Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a vent filter for a waste tank system is provided having a housing which eliminates or reduces the amount of bypass of odorous air moving through the vent system and precludes the odorous air from escaping without passing through filtering material. The housing includes a region wherein the cross-sectional area is reduced, inhibiting bypass of odorous gas past the filtering material.

Description:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     None. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC. 
     None. 
     CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Present embodiments generally pertain to a vent filter for marine or recreational vehicle use. More particularly, present embodiments relate to a vent filter for use with waste tanks wherein the vent filter prevents gas from bypassing filtering material within the housing. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Recreational and marine vehicles utilize waste tanks which are plumbed into fluid communication with bathrooms aboard these vehicles and collect waste therefrom. These structures are vented to atmosphere to allow flow of air and water through the system, therefore providing proper operation. Since these structures are vented, it is desirable to reduce, or eliminate completely, the smell which emanates from the vent structure from interfering with enjoyable use of the boat, the RV, camper, or surrounding area. 
     In order to remove these odors, vent line filters have been desirable to connect in line with the waste system vent line. For example, boat owners can use onboard waste holding tanks to the extent the waste system will operate with minimal inconvenience and without offensive odor. The filter utilizes some filtration material therein which absorbs or filters odors from the air passing through the vent line and scrubs the air to reduce the smell which is vented from the waste system. 
     During operation, a volume of gas is forced from the holding or waste tank equal to the volume of waste/water entering the holding tank. The volume of gas moves through the vent filter when new waste/water is added to the tank or during changes in atmospheric pressure associated with temperature or altitude. 
     If vent filters are mounted in a horizontal position and include the filtering particulate therein, the result may be that particulate material settles within the housing. As this occurs, air is capable of bypassing the filtration material between the filtering particulate and the housing. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to overcome these and other deficiencies in known waste tank filters. More particularly, it would be desirable to limit gas from bypassing filtering material in the vent filter. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some embodiments, a vent filter for a waste tank system is provided having a housing which eliminates or reduces the amount of bypass of odorous air moving through the vent system and precludes the odorous air from escaping without passing through filtration material. 
     According to some embodiments, a vent filter for a holding tank may comprise a vent filter housing having a first axial end and a second axial end. The vent filter housing may be defined by a wall which is substantially rigid. A flow path may extend between the first axial end and the second axial end, the first axial end and the second axial end having at least a first cross-sectional dimension. An intermediate location may be between the first axial end and a second axial end. The intermediate location may be between the first axial end and the second axial end may have a second cross-sectional dimension. The second cross-sectional dimension may be less than the first cross-sectional dimension. A filter material may be disposed in the flow path and fully covering the flow path at the intermediate location when the housing is in a substantially horizontal configuration. 
     Optionally, the vent filter may further comprise a biasing structure forcing the filter material toward the intermediate location where the second cross-sectional dimension is reduced. The housing may have a curved sidewall between the first axial end and the second axial end. Alternatively, the vent filter housing may have a linear sidewall extending between the first axial end and the second axial end. A fitting may be located at the first axial end of the housing. A second fitting may be located at the second axial end of the housing. The first and second fittings may be engaged by caps. The caps may be removable. 
     According to some embodiments, a vent filter for a holding tank may comprise a vent filter housing defining a flow path extending between a first axial end and a second axial end. The vent filter housing may have a substantially rigid sidewall extending between the first axial end and the second axial end. A sealing cap assembly may be located at ends of the vent filter housing. A filter material may be located between the first axial end and the second axial end. The first and second axial ends may have at least one first cross-sectional shape and an area, and may have an intermediate location of the flow path wherein a second cross-sectional area is disposed between the first and second axial ends. The second cross-sectional area may be less than the first cross-sectional area, such that the filter material covers the flow path at the intermediate location. A biasing structure may be within the vent filter and applying a substantially axially directed force on the filter material. 
     Optionally, the cross-sectional shape may be circular or polygon shaped. The housing may have a single cross-sectional shape between the first axial end and the second axial end. A reduction in cross-sectional area at the intermediate location inhibits gas in the flow path from bypassing the filter material. The sealing cap assemblies having a nozzle at each of the first and second axial ends. The nozzle may be stepped of at least two diameters. Alternately, the nozzle may be tapered. As a further alternative, the nozzle may have a threaded portion for connection of a threaded hose. 
     According to still other embodiments, a vent filter may comprise a housing having a first nozzle at a first end and a second nozzle at a second end. A flow path may extend between the first end and the second end. The flow path may reduce in cross-sectional area between an input at one of the first end and the second end and an intermediate location of the flow path. The intermediate location may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the input. A particulate filter material may be disposed in the flow path and may cover the flow path at the intermediate location to inhibit gas from bypassing the particulate filter material. 
     Optionally, the particulate filter material may be activated carbon. The vent filter may further comprise a biasing structure within the housing to bias the particulate filter material toward the intermediate location. 
     All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the vent filter may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims, and drawings included herewith. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of the vent filter will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of the vent filter will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary vent filter for use in a marine or recreational vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the vent filter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side section view of the exemplary vent filter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an axial end view of an exemplary vent filter; 
         FIG. 5  is a side section view of an alternate embodiment of a vent filter; 
         FIG. 6  is an axial end view of an alternate vent filter embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is an end view of an alternate vent filter embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a vent filter with an alternative fitting; and, 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of the vent filter in fluid communication with a waste tank. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the vent filter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout several views, there are shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , various embodiments of a waste tank vent filter. The waste tank vent filter comprises a housing which is shaped to preclude gaps from forming between the housing walls and the filtration material inside when the housing is arranged in a horizontal orientation for use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a waste tank vent filter  10  is depicted. The vent filter  10  includes a housing  20  having a first end  12  and a second end  14  which define axial ends of the filter  10  and a gas flowpath  18  therebetween. A filter axis A extends between the first end and the second end  12 ,  14 . One of the first end  12  or second end  14  may define an inlet and the other of the ends  12 ,  14  may define an outlet. With brief reference to  FIG. 9  for context, the vent filter  10  is connected by piping, tubing or other flow structure for fluid communication with a waste tank  16  and scrubs waste gas exiting the waste tank  16  before the waste gas exits the system to atmosphere. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the vent filter  10  is mounted horizontally, according to at least one embodiment, as will be discussed further herein. 
     Extending from the first end  12  is a nozzle fitting  40  and oppositely, a second nozzle fitting  42  at the second end  14  of the vent filter  10 . The nozzle fittings  40 ,  42  are captured on the housing  20  by a cap  50  at the first end  12  and a cap  52  at the second end  14 . 
     The housing  20  extends between the caps  50 ,  52 . The housing  20  includes a first housing end  22  and a second housing end  24 . A sidewall  26  defines the housing  20  between the housing ends  22 ,  24 . The sidewall  26  is circular in cross-section according to the first embodiment although cross-sectional shapes may be utilized. At the housing ends  22 ,  24  of the housing  20 , the circular cross-section is of at least a first radius and the housing  20  has a midpoint  28  which is of a lesser radius than the housing ends  22 ,  24 . As a result, the housing sidewall  26  is curved along the axial direction between the midpoint  28  and the housing ends  22 ,  24  or between housing ends  22 ,  24  and through the midpoint  28 . As will be discussed further, the curvature is not the only form of radius reduction which may be utilized. The housing  20  may be shaped so as to decrease cross-sectional area alternatively by linear tapering rather than curvature. 
     The outer housing ends  22 ,  24  of the housing  20  have a first radius r 1  as depicted in the figure. The midpoint  28  comprises a second radius r 2  which is less than r 1 . Although the second radius r 2  is depicted at the midpoint  28 , the second radius r 2  which may be disposed at various locations other than the midpoint  28  in order to accomplish the goal of creating a neck or area where filtering material is compacted and precludes bypass leakage of odorous air from the waste tank through the vent filter  10 . 
     The housing  20  may be formed of various materials. According to one embodiment, the housing  20  may be formed of a polyethylene, for example a blow molded polyethylene. Other materials may be utilized in order to provide a substantially rigid housing  20  which has very limited flexing. The housing ends  22 ,  24  of the housing  20  may include gripping aids  30  which are integrally formed. According to the instant embodiment, the gripping aids  30  formed on the housing  20  is defined by one or more notches or indentations which allow for fingers to grasp the housing  20 . These gripping aids  30  are utilized to hold the housing  20  still while the caps  50 ,  52  are removed or applied. Additionally, the gripping aids are utilized by a bracket  31  ( FIG. 2 ) in order to retain the vent filter in position. The bracket  31  may be connected to a wall or other fixed structure and includes fingers  32  which are biased to seat within the gripping aids  30 . The fingers  32  may flex to allow them to be seated within the gripping aids  30 . Depending on the orientation of the bracket  31 , the vent filter  10  may be oriented in a horizontal direction according to some embodiments. 
     Similarly, the caps  50 ,  52  may include cap gripping aids  54  disposed about the circumferential surface of the caps  50 ,  52 . These cap gripping aids  54  are for aid in twisting the caps or end nuts  50 ,  52  and not necessarily related to the bracket  31 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded perspective view of the waste tank vent filter  10  is shown. Starting at the first end  12  is the cap  50  and the nozzle fitting  40  and o-ring  60 . According to the instant embodiment, the cap  50  is generally circular in shape having a cap wall  53  from which the gripping aids  54  extend. The cap wall  53  may taper or step down to a top wall  57  having an opening  56 . The opening  56  allows passage of the nozzle  40 ,  42  therethrough. Opposite the top wall  57 , the cap wall  53  includes some threads or other connection structure  58 . This allows connection to housing  20 . 
     The opening  56  is defined by a top wall  57  to allow passage of the nozzle fitting  40 ,  42 . The cap  50  is attached to the housing  20  and tightens against the housing  20  in order to provide a retaining fit for the nozzle fitting  40 ,  42  on the housing  20 . However, the cap  50  may be removed to remove and replace the filtration center section or housing  20 . 
     The nozzle fitting  40 ,  42  is received at the housing end  22  and allows for fluid communication from within the housing  20  to a pipe or tube which is connected to the nozzle fitting  40 ,  42 . Each nozzle fitting  40 ,  42  includes a flange  44  and a first cylindrical cap portion  46  which may have threads along an interior surface or may include a smooth wall upon which the o-ring  60  may engage. The flange  44  is seated on a surface at the housing end  22  so that a seal may be created. Alternatively, or in addition, a seal may be created by the o-ring  60  or at another location between the housing end  22  and the nozzle fitting  40 . A connector or threaded portion  48  extends from the cap portion  46 . The threaded portion  48  is shown as a stepped structure having a first diameter  47  and a second diameter  49 . The threaded portion  48  has at least two steps so that tubes of varying diameters may be connected to the nozzle fitting  42  to provide increased operability of the vent filter  10 . However, alternative embodiments may utilize a tapered connection or other fastening connection. For example, with reference to  FIG. 8 , alternative nozzle fittings  140 ,  142  are depicted having threaded connection. These fittings may be utilized with a garden hose for example, rather than tubing material. The nozzle fittings  140 ,  142  include a flange  144  and a cap portion  146  extending therefrom. One of the flange  144  and the cap portion  146  define a sealing surface along which a seal is formed. For example o-ring  60  may seal along the inner surface of cap portion  146 . Extending from an end of cap portion  146 , opposite the flange  144 , is a threaded portion  148  including at least one thread  149  extending from an end  147  toward the cap portion  146 . The threaded portion  148  allows for connection of a garden hose type fitting and hose to provide for venting to atmosphere, rather than a tube. 
     At the housing end  22  a plurality of threads or other fastening structures  70  are located. This allows engagement of the cap  50  and capture of the nozzle fitting  40  thereon. A nipple  80  extends from an end surface of the housing end  22  and provides a flow communication aperture  82  into the interior of the housing  20 . A groove  84  is located along the nipple  80  to seat the o-ring  60  and allow for engagement with the nozzle fitting  40 . 
     The fastening structures  70  located at the housing end  22  may be continuous or may be discontinuous to allow the cap  50  to slide on in an axial direction and be rotated to lock. Alternatively, the surface of the housing end  22  may include indentions which allow for a male thread on the cap  50  to engage. This structure may be a twist lock or other such feature to allow removal of the cap  50  and replacement of filtering material located within the housing  20 . Further, in some embodiments, the cap  50  may not be removable. 
     The opposite housing end  24  of the housing  20  is similar to the first end  22  and therefore, is not discussed for reasons of repetitiveness. 
     Beneath the housing  20 , the bracket  31  is shown. The bracket  31  may be fastened to a wall or other static structure and includes fingers  32 . The fingers  32  extend about the housing ends  22 ,  24  to engage gripping aids  30  with detents at ends of the fingers  32 . However this is merely one embodiment and various means may be utilized to retain the housing  20  in the bracket  31 . The bracket  31  may be mounted in various configurations, but according to one embodiment the bracket  31  is mounted so that an arm  33  is mounted horizontally, wherein the vent filter housing  20  is also mounted horizontally. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side section view of the vent filter  10  is depicted in an assembled construction. The housing  20  includes the nozzle fitting  40 ,  42  positioned on the nipple  80 . The nozzle fitting  40 ,  42  is engaged by an o-ring  60  located in groove  84  which extends about the nipple  80 . The nozzle fitting  40 ,  42  is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing  20  wherein a plurality of filter material  90  is located. Once the cap  50  is applied over the nozzle fitting  40 ,  42 , the fitting  40 ,  42  is captured and sealed at the first housing end  22  and second housing end  24  of the housing  20 . 
     As shown extending between the first end  22  and the second end  24  of the housing  20 , a sidewall  26  is located wherein a first diameter d 1  is disposed at or near the first and second housing ends  22 ,  24  of the housing  20 . The first and second housing ends  22 ,  24  may be of equivalent radius or alternatively, may be of differing radiuses. The filtering material may be a carbon filtration particulate, such as for non-limiting example activated carbon. The term “particulate” is meant to include various shapes and sizes of small granular or pelletized filtering material. This may include all of a single size or of particulate of various sizes within one or more ranges. In operation, the particulate or filtering material  90  generally settles downwardly from the upper sidewall  26  due to gravity and over a period of time. However, present embodiment shows that at the midpoint  28  of the housing  20 , a second radius or diameter d 2  is less than the first radius d 1  at the first and second housing ends  22 ,  24 . So that the particulate or filtering material  90  does not form a gap with the sidewall  26 . The elimination of a gap between the sidewall  26  and the filtering material  90  at the midpoint  28  necessitates that odorous air passing from a first end to a second end  12 ,  14  of the vent filter  10  must pass through the filtering material  90 . As a result, even over a period of time where normal settling occurs, the filtering material  90  will extend fully between the necked area for example at the midpoint  28  so as to preclude any bypass of odorous air or gas. 
     As depicted in the figure, a biasing structure  34  is depicted. According to instant embodiments, the biasing structure  34  may be formed of a foam material which is squeezed to reduce its volume and inserted through apertures  82  ( FIG. 2 ). Upon insertion of the spring or biasing structure  34 , the ends of the housing  20  are blocked so that filtration material  90  cannot escape or leak from the housing  20 . For example, the biasing structure  34  may be squeezed and inserted at a first end. Next the filtering material  90  is filled at an opposite end of the housing and a second biasing structure  34  is inserted to enclose the particulate in the housing  20 . 
     The biasing structure  34  applies an axial force to the filtering material  90 . The axial forces cause the filtering material  90  to be forced toward the midpoint  28  of the housing  20  from both housing ends  22 ,  24 . This provides that the filtration material  90  extends to the midpoint  28  where the cross-sectional dimension d 2  is decreased. In this midpoint area, the particulate volume is such that its cross sectional area is at least sized to be equal to the midpoint cross-section and no gaps are formed between the housing sidewall  26  and the filtering material  90 , even upon settling of the filtering material  90  over time and when the housing  20  is in a horizontal configuration. This arrangement ensures that the gases from the waste tank must be filtered and cannot bypass the particulate filtration material  90 . 
     The biasing structure  34  may be formed of various materials including but not limited to resilient foams. Metallic springs and other structures may additionally be utilized. Additionally, the biasing structure may take various shapes. For example in some embodiments, the biasing structure may have a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the spring may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as square, rectangular or other polygons. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the spring need not match the cross-sectional shape of the housing  20 . The biasing structures  34  may apply force to the filter material  90  regardless of shape so that the filter material  90  is urged toward the reduced dimension portion of the housing  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an end view is depicted of the vent filter  10 . In this embodiment, the biasing structure  34  is removed so that the filtering material  90  may be seen. The threaded portion  48  of the nozzle fitting  42  is shown extending from the housing first end  22 . The axial end view shows the filtering material  90  positioned within the housing  20 . As depicted, the filtering material  90  is fully covering the flow path within the housing  20  and requiring that the odorous gas pass therethrough. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6  an alternate construction is shown wherein a vent filter  110  is depicted having an alternate housing construction  120 . The housing construction has a decreasing dimension along the axial direction as with the previous embodiment. However, the housing  120  is tapered in a linear fashion in the depicted embodiment rather than curved. Alternatively, at least one sidewall  126  may be curved as well to change from the outer dimension to the smaller dimension near the midpoint  128  of the housing  120 . 
     As viewed in the axial end view of  FIG. 6 , a further alternative vent filter  210  embodiment is depicted wherein the housing  220  has a square cross-section. Again, the biasing structure  34  is removed for viewing of the filtering material  90  therein. The axial end view shows the filtration material  90  extends entirely across the opening depicted at or near the midpoint  228  of the instant embodiment. With this cross-section, the sidewalls  226  may be linearly tapered or may be curved to the smaller dimension. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a further alternative embodiment is shown with the biasing structure  34  removed. The vent filter  310  has a substantially triangular shaped housing  320 . As depicted, the cross-sectional shape reduces in perimeter along an axial dimension. This may be linearly or curved reduction. However, it should be understood that various profiles may be utilized to create the housing such that the dimension at the ends of the housing  320  is less than that of the dimension at the midpoint  328  or at some point between the ends. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the cross-sectional shape does not need to be consistent across the axial length of the housing. For example, the housing structure may be molded or otherwise formed so that the ends of the housing have at least one cross-sectional shape and the midpoint or other location between the ends where the perimeter dimension is smaller may be of a second cross-sectional shape. 
     The filtering material or particulate  90  may comprise an activated carbon to adsorb odors. Adsorption, as opposed to absorption, is when organic molecules bond to the internal pores of the activated carbon. This occurs in pores slightly larger than the molecules that are being adsorbed. The molecules of the waste gas become wrapped in the pores. The volume of carbon needed to remove the odorous gas over time is partially based on filter size, shape and the size of the holding tank and quantity and organic content of the waste water therein. Additionally, environmental factors may affect the amount of activated carbon utilized as well as the time that the carbon will function. The activated carbon may come from various sources including, but not limited to, nut shells, peat, wood, coir, lignite, coal and petroleum pitch. Various processes may be utilized to convert these materials into powder, granules and other physical forms. 
     While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. 
     All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. 
     Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc. 
     It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited. 
     In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03. 
     The foregoing description of several methods and an embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.