Patent Publication Number: US-2019168406-A1

Title: Automated work piece positioning and measurement data processing tools

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/PRIORITY CLAIM 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/045767, filed Aug. 7, 2017, which claims the benefit of both U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/371,450, filed on Aug. 5, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/394,257, filed on Sep. 14, 2016. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     When preparing to cut a work piece on a miter saw or table saw, an operator typically measures and marks the work piece, lines up the mark with the work piece placed near the saw blade, and then starts the saw to begin cutting. In this overall process, the cutting step is the one that is the most permanent because it cannot be easily undone if performed incorrectly. A mistake in any of the steps prior to the cutting step usually results in an incorrect cut and/or wasted materials. However, many currently available products that could assist with reducing errors in the cutting process are too expensive for many users, do not leverage wireless communication technology, or do not take full advantage of collecting data from a pre-existing list of materials to be cut (i.e., a cut-list). 
     Accordingly, enhanced systems, tools, and techniques are needed which can reduce or eliminate operator reliance on the initial steps in the measuring, placement, and cutting process, especially in cases where a predetermined cut-list, specification, or design plan is available. Technology is needed that can leverage wireless data communication (e.g., Bluetooth technology or a similar wireless communication protocol) to relay work piece data and processing information between or among an electronic or non-electronic measurement device (e.g., tape measure), a mobile computing device, and/or one or more wireless-enabled components of work piece processing equipment (e.g., table saw). There is also a need to provide an automated work piece positioning mechanism at an economical cost but without sacrificing adequate precision. In addition, a modular system is needed that is flexible enough to process different kinds of materials, different material dimensions, or other operational parameters which vary as a function of a given work piece, project, or type of equipment. 
     SUMMARY 
     In various embodiments, enhanced systems, tools, and techniques are provided for automatically preparing and wirelessly communicating with various types of work piece processing equipment for performing different operations on a variety of work pieces. 
     In one embodiment, a work piece positioning system is provided which comprises a guide rail assembly and a carriage assembly. The guide rail assembly is structured for connection to an item of work piece processing equipment and includes one or more guide rails and a measurement pattern positioned on at least a portion of at least one guide rail. The carriage assembly is structured for slidable engagement with at least a portion of the guide rail of the guide rail assembly. The carriage assembly may include a controller configured for wireless data communication with at least one mobile computing device and a stop block. programmed to receive data communicated from an electronic measurement device. In various embodiments, the controller may be programmed to receive a cut-list including a list of cuts to be made on the work piece processing equipment; to receive data derived from at least one information source associated with at least one dimension of a work piece or at least one attribute of a work piece environment; and/or to receive data associated with captured image data 
     In certain embodiments, a braking and positioning mechanism of the system may be configured for positioning the stop block in connection with a cutting operation to be performed on a work piece on the item of work piece processing equipment. The braking and positioning mechanism may comprise a coarse-adjust mechanism and a fine-positioning mechanism, wherein the coarse-adjustment mechanism is configured to move the carriage assembly along the guide rail assembly to position the stop block within a predetermined reach of the fine-positioning mechanism. The fine -positioning mechanism can be configured to move the stop block to a predetermined position on the guide rail assembly. In certain embodiments, the coarse-adjustment mechanism can be configured to permit manually sliding the carriage assembly to within a predetermined reach of the fine-positioning mechanism. 
     In various embodiments, a detection system may be configured to interact with the measurement pattern positioned on the guide rail assembly and to assist with positioning the stop block in a predetermined position on the guide rail assembly. In certain embodiments, the measurement pattern comprises an optical measurement pattern; the detection system comprises an optical detection system; and, the controller is programmed to determine the position of the stop block in response to the interaction of the optical detection system and the optical measurement pattern. In other embodiments, the measurement pattern comprises a metal-shaped pattern; the detection system comprises an inductive sensing detection system having a sensor board programmed to detect an amount of metal in the metal-shaped pattern; and, the controller is programmed to determine the position of the stop block in response to interaction of the detection system and the measurement pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the carriage assembly may comprise at least one automatic brake structured to engage the stop block on the guide rail assembly until a desired operation is performed by the work piece processing equipment. The controller may be further programmed to receive data associated with at least one dimension or attribute of a work piece to be processed by the work piece processing equipment and to adjust actuation or movement of the carriage assembly in response to the received data. In certain embodiments, the work piece processing equipment comprises a controller programmed for wireless communication with the controller of the carriage assembly, the mobile computing device, and at least one electronic measuring device. In other embodiments, at least one of the controller of the work piece processing equipment or the controller of the carriage assembly can be programmed for resisting actuation of the work piece processing equipment when an error condition is detected. 
     In various embodiments of the invention, a work piece positioning system comprises: a guide rail assembly having a series of guide rail segments modularly connectable together within the guide rail assembly, wherein at least one of the connectable guide rail segments has a measurement pattern positioned on a portion thereof; and a carriage assembly structured for slidable engagement with at least a portion of the guide rail of the guide rail assembly. The carriage assembly may include a controller configured for wireless data communication with at least one mobile computing device, and a stop block. In certain embodiments, the series of guide rail segments may be foldable to a length less than an overall length of the series of guide segments when extended. In other embodiments, at least one of the series of guide rail segments is detachable or attachable to at least one of the other guide rail segments. In various embodiments, work stands of different types and configurations can be structured for mounting at least a portion of the guide rail assembly thereon. 
     In various embodiments, a work piece positioning system can be provided which comprises a guide rail assembly having at least one guide rail, a measurement pattern positioned on at least a portion of at least one guide rail; and a carriage assembly structured for slidable engagement with at least a portion of the guide rail of the guide rail assembly. The carriage assembly may include a controller configured for wireless data communication with at least one mobile computing device, and a stop block. In different embodiments, the controller can be programmed to receive data communicated from an electronic measurement device; to receive a cut-list including a list of cuts to be made on the work piece processing equipment; to receive data derived from at least one information source associated with at least one dimension of a work piece or at least one attribute of a work piece environment; and/or to receive data associated with captured image data. 
     In certain embodiments, the carriage assembly may comprise at least one automatic brake structured to engage the stop block on the guide rail assembly until a desired operation is performed by the work piece processing equipment. The controller may be further programmed to receive data associated with at least one dimension or attribute of a work piece to be processed by the work piece processing equipment and to adjust actuation or movement of the carriage assembly in response to the received data. In certain embodiments, the work piece processing equipment comprises a controller programmed for wireless communication with the controller of the carriage assembly, the mobile computing device, and at least one electronic measuring device. Also, at least one of the controller of the work piece processing equipment or the controller of the carriage assembly may be programmed for resisting actuation of the work piece processing equipment when an error condition is detected. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates one example of an automated work piece processing system structured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  schematically illustrates an example of a tool-centric configuration for use in connection with an automated work piece processing system structured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate examples of a work piece processing application configured to receive data from electronic measurement devices and to communicate with a controller of a carriage assembly. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an example of an operator using a measurement device to measure the length of a piece of wood. 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates an example of communication occurring between a measurement device and the processing application 
         FIG. 6  includes an example of a computing device programmed with the processing application. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  show an example of a cut-list which can be displayed by the processing application. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  reflect an example of a before and after situation involving a given item on a cut-list. 
         FIG. 11  includes another example of a computing device programmed with the processing application. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a computing device showing different kinds of cuts and materials which can be processed by the processing application. 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate examples of setting an offset for different dimensions to be processed through the processing application. 
         FIG. 15  includes an example of saving or storing a cut-list to be communicated to the work piece processing equipment from the processing application on the computing device. 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate examples of managing a stock list with the processing application. 
         FIGS. 18 through 25  illustrate examples of a sketch tool that can be provided through the processing application on the computing device. 
         FIGS. 26 through 29  provide examples illustrating operation of certain embodiments of the invention in connection with a work piece processing apparatus. 
         FIGS. 30 through 36  provide examples of certain aspects of the operation of a braking and positioning mechanism of a carriage assembly structured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 37  includes an example of an optical measurement pattern that can be used in connection with certain guide rail assembly and stop block embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 38  illustrates examples of certain modular aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  illustrates an example of employing multiple carriage assemblies structured for cooperative arrangement. 
         FIGS. 40 and 41  illustrate an example of an adapter sleeve which may be employed in connection with different kinds of measurement devices. 
         FIG. 42  illustrates an example of a user cutting a work piece using one embodiment of the invention attached to a miter saw. 
         FIG. 43  illustrates one example of an implementation of a carriage assembly sitting inside a guide rail assembly. 
         FIGS. 44 through 47  illustrate various aspects of a carriage assembly installed for use in association with a miter saw. 
         FIG. 48  illustrates various aspects of an example of a carriage assembly installed for use in association with a table saw. 
         FIG. 49  illustrates various aspects of an example of a carriage assembly installed for use in association with a drill press. 
         FIGS. 50A and 50B  illustrate examples of the modularity aspects of a work piece positioning system. 
         FIGS. 51A-51C  depict certain aspects of an example of a braking system for a braking and positioning system. 
         FIGS. 52A-52E  show different aspects of an example of an inductive sensing detection system installed for use on a carriage assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     In various embodiments, the present invention may be embodied as a system of components, including both hardware and software, and a set of methods and processes employed by a user to cut work pieces with processing equipment (e.g., table saw or miter saw) to a desired size within a determined precision and accuracy. As applied at times herein, the term “AutoSet” may refer to the whole system and/or different components or processes associated with the system, such as components that are mechanically fixed to a cutting device or saw. 
       FIG. 1  provides an overview of one example of an automated work piece processing system  102  structured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. In this example, the system  102  includes a mobile computing device  104  configured for wireless data communication with a controller  106  comprising firmware, software or other computer -executable instructions and operatively associated with a carriage assembly  108 . The mobile computing device  104  may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or any other form of computing device with wireless radio transmission capability. The mobile computing device  104  may be configured for connection to the Internet or other networked media. In various embodiments, the carriage assembly  108  may include braking and positioning mechanisms for positioning a stop block in connection with a cutting operation, for example, performed on a type of work piece processing equipment  110  (e.g., table saw or miter saw). The carriage assembly  108  may be structured to slide along or within a guide rail assembly connected to the work processing equipment  110 . The carriage assembly  108  may comprise a fine adjustment positioning mechanism, a position measurement assembly, a brake assembly, an electronics enclosure, and optionally a coarse drive mechanism. The controller  106  may be programmed or configured to receive measurements from the device  104 , compute positions with its interface to the position measurement device and control the brake and motor via a motor control interface. Instructions stored on the controller  106  may also manage calibration functions and wireless connectivity with the computing device  104 . 
     Wireless data communication may be facilitated by connection through a cloud computing platform  112 , for example, or another suitable data communication medium. In operation, the mobile computing device  104  may be programmed with a work piece processing application  104 A (e.g., software application) configured to receive and process data communicated from an electronic measurement device (e.g., tape measure  114  or laser distance meter  118 ) used to measure one or more physical dimensions or other attributes of a work piece environment  116 . Such dimensions may include aspects of a work piece itself (e.g., length or width of stock material) and/or aspects of the environment  116  (e.g., a distance between a door and a wall of a house) in which the work piece will be employed. The measurement device may comprise a linear or volumetric distance measuring device with a wireless radio transmitter; including, for example, tape measures, laser distance meters, two-dimensional or three -dimensional LiDAR devices, stereo or monocular computer vision-based measuring devices or methods, or ultrasonic distance meters, among others. In certain embodiments, the mobile computing device  106  may be programmed to communicate with one or more other types of data storage media or data modules to store or retrieve work piece related data, for example, or other data. 
     In operation, the processing application  104 A can be configured to create a cut -list of materials to be processed in connection with the work piece environment  116  data collected by the measurement device  114 . The mobile computing device  104  may also receive or derive data from a design, plan, schematic, specification, or other document or information source associated with dimensions or attributes of one or more work pieces to be processed by the processing equipment  110 . In certain embodiments, the computing device  104  may be in communication with the controller  106  to relay information that can be used to control actuation and movement of the carriage assembly  108  during operation of the work piece processing equipment  110  (as described herein). 
     In certain embodiments, the processing application  104 A may include or be operatively associated with one or more image data processors  120 . The image data processors  120  may include software, hardware, firmware, and/or a combination of components programmed to receive and process captured image data. The captured image data may be derived from the optics or other sensor of a camera, for example, such as a camera typically installed on different kinds of mobile devices  104 . In one embodiment, the captured image data may include an image of a measurement portion of a non-electronic tape measure, for example, or other visual representations of measurement data obtained from the work piece processing environment  116 . Processing the captured image data may include deriving a numerical value or other quantity which can be used by the processing application  104 A, for example, in performing its various tasks and functions. 
       FIG. 1B  schematically illustrates an example of a tool-centric approach to implementation of various automated work piece processing systems structured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. In this example, work piece processing equipment  132  includes a controller  132 A comprising firmware, software or other computer-executable instructions programmed for directing functions or tasks performed by the work piece processing equipment  132 , such as drilling a hole into a work piece, for example, or communicating other data. The electronic measurement device  114  and/or the mobile computing device  104  may be configured to receive or transmit data to the controller  132 A of the work piece processing equipment  132 . Likewise, one or more components of the carriage assembly  108  may be programmed for wireless communication with the controller  132 A of the work piece processing equipment  132 . For example, dimensions or other characteristics associated with a process to be performed on a work piece (e.g., a cut length) can be communicated from one or more of the carriage assembly  108 , the mobile computing device  104 , or the electronic measurement device  114  to the controller  132 A, or among each other. In certain embodiments, one or more of these components  104 ,  108 ,  114 ,  132 A may be programmed to communication instructions which resist actuation of the work piece processing equipment  132  when an error condition is detected. If the carriage assembly  108  detects and determines that a piece of wood is about to be cut at an improper angle by a saw  132  (this represents a detected error condition), for example, then the controller  132 A of the saw  132  can be directed not to cut the piece of wood. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate examples of computing devices  104  programmed with a processing application  104 A configured to receive data from electronic measurement devices  114 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an example of an operator using a measurement device  114  to measure the length of a piece of wood. With regard to  FIG. 5 , work piece data can be obtained from the work piece environment  116  with the measurement device  114  and can be communicated to the processing application  104 A, as shown on the screen display of the mobile computing device  104 .  FIG. 6  includes an example of the computing device  104  programmed with the processing application  104 A (visually enlarged for clarity of illustration). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an example of a cut-list  702  is shown as presented by the processing application  104 A on the screen display of the computing device  104 . The cut-list  702  provides a list of cuts to be made on the work piece processing equipment  110  (e.g., saw cuts), including both those cuts that have been completed and those that have yet to be completed. As shown, one or more of the items in the cut-list  702  may be highlighted on the display. Also shown in this example is a wireless connectivity button  704 , such as for enabling communication of data to a controller of a carriage assembly, for example.  FIG. 8  points out the various pieces of information which can be associated with an item on the cut-list  702 , as well as a cut completion feature  804  which allows a user to manually designate that a cut has been completed. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  reflect a before and after situation involving a given item on the cut-list.  FIG. 9  shows the cut-list item  902  prior to the cut being made; and  FIG. 10  shows the cut-list item  1002 , now reflecting strike-through text, after the cut has been made. In operation, the controller  106  or other software associated with the carriage assembly  108  installed on the work piece processing equipment  110  may communicate data associated with the cut-list item  902  after the act of cutting has been completed on the work piece processing equipment  110  to update the cut-list on the computing device  104 .  FIG. 11  includes another example of the computing device  104  programmed with the processing application  104 A (visually enlarged for clarity of illustration). 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example showing the different kinds of cuts and materials which can be processed by the processing application  104 A. Examples of cuts include crosscuts  1202  and miter cuts  1204 . Also, two-dimensional materials such as sheets  1206  can be processed in various embodiments of the invention described herein.  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate examples of setting an offset for different dimensions to be processed through the processing application  104 A.  FIG. 15  includes an example of saving or storing a cut-list to be communicated to the work piece processing equipment  110  from the computing device  104 . 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate examples of managing a stock list with the processing application  104 A. As shown in  FIG. 16 , a user can select a manage stock list feature  1602  using the computing device  104 .  FIG. 17  illustrates how attributes for various stock material items, such as joists, trim molding, metal studs, etc., can be customized and/or added to a cut-list with the processing application  104 A as desired by the user. It can be seen that stock materials may be standard components used across different projects and may be defined by industry standards or by user-defined standards. Stock materials may also be defined by material that is available for the user to purchase at a nearby retail store. 
       FIGS. 18 through 25  illustrate examples of a sketch tool that can be provided through the processing application  104 A on the computing device  104 . In the example shown, two-dimensional work piece materials such as drywall pieces or plywood can be visually represented on the screen display of the computing device  104 . In operation, a user can manually (e.g., with a finger or stylus) interact with the visual representation to propose cuts to be made on the work piece. For example,  FIG. 24  demonstrates the result of a user drawing a circle on the visual representation with a finger; and  FIG. 25  represents how the processing application  104 A correlates the user-drawn circle to a circle to be cut into the work piece. It can be appreciated that dimensions derived by the processing application  104 A from the sketch tool can be correlated with dimensions of items on a cut-list including specific cuts to be performed on the work piece processing equipment  110 . 
     In various embodiments, if a cut-list is not already present, the worker may use any of a suite of connected measurement tools or may manually enter the desired length or other dimension(s) of the cut. In addition to cut length, the cut-list can also provide other cut data such as part numbers, quantity, miter/compound angles, stock type, tolerances, blade speed/type, etc. This allows for optimal use of the work piece processing equipment  110 , for example, by the worker. It can be seen that the computing device  104  and the processing application  104 A are able to keep track of cuts, thus allowing the worker to create a reproducible cut-list. This can prove useful in preserving and/or sharing fabrication designs with a larger community. Similarly, a worker can also download a design and start fabricating it without the need to take measurements. The ability to interact with cloud computing resources provides access to a whole suite of design tools and software to keep track of stock/inventory and to estimate the cost of a project before starting fabrication. The cut-list need not be limited to simple stock lumber. The ability to download and fabricate designs means that manufacturers can ship partially finished, yet highly customizable furniture to a customer that is keen on building their own personalized pieces but does not have the full suite of expensive tools to build complex pieces from scratch. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26 through 29 , examples are provided of operation of certain embodiments of the invention. In these examples, table saws  2602 ,  2702  are shown in connection with stops  2604 ,  2704  and guide rail assemblies  2606 ,  2706  (respectively) that determine the position of work pieces  2607 ,  2707  to be cut. The guide rails  2606 ,  2706  attach to either side of the miter saws  2602 ,  2702 , and the stops  2604 ,  2704  move along the lengths of the guide rails  2606 ,  2706  (respectively). Each of the stops  2604 ,  2704  may be a block positioned perpendicular to the guide rails  2606 ,  2706 . This combination forms a rigid reference frame in which the work piece can be placed such that it is firmly pushing against both the guide rail  2606 ,  2706  and the stop  2604 ,  2704 . This allows a worker  2708  to make repeatable and precise cuts of any desired length. A guide rail  2606 ,  2706  may comprise one component or a series of components mechanically affixed to the cutting device or saw  2602 ,  2702 . As shown in the figures, and as described in more detail below, each guide rail assembly  2606 ,  2706  may include a housing, a structural guide rail, an optical measurement pattern, and a brake rack in addition to other components which may be required to mechanically connect a series of guide rails  2606 ,  2706  together (e.g., in a modular state) and/or to other components. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention provide an actuation mechanism that does not need a dedicated motor to move a carriage assembly  108  having a stop block  2604 ,  2704  along the guide rail  2606 ,  2706  of the saw  2602 ,  2702 . Instead, the user can manually slide the stop block  2604 ,  2704  into its approximate position. An automatic brake (see discussion below) on the carriage assembly  108  engages, such that the stop blocks  2604 ,  2704  are rigidly held in the precise position until the desired cut is completed. In this manner, the worker  2708  can move the saw  2602 ,  2702  at a quick and comfortable speed until the brake engages. The carriage assembly  108  can also include a fine-positioning mechanism (see discussion below) that resists the possibility of under or over travel of the stop block  2604 ,  2704  from a desired distance from the blade of the saw  2602 ,  2702  (e.g., this distance is typically the cut length). In certain embodiments, the guide rail  2606 ,  2706  is designed to have teeth similar to a gear rack that mesh with a brake pad portion of the carriage assembly  108 . This allows for an interlocking surface, as well as a rigid connection of the stop block  2604 ,  2704  to the guide rail  2606 ,  2706 . This positioning and braking mechanism also reduces or eliminates the need for periodic service such as belt or chain tensioning (which are unnecessary components in this system), and the positioning system helps to avoid errors caused by backlash. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 30 through 36 , examples are provided of certain aspects of the operation of a braking and positioning mechanism contained within a carriage assembly  3002  installed on a guide rail  3004  on work piece processing equipment (e.g., cutting device or saw). A greater guide rail assembly may include the mechanism for affixing the guide rail  3004  to the cutting device or saw, as well as a leg assembly which provides a means of adjusting the height of the guide rail  3004  to align to the height of the cutting device or its stand. 
     In the examples shown, the carriage assembly  3002  includes an enclosure  3002 A and stop block  3002 B. In various embodiments, it can be seen that it is optimal to know the position of the stop block  3002 B as precisely and quickly as possible to properly engage a brake  3302  of the carriage assembly  3002  at the correct moment. In order to position the stop block  3002 B, an optical detection system may be operatively associated with the stop block  3002 B and configured to interact with an optical measurement pattern  3202  positioned on the guide rail  3004 . In certain embodiments, the optical detection system may employ two or more photodiodes that track the pattern  3202 , which can be embodied as a coded high contrast pattern printed along the length of the guide rail  3004 . The photodiodes allow the carriage assembly  3002  to track changes in the pattern  3202  as the stop block  3002 B moves along the guide rail  3004 . The unique sequence of changes in the pattern  3202  can be used to instantaneously compute the position of the stop block  3002 B along the guide rail  3004 . Thus, the automatic brake  3302  can be engaged when the stop block  3002 B is at or near the desired distance from the saw blade (wherein the distance represents a cut length, for example, of a work piece). The optical measurement pattern  3202  may be printed, painted, etched, powder coated, or adhesively affixed onto the guide rail  3004 . 
     In certain embodiments, error correcting codes may be employed in the pattern  3202 , to promote robustness of the positioning system in view of the guide rail  3004  potentially being scuffed, scratched, or impacted by dust accumulation. The error correction also guards against electrical noise thus reducing the cost and complexity of the power supply. In operation and use, the positioning mechanism can provide an absolute position of the stop block  3002 B on the rail  3004 . In one embodiment, the positioning mechanism may be configured with a coarse position resolution no coarser than 1/64th of an inch, and an absolute or fine positioning accuracy no worse than ± 1/32nd of an inch. 
     In this example,  FIGS. 30 through 32  show the carriage assembly  3002  traveling along the guide rail  3004 , with the stop block  3002 B interacting with the optical measurement pattern  3202 . As shown in more detail in  FIG. 33 , the brake  3302  can be actuated by use of a brake solenoid  3304  and assisted into place during a braking event by the spring-loaded action of one or more normally compressed springs  3306 . A controller  3308  includes hardware, firmware, software, or other computer-executable instructions which can receive cut-list data, for example, from the processing application  104 A. The controller  3308  can also be programmed to process data received from the optical detection system to direct the operation of the brake  3302 , for example.  FIG. 34  illustrates an example of engagement of the brake  3302  with the gear rack portion  3004 A of the guide rail  3004 . 
       FIGS. 35 and 36  illustrate an example of the fine positioning system portion of the carriage assembly  3002 . As shown, the controller  3308  processes data regarding an absolute position at which stop block  3002 B is to be positioned along the guide rail  3004 . The controller  3308  may be configured to direct the action of a fine adjustment motor  3310 , which is mechanically coupled to a fine adjustment screw  3312  through a gear box  3314 . The fine adjustment screw  3312  is coupled to the stop block  3002 B and rotates in response to action of the motor  3310  to extend or retract the stop block  3002 B in position along the guide rail  3004 . For a single cutting operation, the brake  3302  may engage and disengage more than once. The first engagement of the brake  3302  may be to notify the user to stop manually sliding the stop block  3002 B along the guide rail  3004 . Then, the fine positioning mechanism can move the block  3002 B into a final position prior to inserting the work piece into place at the desired distance from the blade. It can be seen that the fine positioning system may be configured with a limited range and speed of motion. As a result, the system can use an economical and comparatively lower power motor that is geared appropriately. This also results in a comparatively lower backlash gearing system. 
     Alternatively, actuation can be performed by a coarse-adjust mechanism. In this variation, the coarse-adjust mechanism moves the stop block  3002 B in the appropriate direction with enough energy to reach the final location. The brake  3302  then engages as the stop block  3002 B arrives to within a predetermined reach of the fine-positioning mechanism, which functions to move the stop block  3002 B to the precise location. The coarse-adjust mechanism&#39;s actuator may be engaged during the full time it takes to travel to the reach of the fine-adjust mechanism, or it may only be engaged for part of the time. The coarse-adjust mechanism&#39;s actuator may be, for example, an electric motor, a solenoid, or another rotational or linear actuation device. 
     In another variation, the actuation mechanism includes a belt-driven carriage assembly  3002 . The belt drives the assembly  3002  either entirely by itself to the desired location, or it drives the carriage assembly  3002  to within reach of a fine-adjustment mechanism built into the carriage assembly  3002 . The fine adjustment mechanism may include a brake, a drive motor, and a lead screw or some similar means of fine-adjustment actuation. 
     In various embodiments, power may be supplied to different components of the AutoSet system externally via 110/220 VAC electricity, for example, or internally via battery. The AutoSet system may include a means of charging the battery, and power can be converted to low voltage DC (5V to 36V) as needed. The voltage conversion and conditioning may be designed to take place within the electronics enclosure of the carriage assembly, for example. 
     To manage potential variation in the different saws or other processing equipment to which AutoSet system components can be connected, as well as deviations in mounting from use-to-use, the system can be calibrated each time it is set up. To calibrate, the user enables calibration mode on the computing device, and the positioning mechanism moves to a pre -determined length. The user can be prompted to make a measurement between the blade of the cutting device and the stop block with a distance measurement device connected wirelessly to the processing application  104 A. When the measurement data is communicated from the distance measurement device to the processing application  104 , the system associates that distance with the current distance as read by the positioning mechanism, completing the calibration process. 
       FIG. 37  includes an example of an optical measurement pattern that can be used in connection with certain guide rail and stop block embodiments described herein. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates examples of certain modular aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention. It can be sent that different actuation mechanisms described herein may be beltless and can be efficiently and quickly calibrated. For example, the length of a given guide rail can be changed by adding or removing modular segments. This modular nature of the system means that replacement of parts is affordable and the system may be readily portable between different work environments. It also allows for customization to use the system with a variety of cutting tools, routers, drill presses, or many other types of work piece processing equipment. Modularity also enables features such as folding the guide rail to provide portability and flexibility of use. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates an example of employing multiple carriage assemblies  3902 A,  3902 B structured for cooperative arrangement, such as for processing two-dimensional types of material such as sheet steel, plywood, dry wall, or other materials with multi-dimensional geometries. In this example, the carriage assemblies  3902 A,  3902 B travel along separate guide rails  3904 A,  3904 B (respectively) of the same work piece processing equipment  3906  (e.g., a table saw). 
       FIGS. 40 and 41  illustrate an example of an adapter sleeve  4002  which may be employed in connection with different kinds of tape measures. In the example shown, the sleeve  4002  has been positioned around the outside of a non-electronic tape measure  4004 , which may be a trade-designated “Stanley” non-electronic tape measure, for example. The sleeve  4002  may be comprised of a rubber, plastic, and/or elastic material, and may be secured in place around the tape measure  4004  by clasps, catches, elastic force, or a variety of other suitable fasteners or fastening means. The sleeve  4002  can be appropriately structured to be retrofit or applied on a variety of different kinds of non-electronic tape measures. It can be appreciated that using the adapter sleeve  4002  provides an alternative to using potentially more expensive electronic tape measures  114 . 
     In this example, the adapter sleeve  4002  includes a wireless communication button  4006  for pairing or connecting the sleeve wirelessly to a computer system or an electronic device such as a mobile device  104  programmed with a work piece processing application  104 A, for example. The sleeve  4002  may also include first and second measurement capture buttons  4008 ,  4010  which can be activated to cause a camera  4012  to capture an image of at least a portion of a measurement portion  4014  of the tape measure  4004 . The camera  4012  may be embodied as a camera or sensor typically employed in connection with a smart phone or similar mobile device  104 , for example. 
     In certain embodiments, the first measurement capture button  4008  may be programmed to activate the camera  4012  in connection with capturing an image associated with an outside measurement of a work piece, for example. Similarly, the second measurement capture button  4010  may be programmed to activate the camera  4012  in connection with capturing an image associated with an inside measurement of a work piece, for example. One or more of the buttons  4006 ,  4008 ,  4010  may be sized or dimensioned sufficiently (e.g., made thicker or larger) to accommodate the fingers of a user wearing work gloves, for example. 
     In various embodiments, the adapter sleeve  4002  may include various software, firmware, and/or hardware components, such as for facilitating wireless communications, storing measurement data, operating the camera  4012 , powering different functions of the sleeve  4002 , and/or for performing other tasks or functions. In certain embodiments, the sleeve  4002  may include a screen display  4022  for displaying information to a user. For example, the sleeve  4002  may be programmed to process and display cut lists on the screen display  4002 , or measurements which have been derived from the tape measure  4004 . In such embodiments, it can be seen that the adapter sleeve  4002  can function in lieu of or in addition to embodiments of the processing application  104 A described herein. 
     In other embodiments,  FIG. 41  illustrates an example of a reference blade  4102  which can be attached to the adapter sleeve  4002 . As shown, the reference blade  4102  is structured to extend from a bottom portion of the adapter sleeve  4002  toward the measurement portion  4014  of the tape measure  4004 . In operation of the camera  4012  to capture images of the measurement portion  4014 , the reference blade  4102  can provide an effective reference point for determining and deriving measurement data associated with the captured image. 
     In other embodiments,  FIG. 42  illustrates an example of a user  4202  cutting a work piece using one embodiment of the invention attached to a miter saw  4204 . A carriage assembly  4206  is seen affixed to a guide rail assembly  4208  about one-third of the way between the miter saw and the end of the rail. The work piece (not visible) is pressed up against the fixed stop block of the carriage assembly  4208 . 
       FIG. 43  illustrates one example of an implementation of the carriage assembly  4302  sitting inside the guide rail assembly  4304  as seen from a back view. A brake rack  4304 A and coarse sensor pattern  4304 B are seen affixed to a guide rail  4304 C of the assembly  4304 . In this example, the carriage assembly  4302  slides along the guide rail  4304 C with the help of multiple rollers  4306 A,  4306 B. Power can be supplied at line voltage (110 VAC) via an extension cable  4308 , for example. Fine adjustment positioning of the stop block of the carriage assembly  4302  can be enabled by a shaft connecting the top portion of the carriage assembly  4302  that flips over the guide rail  4304 C and a base of the carriage assembly  4302 , as shown. The brake rack  4304 A can be used to fix the coarse position of the carriage assembly  4302  in conjunction with a solenoid-driven brake which is internal to the base of the carriage assembly  4302 . The brake rack  4304 A can also be used to secure the carriage assembly  4302  into the guide rail  4304 C. 
       FIG. 44  illustrates a cut away view of the carriage assembly  4302  of  FIG. 43 . A stepper motor  4402  can be used for fine positioning adjustment of the carriage assembly  4302 . A solenoid  4404  can be used to disengage the brake. A power supply printed circuit board  4406  can be used for transforming line voltage (110 VAC) to low voltage (12 VDC). Another printed circuit board  4408  can be used for reading the coarse sensing pattern. In another aspect, a brake block  4410  can be used for fixing coarse position of the carriage assembly  4302 . 
       FIG. 45  illustrates a front top view of the carriage assembly  4302 . In this view, the stop block is also visible, held in place by a rectangular tube, which is held in turn by the top of the carriage assembly  4302 . An offset of the stop block  4502  from the carriage assembly  4302  can be adjustable and enables the stop block  4520  to get closer to the blade of the work piece processing equipment (e.g., a saw in this example). In this implementation, the top of the carriage assembly  4302  also contains a keypad  4504  for data entry, and a digital readout  4506  for displaying the current length setting, for example. In certain embodiments, jog buttons can be provided for finely adjusting the current length setting, and indicator lights can be provided for communicating the state of the device to the user, for example. 
       FIGS. 46 and 47  show the carriage assembly  4302  attached to a miter saw  4602 , which is attached to a stand  4604  typically used on construction sites, for example. The end of the guide rail assembly  4608  opposite the miter saw  4602  is supported with a tripod  4610 . In this implementation, the guide rail assembly  4608  is made up of two sections attached in the middle with a bracket, seen just under the “VR” logo near the middle of the rail assembly  4608 . 
     In another embodiment,  FIG. 48  depicts a carriage assembly  4802  affixed for operation with a table saw  4804 . In this embodiment, a guide rail  4806  is affixed below the table saw work surface  4808  to work cooperatively with the carriage assembly  4802 . The carriage assembly  4802  may be connected for operative association with a stop rail or fence assembly  4810  positioned on top of the table saw work surface  4808  with its longitudinal axis parallel to the plane of a blade  4812  of the table saw  4804 . Optionally, a second guide rail  4814  can be mounted in a generally parallel and opposing alignment with respect to the first guide rail  4806 , in order to promote retaining the fence assembly  4810  in a generally parallel position with respect to the blade  4812 . 
     In a further embodiment,  FIG. 49  depicts a carriage assembly  4902  affixed for operation with a drill press  4902 . In this embodiment, a guide rail  4906  is affixed to a work surface  4908  of the drill press  4904 . As shown, the carriage assembly  4902  can be configured to move correspondingly vertically as the drill press work surface  4908  is moved up or down, for example. The carriage assembly  4902  moves along the guide rail  4906  as in other examples described herein. Optionally, a quick-release clamp  4910  can be used to secure the guide rail  4906  to the drill press work surface  4908  to allow convenient connection or disconnection of the guide rail  4906  from the drill press  4906 . In certain embodiments, the combination of the carriage assembly  4902  and the guide rail  4906  may be supported in place by use of a work stand  4912 , for example. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 50A through 52B , another example of a work piece positioning system  5001  is shown as structured in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention for operative association with a saw  5002 , for example.  FIG. 50A  illustrates a work piece positioning system  5002  including a carriage assembly  5004  and a guide rail assembly  5006 , with the carriage assembly  5004  structured to slidably engage and move along multiple guide rails  5008 ,  5010  of the guide rail assembly  5006 . A stop block  5012  provides a surface suitable for receiving and maintaining a work piece (e.g., the end portion of a piece of lumber) against the surface, such as during the process of cutting the work piece with the saw  5002 , for example. 
     In this embodiment, it can be seen that the modular nature of the system  5001  can be embodied as multiple segments of the guide rail assembly  5006 . For example, the multiple guide rail segments  5008 ,  5010  may each possess multiple channels (e.g., channels  5010 A - 5010 C) structured to receive shims  5014 ,  5016 ,  5018  therein (respectively). The shims  5014 ,  5016 ,  5108  may comprise a material such as plastic or metal, for example, among other types of suitable materials. The shims  5014 ,  5016 ,  5018  can be structured for connectably engaging in a tongue and groove manner, for example, the different segments  5008 ,  5010  of the guide rail assembly  5006  to each other. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 51A-51C , in other aspects of the present invention, examples of different embodiments of a braking and positioning mechanism  5102  of the carriage assembly  5004  are illustrated. In the example shown, the braking and positioning mechanism  5102  includes a braking system  5104  comprising a stepper motor  5106  engaged with a rotatable disc  5108  through a cam shaft  5110 . As shown, the rotatable disc  5108  includes ramps  5112 ,  5114  having pins  5116 ,  5118  extending through the ramps  5112 ,  5114  (respectively). The pins  5116 ,  5118  connect and operatively associate the rotatable disc through brake arms  5022 ,  5024  (respectively). Brake pads  5026 ,  5028  are mounted on the brake arms  5022 ,  5024  (respectively) and are operably engageable with various portions of the guide rail assembly  5006 . In operation, when the carriage assembly  5004  has determined or has received data reflecting a desired position, the stepper motor  5106  can be activated to turn the rotatable disc  5108 , thereby drawing the brake arms  5022 ,  5024  and their respective brake pads  5026 ,  5028  into a closed or clamped position on a portion of the guide rail assembly  5006 . The action of the brake pads  5026 ,  5028  serves to stop the carriage assembly  5004  at a location corresponding to the desired position.  FIG. 51C  illustrates an example of the brake pads  5026 ,  5028  in a closed state or position. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 52A and 52B , in other aspects of the present invention, an inductive sensing detection system  5202  may be configured to interact with a shaped-metal pattern variety of measurement pattern  5204  associated with or connected to the guide rail assembly  5006 . In various embodiments, the inductive sensing detection system  5202  comprises a sensor board having one or more multiple inductive coils therein, along with a computer chip programmed to detect current induced in the inductive coils. For example, the computer chip may a trade-designated “LDC1000 Inductance-to-Digital Converter” (offered by Texas Instruments, www.ti.com). In operation, as the carriage assembly  5004  moves and the sensor board of the detection system  5202  passes across the metal pattern  5204 , and changes in the pattern  5204  can be detected based on the amount of metal detected in the pattern  5204 . The amount of metal detected by the detection system  5202  can induce a current in the inductive coils which can in turn be detected and processed by the computer chip. In this manner, a distance from the saw  5002 , for example, can be calculated by operation of the detection system  5202  to analyze the pattern  5204 , and thereby determine the current position of the carriage assembly  5004  or its associated components on the guide rail assembly  5006  relative to the saw  5002 . 
       FIGS. 52C-52E  illustrate various embodiments of different potential geometries for the pattern  5204  which represent different frequencies for the pattern  5204  as it interacts with the detection system  5202  during travel adjacent to the pattern  5204 .  FIG. 52C  illustrates an example of a comparatively higher frequency sinusoidal wave for the pattern  5204 .  FIG. 52D  shows an example of a comparatively higher frequency saw tooth wave which can be embodied in the pattern  5204 .  FIG. 52E  illustrates an example of a comparatively higher frequency sinusoidal wave which can be embodiment for the pattern  5204 . It can be appreciated that two or more such patterns may be combined or stacked to create customized or variable frequency profiles. Such customized frequency profiles can be selected in response to the interferometry characteristics yielded when multiple patterns are combined together. The combination can be selected in association with a desired level of accuracy and precision in the measurement desired to be obtained from the work piece positioning system  5001  for different applications. 
     It can be appreciated that the examples described herein are intended primarily for purposes of illustration of the invention for those skilled in the art. No particular aspect or aspects of the examples are necessarily intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, no particular aspect or aspects of the examples of system architectures, device configurations, material processing equipment (e.g., table saw), or process flows described herein are necessarily intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that a sufficient understanding of the present invention can be gained by the present disclosure, and therefore, a more detailed description of such elements is not provided herein. 
     Any element expressed herein as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a combination of elements that performs that function. Furthermore, the invention, as may be defined by such means-plus-function claims, resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in a manner as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, any means that can provide such functionalities may be considered equivalents to the means shown herein. 
     In various embodiments, various models or platforms can be used to practice certain aspects of the invention. For example, software-as-a-service (SaaS) models or application service provider (ASP) models may be employed as software application delivery models to communicate software applications to clients or other users. Such software applications can be downloaded through an Internet connection, for example, and operated either independently (e.g., downloaded to a laptop or desktop computer system) or through a third -party service provider (e.g., accessed through a third-party web site). In addition, cloud computing techniques may be employed in connection with various embodiments of the invention. Moreover, the processes associated with the present embodiments may be executed by programmable equipment, such as computers. Software or other sets of instructions that may be employed to cause programmable equipment to execute the processes may be stored in any storage device, such as a computer system (non-volatile) memory. Furthermore, some of the processes may be programmed when the computer system is manufactured or via a computer -readable memory storage medium. 
     It can also be appreciated that certain process aspects described herein may be performed using instructions stored on a computer-readable memory medium or media that direct a computer or computer system to perform process steps. A computer-readable medium may include, for example, memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs of both read-only and read/write varieties, optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. A computer-readable medium may also include memory storage that may be physical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi -permanent and/or semi-temporary. Memory and/or storage components may be implemented using any computer-readable media capable of storing data such as volatile or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and so forth. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include, without limitation, RAM, dynamic RAM (DRAM), Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., NOR or NAND flash memory), content addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory (e.g., ferroelectric polymer memory), phase -change memory, ovonic memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of media suitable for storing information. 
     A “computer,” “computer system,” “computing device,” “component,” or “computer processor” may be, for example and without limitation, a processor, microcomputer, minicomputer, server, mainframe, laptop, personal data assistant (PDA), wireless e-mail device, smart phone, mobile phone, electronic tablet, cellular phone, pager, fax machine, scanner, or any other programmable device or computer apparatus configured to transmit, process, and/or receive data. Computer systems and computer-based devices disclosed herein may include memory and/or storage components for storing certain software applications used in obtaining, processing, and communicating information. It can be appreciated that such memory may be internal or external with respect to operation of the disclosed embodiments. In various embodiments, a “host,” “engine,” “loader,” “filter,” “platform,” or “component” may include various computers or computer systems, or may include a reasonable combination of software, firmware, and/or hardware. In certain embodiments, a “module” may include software, firmware, hardware, or any reasonable combination thereof. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative to practice embodiments of the present invention, such substitution is within the scope of the present invention. 
     Although some embodiments may be illustrated and described as comprising functional components, software, engines, and/or modules performing various operations, it can be appreciated that such components or modules may be implemented by one or more hardware components, software components, and/or combination thereof. The functional components, software, engines, and/or modules may be implemented, for example, by logic (e.g., instructions, data, and/or code) to be executed by a logic device (e.g., processor). Such logic may be stored internally or externally to a logic device on one or more types of computer-readable storage media. In other embodiments, the functional components such as software, engines, and/or modules may be implemented by hardware elements that may include processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chip sets, and so forth. 
     Examples of software, engines, and/or modules may include software components, programs, applications, computer programs, application programs, system programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, software interfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets, computing code, computer code, code segments, computer code segments, words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whether an embodiment is implemented using hardware elements and/or software elements may vary in accordance with any number of factors, such as desired computational rate, power levels, heat tolerances, processing cycle budget, input data rates, output data rates, memory resources, data bus speeds and other design or performance constraints. 
     In some cases, various embodiments may be implemented as an article of manufacture. The article of manufacture may include a computer readable storage medium arranged to store logic, instructions and/or data for performing various operations of one or more embodiments. In various embodiments, for example, the article of manufacture may comprise a magnetic disk, optical disk, flash memory or firmware containing computer program instructions suitable for execution by a general-purpose processor or application specific processor. The embodiments, however, are not limited in this context. 
     Additionally, it is to be appreciated that the embodiments described herein illustrate example implementations, and that the functional elements, logical blocks, modules, and circuits elements may be implemented in various other ways which are consistent with the described embodiments. Furthermore, the operations performed by such functional elements, logical blocks, modules, and circuits elements may be combined and/or separated for a given implementation and may be performed by a greater number or fewer number of components or modules. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several aspects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible. 
     Certain embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. These terms are not necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments may be described using the terms “connected” and/or “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. The term “coupled,” however, also may mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. With respect to software elements, for example, the term “coupled” may refer to interfaces, message interfaces, application program interface (API), exchanging messages, and so forth. 
     It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure and are comprised within the scope thereof. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles described in the present disclosure and the concepts contributed to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents comprise both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. The scope of the present disclosure, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplary aspects and aspects shown and described herein. 
     Although various systems described herein may be embodied in software or code executed by general purpose hardware as discussed above, as an alternative the same may also be embodied in dedicated hardware or a combination of software/general purpose hardware and dedicated hardware. If embodied in dedicated hardware, each can be implemented as a circuit or state machine that employs any one of or a combination of a number of technologies. These technologies may include, but are not limited to, discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing various logic functions upon an application of one or more data signals, application specific integrated circuits having appropriate logic gates, or other components, etc. Such technologies are generally well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and, consequently, are not described in detail herein. 
     The flow charts and methods described herein show the functionality and operation of various implementations. If embodied in software, each block, step, or action may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that comprises program instructions to implement the specified logical function(s). The program instructions may be embodied in the form of source code that comprises human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that comprises numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system such as a processing component in a computer system. If embodied in hardware, each block may represent a circuit or a number of interconnected circuits to implement the specified logical function(s). 
     Although the flow charts and methods described herein may describe a specific order of execution, it is understood that the order of execution may differ from that which is described. For example, the order of execution of two or more blocks or steps may be scrambled relative to the order described. Also, two or more blocks or steps may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the blocks or steps may be skipped or omitted. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in one aspect” in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents used in the context of the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as,” “in the case,” “by way of example”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as solely, only and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a negative limitation. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be comprised in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as claimed herein.