “compromise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. 
     Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive forms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.