Abstract:
An image forming apparatus including a light source unit configured to emit a light beam, an optical deflector configured to generate a scanning light beam from the light beam of the light source unit, an optical writer having an optical system configured to guide the scanning light beam from the optical deflector onto a surface to be scanned of image carriers and forming an image thereon: and a memory unit to store a plurality of shading correction data that is configured to correct a light shading caused by a light loss between the light beam and the scanning light beam due to accumulation of dirt on the optical deflector.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile device and a plotter which comprise an optical writer for writing a latent image by irradiating a laser beam onto the surface to be scanned of an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum, and in which the latent image formed on the image carrier is developed using a developer and then successively transferred to a transfer material and fixed by fixing means. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Conventional optical writers of this type are apt to be affected by dust and, for this reason, the housing thereof in which optical components such as a polygon mirror are housed has high airtightness, the assembly thereof being performed in a clean room. 
   Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-066540 discloses an optical writer of a configuration for switching the direction of rotation of a mirror between when a latent image is written on an image carrier and when it is not. In this optical writer, negative pressure is produced on the section of the reflective surface of the mirror toward the rotating direction side from the center thereof and, even if dust and dirt attaches to this section, because the mirror can be rotated in the reverse direction to when a latent image is being written, the dust and dirt attached to the reflective surface to that point can be separated from the reflective surface by exposure to a fast flow of air, whereupon sticking of dirt and dust to the mirror can be prevented without need for a structure in which the mirror is airtight-sealed to be adopted. 
   However, because of the floating toner, paper dust and dust and so on present in the interior of, for example, a laser printer in which an optical writer is commonly mounted, the penetration of at least a minute amount of dust and dirt into the housing is inevitable. As described in detail below, dust and dirt that penetrates the housing attaches to each mirror surface of the polygon mirror from which the optical writer is configured, and the attachment of this dust has a significant effect from the viewpoint of reducing the reflectance thereof. Especially, since mirror surface reflectance differs between the rotation direction end and the opposing direction end thereto of a polygon mirror, a so-called shading correction in which the optical intensity of the laser is changed in accordance with the position in the scan direction is performed, but there is a problem in that, because the shading changes occur frequently, the correction value thereof must be changed just as frequently which, for the operator or serviceman of this optical writer, is a troublesome and inefficient operation. 
   Technologies relating to the present invention are also disclosed in, for example: 
   Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-162585 
   Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-295095 
   Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-329959 
   Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2004-054116 
   Japanese Patent No. 3652238 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   With the foregoing in view, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which, even if dust attaches to the polygon mirror surface over time and a reduction in reflectance occurs, image deterioration can be prevented. 
   In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: light source units; an optical deflector for deflectively scanning light beams from the light source units; an optical writer comprising an optical system for guiding the light from the optical deflector onto the surface to be scanned of image carriers and forming an image thereon; and memory device for storing a plurality of shading correction data in advance. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects, features and advances of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a polygon mirror when rotated at high speed in the clockwise direction; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram showing deterioration of shading characteristics over time; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing the configuration of an optical writer of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the configuration of an LD drive control system; 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of shading correction data; 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the configuration of an optical writer of the second embodiment; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a housing for the optical writer; 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram showing the shading characteristics in two opposing scan directions; 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for storing shading correction data of a different type; 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram showing an example of shading correction data of a different type; 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram showing an example of a 2-stage mirror configuration; 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for executing a prescribed routine following a fixed rotating time of an optical deflector; 
       FIG. 14  is a flow chart of a correction data selection program for executing a prescribed routine following a fixed rotating time of an optical deflector; 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for the executing of a prescribed routine following counting of a fixed number of sheets of paper; 
       FIG. 16  is a flow chart of a correction data selection program for executing a prescribed routine following counting of a fixed number of sheets of paper; 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram showing an example of a structure in which synchronous sensors are provided at the front and rear ends of a scan; 
       FIG. 18  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for executing a prescribed routine when image density difference exceeds a fixed value; 
       FIG. 19  is a flow chart of a correction data selection program for executing a prescribed routine when image density difference exceeds a fixed value; 
       FIG. 20  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for executing a prescribed routine when difference in the light quantity itself exceeds a fixed value; 
       FIG. 21  is a flow chart of a correction data selection program for executing a prescribed routine when difference in the light quantity itself exceeds a fixed value; and 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  are diagrams showing examples of image displays used for confirming switching of a correction pattern. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Prior to describing the present invention, the prior art and related problems thereof will be described. 
   As stated earlier, because of the floating toner, paper dust and dust in the air within the interior of, for example, a laser printer in which an optical writer is mounted, the penetration of at least a minute amount of dust into the housing is inevitable. This being the case, as shown in  FIG. 1 , when a polygon mirror  100  is rotated at high speed in the clockwise direction (in the drawing), a relative airflow is generated on each mirror surface  100   a  and, because the rotation direction ends of the mirror surfaces  100   a  are in shadow of the edge portion of the polygon mirror  100  a negative pressure onto which dust is more liable to be drawn is formed on these sections. On the other hand, a positive pressure from which the dust is more liable to be blown off is formed in the opposing direction ends to the rotation direction ends of each mirror surface  100   a.    
   For this reason, as shown in the drawing, in the rotation direction end of each mirror surface  100   a , a large amount of dust attaches to the center part in the lateral direction of the mirror surface, and while not shown in the drawing, at the opposing end to the rotation direction end a small amount of dust attaches to the two ends thereof in the lateral direction. Moreover, because a laser beam falling incident on the polygon mirror  100  is condensed to the approximate center in the lateral direction of the polygon mirror and, without being condensed, extends over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the polygon mirror, the attachment of this dust has a significant effect in terms of reducing the reflectance thereof. Incidentally, mirror surface  100   a  reflectance differs between the rotation direction end and the opposing direction end in the polygon mirror  100  and a so-called shading correction in which the optical intensity of the laser changes in accordance with scan direction position is performed, but there is a problem in that, because the shading changes occur frequently, the correction value thereof must be changed just as frequently. For the operator or serviceman of this optical writer this is a troublesome and inefficient operation. 
     FIG. 2  shows deterioration of shading characteristics over time. As shown in this drawing, there is a marked deterioration in shading characteristics at negative image height (dirt attached side). Image density irregularity defects are caused by shading deterioration. 
   The present invention, which resolves the problems of the prior art described above, will be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
   First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     FIG. 3  shows the configuration of an optical writer  112  of this embodiment. As shown in the drawing, a light beam emitted from a light source  101  is formed as a substantially parallel light by a collimator lens  102  and condensed in the subscan direction by a cylindrical lens  103  before being deflectively scanned by a polygon mirror  104 . Following this, by way of an imaging lens system comprising an fθ lens  105  and long lens for image plane curvature correction  106 , a latent image is formed on an image carrier  107 . 
   Some of the light beam deflectively scanned by the polygon mirror  104  is reflected by a synchronous detector mirror  108  and condensed by a synchronized detector lens  109  so as to fall incident on an optical sensor  110  which generates a synchronous detection signal. The synchronous detection signal is generated when a light beam falls incident on the optical sensor  110 , and the writing of an image is based on this signal. 
     FIG. 4  shows the configuration of an LD drive control system. As shown in the drawing, a write control unit comprises a correction data memory unit in which the plurality of shading correction data shown in  FIG. 5  is stored in advance. The user or serviceman, by way of an operating panel of an operating unit, is able to select the desired shading correction data from among the plurality of shading correction data stored in the correction data memory unit. 
   By virtue of this, even if dirt attaches to the polygon mirror over time and the shading characteristics for image data writing deteriorate over time resulting in the generation of image defects such as density irregularity, because the user or serviceman is able to select suitable shading correction data, such image defects can be avoided. 
   A second embodiment of the present invention will be hereinafter described. 
   First, a schematic configuration of a common image forming apparatus will be described. 
   An image forming apparatus shown in  FIG. 6  constitutes a full-color image forming apparatus in which, serving as a plurality of image carriers, a plurality of drum-like photo-conductive photosensitive members (hereinafter photosensitive drums)  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4  are juxtaposed, these four photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4  forming images correspondent to, for example, in order from left in the drawing, the colors black (Bk), cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) respectively (the color order is not restricted thereto and may be set as desired). 
   Charging units (charging roller, charging brush, charging charger and so on)  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , an exposure unit for light beams L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , L 4  from an optical writer  5 , developing units (developing devices for each color Bk, C, M and Y)  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 , transfer carry apparatus  22  comprising transfer carry belt  22   a  and transfer means (transfer roller, transfer brush)  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 , and cleaning units (cleaning blade, cleaning brush and so on)  18 ,  19 ,  20   21  and so on are arranged around these four photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4  for implementing image forming based on an electrophotography process, and image forming of each color is able to be performed on each of these photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 . 
   In a more detailed description of the configuration of  FIG. 6 , taking the Z-direction in the drawing as the vertical upper direction and the X- and Y-directions as the horizontal direction, the juxtaposed direction of the four photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3   4  is inclined to the horizontal plane, the transfer carry apparatus  22  is arranged in an incline to the horizontal plane in such a way as to be substantially parallel to the juxtaposed direction of the four photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and the transfer material being fed from the lower side of this inclined direction to the upper side by the transfer carry belt  22   a  and carried successively to the transfer unit of the four photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , a fixing device  26  being arranged in the upper side of the incline direction at the downstream side in the carry direction of the transfer material. In addition, the optical writer  5  is arranged diagonally above the image production unit in which the four photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4  are arranged, and a housing  50  of the optical writer  5  is arranged in an incline to the horizontal plane (X direction in the drawing) so as to be substantially parallel to the juxtaposed direction of the four photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and is fixed to inclined frames  29 ,  30  of the image forming apparatus main body. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , the optical writer  5  comprises four light source units  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 , an optical deflector  62  for splitting the light beams L 1  L 2 , L 3 , L 4  from these light source units in two symmetric directions and deflectively scanning the light beams, an optical system (consisting of optical members such as imaging lens  63 ,  64 ,  69 ,  70 ,  71  and  72 , optical path folding mirrors  65 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68 ,  73 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76 ,  77 ,  78 ,  79 ,  80 ) arranged in the two directions symmetrically about the optical deflector  62  for guiding the plurality of light beams L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , L 4  deflectively scanned by the optical deflector  62  onto the surface to be scanned of correspondent photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and forming images thereon, these constituent members being housed in the single housing  50 . 
   More specifically, as shown also in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8 , the housing  50  comprises a base plate  50 A on which the optical deflector  62  and optical system are arranged, and a frame-shaped sidewall  50 B surrounding the perimeter of the base plate  50 A, the housing  50  being partitioned into top and bottom by the provision of the base plate  50 A in the approximate center of the sidewall  50 B, the four light source units  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  are arranged in the sidewall  50 B of the housing  50  and are juxtaposed in substantially the same direction as the direction of juxtaposition of the photosensitive members, the optical deflector  62  is arranged in the approximate center of the base plate  50 A of the housing  50 , and the optical members (such as imaging lens  63 ,  64 ,  69 ,  70 ,  71 ,  72 , optical path folding mirrors  65 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68 ,  73 ,  74 ,  75 ,  76 ,  77 ,  78 ,  79 ,  80  and so on) from which the optical system is configured are separately arranged in the two surfaces (the upper surface side and the lower surface side) of the base plate  50 A. In addition, covers  87 ,  88  are provided on an upper part and lower part of the housing  50 , openings through which the light beams pass are provided in the cover  87  of the lower part side, and anti-dust glass  83 ,  84 ,  85 ,  86  is affixed to these openings. 
   In the optical writer  5  image data that has been input and color-separated from an original copy reader (scanner) or image data outputter (receiver unit of a personal computer, word processor, facsimile or the like) not shown in the drawing is converted to a light source drive signal and, in accordance therewith, light sources (semiconductor lasers (LD)) of the light source units  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  are driven to emit light beams. The light beams emitted from the light source units  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  pass through optical face tangle error-correcting cylindrical lens  56 ,  57 ,  58 ,  59  and, directly or by way of mirrors  60 ,  61 , arrive at the optical deflector  62  where they are deflectively scanned in the two symmetric directions by 2-stage polygon mirrors  62   a ,  62   b  being rotated at high speed by a polygon motor  62   c  or the like. 
   The light beams, of which two each are deflectively scanned in the two directions by the polygon mirrors  62   a ,  62   b  of the optical deflector  62 , pass through the imaging lens  63 ,  64  respectively which comprise, for example, an fθ lens or the like of an upper/lower 2-layer configuration, are folded by first folding mirrors  65 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68  so as to pass through an opening part of a base plate  51 , and then pass through second imaging lens  69 ,  70 ,  71 ,  72  which comprise, for example, long torodial lens whereupon, by way of a second folding mirrors  73 ,  75 ,  77 ,  79 , third folding mirrors  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80  and anti-dust glass  83 ,  84 ,  85 ,  86 , are irradiated on the surface to be scanned of the photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4  of each color and written as static latent images. 
   Next, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a transfer carry belt  22   a  arranged below the four juxtaposed photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4  spans between a drive roller and a plurality of driven rollers and is carried in the direction shown by the arrow in the drawing by the drive roller. In addition, a plurality of paper feed units  23 ,  24  in which a transfer material such as recording paper is housed is arranged in the lower part of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the transfer material housed in the paper feed units  23 ,  24  is fed to the transfer carry belt  22   a  by way of a paper feed roller, carry roller and resist roller  25  and is supported on and carried by the transfer carry belt  22   a.    
   The latent images formed on the photosensitive drums  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4  by the optical writer  5  are developed and image-converted using the toner of each of the colors of Bk, C, M, Y of the developer units  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 , and these image-converted toner images of each of the colors of Bk, C, M, Y are superposed and transferred in succession onto the transfer material supported on the transfer carry belt  22   a  by transfer means  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17  of the transfer carry device  22 . The transfer material onto which the images of four colors have been transferred is carried to a fixing device  26  and, following the fixing of the images by the fixing device  26 , is carried out onto a paper discharge tray  28  by a paper discharge roller  27 . 
     FIG. 9  shows the shading characteristics in two opposing scan directions when dirt attaches to the polygon mirror over time. In an opposing scan method, because the direction in which the photosensitive member is scanned is the reverse direction, the deterioration in shading characteristics caused by the attachment of dirt is generated in the reverse position of image height. Accordingly, the shading characteristics of all colors cannot be corrected by any one shading correction pattern. 
   As shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 10 , this embodiment comprises a correction data memory unit A and correction data memory unit B for storing shading correction data of different types. The shading correction data of different types shown in  FIG. 11  is stored in the correction data memory unit A and correction data memory unit B. 
   For the LD 3  and LD 4  of  FIG. 9 , selection is made as appropriate from the shading correction data (A) shown in this drawing, while for LD 1  and LD 2  selection is made as appropriate from the shading correction data (B) shown in  FIG. 11 . As a result, even if dirt attaches to the polygon mirror over time and the shading characteristics deteriorate, shading correction can be effectively performed on opposing beams. 
   By virtue of this, even if dirt attaches to the polygon mirror over time and the shading characteristics of the written image data deteriorate resulting in image defects such as image density irregularity, because the user or serviceman is able to select shading correction data suitable for an opposing beam, shading correction can be effectively performed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , it is clear that the amount of attached dirt generated over time in a 2-stage mirror-type polygon scanner such as is shown in  FIG. 12  is larger in an upper-stage mirror and minimal in the lower-stage mirror. For this reason, exactly identical correction data cannot be used in each opposing scan direction. (For example, if shading correction data is determined to ensure that the image density irregularity of the color described by LD 2  (correspondent to the upper-stage mirror) is inconspicuous and this same correction data is applied to LD 1  (correspondent to lower-stage mirror), because the deterioration of the shading characteristics of LD 1  is not as advanced as that of LD 2 , excessive correction sometimes results). 
   Because this embodiment enables correction data to be selected for each individual color, the optimum shading correction data can be selected for each color and shading correction can be more effectively performed. 
   According to the above embodiment, an image forming apparatus can be provided in which, because it comprises memory means for storing a plurality of shading correction data in advance, with selection means to enable desired correction data to be selected from among the plurality of shading correction data stored in advance being provided, even if dirt attaches to the polygon mirror surface and the shading characteristics deteriorate over time resulting in the generation of image defects such as image density irregularity, the user or the serviceman is able to easily select the optimum shading correction data and, as a result, shading correction is effectively performed and image defects can be alleviated. 
   In addition, an image forming apparatus can be provided in which, because it comprises a plurality of light source units, an optical deflector for splitting the plurality of light beams from the plurality of light source units in two symmetric directions and deflectively scanning the light beams, an optical writer arranged in the two directions symmetrically about the optical deflector and comprising an optical system that guides a plurality of light beams deflectively scanned by the optical deflector onto a surface to be scanned correspondent thereto and forms images thereon, and memory means for storing the plurality of shading correction data in advance, with selection means to enable desired selection data to be selected from the plurality of shading correction data stored in advance being provided and correction data of different types and correction data for each color being able to be selected from among the plurality of shading correction data for each of the two directions in which the light beams are split, even if dirt attaches to the polygon mirror surface and the shading characteristics deteriorate over time resulting in the generation of image defects such as image density irregularity and, furthermore, even if the trend in deterioration of the shading characteristics attributable to the adoption of an opposing scan method and a 2-stage mirror is difference for each individual color, shading correction is effectively performed and image defects can be alleviated. 
   In this embodiment, the selection of correction data is implemented as a result of instructions input via an operating panel by the user or serviceman of the device. 
   Incidentally, because the accumulation of dirt and shading changes are related to the rotating time of the polygon mirror, the rotating time may be stored and the correction data altered in accordance with the rotating time. For example, the correction may be performed using the correction pattern  1  of  FIG. 5  and, once the rotating time of the polygon mirror has exceeded 100 hours, it may be shifted to correction pattern  2 . Thereafter, by implementing a control in which the correction pattern is switched to  3 ,  4 ,  5  . . . and so on in this way, the correction pattern is able to be switched without need for the user or serviceman of the device to implement a special operation. 
     FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for executing a prescribed routine following a fixed rotating time of the optical deflector. In addition,  FIG. 14  is a flow chart of a correction data selection program for executing a prescribed routine following a fixed rotating time of the optical deflector. 
   Instead of the rotating time of the polygon scanner, the number of sheets of paper on which images are to be formed may be counted and the correction pattern changed at fixed number intervals. 
     FIG. 15  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for the executing of a prescribed routine following the counting of a fixed number of sheets of paper. In addition,  FIG. 16  is a flow chart of a correction data selection program for executing a prescribed routine following the counting of a fixed number of sheets of paper. 
   On the other hand, the image forming apparatus of the above second embodiment uses photosensors arranged in a plurality of positions in the main scan direction in order to align the images of each color. For example, sensors are used at both ends as shown in  FIG. 17  and, by a comparison of the output voltages taken when the output images are read as being of the same density, a general estimate of the changed state can be attained. When the output difference is fixed, the correction pattern can be switched in a manner compliant with the actual changes in the image using the correction pattern shifting of  FIG. 5 . Although, in this example, the density of the image formed on a so-called transfer belt is measured, the density of the image on the photosensitive drum or of the image transferred onto the paper may be measured. Each of these measurement means have wide application and so a detailed description thereof has been omitted. 
     FIG. 18  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for executing a prescribed routine when image density difference exceeds a fixed value. In addition  FIG. 19  is a flow chart of a correction data selection program for executing a prescribed routine when image density difference exceeds a fixed value. 
   In addition, instead of image density being measured, the switching of the correction pattern may be based on difference in the light quantity itself. 
     FIG. 20  is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for executing a prescribed routine when difference in the light quantity itself exceeds a fixed value. In addition  FIG. 21  is a flow chart of a correction data selection program for executing a prescribed routine when difference in the light quantity itself exceeds a fixed value. 
   While switching of the correction pattern is performed by the automatic switching control of the correction pattern described above without need for implementation of a special operation by the user or serviceman of the device, the switching of the correction pattern may involve the prescribed output of a confirmation message or the like on a display part such as a touch panel or the like, the performing of the correction being based on instructions input via an operating panel by the user or serviceman of the device. 
     FIG. 22  constitutes an example display in the use of operating unit comprising a touch panel  201  with both display and operation function employed in the image forming apparatus. One of either image density difference or light quantity difference is measured and, when this exceeds a fixed value, the message “IS IMAGE DENSITY IRREGULARITY TO BE CORRECTED?” is displayed on the touch panel. Simultaneously, the touch keys “YES” and “NO” are displayed, and by pushing either one the user or the serviceman of the device judges whether or not the correction has been performed. 
     FIG. 23  constitutes an example display when an operating unit comprising a liquid crystal panel  211  comprising only a display function is used. One of either image density difference or the light quantity difference is measured and, when this exceeds a fixed value, a message “IMAGE DENSITY IRREGULARITY HAS BEEN DETECTED, PLEASE PUSH START BUTTON TO PERFORM CORRECTION” is displayed on the liquid crystal panel. Correction is performed only when the start button  212  is pushed. 
   In the replacement of a polygon scanner or optical writer in which switching of correction pattern is automatically performed as described above, the correction pattern is able to be appropriately reshifted by restoration to the initial state of the correction pattern. While a special key may be provided in the operating unit for forming the initial correction pattern, this procedure is generally thought of as being performed by a serviceman and, as such, a special command input or communication means may be employed. 
   According to the present invention, even if dirt attaches to the polygon mirror surface over time and the shading characteristics deteriorate resulting in the generation of image defects such as image density irregularity, because the optimum shading correction data can be easily selected by the user or servicemen, shading correction can be efficiently performed. 
   Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure without departing form the scope thereof.