Patent Publication Number: US-2022227023-A1

Title: Transverse tensioning system and method for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to a transverse tensioning system, and more particularly to a transverse tensioning system used during a continuous compression molding process. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Numerous processes exist for fabricating fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite parts. In addition to non-continuous processes such as pressing, stamping and consolidating in an autoclave, there are continuous processes, such as continuous compression molding. According to one continuous compression molding technique, a thermoplastic composite part is continuously or semi-continuously moved through a system with a series of compressing and/or shaping units performing the compression molding process. 
     In a continuous compression molding (CCM) process for fabricating thermoplastic composite parts, one or more unconsolidated fiber-reinforced thermoplastic plies are consolidated in a lineal process to form a single, pressed and integrated thermoplastic composite part. Typically, the CCM process provides tension along the length of the thermoplastic plies but does not provide tension in a transverse direction. Tension, in only the lengthwise direction, may cause wrinkles to form in the final thermoplastic composite part, which reduces part quality and increases scrap rate and production costs. An improved tensioning system and method that provides tension in a transverse direction is desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     The subject matter of the present application provides examples of a transverse tensioning system and method that overcome the above-discussed shortcomings of prior art techniques. The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to shortcomings of conventional continuous compression molding processes. 
     Disclosed herein is a transverse tensioning system for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies. The stack of plies moves in a feed direction while being shaped between opposing dies. The transverse tensioning system comprises a left-side clamping assembly, comprising a first left-side clamp element and a second left-side clamp element. The first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element are located relative to a left edge portion of the stack of plies and spaced relative to each other to clamp down on the left edge portion of the stack of plies when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction and is shaped between the opposing dies. The transverse tensioning system also comprises a right-side clamping assembly, spaced apart from the left-side clamping assembly and comprising a first right-side clamp element and a second right-side clamp element. The first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element are located relative to a right edge portion of the stack of plies and spaced relative to each other to clamp down on the right edge portion of the stack of plies when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction and is shaped between the opposing dies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure. 
     At least one of the first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element comprises a plurality of left-side rollers and a left-side track that is frictionally engageable with the left edge portion of the stack of plies and movable along the plurality of left-side rollers when frictionally engaged with the left edge portion of the stack of plies. Additionally, at least one of the first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element comprises a plurality of right-side rollers and a right-side track that is frictionally engageable with the right edge portion of the stack of plies and movable along the plurality of right-side rollers when frictionally engaged with the right edge portion of the stack of plies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above. 
     The first left-side clamp element comprises the plurality of left-side rollers and the left-side track. The second left-side clamp element comprises a left-side fixed surface. The left edge portion of the stack of plies is clamped between the left-side track and the left-side fixed surface when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction and is shaped between the opposing dies. Additionally, the first right-side clamp element comprises the plurality of right-side rollers and the right-side track, and second right-side clamp element comprises a right-side fixed surface. The right edge portion of the stack of plies is clamped between the right-side track and the right-side fixed surface when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction and is shaped between the opposing dies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter according to example 2, above. 
     Alternately, each one of the first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element comprises a plurality of left-side rollers and a left-side track that is frictionally engageable with the left edge portion of the stack of plies and movable along the plurality of left-side rollers when frictionally engaged with the left edge portion of the stack of plies. The left edge portion of the stack of plies is clamped between the left-side tracks when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction and is shaped between the opposing dies. Additionally, each one of the first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element comprises a plurality of right-side rollers and a right-side track that is frictionally engageable with the right edge portion of the stack of plies and movable along the plurality of right-side rollers when frictionally engaged with the right edge portion of the stack of plies. The right edge portion of the stack of plies is clamped between the right-side tracks when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction and is shaped between the opposing dies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to example 2, above. 
     Each roller of the plurality of left-side rollers and each roller of the plurality of right-side rollers is cylindrically shaped. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 2-4, above. 
     Each roller of the plurality of left-side rollers of the first left-side clamp element is conically shaped and tapers in a first direction and each roller of the plurality of left-side rollers on the second left-side clamp element is conically shaped and tapers in a second direction, which is opposite of the first direction. Additionally, each roller of the plurality of right-side rollers of the first right-side clamp element is conically shaped and tapers in the first direction and each roller of the plurality of right-side rollers on the second right-side clamp element is conically shaped and tapers in the second direction. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 2-4, above. 
     The rollers of the plurality of left-side rollers and the rollers of the plurality of right-side rollers are uniformly sized. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to example 6, above. 
     The left-side track comprises grip elements that are frictionally engageable with the left edge portion of the stack of plies. Additionally, the right-side track comprises grip elements that are frictionally engageable with the right edge portion of the stack of plies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 2-7, above. 
     The first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element are selectively movable to adjust at least one of a distance or a pressure between each other. Additionally, the first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element are selectively movable to adjust at least one of a distance or a pressure between each other. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-8, above. 
     Each roller of the plurality of left-side rollers is individually and selectively movable to adjust at least one of a distance of the roller toward or away from the stack of plies or a pressure between the roller and the stack of plies. Additionally, each roller of the plurality of right-side rollers is individually and selectively movable to adjust at least one of a distance of the roller toward or away from the stack of plies or a pressure between the roller and the stack of plies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 2-9, above. 
     Further disclosed herein is a system for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies. The system comprising a press unit comprising an entry side and an exit side. The press unit is configured to move the stack of plies in a feed direction from the entry side to the exit side. The system also comprises opposing dies having complimentary surfaces movable toward and away from the stack of plies that shape the stack of plies as the stack of plies moves in the feed direction. The system further comprises a transverse tensioning system. The transverse tensioning system comprises a left-side clamping assembly, comprising a first left-side clamp element and a second left-side clamp element. The first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element are located relative to a left edge portion of the stack of plies and spaced relative to each other to clamp down on the left edge portion of the stack of plies when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction. Additionally, the transverse tensioning system comprises a right-side clamping assembly, comprising a first right-side clamp element and a second right-side clamp element. The first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element are located relative to a right edge portion of the stack of plies and spaced relative to each other to clamp down on the right edge portion of the stack of plies when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure. 
     The left-side clamping assembly and the right-side clamping assembly extend parallel to each other along at least a length of the press unit. The left-side clamping assembly is spaced apart from the right-side clamping assembly by at least a width of the at least one set of opposing dies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matter according to example 11, above. 
     The left-side clamping assembly is pivotably attached to the press unit. The left-side clamping assembly is selectively movable to adjust an angle of the left-side clamping assembly, relative to the stack of plies. Additionally, the right-side clamping assembly is pivotably attached to the press unit. The right-side clamping assembly is selectively movable to adjust an angle of the right-side clamping assembly, relative to the stack of plies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 11-12, above. 
     The left-side clamping assembly is movably attached to the press unit. The left-side clamping assembly is selectively movable to adjust a location of the left-side clamping assembly, relative to the at least one set of opposing dies. Additionally, the right-side clamping assembly is movably attached to the press unit. The right-side clamping assembly is selectively movable to adjust a location of the right-side clamping assembly, relative to the at least one set of opposing dies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 11-13, above. 
     Each one of the first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element comprises a plurality of left-side rollers and a left-side track that is frictionally engageable with the left edge portion of the stack of plies and movable along the plurality of left-side rollers when frictionally engaged with the left edge portion of the stack of plies. The left edge portion of the stack of plies is clamped between the left-side tracks when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction between the entry side and the exit side of the press unit. Additionally, each one of the first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element comprises a plurality of right-side rollers and a right-side track that is frictionally engageable with the right edge portion of the stack of plies and movable along the plurality of right-side rollers when frictionally engaged with the left edge portion of the stack of plies. The right edge portion of the stack of plies is clamped between the right-side tracks when the stack of plies moves in the feed direction between the entry side and the exit side of the press unit. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 11-14, above. 
     At least one roller, located nearest to the entry side of the press unit, on the left-side clamping assembly is offset from the remaining rollers of the plurality of left-side rollers, the remaining rollers of the plurality located closer than the at least one roller to the stack of plies. Additionally, at least one roller, located nearest to the entry side of the press unit, on the right-side clamping assembly is offset from the remaining rollers of the plurality of right-side rollers, the remaining rollers of the plurality located closer than the at least one roller to the stack of plies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein example 16 also includes the subject matter according to example 15, above. 
     Each roller of the plurality of left-side rollers of the first left-side clamp element is conically shaped. The rollers taper in a first direction. Each roller of the plurality of left-side rollers on the second left-side clamp element is conically shaped. The rollers taper in a second direction, which is opposite of the first direction. A taper angle of the plurality of left-side rollers varies such that the rollers at the entry side of the press unit are at a first taper angle and the taper angle gradually changes along the length of the press unit to a final taper angle at the exit side of the press unit. Additionally, each roller of the plurality of right-side rollers of the first right-side clamp element is conically shaped. The rollers taper in the first direction. Each roller of the plurality of right-side rollers on the second right-side clamp element is conically shaped. The rollers taper in the second direction, which is opposite of the first direction. A taper angle of the plurality of right-side rollers varies such that the rollers at the entry side of the press unit are at the first taper angle and the taper angle gradually changes along the length of the press unit to the final taper angle at the exit side of the press unit. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 15-16, above. 
     Additionally, disclosed herein is a method for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies. The method comprises feeding a stack of plies in a feed direction between a first left-side clamp element and a second left-side clamp element of a left-side clamping assembly and between a first right-side clamp element and a second right-side clamp element of a right-side clamping assembly at an entry side of a press unit to an exit side of the press unit. The method also comprises pressing at least one set of opposing dies of the press unit together against the stack of plies, as the stack of plies is fed in the feed direction. Complimentary forming surfaces of the at least one set of opposing dies shape the stack of plies as the stack of plies is fed in the feed direction. The method further comprises clamping a left edge portion of the stack of plies between the first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element and clamping a right edge portion of the stack of plies between the first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element as the stack of plies is fed in the feed direction. Tension in the stack of plies is maintained as the stack of plies is shaped by the at least one set of opposing dies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure. 
     The method also comprises adjusting at least one of a distance or a pressure between the first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element to adjust the tension in the stack of plies. Additionally, the method comprises adjusting at least one of a distance or a pressure between the first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element to adjust the tension in the stack of plies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subject matter according to example 18, above. 
     Each one of the first left-side clamp element and the second left-side clamp element comprises a plurality of left-side rollers and a left-side track that is frictionally engageable with the left edge portion of the stack of plies and movable along the plurality of left-side rollers when frictionally engaged with the left edge portion of the stack of plies. Each roller of the plurality of left-side rollers is individually and selectively movable. Additionally, each one of the first right-side clamp element and the second right-side clamp element comprises a plurality of right-side rollers and a right-side track that is frictionally engageable with the right edge portion of the stack of plies and movable along the plurality of right-side rollers when frictionally engaged with the right edge portion of the stack of plies. Each roller of the plurality of right-side rollers are individually and selectively movable. The method further comprises adjusting at least one of a distance of at least one roller from any of the plurality of left-side rollers toward or away from the stack of plies or a pressure between the at least one roller and the stack of plies to adjust the tension in the stack of plies. Additionally, the method comprises adjusting at least one of a distance of at least one roller from any of the plurality of right-side rollers toward or away from the stack of plies or a pressure between the at least one roller and the stack of plies to adjust the tension in the stack of plies. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 18-19, above. 
     The method further comprises trimming off at least a portion of the stack of plies fed through the left-side clamping assembly and the right-side clamping assembly to form a part. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 21 of the present disclosure, wherein example 21 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 18-20, above. 
     The first left-side clamp element comprises a plurality of left-side rollers and a left-side track, and the second left-side clamp element comprises a left-side fixed surface. The first right-side clamp element comprises a plurality of right-side rollers and a right-side track, and the second right-side clamp element comprises a right-side fixed surface. The step of clamping a left edge portion of the stack of plies comprises clamping the left edge portion of the stack of plies between the left-side track and the left-side fixed surface. The step of clamping the right edge portion of the stack of plies comprises clamping the right edge portion of the stack of plies between the right-side track ( 130 B) and the right-side fixed surface ( 140 B). The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 22 of the present disclosure, wherein example 22 also includes the subject matter according to example 18, above. 
     The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples, including embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular example, embodiment, or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples, embodiments, and/or implementations that may not be present in all examples, embodiments, or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical examples of the subject matter, they are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope. The subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is schematic side view of a system for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies, where the system has a transverse tensioning system, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of a clamping assembly of a transverse tensioning system, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view of a clamp element of a clamping assembly, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of a clamp element of a clamping assembly, with some rollers vertically offset from other rollers of a plurality of rollers of the clamping assembly, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic side view of a clamp element of a clamping assembly, with individual rollers that are selectively movable in relation to a stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic cross-sectional front view of a system for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies, with opposing dies shown away from the stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic cross-sectional front view of the system of  FIG. 6A , with opposing dies shown compressing the stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6C  is a schematic cross-sectional front view of a system for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies, with opposing dies shown compressing the stack of plies and clamping assemblies being pivotable relative to the opposing dies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  is a schematic cross-sectional front view of a system for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies, with opposing dies shown away from the stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  is a schematic cross-sectional front view of a system of  FIG. 7A , with opposing dies shown pressing toward the stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic side view of a roller from a first clamp element and a roller from a second clamp element clamping a stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic side view of a roller from a first clamp element and a roller from a second clamp element clamping a stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view of a plurality of rollers from a first clamp element and a plurality of rollers from a second clamp element clamping a stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic flow diagram of a method of continuous compression molding of a stack of plies, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more examples. 
     Disclosed herein is a system that comprises a transverse tensioning system for continuous compression molding (CCM) of a stack of plies. The transverse tensioning system comprises a left-side clamping assembly and a right-side clamping assembly that work in unison to provide transverse tension to the stack of plies as it moves in a feed direction and while the stack of plies is being shaped between opposing dies. The left-side clamping assembly and the right-side clamping assembly each include two clamp elements which are spaced relative to each other to clamp down on the stack of plies at a left edge portion and a right edge portion, respectively, of the stack of plies. Accordingly, as the stack of plies is moved in the feed direction, transverse tension in the stack of plies is maintained by the left-side clamping assembly and the right-side clamping assembly. Maintaining transverse tension in the stack of plies, as the stack of plies is moved, can reduce wrinkling in the stack of plies, improve the final part quality, and reduce overall waste and part production costs. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , and according to some examples, a system  200  is shown with a stack of plies  110  moving in a feed direction through the system  200  as part of a CCM process. The stack of plies  110  includes one or more unconsolidated thermoplastic plies in one example. In some examples, the stack of plies is covered on both sides with a non-stick material, such as a stainless-steel foil or Kapton layers, to reduce sticking to the forming dies. The stack of plies  110  is fed into the system  200 . In some examples, the system  200  has a pre-heating and/or pre-forming unit (i.e., pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104 ) and a press unit  106  located in sequential relationship with respect to each other. Other units may be included to provide, for example, a curvature along the length of the parts or other shapes or features into the part&#39;s pressed shape, or the pre-heating and/or pre-forming unit  104  or press unit  106  may be configured to provide such features. 
     The pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104 , which as indicated above, can be a pre-heating unit, a pre-forming unit, or both a pre-heating and pre-forming unit, has an intake end adapted to receive a continuous supply of the stack of plies  110 , which can be made of planar thermoplastic composite plies in any defined layup, for example. The stack of plies  110  can be fed from one or more spools on which the plies are wound. The pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  heats the stack of plies  110  to a temperature just below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material of the stack of plies  110 . Additionally, the pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  may have forming surfaces that form the stack of plies  110  into a different shape that is the same or similar to the shape of the final part. The pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  may use a variety of forming surfaces and have any design known to those skilled in the art. 
     The stack of plies  110  exits the pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  and enters the press unit  106 , where the one or multiple plies in the stack of plies  110  are consolidated to form a single, pressed and integrated thermoplastic composite part, using the application of heat and pressure. The stack of plies  110  enters the press unit  106  at an entry side  150  of the press unit  106 , which is adapted to receive the stack of plies  110  and exits the press unit  106  at an exit side  152  of the press unit  106 . In some examples, the CCM process is a continuous process with the stack of plies  110  moving at a constant rate through the press unit  106 . In other examples, the CCM process is a semi-continuous process with the stack of plies  110  moving at a pulsed rate (i.e., stopping or slowing down at specific time intervals) through the press unit  106 . 
     The press unit  106  includes one or more sets of opposing dies  108 . In one example, the set of opposing dies  108  include two opposing dies. In other examples, the set of opposing dies  108  include more than two dies that work in unison to shape an upper surface and a lower surface of the stack of plies  110 . As the stack of plies  110  moves between the one or more sets of opposing dies  108 , the stack of plies  110  is heated and the set of opposing dies  108  provide sufficient pressure to consolidate the thermoplastic plies in the stack of plies  110  into a desired shape and thickness. Additional sets of opposing dies  108  may also be utilized to gradually cool down the stack of plies  110  from a melted state back to a solid state. In one example, the set of opposing dies  108  has forming surfaces that match a desired contour (e.g., shape) of the stack of plies  110  as the stack of plies  110  moves through the press unit  106 . An upper die  108 A, in the set of opposing dies  108 , has a forming surface matching the contour of the upper surface of the stack of plies  110 . A lower die  108 B, of the set of opposing dies  108 , has a forming surface matching the contour of the lower surface of the stack of plies  110 . In other examples, the set of opposing dies  108  are used to shape the stack of plies  110  as it is moved through the press unit  106 . The upper die  108 A and the lower die  108 B have complimentary forming surfaces that change the shape of the stack of plies  110  as the stack of plies  110  is fed in the feed direction. The stack of plies  110  may be feed through multiple sets of opposing dies  108  that gradually change the shape of the stack of plies  110  to a desired shape. The set of opposing dies  108  may be coupled to mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or other types of actuators (not shown), which move the set of opposing dies  108  toward and away from each other between an open and closed position. 
     The stack of plies  110  is advanced (e.g., pulled via a pulling mechanism (not shown)) through the press unit  106  between two clamp assemblies, one at the right edge portion and one at the left edge portion of the stack of plies  110  (e.g., see  FIG. 6A ). Each clamp assembly includes a first clamp element and a second clamp element. In one example, the first clamp element is positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the stack of plies  110  and the second clamp element is positioned adjacent to the lower surface of the stack of plies  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a first right-side clamp element  122  and a second right-side clamp element  124  are located relative to the right edge portion of the stack of plies  110  and extend a length L along the press unit  106 , which can be an entire length L 1  of the press unit  106  or just a portion of the entire length of the press unit  106 . In other examples, the first right-side clamp element  122  and the second right-side clamp element  124  can extend a length L that is beyond the entire length of the press unit  106 , such as extending along part of or an entire length of the pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  and the press unit  106  or starting before the pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  and extending along the pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  and the press unit  106 . The first right-side clamp element  122  is positioned adjacent to an upper surface of the stack of plies  110  and the second right-side clamp element  124  is positioned adjacent to a lower surface of the stack of plies  110 . Moreover, the first right-side clamp element  122  and the second right-side clamp element  124  are spaced relative to each other to clamp down on the right edge portion of the stack of plies  110 . Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , a similar clamp assembly is also along the left edge portion of the stack of plies  110 . The clamp assemblies work in unison to provide transverse tension in the stack of plies  110  as the stack of plies  110  is moved in a direction parallel to the length L 1  of the press unit  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , according to some examples, a left-side clamping assembly  114  of a clamp assembly of the system  200  is shown. Although referenced as a left-side clamping assembly  114  throughout, a right-side clamping assembly of the clamp assembly of the system  200  would have the same features and be a mirrored reflection of the left-side clamping assembly  114  (i.e., the rollers on each clamp assembly would face each other). The left-side clamping assembly  114  includes a first left-side clamp element  118  and a second left-side clamp element  120 . The first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120  are spaced relative to each other to clamp down on a left edge portion of the stack of plies  110  as the stack of plies  110  is moved in a feed direction. The first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120  each include a plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. The plurality of left-side rollers  132 A includes left-side rollers  134 A that are at least along a length L of the left-side clamping assembly  114 . In some examples, the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A include one row of rollers that is adjacent to the stack of plies  110 . In other examples, the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A may include multiple rows, having one row adjacent to the stack of plies  110  and other rows used to help facilitate movement of a left-side track  130 A. 
     The stack of plies  110  is movable along the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. In one example, the at least one row of the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A is in direct contact with the stack of plies  110 , with each roller  134 A rotatable in the same direction to allow the stack of plies  110  to move in a feed direction along the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. The rollers  134 A of the plurality are spaced closely together such that the tension in the stack of plies  110  is not sufficiently changed in the spaces between individual ones of the rollers  134 A. In other words, the rollers  134 A are spaced to allow each roller to be rotatable in the same direction and also to maintain tension in the spaces between the rollers  134 A. In other examples, the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A includes a left-side track  130 A that surrounds the periphery of the entirety of the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A and is movable along the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. The left-side track  130 A is frictionally engageable with the left edge portion of the stack of plies  110 . Accordingly, the left-side track  130 A directly contacts the stack of plies  110  while the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A facilitate movement of the left-side track  130 A and provide the pressure necessary to maintain transverse tension in the stack of plies  110 . 
     The left-side track  130 A may have a flat surface that can frictionally engage the stack of plies  110  while allowing the stack of plies  110  to move in the feed direction. Alternatively, the left-side track  130 A may include grip elements to increase the grip between the left-side track  130 A and the stack of plies  110 . Such grip elements may include but are not limited to, studs or other protrusions along the track, repeating tread pattern, etc. Grip elements may be made from the same material or a different material than the left-side track  130 A. 
     At least the portion of the stack of plies  110  that is clamped between the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A will be trimmed off, after the stack of plies  110  has exited the clamp element. Therefore, the stack of plies  110  has excess material added into the width of the stack of plies  110  to account for the material that will trimmed off, and ultimately discarded (i.e., not part of the final part), although any waste may be recyclable. While more material may be required to be trimmed from the final part then in convectional CCM processes, the transverse tensioning system helps to eliminate wrinkling in the final part and ultimately leads to less overall waste and part production costs. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the rollers  134 A of the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A have a length and extend outwardly from the clamp element, as shown on the first left-side clamp element  118 . The length of the rollers  134 A is sufficient to frictionally engage a left-side portion of the stack of plies  110  and maintain tension in the stack of plies  110 . In one example, the rollers  134 A are uniformly and cylindrically shaped  136 . In another example, the rollers  134 A are conically shaped  138  (e.g., see  FIG. 9 ). The left-side track  130 A generally has the same width as the length of the rollers  134 A. 
     The entry side  150  of the press unit  106  is adapted to receive the stack of plies  110 . The stack of plies  110  may be fed into the press unit  106  after exiting the outlet end of the pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104 . The plurality of left-side rollers  134 A may all be located at the same distance from the stack of plies  110  or the distance of individual rollers of the plurality of left-side rollers  134 A from the stack of plies  110  may vary. Referring to  FIG. 4 , in some examples, at least one roller  135  is offset from the remaining left-side rollers  134 A in the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. The rollers  135  at the beginning of the first left-side clamp element  118  are located further away from the stack of plies  110  than the remaining left-side rollers  134 A of the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. In one example, the rollers  135  are located nearest to the entry side  150  of the press unit  106  when the first left-side clamp element  118  extends the length L 1  of the press unit  106 . In other examples, the rollers  135  are located at the beginning of the first left-side clamp element  118  which may be at any location along the CCM process, including at the beginning of the pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ). Offsetting the rollers  135  proximate the incoming edge can help prevent mark-off on the stack of plies  110  and accommodate the bulk factor of the plies in the stack of plies  110  as it enters the left-side clamping assembly  114  (i.e., provide sufficient clearance between the left-side rollers  134 A in the first left-side clamp element  118  and the left-side rollers  134 A in the second left-side clamp element  120 ). Multiple rollers may be offset and gradually decrease to provide a gradually increasing pressure as the left-side rollers  134 A on the first left-side clamp element  118  get closer to the left-side rollers  134 A on the second left-side clamp element  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the left-side rollers  134 A on the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A are individually and selectively adjustable. In one example, the left-side rollers  134 A may be adjusted to change a distance D 2  of the left-side rollers  134 A toward or away from the stack of plies  110 . In another example, the rollers  134 A may be adjusted to adjust a pressure P 2  between the left-side rollers and the stack of plies  110 , or between the left-side track  130 A and the stack of plies  110 . While some transverse tension is maintained in the stack of plies  110 , the distance D 2  or pressure P 2  can be adjusted to change the amount of tension in the stack of plies  110  at a certain point along the press unit  106  by adjusting individual ones of the left-side rollers  132 A. The distance D 2  or pressure P 2  can be adjusted to adjust for changes in the bulk of the stack of plies  110  as it moves in a feed direction along the press unit  106 . The distance D 2  or pressure P 2  can also be adjusted to account for tension requirements in the stack of plies  110  as the stack of plies  110  changes from a solid material to a melting material or as the material is cooled. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a cross sectional front view of a transverse tensioning system  100  is shown. The system  100  includes a left-side clamping assembly  114  and a right-side clamping assembly  116  that work in unison to provide transverse tension to a stack of plies  110 . The left-side clamping assembly  114  includes a first left-side clamp element  118  and a second left-side clamp element  120  that are located relative to a left edge portion of the stack of plies  110  and clamp down on the left edge portion of the stack of plies  110 . The right-side clamping assembly  116  includes a first right-side clamp element  122  and a second right-side clamp element  124  that are located relative to a right edge portion of the stack of plies  110  and clamp down on the right edge portion of the stack of plies  110 . 
     The first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120  include a plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. A left-side track  130 A surrounds the periphery of the entirety of the left-side rollers  132 A. Accordingly, a portion of each of the left-side tracks  130 A is in direct contact with the stack of plies  110  and the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A on each clamp element helps to facilitate the movement of the left-side track  130 A of the respective clamp element. In other words, the left-side track  130 A frictionally engages the stack of plies  110  on the left edge portion of the stack of plies  110  as it moves in a feed direction. Likewise, the first right-side clamp element  122  and the second right-side clamp element  124  include a plurality of right-side rollers  132 B surrounded by a respective right-side track  130 B. The plurality of right-side rollers  132 B includes right-side rollers  134 B that are at least along a length of the right-side clamping assembly  116 . The stack of plies  110  is movable along the plurality of right-side rollers  132 B. In one example, the at least one row of the plurality of right-side rollers  132 B is in direct contact with the stack of plies  110 , with each roller  134 B rotatable in the same direction to allow the stack of plies  110  to move in a feed direction along the plurality of right-side rollers  132 B. The rollers  134 B of the plurality are spaced closely together such that the tension in the stack of plies  110  is not sufficiently changed in the spaces between individual ones of the rollers  134 B. In other words, the rollers  134 B are spaced to allow each roller to be rotatable in the same direction and also to maintain tension in the spaces between the rollers  134 B. In other examples, the plurality of right-side rollers  132 B includes a right-side track  130 B that surrounds the periphery of the entirety of the plurality of right-side rollers  132 B and is movable along the plurality of right-side rollers  132 B. The right-side track  130 B is frictionally engageable with the right edge portion of the stack of plies  110 . Accordingly, the right-side track  130 B directly contacts the stack of plies  110  while the plurality of right-side rollers  132 B facilitate movement of the right-side track  130 B and provide the pressure necessary to maintain transverse tension in the stack of plies  110 . Accordingly, the right-side clamp elements function in the same way as the left-side clamp elements. 
     The first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120  are selectively movable relative to the stack of plies  110 . In one example, the first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120  are adjustable to change a distance D 1  between each other. In other words, in some examples, the left-side clamping assembly  114  is movably attached to the press unit  106  and the right-side clamping assembly  116  is movably attached to the press unit  106 . While continuously maintaining contact with the stack of plies  110 , the distance D 1  can be adjusted to adjust the transverse tension at the left edge portion of the stack of plies  110 . In another example, the first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120  are adjustable to change a pressure P 1  between each other, without changing the distance D 1  between each other. The pressure P 1  may be adjusted to compress or allow expansion in the stack of plies  110 . During the melting and shaping process, and the subsequent cooling process, in the stack of plies  110 , the distance D 1  or pressure P 1  may need to be adjusted to provide enough clamping force between the clamp elements to maintain, increase, or decrease the transverse tension in the stack of plies  110 . Likewise, the first right-side clamp element  122  and the second right-side clamp element  124  are also adjustable in distance D 1  and pressure P 1 . Generally, the distance D 1  or pressure P 1  at any point along the press unit  106  (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) will be the same in the left-side clamping assembly  114  and the right-side clamping assembly  116 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , a set of opposing dies  108  is in an open position (i.e., the set of opposing dies  108  is not in direct contact with the stack of plies  110 ). An upper die  108 A and a lower die  108 B have complimentary surfaces and are used to consolidate the thermoplastic plies in the stack of plies  110  into the desired shape and thickness. The upper die  108 A and lower die  108 B may have surfaces that match the contours of the stack of plies  110  or may be used to shape the stack of plies  110  from a flat or planar sheet to a desired shape. The contours in the upper die  108 A and contours in the lower die  108 B are used to shape the stack of plies  110 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , as the upper die  108 A and lower die  108 B are in a closed position (i.e., the set of opposing dies  108  is in direct contact with the stack of plies  110 ), the stack of plies  110  is shaped between the complimentary forming surfaces of the set of opposing dies  108 . The left-side clamping assembly  114  and the right-side clamping assembly  116  of the transverse tensioning system  100  are spaced apart from each other by at least a width W of the set of opposing dies  108  to allow the opposing dies  108  to freely move between the open and closed position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6C , the left-side clamping assembly  114  and the right-side clamping assembly  116  are pivotably attached adjacent to the press unit  106  (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ). The clamping assemblies may be attached directly to the press unit  106  or may be a separate mechanism in the CCM process and located adjacent to the press unit  106 . The left-side clamping assembly  114  and the right-side clamping assembly  116  are pivotably along a pivot axis to adjust an angle of the clamping assemblies relative to the stack of plies  110 . Depending on the desired shape of the stack of plies  110  the clamping assemblies may pivot in opposite directions, as shown in  FIG. 6C , or may pivot in the same direction. The clamping assemblies may be pivoted to avoid mark-offs in the left edge and right edge portion of the stack of plies  110 . Additionally, or alternatively, the clamping assemblies may pivot to clamp the stack of plies  110  at a complimentary angle to the desired shape of the stack of plies  110  while the stack of plies  110  is being shaped. Generally, the left-side clamping assembly  114  and the right-side clamping assembly  116  are pivoted to the desired location before the stack of plies  110  is fed into the press unit  106 . Accordingly, the left-side clamping assembly  114  and the right-side clamping assembly  116  remain at the same pivot angle, relative to the stack of plies  110 , during the entire CCM process. The clamping assemblies may be pivotally adjusted to any of various angles relative to the stack of plies  110 . In one example, the clamping assemblies may pivot to any angle between 0° and 90° in relation to the press unit  106 . 
     When the stack of plies  110  has a complex cross-sectional configuration, such as a cross-sectional configuration having two substantially linear portions connected by an arcuate portion, where the linear portions are substantially parallel to each other, as shown in  FIG. 7A , the stack of plies  110  may not move as well through the CCM which may cause wrinkles to form in the stack of plies  110 . As mentioned previously, wrinkles in the stack of plies  110  reduce part quality and increases scrap rate and production costs. A transverse tensioning system  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , can be used to facilitate movement of the stack of plies  110  through the CCM process. The system  100  includes a left-side clamping assembly  114  and a right-side clamping assembly  116 . The left-side clamping assembly further includes a first left-side clamp element  118  with a plurality of left-side rollers  132 A and a left-side track  130 A, and a second left-side clamp element  120  that is a left-side fixed surface  140 A. The left edge portion of the stack of plies  110  is clamped between the left-side track  130 A and the left-side fixed surface  140 A. Likewise, the right edge portion of the stack of plies  110  is clamping between a first right-side clamp element  122  including a plurality of right-side rollers  132 B and a right-side track  130 B and a second right-side clamp element  124  that is a right-side fixed surface  140 B. Accordingly, the left edge and right edge portion of the stack of plies  110  are clamped between a moving surface and a fixed surface (i.e., the left-side tracks  130 A and  130 B and the fixed surfaces  140 A and  140 B). 
     In some circumstances, depending on the desired shape of the stack of plies  110  it may not be possible to use a clamping assembly with two moving surfaces. Therefore, having one moving surface and one fixed surface may be utilized in such circumstances. In  FIG. 7A , the stack of plies  110  is being shaped between a set of opposing dies  108  into a stack of plies  110  having two substantially linear portions connected by an arcuate portion, where the linear portions are substantially parallel to each other. The stack of plies  110  is fed in a feed direction as the set of opposing dies move toward and away from the stack of plies  110 . The set of opposing dies  108  is in an open position, specifically an upper die  108 A and two lower dies  108 B are in an open position and therefore not shaping the stack of plies  110 . In  FIG. 7B , the set of opposing dies is in a closed position, specifically the upper die  108 A and the two lower dies  108 B are in a closed position and shaping the stack of plies  110 . The fixed surface is frictionally engageable with the stack of plies  110  while also allowing the stack of plies  110  to move in the feed direction without slowing down or otherwise interrupting the movement of the stack of plies  110  at the left and right edges compared to the stack of plies  110  as a whole. In one example, the left-side fixed surface  140 A and the right-side fixed surface  140 B do not move in relation to the stack of plies  110 . The first left-side clamp element  118  and the first right-side clamp element  122  can be adjusted to change the distance D 1  or pressure P 1  in the clamping assemblies. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , cross sectional configurations of a left-side clamping assembly  114  are shown. The left-side clamping assembly  114  includes a first left-side clamp element  118  with a plurality of left-side rollers  132 A and a left-side track  130 A, and a second left-side clamp element  120  includes a plurality of left-side rollers  132 A and a left-side track  130 A. The stack of plies  110  is being fed in a feed direction, from the left side of the page to the right side of the page, between the first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , each left-side roller  134 A of the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A may by cylindrically shaped  136 . Generally, each left-side roller  134 A of the plurality will have a uniform shape both in circumference and length. 
     In some examples, it may be advantageous to have conically shaped  138  left-side rollers  134 A, as shown in  FIG. 9 . If the stack of plies  110  is being shaped to have contours, the left-side rollers  134 A and/or the left-side track  130 A may cause mark-off or indentations on the stack of plies  110  at the left edge portion of the stack of plies  110  as the stack of plies  110  exits the left-side rollers  134 A and/or left-side track  130 A. Although this portion of the stack of plies  110  is generally trimmed off, it may still be undesirable to have indentations in the stack of plies  110  and in some cases may cause pinching in the stack of plies  110  that causes the left edge portion to fed unevenly with the remainder of the stack of plies  110  through the press unit  106 . Accordingly, conically shaped  138  left-side rollers  134 A, having an angle that correlates with the desired shape of the stack of plies  110  can be used, to avoid indentations on the left edge portion the stack of plies  110  as it exits the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. 
     The left-side rollers  134 A on the first left-side clamp element  118  taper in a first direction. The left-side rollers  134 A on the second left-side clamp element  120  taper in a second direction, that is opposite of the first direction. Accordingly, the left-side tracks  130 A on the first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120  are both angled and in direct contact with the stack of plies  110  as it moves in the feed direction. The left-side tracks  130 A may be attached to each left-side roller  134 A of the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A to stop the left-side track  130 A from sliding off the plurality of left-side rollers  134 A. In one example, each left-side roller  134 A may have notches along the circumference of the left-side roller  134 A. Protrusions may be included on the left-side track  130 A that can be fitted within the notch and prevent the left-side track  130 A for sliding off the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the shape of the left-side rollers  134 A can vary along the length of the left-side clamping assembly  114 . The left-side roller  134 A nearest the entry side  150  of the press unit  106  has a first taper angle  144 . The first taper angle has an angle equal to or closest to 0° of any of the taper angles of the remaining rollers. The taper angle of the remaining rollers  134 A of the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A gradually change along the length L of the left-side clamping assembly  114 . The left-side rollers  134 A nearest the exit side  152  of the press unit  106  has a final taper angle  146 . The final taper angle  146  has an angle that is the most severe of the remaining left-side rollers  134 A of the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A. This implementation of rollers may be useful in cases where the shape of the stack of plies  110  is gradually changed from a flat sheet to a sheet with contours along the length L 1  of the press unit  106  or the length of the pre-heating/pre-forming unit  104  and the press unit  106 , depending on the layout of the CCM. Accordingly, the taper angle of the left-side rollers  134 A can be changed, from the first taper angle  144  to the final taper angle  146  as the stack of plies  110  changes from a first shape to a second shape in the feed direction. The first shape can either have a flat shape or minimal contours and the second shape having greater contours than the first shape. The angle of the left-side rollers  134 A in the plurality of left-side rollers  132 A would ideally correlate with the angle of the stack of plies  110  at the left side portion of the stack of plies  110  at any point along the stack of plies  110 . In some examples, individual ones of the left-side rollers  134 A may need to be adjusted to change a distance D 2  of the individual ones of the left-side rollers  134 A toward or away from the stack of plies  110  in order to keep the outside edge (i.e., the edge of the rollers that is closest to the press unit) of the left-side rollers  134 A linear with each other as the taper angle of the left-side rollers  134 A changes. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 11 , according to certain examples, a method  300  for continuous compression molding of a stack of plies  110  is shown. The method  300  is performed using any one or more of the examples of the system  100  or the system  200  disclosed herein. The method  300  includes (block  302 ) feeding a stack of plies  110  in a feed direction at an entry side  150  of a press unit  106  to an exit side  152  of the press unit  106 . The stack of plies  110  is fed between a first left-side clamp element  118  and a second left-side clamp element  120  of a left-side clamping assembly  114  and between a first right-side clamp element  122  and a second right-side clamp element  124  of a right-side clamping assembly  116 . The method  300  also includes (block  304 ) pressing at least one set of opposing dies  108  of the press unit  106  together against the stack of plies  110 , as the stack of plies  110  is fed in the feed direction. The complimentary forming surfaces of the at least one set of opposing dies  108  shaping the stack of plies  110  as it is fed in the feed direction. The method  300  additionally includes (block  306 ) clamping a left edge portion of the stack of plies  110  between the first left-side clamp element  118  and the second left-side clamp element  120  and clamping a right edge portion of the stack of plies  110  between the first right-side clamp element  122  and the second right-side clamp element  124  as the stack of plies  110  is fed in the feed direction. The tension in the stack of plies  110  is maintained as the stack of plies  110  is shaped by the at least one set of opposing dies  108 . 
     In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface, and vice versa, simply by turning the object over. As another example, with respect to an object, a “left” side can become a “right”, and vice versa, simply by rotating the object or observing the object from an opposite perspective. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.” 
     Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item. 
     As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function. 
     The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one example of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
     The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.