Abstract:
A waste compaction system for a vehicle includes a moveable trolley for storing waste, and a docking station integratable into a cabin monument for inserting the trolley. The trolley includes a housing having an opening for inserting waste, a vacuum waste compacting mechanism inside the housing and a first suction port accessible from outside the housing, the first suction port being couplable with the vacuum waste compacting mechanism. The docking station and the trolley are adapted to each other such that the trolley is engageable with the docking station, and wherein the docking station includes a second suction port couplable with a suction line in the vehicle and the first suction port. Resultantly, a lightweight and efficient waste compaction system is provided, which allows moving the trolley for collecting waste inside a cabin of the vehicle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a waste compaction system for a vehicle, a cabin monument for a vehicle having such a waste compaction system and to a vehicle having at least one such waste compaction system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In large passenger vehicles, in particular aircraft for long haul flights, passenger capacities tend to be ever increasing, while at the same time the efficiency of the available space inside the cabin is more and more improved. For example, cabin monuments, such as galleys and lavatories, are increasingly space efficient and allow the integration of an optimized amount of passenger seats. Besides storing food and other items it is mandatory to provide sufficient space for collecting waste. 
         [0003]    Waste may arise from meal packages and other used items from the passengers. Simply collecting waste would lead to a plurality of bulky plastic bags, which need to be stored safely. To improve the waste collection and storage, it is known to use waste compaction systems, which may compact bulky plastic bags containing meal packages, etc. into compact and easily storable waste packages. 
         [0004]    The most common approach for waste compaction systems in civil aircraft is based on electromechanical waste compactors, which are rather powerful but comprise a high weight due to the mechanical components such as motor, gears, supports and bearings. Further, a large part of the available space in a half size or full size trolley may be allocated for the compaction mechanism, such that only a reduced amount of waste is collectable with this trolley. Further, due to the weight of the compaction mechanism, the waste compactor is usually a fixed part of the galley and cannot be moved through the cabin. The available space for waste collection and storage is low and the reliability of electromechanical waste compactors may be insufficient. 
         [0005]    It is further known to use vacuum-based waste compactors, which comprise vacuum pumps in the waste compactor trolley unit that comprise a sleeve or hull surrounding a waste bag, which sleeve or hull is evacuated and thereby presses the waste bag to a compact package. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    For the ease of use and an increased waste collection capacity it may be desired to provide a waste compaction system having movable trolleys with an as large capacity as possible and, at the same time, a least possible weight. Consequently, an aspect of the invention proposes an alternate waste compaction system for a vehicle with a movable trolley and a least possible weight. 
         [0007]    Proposed is a waste compaction system for a vehicle, comprising a movable trolley for storing waste, a docking station integratable into a cabin monument for inserting the trolley, wherein the trolley comprises a housing having an opening for inserting waste, at least one vacuum waste compacting mechanism inside the housing and a first suction portion accessible from outside the housing, the first suction port being couplable with the at least one vacuum waste compacting mechanism. The docking station and the trolley are adapted to each other such that the trolley is engageable with the docking station and the docking station comprises a second suction portion couplable with a suction line in the vehicle and the first suction port. 
         [0008]    The movable trolley may be a modified full size or half size trolley, which is a cart having lockable wheels for transport inside the cabin. The trolley comprises an opening that enables a cabin attendant to walk through the cabin and to insert waste, such as meal boxes, etc. 
         [0009]    The docking station is the counterpart to the movable trolley and is adapted to the outer shape of the trolley, which may be attached to, inserted into, rest against, etc. the docking station in a docking position. In this docking position, the first and the second suction port are coupleable with each other, such that a connection between a suction line in the vehicle and the vacuum waste compacting mechanism inside the trolley housing may be accomplished. 
         [0010]    Generally, all known vacuum waste compacting mechanisms may be used, which depend on a suction of air. Ideally, the suction line is already present in the vehicle and thus does not require any additional components for the operation of the waste compaction system. For example, the suction line belongs to a toilet vacuum system, i.e. an on-board water and waste system, of a lavatory unit or module, which may be integrated in the same galley as the waste compaction system or in another monument, while a suction line may run through the monument carrying the waste compaction system. 
         [0011]    For activating the compaction process, the suction line is to be coupled with the interior of the compaction sleeve. It is advantageous to conduct this using a common or modified flush valve known from lavatory units, which flush valve may be located between the suction line and the second suction port. The flush valve may be controlled through a control means, which is positioned in the vicinity of the docking station, such as a button in combination with a display or monitoring unit. 
         [0012]    To sum up, the waste compaction system according to an embodiment of the invention allows an efficient waste compaction, provides a large collection space for waste and does not require any heavy weight components, that require a large installation space. 
         [0013]    In an advantageous embodiment, the vacuum waste compacting mechanism comprises a compaction sleeve, which extends from a bottom of the trolley housing to a movable upper frame facing to the opening of the trolley. The compaction sleeve is to be considered a bag that basically extends through the whole trolley in a vertical direction, i.e. from a bottom to a top. The top is delimited by the movable upper frame. The intention in providing such a compaction sleeve is to provide a hull, which surrounds, i.e. encloses a waste bag and provides a compaction through sucking off air from the compaction sleeve. It goes without saying, that the compaction sleeve is coupled with the bottom of the trolley in an airtight manner, such that by inducing a suction in the compaction sleeve, air is not drawn through the bottom of the trolley into the compaction sleeve. 
         [0014]    In a preferred embodiment, the compaction sleeve comprises two flat, rigid plates integrated into two lateral surfaces of the compaction sleeve, wherein the plates are dimensioned such that by evacuating the compaction sleeve the plates approach each other substantially parallel. The rigid plates may be made from any suitable material, which allows compression of the waste without damages to the plates. Further, the plates should comprise an as low weight as possible. For example, a fiber reinforced plastic material suggests itself, which may comprise a matrix material, such as a phenolic resin, as well as fibers made from carbon, kevlar, glass, etc. The integration of the rigid plates into the compaction sleeve may be accomplished through various different measures. For example, the rigid plates may be placed inside the compaction sleeve, i.e. into the closed and sealed compaction sleeve. The plates may at least partially be glued to an inner surface of the compaction sleeve for easily maintaining their positions. Still further, the rigid plates may also be attached to an outside of the compaction sleeve. However, in this case a sturdy connection between the plates and the compaction sleeve is desired. Still further, the plates may be an integral part of the compaction sleeve. This may be accomplished by using at least two layers in the setup of the compaction sleeve, wherein the plates are placed between two subsequent layers. Also, the compaction sleeve may be interrupted by a recess and the plates may be rigidly attached to the delimiting edges of the plates. Besides gluing, the plates may be also attached to the compaction sleeve by other suitable bonding methods, if their attachment is necessary. 
         [0015]    In this context, the first suction port is coupled with the interior of the compaction sleeve through an opening in at least one of the compaction sleeve and the bottom of the trolley in an advantageous embodiment. Preferably, the evacuation is caused by a vacuum application on the lower side of the trolley, as an interface carrying the first suction port may be attached in a defined, exact position, to which the second suction port may easily be adapted. This position may be any one of a lateral, lower or upper position on any delimiting face of the trolley. 
         [0016]    The first suction port may also be coupled with the interior of the compaction sleeve through an opening in or near a top, front, back or lateral face, if desired. However, the position of the interface carrying the first suction port may be independent from the opening in the compaction sleeve, such that a duct extends from the interface to the opening in the compaction sleeve. 
         [0017]    In another advantageous embodiment, the trolley further comprises a ventilation frame, which is insertable into an interior area section of the movable upper frame, wherein the ventilation frame comprises ventilation openings and is adapted for holding a waste bag, such that the waste bag is enclosed by the compaction sleeve, and for providing air exchanged between the waste bag and a volume enclosed by the compaction sleeve. The ventilation frame conducts two functions. The first function is to hold a waste bag, which is inserted through the opening into the trolley, especially through clamping the waste bag between the ventilation frame and the upper frame. By applying a suction to the compaction sleeve, air is sucked from the compaction sleeve into the suction line. As the waste bag also comprises air it is necessary to draw off the air from the waste bag. This is conducted through ventilation openings, through which air from the waste bag may enter the compaction sleeve. 
         [0018]    Advantageously, the waste bag comprises a closure means that is adapted to close the waste bag in an airtight manner, wherein the waste bag comprises at least one check valve that is adapted to dispose of air from the inside of the waste bag into the surrounding of the waste bag. This allows to easily dispose of air from inside the waste bag during compaction. Due to the airtight seal through the closure means a compact package with compacted waste results, which does not expand itself after releasing the compaction sleeve. 
         [0019]    Still further, at least one tension belt surrounds at least one of a bottom part and the upper frame for clamping the compaction sleeve to the at least one of a bottom part and the upper frame. Between the bottom part and/or the upper frame and the compaction sleeve appropriate sealing material is placed so as to provide an airtight seal. 
         [0020]    Advantageously, the opening of the trolley housing is positioned in the movable frame. Hence, the movable frame provides an upper delimitation of the usable space in the trolley and a further component having a dedicated opening is not necessary. Also, since the upper frame is movable, a sealing between the upper frame and another component carrying the opening is not necessary. 
         [0021]    For a simpler application of the trolley, especially when collecting waste, the upper frame is lockable in at least one position. Hence, when a new waste bag is installed in the trolley, the upper frame may be held in an uppermost position, such that the available space for collecting waste is maximized. For the initiation of a compaction process, the upper frame needs to be unlocked from this uppermost position such that it may freely move inside the trolley housing. 
         [0022]    For allowing the evacuation of the mechanism a cover plate is placeable on the opening in a sealing manner. The opening may be swiveled or moved away in order to allow waste to be inserted into the trolley. By swiveling it back onto the opening, an airtight seal is accommodated. 
         [0023]    Further advantageously, the cover plate may be movably supported and may be fixable in a position that allows to use the cover plate as a tray or placement space for placing items that do not belong into the waste bag, when it does not cover the opening. The cover plate may be swivably supported on one of its lateral edges and may be fixed in a position at a distance of 180° from the closed position, i.e. in a horizontal position. 
         [0024]    In another advantageous embodiment, the first suction port comprises an interface means, which is adapted for selectively coupling and decoupling the first suction port and the second suction port when the trolley engages the docking station. Resultantly, the interface means enables a precise engagement of the trolley and the docking station, such that the first and the second suction port align. The coupling of the suction ports is therefore independent from their alignment. By selectively coupling the suction ports, an operator is able to check whether a correct alignment has been conducted. With the interface means, also a locking function between the first and the second suction port may be accomplished, i.e. the rigid connection between the ports. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the docking station is a receiving space having at least two delimiting walls, wherein one of the at least two delimiting walls carries the second suction port. Such a receiving space may be integrated into a galley, such that it hardly differs from any trolley storage space. Due to the lack of bulky components in the docking station, the docking station may recite next to other trolley spaces and provides for a smooth appearance and an extremely space-efficient way to handle waste in the vehicle. 
         [0026]    At least one of the at least two delimiting walls may comprise at least one guide means for aligning the trolley in the receiving space. Virtually any guide means may be used for guiding the trolley, such that an improved alignment of the two suction ports may be reached. The guide means may thereby use recesses, protrusions, undercuts, dedicated guide rails, distancing elements, end stops, etc. The guide means may also provide for a fixation of the trolley in the inserted position. In this regard, the guide means may comprise a guide rail having an S-shaped profile, which is adapted for pulling and/or clamping the trolley into a tight position relative to the second suction port in a delimiting surface of the receiving space of the docking station. However, for this regard the guide means may also comprise magnetic elements, such as selectively activatable electromagnets. 
         [0027]    Still further, the trolley may comprise a drainage means for disposing of liquids, which are contained in the waste and accumulate in a bottom region of the trolley due to compaction of waste, into the suction line. An excessive accumulation of liquids in a bottom region of the trolley may be prevented, which liquids may drip off the trolley when it is moved inside the cabin. By disposing the liquids off into the suction line, maintaining the trolley may be reduced to a minimum. 
         [0028]    It is further noted that the trolley of the waste compaction system may comprise a separate compaction chamber, in which the compaction sleeve and the movable upper frame are integrated. Separate from this, a storage chamber may additionally be present, in which already compacted waste may be stored. This equally relates to half size and full size trolleys. 
         [0029]    Further, independent from the chosen size of the trolley, an additional compaction chamber may be integrated into the trolley. The second or further additional compaction chamber may comprise a further movable upper frame, while the dimensioning of all upper frames are adjusted to reflect the available space and the desired dimensions of the associated compaction chamber. Hence, the trolley may provide two or more independent compaction chambers allowing to sort waste. 
         [0030]    The invention further relates to a cabin monument, comprising a suction line and a waste compaction system according to the above description. 
         [0031]    Preferably, the cabin monument comprises at least one lavatory unit coupled with the suction line. As in cabin monuments, where a lavatory unit is installed, a suction line is present, the integration of the waste compaction system is simple. 
         [0032]    The invention still further relates to an aircraft, comprising a vacuum system having a suction line, the aircraft further comprising a waste compaction system according to the above description and a cabin monument into which the suction line extends. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    Further characteristics, advantages and application options of the present invention are disclosed in the following description of the exemplary embodiments in the figures. All the described and/or illustrated characteristics per se and in any combination form the subject of the invention, even irrespective of their composition in the individual claims or their interrelationships. Furthermore, identical or similar components in the figures have the same reference characters. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1  shows a trolley in a three-dimensional view. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  shows a trolley inserted into a docking station. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  shows a detailed view from underneath the bottom region of a trolley. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  shows a detail of the docking station. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  shows the trolley from another viewing angle in a three-dimensional view. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 6   a  to  6   c  show the upper frame in detail views. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show the trolley in a waste collection and in a compaction position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  shows a trolley with a compaction sleeve having rigid plates. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show the compaction and the waste bag replacement in flow charts. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0043]      FIG. 1  shows a trolley  2  from a waste compaction system, the trolley comprising a housing  4 , wheels  6  at a bottom region  8 , a first suction port  10 , a compaction sleeve  12  extending from a bottom plate  14  to an upper frame  16  and a guide rail  18  for aligning the trolley  2  in a predetermined spatial relationship to a counterpart of the rail  18 . A locking lever  15  is located at a front side of the trolley  2  for locking or unlocking the upper frame  16 . However, it may be worthwhile to consider a latching function when the upper frame  16  is pulled or moved into an uppermost position through handles  17  on opposite sides of the upper frame, such that the locking lever  15  is merely used for unlocking the upper frame  16 . The trolley  2  is shown in a compaction position, which is explained in the following. 
         [0044]    The compaction sleeve  12  is fixed to the bottom plate  14  in an airtight manner, e.g. through a tension belt surrounding the bottom plate  14  with a sealing material between the compaction sleeve  12  and the bottom plate, and, furthermore, is made from an airtight material. It extends to the upper frame  16  and is attached to the upper frame  16  in an airtight manner, too. For example, the fixation may be accomplished through gasket seals. The upper frame  16  comprises an opening, which is not visible in  FIG. 1  as it is closed by means of a cover plate  20 . The interior region of the compaction sleeve  12  is fluidly couplable with the first suction port  10  after connecting the first suction port  10  with a second suction port through pressing a connection pedal  9  located at a bottom of a front side of the trolley. Hence, by providing a suction force on the first suction port  10 , air is sucked from the interior of the compaction sleeve. Consequently, the compaction sleeve  12  bulges inwardly and pulls down the upper frame  16  into the position shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0045]    Through this method, a waste collection bag inserted into the compaction sleeve will be compacted, as well as all items inside the bag. Hence, through applying a vacuum to the first suction port  10 , waste in the waste bag inserted into the compaction sleeve  12  is compacted. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 2 , the trolley  2  is inserted into a docking station  22 , which is integrated into a galley section  24  and which comprises a second suction port  26  coupled with a suction line  28 . Hence, this constitutes a waste compaction system  30 . 
         [0047]    The docking station  22  comprises a lateral wall  32 , to which a guide rail  34  is attached. This guide rail  34  is adapted for engaging guide rail  18  of the trolley  2 , such that it aligns in a predetermined spatial relationship to the lateral wall  32  and, especially, to the second suction port  26 . 
         [0048]    In a fully inserted position, the first suction port  10  and the second suction port  26  align. In this position, a user may actuate the connection pedal  9  at an edge  36  close to the second suction port  26 , which pedal  9  is coupled with a connection means that connects the first suction port  10  and the second suction port  26  and at the same time holds the trolley  2  in place. The latter function may be accomplished separately through the locking means  15  or through the connection between the suction ports  10  and  26 . 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 3 , a detailed view from underneath the bottom region  8  of trolley  2  is shown. Here, the first suction port  10  is coupled to a duct  38 , which reaches through the bottom panel  14  in an opening  40  thereof. By applying a suction on the first suction port  10 , air is drawn through opening  40  into the suction line  28 .  FIG. 4  shows the docking station  22  without inserted trolley  2  from another viewing angle. Here, the wall  32  is clearly visible, carrying the guide rail  34  at a top end and a further guide rail with a clearly smaller extension  42  at a bottom end in the region of the second suction port  26 . Here, the guide rail  42  is located directly on top of the second suction port  26 . 
         [0050]    Above the bottom panel  14  a grid, sieve or another perforated component may be situated, which allows draining liquids from a waste bag onto the bottom panel  14 . These liquids may accumulate on the bottom panel  14  and are drawn into the duct  38  by coupling with the suction line. 
         [0051]    As visible in  FIG. 4 , the second suction port  26  may comprise a sliding flap  44 , which is adapted for covering the second suction port  26  in case when it is not needed, i.e. when the trolley  2  is not inserted. The sliding flap  44  may be spring-loaded, such that it opens the second suction port  26  automatically, when the trolley  2  is inserted into the docking station  22  and closed, when trolley  2  is pulled out. 
         [0052]    Next to the second suction port  26  and coupled with the duct  28 , a flush valve  46  is arranged. This may be controlled through an operating panel  48  located above docking station  22 . After trolley  2  is inserted into docking station  22 , an operator may press a button on the operating panel  48 , such that the flush valve  46  is opened to provide a suction on the second suction port  26 . 
         [0053]    In a still further view of the waste compaction system  30  from the same viewing angle as docking station  22  in  FIG. 4 , is shown in  FIG. 5 . Here, the trolley  2  is shown in a compaction position, in which a suction is applied to the compaction sleeve  12 . 
         [0054]    In  FIG. 6   a , a detailed view of an upper frame  16  is shown. In the upper frame  16 , a ventilation frame  50  is integrated, which comprises ventilation openings  52  that provide the ability for air to flow through the openings  52  into the compaction sleeve  12 . The ventilation frame  50  allows to clamp a waste bag  54  to the upper frame  16 , which is then enclosed by the compaction sleeve  12 , as visible in  FIG. 6   b.    
         [0055]    When the upper frame  16  is closed by the cover panel  20 , it is close to the surrounding in an airtight manner. However, when the compaction process starts, air from the waste bag  54  may flow into the compaction sleeve  12  through the openings  52 . 
         [0056]    The ventilation frame  50  may be installed in a recess  56  of the upper frame  16 . For allowing air to flow from the waste bag  54  to the compaction sleeve  12  it is desired that an upper delimiting edge  58  of the upper frame  16  protrudes over an upper delimiting surface  60  of the ventilation frame  50 . Air from the waste bag may then flow around the ventilation frame  50  into the respective openings  52 , as indicated by arrows  62 . 
         [0057]    In  FIG. 6   c  the upper frame  16  is shown having a tension belt  13  wrapped around a recess for fastening the compaction sleeve  12 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show the trolley  2  in two different positions.  FIG. 7   a  shows trolley  2  in an uncompacted position, where the upper frame  16  is at an uppermost position in the trolley housing  4 . The compaction sleeve  12  fills the housing  4  completely and it is possible to collect as much waste as possible. 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 7   b , trolley  2  is shown in a compaction position, in which a vacuum is applied to the first suction port  10 , such that air is drawn from compaction sleeve  12 , leading to the upper frame  16  to move downward into the compacted position as shown. For reverting to the upper position of  FIG. 7   a , the upper frame  16  comprises preferably two handles  17  at opposite ends of the upper frame  16 , allowing a user to pull the upper frame  16  upwardly. 
         [0060]    In  FIG. 8 , a still further trolley  3  is shown, which comprises rigid plates  64  on lateral delimiting surfaces of the compaction sleeve  12 . The plates  64  may preferably be placed on interior surfaces of the compaction sleeve  12 . Hence, through evacuating the compaction sleeve  12 , the rigid plates prevent the presence of local bulges formed in the compaction sleeve  12  due to waste objects and exert a much more even and harmonic pressing force on the waste objects in the compaction sleeve. The plates  64  may consist of any material, which is commonly used for lightweight applications and may include fiber-reinforced materials, in particular fibers embedded in phenolic resins, such as CFRP and GFRP, and may also comprise honeycomb cores covered with cover layers. Resultantly, the waste compaction is extremely efficient and at the same time comprises a distinctly low weight. 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  shows a flow chart for the steps conducted during a waste compaction process. First of all, the trolley  2  is removed from the docking station  22  and the cover panel  20  is opened, for example through swiveling it around 270°. The trolley may then be moved through the cabin to collect waste. Afterwards the cover panel  20  is closed by swiveling it back to the top of the upper frame  16 . The trolley  2  is pushed back into the docking station  22   b  sliding into guide rails  34  and  42 . The trolley  2  reaches an operating position and the upper frame  16  may be unlocked through the locking lever  15 . Directly thereafter the pedal  9  for activating the docking mechanism may be pressed and a display or another indicator of the operating panel  48  may be checked, afterwards the compaction process initiated through pressing a compaction button. 
         [0062]    On the system side, the removal of the trolley and the compaction process is shown based on several conditions, such as aircraft in cruise flight condition, trolley  2  installed and latched inside the monuments docking station  22 , consumable waste bag is already installed and empty, suction ports are not connected and upper frame  16  in top position. The compaction system may check whether the trolley  2  reaches an operating position inside the docking station  22 , in which an electrical connection between trolley  2  and the docking station, e.g. for receiving sensor signals representing the position of the upper frame  16 , the position of the locking lever  15  or the pedal  9 . If the trolley  2  is detected to be in a correct position for the connection of the suction ports  10 ,  26 , the system may wait for an “unlock” signal for unlocking the upper frame  16 . This may be indicated in the operating panel  48 . Afterwards, the operating panel may indicated to step on the pedal  9  to complete the docking process, after which the suction ports  10  and  26  are coupled. After indicating that the system is ready for compaction, the compaction process may be initiated through pressing a button. Consequently, the flush valve  46  is opened and air is sucked of from the compaction sleeve  12 . Finally, after the compaction process, which is indicated on the operating panel  48 , the user is made aware that the trolley  2  may be released by releasing the pedal  9  again. 
         [0063]      FIG. 10  finally shows the process of removing the waste bag from the trolley. The suction port connection has to be released by releasing the pedal  9 . The trolley  2  is pulled out of the docking station  22  by sliding along the guide rails  34 ,  42  and the upper frame  16  is pulled into an upmost position by using the handles  17 . The trolley cover panel  20  is opened and e.g. swiveled back around 270°. After removing the ventilation frame  50 , the waste bag can be removed by pulling in an upward direction. After installing a new waste bag the upper ventilation frame  50  may be installed again and the trolley  2  is ready for waste collection. 
         [0064]    On the system side the suction ports  10  and  26  are disconnected when the pedal  9  is released. The upper frame  16  may further be automatically or manually locked or latched in a top position after it has been pulled upwards. The operating panel may indicate that trolley  2  is ready for mobile operation, i.e. waste collection, after the pedal  9  has been released. 
         [0065]    In addition, it should be pointed out that “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and “a” or “an” does not exclude a plural number. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that characteristics or steps which have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference characters in the claims are not to be interpreted as limitations. 
         [0066]    While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.