Patent Publication Number: US-9423202-B1

Title: Cable arrangement for a compound archery bow

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the present invention relates to compound archery bows. In particular, a cable arrangement is disclosed wherein both pulley members of the bow take up and let out different segments of a single cable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A wide variety of compound archery bows have been developed previously. Some examples are disclosed in:
         U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,425 entitled “Compound bow” issued Nov. 9, 1976 to Ketchum;   U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,955 entitled “Compound archery bows” issued Aug. 18, 1987 to Larson;   U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,006 entitled “Dual-feed single-cam compound bow” issued Nov. 29, 1994 to McPherson;   U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,643 entitled “Eccentric elements for a compound archery bow” issued Mar. 29, 2005 to Cooper et al;   U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,970 entitled “Compound archery bow” issued Jan. 31, 2006 to Darlington;   U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,979 entitled “Dual-cam archery bow with simultaneous power cable take-up and let-out” issued Dec. 11, 2007 to Yehle; and   U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,555 entitled “Synchronized compound archery bow” issued Oct. 28, 2008 to Larson.       

     SUMMARY 
     As a compound archery bow (having first and second pulley members, a draw cable, and a single, continuous secondary cable) is drawn and its pulley members rotate: (i) both pulley members let out the draw cable; (ii) a take-up pulley of the first pulley member takes up a first end segment of the secondary cable; (iii) a let-out pulley of the second pulley member lets out a portion of an intermediate segment of the secondary cable; and (iv) a take-up pulley of the second pulley member takes up a portion of the intermediate segment of the secondary cable. To substantially prevent slippage of the secondary cable, the intermediate segment of the secondary cable engages the second pulley member. The bow can be arranged as a binary cam bow (in which a let-out pulley of the first pulley member lets out a second end segment of the secondary cable) or as a hybrid cam bow (in which a second end of the secondary cable is coupled to the first bow limb). 
     Objects and advantages pertaining to compound archery bows may become apparent upon referring to the example embodiments illustrated in the drawings and disclosed in the following written description or appended claims. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict schematically a compound archery bow arranged as a binary cam bow at brace and at full draw, respectively. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict schematically a first pulley member of the bow of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  at brace and at full draw, respectively. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict schematically a second pulley member of the bow of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  at brace and at full draw, respectively. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict schematically a compound archery bow arranged as a hybrid cam bow at brace and at full draw, respectively. 
     
    
    
     The embodiments depicted are shown only schematically: all features may not be shown in full detail or in proper proportion, certain features or structures may be exaggerated relative to others for clarity, and the drawings should not be regarded as being to scale. The embodiments shown are only examples: they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure or appended claims. Note also that the slight bends that appear in the cable  20  in  FIGS. 1B and 4B  are due to a cable guard of the bow  10  that is not shown so as to simplify the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     A compound archery bow  10  comprises a central riser  12 , first and second bow limbs  14   a / 14   b  attached to opposing end portions of the riser  12 , first and second pulley members  100   a / 100   b  rotatably mounted on the first and second bow limbs  14   a / 14   b , respectively, a draw cable  16  (i.e., also referred to as the bowstring  16 ), and a secondary cable  20 . The riser and limbs can comprise any one or more suitable materials commonly employed for such purposes, e.g., one or more metals or alloys, one or more composite materials, and so forth. The rotatable mounting of the first and second pulley members  100   a / 100   b  define respective first and second pulley member transverse rotation axes  102   a / 102   b  (transverse with respect to the shooting plane defined by the bow  10  and draw cable  16 ). The rotatable mounting can be achieved in any suitable way, including use of a transverse axle passing through the pulley member and bow limb, integral axle members laterally protruding from the pulley member and received by the bow limb, rotary bearings of any suitable type or arrangement, and so on. 
     Each one of the first and second pulley members  100   a / 100   b  includes a corresponding draw cable pulley  104   a / 104   b  and a corresponding take-up pulley  106   a / 106   b . The second pulley member  100   b  includes a let-out pulley  108   b ; in a binary cam bow ( FIGS. 1A through 3B ), the first pulley member  100   a  also includes a let-out pulley  108   a . Each take-up pulley  106   a / 106   b  and let-out pulley  108   a  (if present) and  108   b  is substantially rigidly attached to the corresponding draw cable pulley  104   a / 104   b . Each pulley member  100   a / 100   b  can comprise separate pulleys assembled together in any suitable way, both or all three pulleys integrally formed together, or two pulleys integrally formed and then assembled in any suitable way with a third pulley. In one common arrangement, the let-out pulley and draw cable pulley are integrally formed and the take-up pulley is assembled with the draw cable pulley, often in one of multiple different positions to allow adjustment of the pulley member. The pulley members  100   a / 100   b  are formed from any one or more suitably strong, suitably rigid materials, e.g., one or more metals or alloys or one or more composite materials. It is common for the pulley assembly to comprise machined, molded, or cast metal or alloy, such as aluminum or steel. 
     The first pulley member  100   a  is structurally arranged so as to (i) receive a least a portion of a first end segment of the draw cable  16  in a circumferential journal of the first draw cable pulley  104   a  ( FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 4A ) and let out at least a portion of the first end segment of the draw cable  16  when the bow  10  is drawn (which causes the first pulley member  100   a  to rotate about its pulley member rotation axis  102   a ;  FIGS. 1B, 2B, and 4B ), (ii) receive at least a portion of a first end segment  20   a  of the secondary cable  20  in a circumferential journal of the first take-up pulley  106   a  ( FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 4A ) and take up at least a portion of the first end segment  20   a  of the secondary cable  20  when the bow  10  is drawn ( FIGS. 1B, 2B, and 4B ). In a binary cam bow the first pulley member is further structurally arranged to receive at least a portion of a second end segment  20   c  of the secondary cable  20  in a circumferential journal of the let-out pulley  108   a  ( FIGS. 1A and 2A ) and let out at least a portion of the second end segment  20   c  of the secondary cable  20  when the bow  10  is drawn ( FIGS. 1B and 2B ). In a hybrid cam bow, the second end segment  20   c  of the secondary cable is coupled (directly or indirectly) to the first bow limb  14   a  ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ). 
     The second pulley member  100   b  is structurally arranged so as to (i) receive at least a portion of a second end segment of the draw cable  16  in a circumferential journal of the second draw cable pulley  104   b  ( FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 4A ) and let out at least a portion of the second end segment of the draw cable  16  when the bow  10  is drawn (which causes the second pulley member  100   b  to rotate about its pulley member rotation axis  102   b ;  FIGS. 1B, 3B, and 4B ), (ii) receive at least a portion of an intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  in a circumferential journal of the second take-up pulley  106   b  ( FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 4A ) and take up at least a portion of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  when the bow  10  is drawn ( FIGS. 1B, 3B, and 4B ), and (iii) receive at least a portion of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  in a circumferential journal of the second let-out pulley  108   b  ( FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 4A ) and let out at least a portion of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  when the bow  10  is drawn ( FIGS. 1B, 3B, and 4B ). 
     The second pulley member  100   b  engages the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  so as to substantially prevent slippage thereof in the respective journals of the second take-up and let-out pulleys  106   b / 108   b . The first end segment  20   a , the intermediate segment  20   b , and the second end segment  20   c  of the secondary cable  20  together comprise a single continuous length of cable. Preventing such slippage is desirable for maintaining the pulley members  100   a / 100   b  substantially synchronized in their respective rotations as the bow is drawn, which in turn maintains substantially straight travel of the nock portion of the draw cable  16  as the bow  10  is drawn and then released. Slippage of the secondary cable  20  in any of the journals in which it is received disturbs the synchrony of the rotation of the pulley members  100   a / 100   b , non-linear movement of the nock portion of the draw cable  16 , and inaccurate flight or reduced speed of an arrow shot by the bow  10 . The engagement of the various segments of the secondary cable  20  with the pulley members  100   a / 100   b  is described further below. 
     If the bow  10  is arranged as a so-called binary cam bow ( FIGS. 1A / 1 B,  2 A/ 2 B, and  3 A/ 3 B), then the first and second pulley assemblies  100   a / 100   b  are substantially identical or substantial mirror images of each other. That symmetry results in equal and opposite rotation of the pulley members  100   a / 100   b  and substantially straight travel of the nock portion of the draw cable  16  as the bow  10  is drawn (assuming proper rotational synchronization of the pulley members  100   a / 100   b , discussed above). The first end segment  20   a  and a portion of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  are arranged as a first power cable that is taken up by the first take-up pulley  106   a  and let-out by the let-out pulley  108   b  of the second pulley member  100   b  when the bow  10  is drawn. Similarly, the second end segment  20   c  and a portion of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  are arranged as a second power cable that is taken up by the second take-up pulley  106   b  and let out by the let-out pulley  108   a  of the first pulley member  100   a  when the bow  10  is drawn. Both of the power cables thus formed are arranged so as to pull the respective pulley members  100   a / 100   b  toward one another as the bow  10  is drawn, deforming the bow limbs  14   a / 14   b  toward one another and storing energy in the drawn bow according to the draw force curve resulting from the shapes of the pulleys  104   a / 104   b ,  106   a / 106   b , and  108   a / 108   b.    
     If the bow  10  is arranged as a so-called hybrid cam bow ( FIGS. 4A / 4 B), then the first and second pulley members  100   a / 100   b  differ from each other. The first end segment  20   a  and a portion of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  are arranged as a synchronization cable that is taken up by the first take-up pulley  106   a  and let-out by the let-out pulley  108   b  of the first pulley member  100   b  when the bow  10  is drawn. The second end segment  20   c  and a portion of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  are arranged as a power cable that is taken up by the second take-up pulley  106   b ; the second end segment  20   c  is coupled (directly or indirectly) to the first bow limb  14   a  in any suitable way (e.g., to an axle of the first pulley member  100   a  or directly to the bow limb  14   a , using a split bus cable arrangement, a clevis or harness, or other suitable coupling arrangement). The power cable thus formed is arranged so as to pull the second pulley member  100   b  toward the first bow limb  14   a  as the bow  10  is drawn, deforming the bow limbs  14   a / 14   b  toward one another and storing energy in the drawn bow according to the draw force curve resulting from the shapes of the pulleys  104   b  and  106   b . The synchronization cable thus formed maintains proper synchronization of the rotation of the pulley members  100   a / 100   b  and substantially straight travel of the nock portion of the draw cable  16  resulting from the shapes of the pulleys  104   a / 104   b ,  106   a , and  108   b.    
     Engagement of the second pulley member  100   b  with the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  can be implemented in any suitable way. In one example, a simple clamp  110  can be employed to clamp the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  to the second pulley member  100   b  ( FIGS. 1A / 1 B,  3 A/ 3 B, and  4 A/ 4 B). In another example, the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  forms one or more full loops around an anchor post on the second pulley member  100   b . The increased friction provided by that looping (e.g., according to the capstan equation) serves to engage the second pulley member  100   b  with the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20 . In still another example, the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  forms one or more full loops around the second let-out pulley  108   b  ( FIGS. 1A / 1 B,  3 A/ 3 B, and  4 A/ 4 B). The increased friction provided by those one or more loops around the second let-out pulley  108   b  (e.g., according to the capstan equation) serves to engage the second pulley member  108   b  with the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20 . In still another example, the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  includes an integrally formed loop (i.e., an in-line loop) positioned around an anchor post on the second pulley member  100   b . In still another example, the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  includes a knot or other integrally formed, transversely enlarged member (i.e., an in-line ball) positioned within a socket on the second pulley member  100   b.    
     Two or more arrangements such as those described above can be implemented in any suitable combination to provide non-slipping engagement of the second pulley member  100   b  with the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20 . For example, in the embodiments depicted, a full loop of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  around the second let-out pulley  108   b  is employed along with a clamp  110 . Other such combinations can be employed. 
     Even if another arrangement is employed for providing non-slipping engagement of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  with the second let-out pulley  108   b , it may be nevertheless desirable to provide one or more loops of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  around the second let-out pulley  108   b , in order to maintain contact (and desired movement of the secondary cable  20 ) between the secondary cable  20  and the second let-out pulley  108   b  as the second pulley member  100   b  rotates and a portion of the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  is let out from the journal of the second let-out pulley  108   b  as the bow  10  is drawn. Such an arrangement is depicted in the disclosed example embodiments, as noted in the preceding paragraph. A pulley member having one or more full loops of a cable around it can be suitably arranged to accommodate those loops by having a circumferential journal in a spiral arrangement. 
     In the example embodiments shown, the single continuous length of the secondary cable  20  comprises a single continuous linear length of cable having first and second ends thereof (i.e., not a closed loop but an open segment). Each one of the first and second ends is anchored independently to the first pulley member  100   a  to provide engagement of the first pulley member  100   a  with the first and second end segments  20   a / 20   c  of the secondary cable  20 , e.g., by a having terminal loops of the secondary cable  20  around mounting posts  112  on the first pulley member  100   a.    
     In other examples, the single continuous length of the secondary cable  20  comprises a single continuous closed loop of cable. The (connected) first and second end segments  20   a / 20   c  of the secondary cable  20  can be engaged with the first pulley member  100   a  in any manner similar to those described above for engaging the intermediate segment  20   b  with the second pulley member  100   b  to substantially prevent slippage of the secondary cable  20  relative to the first pulley member  100   a  (e.g., a clamp, one or more full loops around a pulley or an anchor post, an in-line loop on an anchor post, or an in-line ball received within a socket). In a binary cam bow with a let-out pulley  108   a  on the first pulley member  100   a , the first or second end segment  20   a / 20   c  of the secondary cable  20  can form one or more full loops around the first let-out pulley  108   a . That arrangement also can be implemented so as to maintain contact (and desired movement of the secondary cable  20 ) between the secondary cable  20  and the first let-out pulley  108   a  as the first pulley member  100   a  rotates and a portion of the second end segment  20   c  of the secondary cable  20  is let out from the journal of the first let-out pulley  108   a  as the bow  10  is drawn (whether the secondary cable  20  is a linear length or a closed loop). Any suitable combination of the preceding arrangements can be employed. 
     Use of a single, continuous secondary cable  20  can provide several advantages, some of which may be particularly relevant to an end user of the bow  10 . Mechanical characteristics of bow cables can vary from lot to lot, particularly the aging characteristics of the cables, which might stretch with time and use to differing degrees. By using a single, continuous secondary cable  20 , those characteristics evolve in the same way for all cables formed by the secondary cable  20  (i.e., both power cables of a binary cam bow, or both power and synchronization cables in a hybrid cam bow). A single secondary cable  20  has only two ends to connect to a pulley member where length adjustments would be made (typically by applying half-twists to the cable), instead of four ends to connect if two separate cables are employed, simplifying installation and adjustment by the user. 
     A method for rigging a binary cam bow ( FIGS. 1A through 3B ) comprises: (A) engaging the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  with the second pulley member  100   b  (via clamp  110 , loops, anchors, or other), the circumferential journal of the second take-up pulley  106   b , and the let-out pulley  108   b  of the second pulley member  100   b ; (B) engaging the first end segment  20   a  of the secondary cable  20  with the circumferential journal of the first take-up pulley  106   a ; and (C) engaging the second end segment  20   c  of the secondary cable  20  with the let-out pulley  108   a  of the first pulley member  100   a.    
     A method for rigging a hybrid cam bow ( FIGS. 4A / 4   b ) comprises: (A) engaging the intermediate segment  20   b  of the secondary cable  20  with the second pulley member  100   b , the circumferential journal of the second take-up pulley  106   b , and the let-out pulley  108   b ; (B) engaging the first end segment  20   a  of the secondary cable  20  with the circumferential journal of the first take-up pulley  106   a ; and (C) coupling the second end segment  20   c  of the secondary cable  20  to the first bow limb  14   a.    
     In addition to the preceding, the following examples fall within the scope of the present disclosure or appended claims: 
     Example 1 
     A compound archery bow comprising a central riser, first and second bow limbs attached to opposing end portions of the riser, first and second pulley members rotatably mounted on the first and second bow limbs, respectively, so as to define respective first and second pulley member transverse rotation axes, a draw cable, and a secondary cable, wherein: (a) the first pulley member comprises a first draw cable pulley and a first take-up pulley substantially rigidly attached to the first draw cable pulley, and is structurally arranged so as to (i) let out from a circumferential journal of the first draw cable pulley the draw cable when the bow is drawn, thereby causing the first pulley member to rotate about the first pulley member rotation axis, and (ii) take up into a circumferential journal of the first take-up pulley at least a portion of a first end segment of the secondary cable when the bow is drawn; (b) the second pulley member comprises a second draw cable pulley, a second take-up pulley substantially rigidly attached to the second draw cable pulley, and a let-out pulley substantially rigidly attached to the second draw cable pulley, and is structurally arranged so as to (i) let out from a circumferential journal of the second draw cable pulley the draw cable when the bow is drawn, thereby causing the second pulley member to rotate about the second pulley member rotation axis, (ii) take up into a circumferential journal of the second take-up pulley at least a portion of an intermediate segment of the secondary cable when the bow is drawn, and (iii) let out from a circumferential journal of the let-out pulley at least a portion of the intermediate segment of the secondary cable when the bow is drawn; (c) a second end segment of the secondary cable is coupled to the first bow limb or the first pulley member, and the first end segment, the intermediate segment, and a second end segment of the secondary cable together comprise a single continuous length of cable; and (d) the second pulley member engages the intermediate segment of the secondary cable so as to substantially prevent slippage thereof in the respective journals of the second take-up pulley and the let-out pulley. 
     Example 2 
     The bow of Example 1 wherein the intermediate segment of the secondary cable is clamped to the second pulley member, thereby engaging the second pulley member with the intermediate segment of the secondary cable. 
     Example 3 
     The bow of any one of Examples 1 or 2 wherein the intermediate segment of the secondary cable forms one or more full loops around an anchor post on the second pulley member, thereby engaging the second pulley member with the intermediate segment of the secondary cable. 
     Example 4 
     The bow of any one of Examples 1 through 3 wherein the intermediate segment of the secondary cable forms, with the bow at brace, one or more full loops around the second let-out pulley. 
     Example 5 
     The bow of Example 4 wherein the one or more full loops around the second let-out pulley provide engagement of the second pulley member with the intermediate segment of the secondary cable. 
     Example 6 
     The bow of any one of Examples 1 through 5 wherein the second pulley member includes an anchor post, and the intermediate segment of the secondary cable includes an in-line loop positioned around the anchor post, thereby providing engagement of the second pulley member with the intermediate segment of the secondary cable. 
     Example 7 
     The bow of any one of Examples 1 through 6 wherein the second pulley member includes a socket, and the intermediate segment of the secondary cable includes an in-line, transversely enlarged member positioned within the socket, thereby providing engagement of the second pulley member with the intermediate segment of the secondary cable. 
     Example 8 
     The bow of any one of Examples 1 through 7 wherein the single continuous length of cable comprises a single continuous linear length of cable having first and second ends thereof, and each one of the first and second ends is anchored independently to the first pulley member, thereby engaging the first pulley member with the first and second end segments of the secondary cable. 
     Example 9 
     The bow of Example 8 wherein the second end segment of the secondary cable forms, with the bow at brace, one or more full loops around a let-out pulley of the first pulley member. 
     Example 10 
     The bow of any one of Examples 8 or 9 wherein the first end segment of the secondary cable terminates in a first end loop around a first anchor post on the first pulley member or the first bow limb, and the second end segment of the secondary cable terminates in a second end loop around a second anchor post on the first pulley member. 
     Example 11 
     The bow of any one of Examples 1 through 7 wherein the single continuous length of cable comprises a single continuous closed loop of cable, and the first pulley member engages the first end segment of the secondary cable so as to substantially prevent slippage thereof in the journal of the first take-up pulley. 
     Example 12 
     The bow of Example 11 wherein the first or second end segment of the secondary cable is clamped to the first pulley member, thereby engaging the first pulley member with the first and second end segments of the secondary cable. 
     Example 13 
     The bow of any one of Examples 11 or 12 wherein the first or second end segment of the secondary cable forms one or more full loops around an anchor post on the first pulley member, thereby engaging the first pulley member with the first and second end segments of the secondary cable. 
     Example 14 
     The bow of any one of Examples 11 through 13 wherein the first or second end segment of the secondary cable forms, with the bow at brace, one or more full loops around the first let-out pulley. 
     Example 15 
     The bow of Example 14 wherein the one or more full loops around the first let-out pulley provide engagement of the first pulley member with the first and second end segments of the secondary cable. 
     Example 16 
     The bow of any one of Examples 1 through 15 wherein: (e) the first pulley member further comprises a let-out pulley substantially rigidly attached to the first draw cable pulley and the first pulley member is further structurally arranged so as to let out from a circumferential journal of the let-out pulley of the first pulley member at least a portion of the second end segment of the secondary cable when the bow is drawn, thereby coupling the second end segment of the secondary cable to the first pulley member; (f) the first end segment and a portion of the intermediate segment of the secondary cable are arranged as a first power cable that is taken up by the first take-up pulley and let-out by the let-out pulley of the second pulley member when the bow is drawn; and (g) the second end segment and a portion of the intermediate segment of the secondary cable are arranged as a second power cable that is taken up by the second take-up pulley and let out by the let-out pulley of the first pulley member when the bow is drawn. 
     Example 17 
     A method for rigging the bow of Example 16, the method comprising: (A) engaging the intermediate segment of the secondary cable with the second pulley member, the circumferential journal of the second take-up pulley, and the let-out pulley of the second pulley member; (B) engaging the first end segment of the secondary cable with the circumferential journal of the first take-up pulley; and (C) engaging the second end segment of the secondary cable with the let-out pulley of the first pulley member. 
     Example 18 
     The bow of any one of Examples 1 through 15 wherein: (e) the first end segment and a portion of the intermediate segment of the secondary cable are arranged as a synchronization cable that is taken up by the first take-up pulley and let-out by the let-out pulley when the bow is drawn; and (f) the second end segment and a portion of the intermediate segment of the secondary cable are arranged as a power cable that is coupled to the first bow limb and taken up by the second take-up pulley when the bow is drawn. 
     Example 19 
     A method for rigging the bow of Example 18, the method comprising: (A) engaging the intermediate segment of the secondary cable with the second pulley member, the circumferential journal of the second take-up pulley, and the let-out pulley; (B) engaging the first end segment of the secondary cable with the circumferential journal of the first take-up pulley; and (C) coupling the second end segment of the secondary cable to the first bow limb. 
     It is intended that equivalents of the disclosed example embodiments and methods shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure or appended claims. It is intended that the disclosed example embodiments and methods, and equivalents thereof, may be modified while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure or appended claims. 
     In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together in several example embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claimed embodiment requires more features than are expressly recited in the corresponding claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed example embodiment. Thus, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate disclosed embodiment. However, the present disclosure shall also be construed as implicitly disclosing any embodiment having any suitable set of one or more disclosed or claimed features (i.e., a set of features that are neither incompatible nor mutually exclusive) that appear in the present disclosure or the appended claims, including those sets that may not be explicitly disclosed herein. In addition, for purposes of disclosure, each of the appended dependent claims shall be construed as if written in multiple dependent form and dependent upon all preceding claims with which it is not inconsistent. It should be further noted that the scope of the appended claims does not necessarily encompass the whole of the subject matter disclosed herein. 
     For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, the conjunction “or” is to be construed inclusively (e.g., “a dog or a cat” would be interpreted as “a dog, or a cat, or both”; e.g., “a dog, a cat, or a mouse” would be interpreted as “a dog, or a cat, or a mouse, or any two, or all three”), unless: (i) it is explicitly stated otherwise, e.g., by use of “either . . . or,” “only one of,” or similar language; or (ii) two or more of the listed alternatives are mutually exclusive within the particular context, in which case “or” would encompass only those combinations involving non-mutually-exclusive alternatives. For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, the words “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variants thereof, wherever they appear, shall be construed as open ended terminology, with the same meaning as if the phrase “at least” were appended after each instance thereof, unless explicitly stated otherwise. 
     In the appended claims, if the provisions of 35 USC §112(f) are desired to be invoked in an apparatus claim, then the word “means” will appear in that apparatus claim. If those provisions are desired to be invoked in a method claim, the words “a step for” will appear in that method claim. Conversely, if the words “means” or “a step for” do not appear in a claim, then the provisions of 35 USC §112(f) are not intended to be invoked for that claim. 
     If any one or more disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and such incorporated disclosures conflict in part or whole with, or differ in scope from, the present disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, broader disclosure, or broader definition of terms, the present disclosure controls. If such incorporated disclosures conflict in part or whole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dated disclosure controls. 
     The Abstract is provided as required as an aid to those searching for specific subject matter within the patent literature. However, the Abstract is not intended to imply that any elements, features, or limitations recited therein are necessarily encompassed by any particular claim. The scope of subject matter encompassed by each claim shall be determined by the recitation of only that claim.