Patent Publication Number: US-10790615-B2

Title: Cable quick connector adapter

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Traditional electronic cable connectors (such as military spec bayonet style connectors) require rotation or twisting of one component relative to another component to lock together a pair of coupled/mated cable connectors. And, of course, opposite rotation is required to unlock the pair of cable connectors from each other so that the connectors can be disconnected from each other. However, in high volume applications where a plurality of such cable connectors need to be repeatedly locked/connected and unlocked/disconnected, operators are prone to fatigue and injuries from carrying out such repetitive twisting motions. Furthermore, many designs require specific connectors to be used based on system and application specific requirements and/or customer specifications, particularly in applications involving high performance components. These connectors require the aforementioned twisting and rotating for connection and disconnection, and do not provide a quicker, less cumbersome means of connecting and disconnecting connectors. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a quick connect system having a quick connect adapter, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded isometric view of the quick connect system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the quick connect system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a front view of an alternative radial compression spring that could replace the radial compression spring of the quick connect system of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view of the quick connect system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric cross sectional view of the quick connect system of  FIG. 1 , and taken along lines  5 - 5 . 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the quick connect system of  FIG. 5 , showing the quick connect adapter in an uncompressed state. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the quick connect system of  FIG. 5 , showing the quick connect adapter in a compressed state to lock a pair of mated cable connector bodies together. 
         FIG. 8  is a partially exploded isometric view of a some components of a quick connect system, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric view of the quick connect system of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. 
     As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context. 
     An initial overview of the inventive concepts are provided below and then specific examples are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the examples more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the examples, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In one example, the present disclosure sets forth a quick connect adapter for locking a pair of coupled electronic cable connectors comprising an inner sleeve comprising first and second collar sections. The first collar section can be configured to be secured to a first connector body, and the second collar section can comprise a plurality of slots and a spring seat channel in open communication with the plurality of slots. An outer sleeve can comprise a plurality of protrusions formed inwardly about an inner surface of the outer sleeve and can be operable to axially slide through the plurality of slots of the inner sleeve. A radial compression spring can be configured to be supported in the spring seat channel of the inner sleeve, and can be operable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. Upon connecting a first cable connector body to a second cable connector body, and in response to axial movement of the outer sleeve in a direction towards the radial compression spring, the plurality of protrusions of the outer sleeve slide through the plurality of slots to engage and compress the radial compression spring, thus locking the connection of the first cable connector body to the second cable connector body. 
     In one example, the present disclosure sets forth a quick connect system for locking a pair of coupled cable connectors comprising a first cable connector body comprising a mating end having an outer surface and at least one stop protrusion extending from the outer surface, and a second cable connector body comprising a mating end for coupling to the mating end of the first cable connector body. The system can comprise a connector support collar coupled to the second connector body, and an inner sleeve comprising first and second collar sections. The first collar section can be axially biased between the connector support collar and the second connector body, and the second collar section can comprise a plurality of slots and a spring seat channel in open communication with the plurality of slots. The system can comprise an outer sleeve slidably interfaced to the connector support collar, and can comprise a plurality of protrusions formed inwardly about an inner surface of the outer sleeve. The system can comprise a radial compression spring supported in the spring seat channel of the inner sleeve, and can be operable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. When the first and second cable connector bodies are connected to each other, the outer sleeve can be operable to axially slide about the inner sleeve towards the radial compression spring, such that the plurality of protrusions slide through the plurality of slots to engage and compress the radial compression spring around the outer surface of the first cable connector body adjacent the at least one stop protrusion to lock the connection of the first cable connector body to the second cable connector body. 
     In one example, the present disclosure sets forth a method for locking a pair of coupled cable connectors together comprising: (a) connecting a first cable connector body to a second cable connector body; (b) sliding an inner sleeve over the first cable connector body and around a connection interface of the first and second cable connector bodies (the inner sleeve comprising a plurality of slots and a spring seat channel supporting a radial compression spring); (c) coupling a connector support collar to the first cable connector body to secure the inner sleeve to the first cable connector body; (d) sliding an outer sleeve over the connector support collar and the inner sleeve; and (d) axially slidably engaging a plurality of protrusions of the outer sleeve through the plurality of slots to engage and compress the radial compression spring around the second connector body, thereby locking the connection of the first cable connector body to the second cable connector body. 
     In one example, the present disclosure sets forth a method for replacing a rotary locking mechanism of a pair of cable connectors with an axial locking mechanism comprising: (a) removing a rotary locking mechanism from a first connector body (the rotary locking mechanism comprising a pre-existing connector support body and a pre-existing twistable connector body, the pre-existing twistable connector body operable to be rotated to lock the first cable connector body to a second cable connector body); (b) providing an axial locking mechanism that replaces the rotary locking mechanism (the axial locking mechanism comprising a connector support body, an inner sleeve; and outer sleeve, and a radial compression spring); (c) connecting the first cable connector body to the second cable connector body; (d) sliding the inner sleeve over the first cable connector body and around a connection interface of the first and second cable connector bodies (the inner sleeve comprising a plurality of slots and a spring seat channel supporting the radial compression spring); (e) coupling the connector support collar to the first cable connector body to secure the inner sleeve to the first cable connector body; (f) sliding the outer sleeve over the connector support collar and the inner sleeve; and (g) axially sliding a plurality of protrusions of the outer sleeve through the plurality of slots of the inner sleeve to engage and compress the radial compression spring around the second connector body, thereby locking the connection of the first cable connector body to the second cable connector body. 
     To further describe the present technology, examples are now provided with reference to the figures. With reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , a quick connect system  100  is shown for locking together a pair of mated or coupled cable connectors. As an overview, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the quick connect system  100  can comprise a quick connect adapter  102  that includes a connector support collar  104 , an inner sleeve  106 , a radial compression spring  108 , and an outer sleeve  110 . The quick connect system  100  can further comprise a first connector body  112   a  and a second connector body  112   b , which are operable to be mechanically and electrically coupled together, such as is achieved with typical cable connectors that can be connected and disconnected from each other (e.g., military spec connectors, such as Mil-spec connector MIL-DM-38999). As further detailed below with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , in operation the first and second connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  are initially connected or mated together about respective mating ends  114   a  and  114   b  (see also  FIG. 4 ). Then, the inner sleeve  106  (supporting/retaining the radial compression spring  108 ) can be slid over the first connector body  112   a  and around a connection interface  116  of the mating ends  114   a  and  114   b  ( FIG. 5 ). Next, the connector support collar  104  can be engaged (e.g., threadably engaged via mating threads) to the first connector body  112   a  to sandwich or compress the inner sleeve  106 , which secures the inner sleeve  106  to the first connector body  112   a . Then, the outer sleeve  110  can be slid over the connector support collar  104 , and a plurality of protrusions  118  of the outer sleeve  110  can be aligned with a plurality of slots  120  of the inner sleeve  106 . Once aligned, the outer sleeve  110  can be axially slid along the inner sleeve  106  along a longitudinal axis X, such that the plurality of protrusions  118  interface with and axially slide through respective slots  120 . As a result, the plurality of protrusions  118  engage and compress the radial compression spring  108  by applying an inward compression force, which causes it to transition from an uncompressed state U ( FIG. 6 ) to a compresses state C ( FIGS. 5 and 7 ), thereby compressing the radial compression spring  108 , and causing its diameter to decrease (i.e., it shrinks in diameter). When in the compressed state C, the radial compression spring  108  is compressed or deflected around the mating end  114   a  of the second connector body  112   b , and in a position adjacent a plurality of stop protrusions  122  extending from an outer surface  124  of the second connector body  112   a . This “compressed state” or position axially locks the first and second connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  together. This is because the stop protrusions  122  act as a stop to the radial compression spring  108 , and because the radial compression spring  108  remains supported or retained by a spring seat channel  125  of the inner sleeve  106  when compressed, the spot protrusions  122  restricting axial movement of the inner sleeve  106  and the radial compression spring  108  away from the second connector body  112   a . And, because the inner sleeve  106  is secured to the first connector body  112   a  (discussed above), the result is that the first and second connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  are locked together so that they cannot be axially pulled apart from each other. 
     To unlock the first and second cable connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  from each other, the operator simply axially slides the outer sleeve  110  away from the second cable connector body  112   b , such that the protrusions  118  slide back through the slots  120  in the opposite direction described above. This disengages the protrusions  118  from the radial compression spring  108 , which, because it is compliant or elastic in nature, the radial compression spring  108  automatically returns to the uncompressed state U (i.e., the spring expands or increases in diameter). This “expansion” provides sufficient clearance of the radial compression spring  108  so that it can freely pass beyond the stop protrusions  122 . This unlocks the first cable connector body  112   a  from the second cable connector body  112   b  so that the operator can pull them apart from each other for disconnection thereof. Note that the stop protrusions  122  could be existing features of an existing/known connector body, such that the stop protrusions  122  would be used with a pre-existing rotational component (e.g., bayonet style connector) to lock the first and second connector bodies  122   a  and  122   b  together. 
     Advantageously, locking the cable connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  together is achieved by axially movement of the outer sleeve  110  over the inner sleeve  106  to compress the radial compression spring  108 . Compare this to prior cable connection systems, such as discussed above, that have a rotary locking mechanism that requires rotational or twisting movement of some component relative to one another component to lock or unlock cable connectors to and from each other. Conversely, the present technology provides a quick cable connector or adapter (i.e.,  102 ) that utilizes axial movement of the outer sleeve  110  to lock or unlock the cable connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  about each other. This can be a quicker operation than rotary connection systems because such axial movement takes less time to achieve than rotational movement to lock together the same or similar connector bodies. 
     This can also reduce operator fatigue and reduce the risk of injury as the operator can avoid significant and repeated exertion of rotational energy to lock/unlock connector bodies about each other. 
     The quick connect adapter  102  described herein can replace existing rotary locking components of existing cable connection systems, such as military spec connectors. For instance, such rotary locking components (not shown) can comprise a pre-existing connector support body and a pre-existing twistable connector body operable to be rotated by an operator to lock the first cable connector body  112   a  to the second cable connector body  112   b . The pre-existing connector support body and pre-existing twistable connector body can be removed from such system, and then replaced with the quick connect adapter  102  described herein. That is, in the example shown, the first and second cable connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  could remain in place to be used, and the quick connect adapter  102  could be used as an “adapter” to replace any existing connector support body and twistable connector body, and to adapt together the existing first and second cable connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b , as will be appreciated from the following discussion. 
     With more particular reference to the features of the quick connect adapter  102 , the inner sleeve  106  can comprise first and second collar sections  126   a  and  126   b . The first collar section  126   a  can be an annular ring shaped body that has a smaller diameter and thickness defined by the second collar section  126   b . The first collar section  126   a  can comprise first and second outer planar surfaces  128   a  and  128   b  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) that are axially biased or situated between the connector support collar  104  and the first connector body  112   a . That is, the first planar surface  128   a  can be biased against an outer ring surface  130  of the connector support collar  104 , while the second planar surface  128   b  is biased against a flange  132  of the first cable connector body  112   a . In this manner, because the connector support collar  104  is threadably coupled to the first cable connector body  112   a  (via threaded interface  134  of  FIG. 6 ), the inner sleeve  106  is therefore secured to the first connector body  112  and the connector support collar  104  via the first collar section  126   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second collar section  126   b  of the inner sleeve  106  can comprise a plurality of spring support portions  136  defined by the plurality of slots  120 . The four spring support portions  136  are formed as arced portions separated by respective slots  120 . Note that the slots  120  are formed as generally rectangular slots in a direction along the longitudinal axis X, and are spaced evenly from each other around a circumferential envelope defined by the second collar section  126   b . Each slot  120  can be open on both ends of the slot, so that respective protrusions  118  can engage and slide through the slots  120  from one end to the other end of the respective slot  120 . 
     The spring seat channel  125  can be defined by four U-shaped or C-shaped recesses formed radially through respective inner areas or surfaces of the spring support portions  136 . In this way, the spring seat channel  125  is in fluid or open communication with the slots  120 . The spring seat channel  125  is therefore configured to support and retain the radial compression spring  108 , and is sized (i.e., has a particular width and depth) such that the radial compression spring  108  remains seated in the spring seat channel  125  when the radial compression spring  108  is in both the uncompressed state U and the compressed state C. That is, the radial compression spring  108  does not become fully unseated from the spring seat channel  125  when compressed, so that the inner sleeve  106  can become and remain locked to the second cable connector body  112   b  when the radial compression spring  108  is compressed radially inwardly (see also  FIGS. 5 and 7 ). 
     Note that the radial compression spring  108  can be a split ring formed of metal (or other suitable material) that is compliant enough to compress when pressed radially upon, and compliant enough to spring back or automatically return to its original size and shape. Thus, the radial compression spring  108  can have first and second ends  138   a  and  138   b  ( FIG. 3 ) separated by a gap, so that when the protrusions  118  of the outer sleeve  110  engage and compress an outer surface of the radial compression spring  108 , the radial compression spring  108  compresses and flexes inwardly, thereby moving the first and second ends  138   a  and  138   b  closer together, which reduces or eliminates the gap that separates them. In other words, the radial compression spring  108  transitions from a first diameter (uncompressed state of  FIG. 6 ) to a second diameter (compressed state of  FIG. 7 ), where the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. 
       FIG. 3A  shows an alternative radial compression spring  208  that could replace the radial compression spring  108  of  FIG. 3 . Therefore, similarly as with the radial compression spring  108 , the alternative radial compression spring  208  can comprise a split ring having first and second ends  238   a  and  238   b  separated by a gap, so that when the protrusions  118  of the outer sleeve  110  engage and compress an outer surface of the radial compression spring  208 , the radial compression spring  208  compresses and flexes inwardly, thereby moving the first and second ends  238   a  and  238   b  closer together, which reduces or eliminates the gap that separates them and reduces the diameter of the radial compression spring  208 . The alternative radial compression spring  208  can have a polygon shaped profile around its perimeter, such as having a plurality of straight or linear portions (e.g., 12 total) interconnected together to generally form a ring shaped spring member. The configuration of the alternative radial compression spring  208  assists to better grip or grab around the stop protrusions  122  of the second connector body  112   b , because it provides more surface area and leverage for gripping or interfacing between the spring  208  and the stop protrusions  122 , and also better gripping in the spring seat channel  125  because of the polygon shape of the spring  208 . 
     The connector support body  104  can comprise a mating end  140  that includes inner threads  142  that engage with outer threads  144  of the first cable connector body  112   a  (which defines the aforementioned threaded interface  134  shown in  FIG. 6 ). Accordingly, a portion of the first cable connector body  112   a  is situated within the mating end  140 , so that the connector support body  104  surrounds the first cable connector body  112   a  and is secured thereto. The connector support body  104  can further comprise a collar interface surface  144  that slidably interfaces with a connector support body interface surface  146  of the outer sleeve  110  (see  FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 ). Thus, the connector support body  104  facilitates slidable movement of the outer sleeve  110  relative to the first cable connector body  112   a  and the inner sleeve  106 . The connector support body  104  can further comprise a pair of mounting arms  148  for mounting or coupling to a structure or other device, such as a pair of brackets fastened together that can support a cable that is attached to the first connector body  112   a , as with some military spec connectors. Note that the mounting arms  148  may vary in shape and form, depending on the particular requirements of the connector system, or depending on the particular/supplied connector support body (see e.g., support body  204  of  FIG. 8 , which is a pre-existing back shell supplied by existing vendors). 
     The outer sleeve  110  can comprise a user engagement member  150  (e.g., a protruding structural grip, knob, handle or other structural device or member that a user can grasp and interface with) that extends outwardly around the outer sleeve  110 , so that the user can grasp and push/pull the outer sleeve  110  axially back and forth over the inner sleeve  106 . The outer sleeve  110  can further comprise an inner annular flange  152  ( FIGS. 3 and 6 ) that operates as a stop against the second collar section  126   b  of the inner sleeve  106  so that the outer sleeve  110  cannot be moved too far over or beyond the inner sleeve  106  when compressing the radial compression spring  108 . The outer sleeve  110  can comprise an operating section  154  that includes radial wall portions  156  and the plurality of protrusions  118 , whereby the radial wall portions  156  are separated by respective protrusions  118 . The plurality of protrusions  118  can be formed inwardly to extend upward from inner surfaces  157  of the radial wall portions  156 , and spaced radially around an inner area of the outer sleeve  110 . In this manner, the radial wall portions  156  are sized large enough to surround and partially enclose the second collar section  126   b  of the inner sleeve  106 , while the protrusions  118  are sized and shaped to slide through the slots  120 . Thus, the inner surfaces  157  can be slidably or frictionally interfaced to outer surfaces  159  of respective spring support portions  136  of the second collar section  126   b  of the inner sleeve  106 . This “friction” interface helps to prevent the outer sleeve  110  from falling off or sliding off from the inner sleeve  106 . 
     Notably, each of the protrusions  118  of the outer sleeve  110  can comprise a spring sliding interface surface  158  (see  FIGS. 3, 6, and 7 ) formed proximate an opening  160  of the outer sleeve  110 . The spring sliding interface surfaces  158  can each comprise a ramp that interfaces with the radial compression spring  108  when axially moved between engaged/compressed and disengaged/uncompressed states or positions. Each protrusion  118  can further comprise a spring compression surface  161  that transitions from the spring sliding interface surface  158 , and the applies the compression force to the radial compression spring  108  to maintain it in the compressed state C ( FIG. 7 ). Thus, the radial compression spring  108  can concurrently slide about the spring sliding interface surfaces  158 , and then concurrently slide along the spring compression surfaces  161  to compress the radial compression spring  108  into its compressed state C. Note that a diameter defined by the spring compression surfaces  161  is less than a diameter of the radial compression spring  108 , so that the protrusions  118  can collectively apply an inward compression force against the radial compression spring  108  to deflect it inwardly to the compressed state or position. 
     As mentioned above, the first and second connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  could be parts of a pre-existing connector system, such as a military spec bayonet twist type connector system, or other type of connector system. Such connector systems typically include a connector support collar (having arms, similarly as connector support collar  104 ), and a twistable outer sleeve operable to twist or rotate to engage stop protrusion (like  122 ) to lock the first and second connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b  together. However, the present quick connect adapter  102  (i.e., connector support collar  104 , inner sleeve  106 , radial compression spring  108 , and outer sleeve  110 ) could replace such pre-existing outer sleeve of such pre-existing connector system. Moreover, the quick connect adapter  102  can further include the connector support collar  104 , which could replace such pre-existing connector support collar that is operable with the pre-existing twistable outer sleeve. Therefore, in a method provided by the present disclosure, an operator can remove a rotary locking mechanism (e.g., the twistable outer sleeve and the pre-existing twistable outer sleeve) from the first connector body  112   a , and then replace such components with the quick connect adapter as taught herein, such as the quick connect adapter  102  (i.e., an axial locking mechanism). As such, the operator can couple the components of the quick connect adapter  102  to the first connector body  112   a , as described above in detail, so that the operator can axially move or slide the outer sleeve  110  along the inner sleeve  106  to lock the connection of the first cable connector body  112   a  to the second cable connector body  112   b . Such method of replacing pre-existing a twistable outer sleeve with an axially moveable outer sleeve can be advantageous in many applications where it is not possible or readily feasible to modify or change the configuration of the first and second connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b , which is the case with many high performance parts that require strict specifications that do not often change, such as military spec cable connectors. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show an alternative quick connect adapter  202  that includes a connector support collar  204 , an inner sleeve  206 , a radial compression spring  208 , and an outer sleeve  210 . The quick connect adapter  202  can be operable with components of the quick connect system  100  described above, such as being operable with the first and second connector bodies  112   a  and  112   b . Thus, the quick connect adapter  202  can replace the aforementioned connector support collar  104 , the inner sleeve  106 , the radial compression spring  108 , and the outer sleeve  110 . Therefore, it should be appreciated from the views of  FIGS. 8 and 9  that the quick connect adapter  202  can have similar structure and functionality as the quick connect adapter  102 , with the exception of the following differences discussed in detail. 
     Thus, one notable difference is that a plurality of protrusions  218  of the outer sleeve  210  each include a recessed seat  219  formed laterally through the protrusion  218  for receiving and seating the radial compression spring  208 . Therefore, as the protrusions  218  slide through respective slots  220  of the inner sleeve  206  (when the outer sleeve  210  is axially slid over the inner sleeve  206  about and along axis X 1 ), the radial compression spring  208  can “pop” into or seat into the recessed seats  219 . This improves or maximizes a locking force of the radial compression spring  208  to the outer sleeve  210 . 
     Another notable difference is that the outer sleeve  210  can further comprise a clock indicator recess  221  formed along an outer surface of the outer sleeve  210  and along an axis X 1 . The clock indicator recess  221  can be colored or painted, and can be used to assist the user to radially line-up or clock the outer sleeve  210  relative to a cable attached to a second connector body (e.g.,  112   b ). This can help ensure that connector bodies (e.g.,  112   a  and  112   b ) are properly radially aligned when being mated, and when being locked together by the quick connect adapter  202 . 
     Finally, another notable difference is that the connector support collar  204  (known as “a back shell”) can be an existing or known component that can be used with the inner sleeve  206 , the radial compression spring  208 , and the outer sleeve  210 . Therefore, when replacing the pre-existing twistable lock components, as discussed above, the connector support collar  204  may not need replaced (as would be the case with connector support collar  104  that does replace a pre-existing back shell or the connector support collar  204 ). This system can reduce part count to replace existing twist lock components, because the connector support collar  204  does not need replaced. In this manner, the quick connect adapter  202  may not necessary comprise the connector support collar  204 , and may instead only comprise the three components of the inner sleeve  206 , the radial compression spring  208 , and the outer sleeve  210 . 
     Reference was made to the examples illustrated in the drawings and specific language was used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the features illustrated herein and additional applications of the examples as illustrated herein are to be considered within the scope of the description. 
     Although the disclosure may not expressly disclose that some embodiments or features described herein may be combined with other embodiments or features described herein, this disclosure should be read to describe any such combinations that would be practicable by one of ordinary skill in the art. The user of “or” in this disclosure should be understood to mean non-exclusive or, i.e., “and/or,” unless otherwise indicated herein. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the preceding description, numerous specific details were provided, such as examples of various configurations to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the described technology. It will be recognized, however, that the technology may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, devices, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the technology. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features and operations described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the described technology.