Abstract:
A system for aligning a camera view and the illumination of a lighting fixture is disclosed. The system includes a camera contained with a housing and a lighting fixture that is pivotedly attached to the housing. An angle adjuster attached to a proximate end of each of the housing and the lighting fixture converts a linear movement to the adjuster into an angular adjustment of the lighting fixture with regard to an optical axis of a camera contained with the housing. In another aspect of the invention, the system of aligning a camera view and light fixture may be attached to a magnification lenswear and a focal point of the magnification lenswear may be aligned with the aligned camera view and the illumination of the lighting fixture.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims, pursuant to 35 USC 120, as continuation-in-part, priority to, and the benefit of the earlier filing date of, that patent application entitled “System for Camera Viewing and Illumination Alignment,” filed on Nov. 22, 2013 and afforded Ser. No. 14/087,322, the content of which is incorporated by reference, herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present application relates to the field of optical magnification devices and more particularly to a system for alignment of a camera viewed with magnification devices with a light source. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    Video cameras continue to become smaller and more useful in recording events as they occur. In the field of surgery, for example, doctors use video recording to record operations for subsequent viewing by students, for learning purposes, and insurance companies, for malpractice avoidance. 
         [0006]    Generally, the video cameras that are used are mounted to the doctor&#39;s head or glasses to provide a view of what the doctor is seeing. In addition, a light may also be attached to the video camera in order to light the area in which the user is viewing. 
         [0007]    However, when the doctor is performing microsurgery or dental surgery, magnification devices are typically employed. These magnification devices generally limit the doctor&#39;s view to a very small area. In this case, any misalignment of the doctor&#39;s optical view, the camera&#39;s optical view or projected light can cause video recording of an area that is not being viewed by the doctor or not lighting the doctor&#39;s viewing area. 
         [0008]    Thus, the benefits achieved by the video recording may be negated. 
         [0009]    Hence, there is a need in the industry for a system and method of providing and maintaining precise alignment of the optical viewing angles of the doctor and the video recording device. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    It is the object of the present invention to provide a system for providing and maintaining a precise alignment of a camera&#39;s view and an intended lighted area. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the present invention to maintain a fixed positional relationship between a video recorder optical view and a lighted area. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus disclosed that provides alignment between a camera and a light, the apparatus comprising a housing containing a camera therein, said camera having a known focal length, said housing comprising a first cavity and a second cavity at a proximate end of said housing, wherein a passage is formed between said first cavity and said second cavity; a light fixture pivotedly attached to said housing at a substantially distal end of each of the housing and the light fixture; and an adjustment mechanism comprising: a vertical follower, pivotedly attached to a proximal end of said light fixture, said vertical follower including a threaded passage therethrough, said threaded passage having a known pitch; a retaining nut, contained in said first cavity, said retaining nut including an internal thread of said known pitch, a compression spring having a first end in contact with a closed end of said second cavity and a bottom surface of said vertical follower; and a lead screw, extending through said vertical follower, said compression spring and said passage to said retaining nut, said lead screw having a thread matching said internal thread. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the invention to provide a means for adjusting and fixing a lighting device and a viewing field of a camera to a focal point of a telescopic lens. 
         [0014]    It is an object of the invention to provide an adjustment arrangement that provides for adjustment of a camera viewing field with a focal point of a telescopic lens. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the invention to provide an adjustment arrangement that retains an established orientation of a telescopic lens and a visual capture device. 
         [0016]    In one aspect of the invention an adjustment and locking device is disclosed. The adjustment and locking device comprises a housing and an adjustment device comprising: a first part attached to said housing, the first part including a first interleaving part extending from the housing, the first interleaving part having a throughhole substantially perpendicular to a direction of the first interleaving part, and a second part comprising a second interleaving part comprising a first throughhole, wherein the second part is rotably attached to the first part about a pin inserted in the throughhole and the first through hole, wherein an orientation of the first part and the second part is fixed by engagement of a screw through a proximal end of the housing to said pin. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    For a better understanding of exemplary embodiments and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. It is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example only and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded cross section view of an alignment mechanism according to an aspect of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates a prospective assembled view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate exemplary angular offsets according to an aspect of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional, assembled view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the adjustment and locking mechanism in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view through section A-A of the adjustment and locking mechanism shown in  FIG. 5  in accordance to an aspect of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view through section B-B of the adjustment and locking mechanism shown in  FIG. 5  in accordance to an aspect of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustment and locking mechanism in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustment and locking mechanism in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary application of the adjustment and locking mechanism in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary angular offset according to an aspect of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  illustrates a prospective view of an exemplary application of the adjustment and locking mechanism in accordance with the principles of the invention; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  illustrates a prospective view of an exemplary application of the adjustment and locking mechanism is accordance with the principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0031]    It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers represent like elements between the drawings. 
         [0032]    It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention described herein have been simplified to illustrate the elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity many other elements. However, because these omitted elements are well-known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such element is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to also variations and modifications known to those skilled in the art. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a cross sectional view of an unassembled device  100  in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1 , illustrates a camera/light combination device  100  comprising a camera housing  110  (including a camera  111 , therein), and a light assembly  120 . Also shown is a pivot mechanism  130  attached to a substantially distal end of each of the light assembly  120  and the camera housing  110 . Pivot mechanism  130  allows for a change in angle between the camera housing  110  and the light  120 . Further illustrated is an alignment mechanism  140  that controls and retains a set angle between camera housing  110  and light  120 , such that the illumination provided by light  120  is maintained at a desired point (e.g., a focal point of camera  111 ). 
         [0035]    Alignment mechanism  140  includes a housing  142  and an adjustment mechanism  144 . Housing  142  engages pivot mechanism  130  attached to camera housing  110 . Housing  142  rotates about pivot mechanism  130  in order to vary or change the angle of light  120  relative to a reference line (e.g., an optical axis of camera  111 ). Thus, alignment means  140  controls the orientation of light  120  with respect to camera  110 . 
         [0036]    Adjustment mechanism  144  is pivotedly attached to housing  142 . Adjustment mechanism  144  controls and maintains the orientation of housing  142 , and consequently, the orientation of light  120  with respect to camera housing  110 . 
         [0037]    Adjustment mechanism  144  includes a lead screw  150 , a vertical follower  152 , a vertical follower cover  170  and spring  154 , wherein vertical flower  152  and vertical follower cover  170  includes a passage (not shown) to allow insertion of lead screw  150 . Lead screw  150  enables linear actuation of the threaded vertical follower  152  in a vertical direction. Vertical follower  152  is threaded such that vertical follower  152  moves vertically along the lead screw  150  and, consequently, vary an angle of the light  120  with respect to the orientation of the camera housing  110 . Spring  154  retains rigidity of the adjustment mechanism  144  by providing vertical pressure on a bottom face of vertical follower  152  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0038]    Also shown are washer  160  and nut  162 . Washer  160  minimizes surface wear between nut  162  and camera housing  110 . Nut  162  captures lead screw  150  and allows for the turning of lead screw  150 , which causes vertical movement of vertical follower  152  (and cover  172 ). 
         [0039]    Also shown is attachment (dowel) pin  164  that attaches the adjustment mechanism  144  to housing  142  through recess  168  in housing  142  and recess  166  in vertical follower  152 . Vertical follower cover  170  is attached to vertical follower  152 ) through set screw  172 . Vertical follower cover  170 , thus, moves vertically as vertical follower  152  moves along lead screw  150 . 
         [0040]    Dowel pin  164  enables vertical follower  152  to pivot in order to retain a substantially vertical position relative to housing  142  as lead screw  150  is adjusted (i.e., turned) and orientation of light fixture  120  with camera housing  110  changes. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  illustrates a prospective view of the camera/light assembly  100  in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         [0042]    Also shown is an exploded view of the attachment of pivot point  130  with housing  142  and an exploded view of alignment mechanism  140 . 
         [0043]    Also shown is a passage  210  in vertical follower cover  170  and vertical follower  152  through which lead screw  150  passes. Also shown is spring  154  and nut  162  through which lead screw  150  passes. Spring  154  engages a bottom surface of vertical follower  152 . 
         [0044]    Also shown is cavity  220  in camera housing  110 . Cavity  220  captures and retains nut  162  within camera housing  110 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate angular orientation of the light  120  with regard to the optical axis of camera  110  at two different distances (e.g., the focal points  320 ); 9 inches and 28 inches. 
         [0046]    In this illustrative embodiment, the angular orientation of light  120  with respect to the optical axis of camera  110  varies from 6.9 degrees at 9 inches to 2.15 degrees at 28 inches. The vertical and substantially liner motion of lead screw  150  causes an angular (and non-linear) motion of light  120  with respect to optical axis  310  of camera  111 . 
         [0047]    As would be appreciated, the angular orientation of light  120  with respect to the optical axis of camera  111 , at one or more distances from the camera housing  110 , is also based on a distance between a center point of the optical axis  310  of the camera  111  and a center point of light projection of light  120 . Hence, the range (i.e., 9-28 inches) discussed herein is solely to illustrate a range (distance) and present the subject matter claimed as the invention. Thus, changes in the height of the vertical follower  152 , which rides on the lead screw  150 , adjusts the angle of the light  120  relative to the optical axis  310  of the camera  111 , such that a substantially maximum illumination is presented at the focal point of camera  111 . 
         [0048]    Thus, in accordance with the principles of the invention, the angular orientation between light  120  and camera  111  may be set, and retained, at a specific angle that is based on a specific distance from the camera lens. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  illustrates an detailed cross-sectional view of the alignment mechanism  140  showing lead screw  150  engaging nut  162  and being retained by compression spring  154  between a bottom surface  420  of vertical follower  152  and camera housing  110 . Also shown is housing  142 , which pivots about pivot point  130 , as lead screw  150  engages nut  162  and vertical follower  152  travels vertically along lead screw  150 . 
         [0050]    Further illustrated is cavity  220  in camera housing  110  retaining nut  162 , which retains lead screw in a desired position. Cavity  220  allows lead screw  150  to turn but not advance in its position with regard to nut  162 . 
         [0051]    Also shown is a second cavity  430  in camera housing  110 . Second cavity  430 , which is substantially perpendicular to the first cavity  220 , captures spring  154  to retain spring  154  in tension between a surface of camera housing  110  (e.g., surface  440  of second cavity  430 ) and bottom surface  420  of vertical follower  152 . 
         [0052]    Also shown is passage  460  through camera housing  110  that connects second cavity  430  with first cavity  220 . Passage  460  allows lead screw  150  to connect to nut  162  in first cavity  220 . Passage  460  may in one aspect of the invention be threaded, with a thread comparable to that of lead screw  150 . In another aspect of the invention, passage  460  may be smooth to allow lead screw  150  to pass through to engage retaining nut  162 . 
         [0053]    Also shown is screw head  450 , which is used to adjust the adjustment mechanism by turning lead screw  150 . Screw head  450  may be one of a slotted, Phillips, hex, knurled, etc., which allows turning of lead screw  150 . 
         [0054]    As would be appreciated the incremental change in orientation of housing  142  about pivot point  130  is determined based at least on a tread sizing (i.e., treads per inch) and the length of lead screw  150 . For example, using a treading size of 80 treads per inch, a quarter-turn of the lead screw  150  may result in an incremental distance change in the order of one-half (½) inch. Note, that the incremental distance change is a non-linear function of the rotation of the lead screw  150 . Thus, at a close range or distance (e.g., 9 inches) a one-quarter turn rotation of lead screw  150  results in change of distance that is different than a similar one-quarter turn rotation of lead screw  150  at a further distance. (e.g., 28 inches). Hence, the pitch of lead screw  150  is determined based on a desired rate of angular change of the light  120  with regard to a rotational change of the lead screw  150 . 
         [0055]    The sizing of lead screw  150  at 80 threads per inch is merely one of an example, and it would be recognized that other thread sizing may be incorporated without altering the scope of the invention. 
         [0056]    Returning to  FIG. 2 , there is also shown a second attachment means  260 . In this illustrated case, the second attachment means  260  includes a slotted or “T” attachment  262  that may be used to attach or mate with an external “T” (not shown). Attachment means  260  may be used to attach the completed device  100  to a second device (not shown). For example, device  100  may be attached to the bridge of eyeglasses using second attachment means  260 . Or device  100  may be attached to a head set (or head band) using second attachment means  260 . 
         [0057]    In addition, second attachment means  260  may be fixedly attached to a proximate end of the housing  110 . Alternatively, the second attachment means  260  may be pivotedly attached to housing  110  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to housing  110 . 
         [0058]    In an alternative embodiment, the second attachment means  260  may represent a screw type mechanism that may include a screw and fixed surface. The screw retains device  100  in place by the screw applying pressure to a bridge of an eyeglass captured between the screw and the fixed surface. 
         [0059]    As discussed, assembly  100  may be attached to the bridge of eyeglasses using second attachment means  260 , such that a focal point  320  ( FIG. 3A ) of the device  100  shown in  FIG. 1  may be coincident to a focal point of telescopic lens, for example. 
         [0060]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary configuration  1000  of the incorporation of device  100  onto eye glass wear in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this illustrated configuration eyewear  1010  includes telescopic lens  1020  incorporated into lens  1025 . Device  100 , composed of light assembly  120  and camera  111  (contained within housing  110 ), which has been previously described, is attached to the bridge  1030  between the lens  1025 . 
         [0061]    As discussed with regard to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, device  100  includes adjustment means to fix the light generated by light  120  to be coincident with the viewing point of camera  111 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary configuration  1100  illustrating the convergence of the light generated by light assembly  120 , the viewing field of camera  111  with the focal point  1120  of telescopic lens  1020 , in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this illustrative embodiment, attachment means  260  is shown engaging a connector  1110  on bridge  1030 . 
         [0063]    Hence, after light assembly  120  is adjusted to be coincident with the viewing field of camera  111 , the device  100  (i.e., combined camera  111 , light assembly  120 ) may be aligned with the focal point  1120  of telescopic lens  1020 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of attachment means  260  that allows adjusting and locking device  100  to be adjusted such that a focal point of device  100  is coincident with a focal point  1120  of telescopic lens  1020 . Telescopic lens  1020 , which may be used for medical and dental surgery, may, for example, be similar to those manufactured by the assignee of the instant application wherein telescopic lens are incorporated into eyewear that allow the surgeon or dentist to focus on, and magnify, a desired point in space. 
         [0065]    In this illustrated example, attachment means  260  includes the T-slot attachment  262 , as previously discussed. Attachment means  260  may be composed of two interleaved elements,  510  and  520 . Element  510 , referred to hereinafter as a body attachment, includes at a fixed section  512  extending from element  510 . Fixed section  512  includes a connection or throughhole  513 . Body attachment  510  may be permanently attached to housing  110 . For example, body attachment  510  may be held by a screw attachment (not shown) in which the body attachment  510  is attached by screws that may extend from an inner surface of housing  110  into body attachment  510 . Alternately, body element  510  may be an integral part of housing  110 . (see  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0066]    Element  520 , referred to hereinafter as bridge attachment, includes at least one interleaving element (not shown) that engages, by being interleaved with, fixed section  512 . Body attachment  510  and bridge attachment  520  may be interconnected about a pivot axis through their corresponding interleaving elements. For example, insertion of pin  530  into the throughhole  513  enables body element  510  and bridge element  520  to be rotatable with respect to each other. 
         [0067]    As shown, pin  530  may be inserted into through-hole  522  of bridge element  520  to engage throughhole  513  of body element  510  to connect body element  510  with bridge element  520 . 
         [0068]    Pin  530 , as shown, is a substantially straight pin that incorporates a slot  532  at a first end and larger area  534  at a second end. Slot  532  is used to capture lock washer  540 , such that pin  530  is retained in place when body element  510  and bridge element  520  are joined. In one aspect of the invention, pin  530  includes a flat surface  536 , which may be used to provide addition surface area to lock bridge element  520  to housing  110 , as will be described. 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view, through section A-A of  FIG. 5 , of the adjustment and locking mechanism according to an aspect of the invention. 
         [0070]    In this illustrated embodiment, the interleaving elements  615  and  620  on bridge element  520  are shown. In this exemplary configuration, body element  510  is connected to bridge element  520  though the mating of interleaving element  512  between interleaving elements  615  and  620 . When pin  530  is inserted into through-holes  522  and  513 , bridge element  520  and body element  510  are rotable about pin  530 . Also shown is through-hole  612  in housing  110 . Through-hole  612  includes a screw thread  614  into which a screw (not shown) may be threaded. The screw (not shown) may be used to engage pin  530  through the through-hole  612 . The screw (not shown), which in a preferred embodiment may be a set screw, retains (or fixes) the orientation of body element  510  to the bridge element  520  by the application of pressure on pin  530 . In a preferred embodiment, the pressure applied by the screw (not shown) in through hole  612  on pin  530  is applied to flat surface  536  on pin  530  to provide a maximum surface to which the pressure is applied. 
         [0071]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view, through section B-B,  FIG. 5 , of the adjustment and locking mechanism in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         [0072]    In this illustrative exemplary embodiment, bridge attachment  520  includes a threaded screw hole  710  into which screw  712  may be placed. Screw  712 , when inserted into screw hole  710 , engages pin  530  inserted in through-hole  522 . Screw  712  applies a pressure on pin  530  to lock the position of bridge element  520  with respect to body attachment  510 . Once screwed in place, the angular orientation of body attachment  510  with respect bridge element  520  is retained (or fixed). In one aspect of the invention, screw  712  may be a set screw that engages pin  530 . 
         [0073]    In the illustrated embodiment, pin  530  includes an enlarged end  534  (i.e., a thumbscrew), which may be inserted into through-hole  522  (see  FIG. 6 ). Screw  712  may, when screwed in position, engage the larger area of the enlarged end  534 . The use of a larger area of enlarged end  534  is advantageous in order to provide a larger area upon which pressure may be applied screw  712 . Although an enlarged end  534  of pin  530  is shown, it would be recognized that end  534  may be similar in size to pin  530  and screw  712  would equally engage the end  534  without altering the scope of the invention. 
         [0074]    Also shown is a lock screw  714  that may be used to retain (or lock) screw  712  in place. Use of a lock screw  714  is advantageous to prevent screw  712  from becoming loose or backing out. 
         [0075]    Although  FIG. 7  illustrates screw  712  engaging enlarged area  534 , it would be recognized that screw  712  may engage any portion of pin  530  and enlarged area  534  is merely used to provide a larger surface to which screw  712  engages pin  530 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of pin  530  inserted in through-holes  522  and  512  and retained in place by washer  540 . Also shown is threaded screw hole  710  containing screw  712 , which engages section  534 . Locking screw  714  is also shown. As discussed locking screw  714  prevents screw  712  from loosening and changing the orientation of the body element  510  with the bridge element  520 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of through hole  612  including screw  910  (which was not shown previously) engaging pin  530 . In a preferred embodiment, screw  910  engages a flat area  536  of pin  530 , as previously discussed. Also shown is a locking screw  912 . Locking screw  912  prevents screw  910  from loosening and/or backing out. 
         [0078]    Also shown is lead screw  150  inserted through spring  154  and engaging nut  162 , as discussed with regard to  FIG. 4 . In one aspect of the invention, the housing  110  of device  100  and body element  510  may be integrated together, such that body element  510  and housing  110  are a single piece. 
         [0079]      FIG. 12  illustrates a prospective view of an exemplary connection of the device  100  onto an eyewear in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         [0080]    Eyewear  1010  includes two lens  1025 , each of which includes telescopic lens  1020  (of which only one is shown). Bridge  1030  joins lens  1025  together. Attached to bridge  1030  is connector element  1110 . Connector element  1110  may be locked onto bridge  1030  by a screw mechanism attachment, for example. Alternatively, connector element  1110  may also be glued, welded or integrally formed onto bridge  1030 . Also shown is connector  260  attached to connector element  1110 . Connector  260  may be permanently attached to connector element  1110 . Preferably, connector  260  may be removable from connector element  1110 . In a preferred embodiment, removal of connector  260  from connector element  1110  is advantageous as it enables a user to incorporate device  100  (i.e., camera  111  and light  120 ) when desired. 
         [0081]      FIG. 13  illustrates a prospective view of the attachment of connector  260  with connector element  1110 . In this illustrative embodiment, a “T-slot” connector is utilized. As discussed previously, connector  260  includes an internal “T-slot” element  262 . Connector element  1110 , in this illustrated example, includes an external “T-slot” element  1310 . Engagement of element  262  with element  1110  locks device  100  in a same origination or configuration such that the viewing field of camera  111  is locked to the focal point of the telescopic lens  1020  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ). 
         [0082]    Although the present invention has been described with regard to an internal T-slot connection  262 , it would be recognized that element  262  may also be an external T-slot connection and element  1110  be an internal T-slot connection without altering the scope of the invention. Although not shown it would be appreciated that the connection element  262  may also be a slot connector with a different cross-section, either internal or external, without altering the scope of the invention. 
         [0083]    Although present invention has been described with regard to eyewear, it would also be appreciated that the assembly shown in  FIG. 11  may be attached to a headband, without altering the scope of the invention. 
         [0084]    The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than with a restrictive view, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. 
         [0085]    Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefits, advantages, or solutions to occur or become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or an essential feature or element of any or all of the claims. 
         [0086]    As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the term “of’ refers to an inclusive “or” and not to an exclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present). 
         [0087]    The terms “a” or “an” as used herein are to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done for convenience to the reader and to provide a general sense of the invention. The use of these terms in the description herein should be read and understood to include one or at least one. In addition, the singular also includes the plural unless indicated to the contrary. For example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes one or more compounds. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0088]    All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In any instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded (or lowered) to the nearest significant figure. 
         [0089]    It is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated.