Patent Publication Number: US-2019178080-A1

Title: Diamond insert with heat transfer bore

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/974,064, filed Apr. 2, 2014, claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/676,364, filed Apr. 1, 2015, and claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/923,051, filed Mar. 16, 2018, to the extent allowed by law and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to bit/bit holder combinations and, more particularly, to such a combination utilizing a larger PCD diamond layered ballistic tip insert with at least one heat transfer bore. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As basic infrastructure created in the 20th Century ages and wears, machinery for rejuvenating or replacing that infrastructure has become more important. While mining and trenching operation machinery may be included in this technology, road milling machinery, down hole tools in the oil well industry, and other similar industries area, thus far, the most prolific use of the instant machinery. 
     Road milling equipment utilizes a rotating drum having a plurality of bit assemblies removably mounted on the outside of the drum in spiral or chevron orientation. A typical rotating drum has a bit tip to bit tip diameter of between 42 and 54 inches and includes a plurality of mounting blocks generally secured thereto by welding in spiral or chevron patterns. The patterns noted provide for the bit blocks to be mounted behind and slightly axially to the side of one another such that the bits or combination bit/holders mounted in each bit block may have the tips of the bits positioned in close proximate relation along the axial length of the drum. As such, adjacent bit tips may be positioned anywhere from about 0.200 inch to about ⅝ inch axially apart for either removing concrete, asphalt, or the like, when replacing one or both of the pavement and underlayment for roadways, or may be positioned axially closer together, about 0.200 inch, for micro milling the surface of pavement to remove buckles, create grooves on curved surfaces such as cloverleafs, or the like. 
     Improvements in the bits and bit/holders that are removably mounted on the bit blocks have increased the useful in-service life of those removable parts. While such bit and bit/holders have been made of steel and hardened materials such as tungsten carbide, the use of diamond coated tips and man-made PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tips, has been shown to increase the in-service life of those bits and bit/holders. 
     Another improvement in bit/holders has been the invention of quick change holders that have eliminated the necessity of securing such holders with threaded nuts or retaining clips and have utilized the compressive elastic ductility of hardened steel to provide sufficient radial force between the holders and the bit block bores to retain holders mounted in their respective bit block bores during operation. While such bit assemblies have included rotatable and removable bits mounted in bit holders which, in turn, were mounted in bit blocks as noted above, the introduction of diamond materials on bit tips has increased their in-service life 40 to 80 times and has, in some cases, allowed for the combining of bits and bit holders into a unitary construction with the tips no longer being rotatable on the holders. 
     A need has developed for improved structure at the front leading end or tip end of bit/holders that provide for improved wear characteristics, in-service life and finer milled road surfaces at reduced total cost. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates generally to bit and/or pick assemblies for road milling, mining, and trenching equipment. One implementation of the teachings herein is a bit tip insert that includes a body comprising a tip and a base subjacent the tip, the tip including an overlay on an outer surface of the tip; and a first bore axially extending from a distal end of the body to a first bore termination adjacent the tip, the first bore adapted to allow inward contraction when the overlay transfers heat into the base during operation. 
     These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the present disclosure which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The disclosure may best be understood from the following detailed description of currently illustrated embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of a bit/holder constructed in accordance with the present disclosure including a first embodiment of an improved and enlarged leading tip section; 
         FIG. 2 a    is a cross section view of a prior art 0.565 inch PCD tip insert mounted on a recess in a pick bolster; 
         FIG. 2 b    is a fragmentary cross section view of the 0.75 inch diameter PCD layered tip insert as in  FIG. 1  shown for comparison purposes with the prior art disclosed on the other  FIG. 2  drawings; 
         FIG. 2 c    is a diagram view showing the prior art tip of  FIG. 2 a    superimposed on the front portion of the enlarged tip of  FIG. 2   b;    
         FIG. 2 d    is a fragmentary photograph of another prior art tip having a 0.565 inch diameter conical distal end; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a bit/holder constructed in accordance with the disclosure showing a second embodiment of a tip having a slight reverse taper in the aft or body portion thereof which is mounted on the front of the holder portion thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a photograph showing a front elevational view of a prior art bit/holder after substantial in-service use showing the wear characteristics on it after substantial use; 
         FIG. 5  is a photograph showing a side elevational view of the prior art bit/holder shown in  FIG. 4  wherein separated material has flowed past the left side of the bit/holder in use; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged diagrammatic elevational detail view of a third embodiment of the enlarged tip insert; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic stop motion side view of the partial sweep of a bit assembly as it moves through its material separating operation; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic front view taken at 90 degrees to  FIG. 7  showing the added side overlap of successive bit assemblies resulting in a finer finish cut using a drum with standard 0.625 inch center-to-center tip spacing; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of a bit/holder and a fourth embodiment of a tip insert in accordance with implementation of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded side elevation view of the third embodiment of the bit/holder and the fourth embodiment of the tip insert in accordance with implementations of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of a fourth embodiment of a bit/holder and a fifth embodiment of a tip insert in accordance with implementations of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded side elevation view of the fourth embodiment of a bit/holder and the fifth embodiment of the tip insert in accordance with implementations of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded side elevation view of a fifth embodiment of a bit/holder and a sixth embodiment of a tip insert in accordance with implementations of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is side elevation view of a seventh embodiment of a tip insert in accordance with implementations of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom elevation view of the seventh embodiment of the tip insert in accordance with implementations of this disclosure; and 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded side elevation view of the fifth embodiment of the bit/holder and the seventh embodiment of the tip insert in accordance with implementations of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The diameter of the base of the PCD ballistic insert is determined by the required geometric profile of the forward end of the point attack tool. As the machine or equipment size diminishes, so does the amount of horsepower of the engine or the machine needed to operate the machine. 
     The ballistic or parabolic style profile of the tip of the PCD insert provides a longer conic tip than a standard straight line side profile of a frustoconical tip. The longer parabolic tip has a greater PCD coated length with more structural strength. The included angle of the tip varies axially. Sollami PCD tool is 180 degrees indexable to achieve extended life over prior art diamond coated tools, while maintaining nearly exactly the same cut surface profile. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a first embodiment of a bit/holder  10 , constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, includes features from this inventor&#39;s previous U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,371,567, 6,585,326 and 6,739,327 which show both the shank  11  at the rear of the bit/holder and the forward end  12  of the bit/holder  10  having a diamond coated tungsten carbide tip insert  13  mounted in a generally cylindrical recess  14  at the center of an annular flange  15  extending axially outwardly from the steel body portion of the bit/holder. This steel annular flange  15  provides ductility and shock absorption characteristics to the generally ballistic shape tip  13  that is preferably made of tungsten carbide having either a single  13   b  or multiple layer (See  FIG. 6 ) of industrial diamond or PCD superstructure over the forward conical portion of the tip. Additionally, an annular ring  16  of tungsten carbide is mounted over the steel annular flange  15  for added wear resistance to the aft portion of holder. The tungsten carbide annular ring  16  is preferably brazed in an annular groove  17  at the top of the body portion  18  of the holder  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of the bit/holder  10  when used for road milling purposes, the nominal outer diameter of the shank  11  is about 1.5 inches and the nominal outer diameter of the widest portion of the body  18  of the holder is about 2⅝ inches at what is termed the “tire portion”  20  of the holder body  18 . The diameter of the upper cylindrical portion  18   a  of the body  18  is about 1¾ inches and the axial length of the body from the rear annular flange  21  to the front of the cylindrical portion is about 3 inches. The length of the shank  11  in the embodiments shown approximates 2½ inches. As taught in my U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/944,676, filed Feb. 26, 2014, now U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/628,482, filed Feb. 23, 2015, and now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0240634, published Aug. 27, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, bit holder shanks may be shorter, on the order of 1½ inches. 
     With the forward cylindrical end of a bit holder body  18  having a diameter of about 1¾ inches, prior art bits or pick bolsters have been designed to have a conical surface aiding in diverting pavement material away from the forward tip portion of the bit/holder or bit. 
     In designing these structures, tip inserts having a front conical tip of PCD or diamond layered material  13   b , as shown in  FIG. 1 , have been selected to provide best results. The diameter of the tip insert at its widest point for holders sized as above has thus far been a tip insert made to a base diameter of about 0.565 inch. In experimenting with such diamond covered tip insert structures, applicant has discovered that using such a tip having a nominal diameter of 0.625, 0.75, 0.875 inch or larger ballistic tip insert may still be inserted in a modified structure substantially similar to that previously shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,327. Thus, the improvement is also compatible with existing drums and bit holder blocks. This illustrated ¾ inch or larger diameter ballistic shaped tip insert  40  is also longer (See  FIG. 6 ) in overall length than the 0.565 inch diameter prior insert utilized. 
     The overall length of the ¾ inch diameter ballistic tip insert is about 1⅛ inches. This length when mounted in the cylindrical recess  14 , having a diameter of at least 0.625 inch, at the front of the bit holder body  18  allows the ballistic tip insert  13  to extend at least ⅝ inch from the front of the annular tungsten carbide collar  16  and to extend at least ½ inch outwardly of recess  14 . When coating tungsten carbide inserts with diamond, high temperature, high pressure presses are used. Making more 0.565 diameter inserts has thus far yielded slightly cheaper inserts, but applicant has found that making fewer, larger inserts per manufacturing operation at cycle yields better milling results, although each insert is made at a slightly higher cost. Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the wear pattern of a prior art PCD insert tip  25  attached to a tungsten carbide bolster bit/holder  26  of prior art 0.565 inch tip diameter is shown. The conical portion of the ballistic tip insert  25  shows some wear after substantial use of the tool. Most of the wear occurs immediately aft  27  of the widest part  28  of the tip insert. This wear occurs in the product shown on both sides in  FIG. 4  and on the left (loosened material flow side in  FIG. 5 ) in what is termed a “tungsten carbide bolster”  26  that initially is generally frustoconical in shape with a slightly convex worn outer surface. The right side of the tip  25  in  FIG. 5  slides along the remaining roadway material. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , this PCD conical front tip  25  extends minimally away from the front of the tungsten carbide bolster  26 . It is submitted that the additional ⅝ inch extension of the improved ¾ inch or larger diameter ballistic tip insert of the present disclosure urges removed asphalt and concrete material away from the tip  13  at the area of most wear (the left side of  FIG. 5  in the prior art) and thus provides reduced wear on the annular ring. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c  and 2 d   , the bit tip insert  13  of the disclosure shown in  FIG. 2 b    is compared with prior art 0.565 inch diameter conical tips shown in  FIG. 2 a   . The added diamond coated conical area of the new tip  13  of  FIG. 2 b   , shown in  FIG. 2 c    solid line  13  at the sides of the prior art tip of  FIG. 2 a    at  25 , provides substantially greater diamond protected cutting area than the prior art. This added area, when used on neighboring like sized tips, on ⅝ inch center-to-center drums, provides substantial cutting overlap on pavement to be milled. 
       FIGS. 2 a  and 2 d    show prior art 0.540 to 0.565 inch PCD inserts  25  which have conical PCD tips brazed to tungsten carbide bases mounted on a pick bolster  26  made of tungsten carbide. 
       FIG. 2 c    shows the outlines of tip insert  13  of the present disclosure as mounted in a bit holder with the prior art 0.565 tip and bolster of  FIG. 2 a    superimposed at  25  thereon. As in  FIG. 2 b   , the added (enlarged) diamond coated conical portion over this piece of prior art can readily be seen with similar advantages as discussed above. The profiles toward the top of the bit insert are similar, but the height of the tapered portion is greater than a 0.565 inch PCD tip producing better wear protection to the annular carbide ring as will be discussed below. 
       FIG. 2 d    shows another prior art 0.565 diamond tip insert  25 . Applicant&#39;s 0.75 inch conical tip insert would provide similar advantages over this tip as mentioned in connection with  FIG. 2 c    above. 
       FIG. 3  shows a second embodiment of a bit/holder  30  of the present disclosure utilizing a 0.75 inch nominal diameter diamond covered conical tip  31  with a tungsten carbide base  32  that is slightly reverse tapered at its sides  33 ,  34  at approximately a 2 degree half angle in this illustrated embodiment, that is, 2 degrees per side. In other embodiments, the tungsten carbide base  32  is slightly reverse tapered at its sides  33 ,  34  in the range of and including 1/100 of 1 degree to 15 degrees per side). 
     While prior art bits and bit/holders disclose an enlarged tungsten carbide conical portion just aft of the 0.565 inch base insert with PCD shaped tip, the present disclosure, having a steel annular tubular column  35  having a recess  37  ( FIG. 3 ) into which the 0.75 diameter PCD insert  31  is inserted, provides additional shock absorbing characteristics as a result of the ductility of the steel and subjacent braze joint. Prior art PCD tungsten carbide inserts brazed to tungsten carbide bases do not possess those shock absorbing capabilities. The central steel annular tubular column  35  also provides for greater thermal expansion and contraction during use. As the forward end of the PCD insert  31  increases its working temperature, the steel column  35  and the braze joint will expand about twice the amount of tungsten carbide expansion for the same increase in temperature and radially grab the PCD insert  31  more securely. The carbide collar  36  restricts the steel column  35  from similarly expanding outwardly. The steel tubular column  35  has about twice the coefficient rate of thermal expansion value as tungsten carbide. 
     Thus, improved bit/holders  10 ,  30 , utilizing a ballistic shape tip of an increased diameter from 0.565 inch to 0.75 inch and larger provides a superior product than previously known in the art while still being usable with present size bit holder blocks (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a third embodiment of a ballistic shaped diamond coated tungsten carbide insert  40  is shown. A tip such as shown in the first embodiment could include a frustoconical tip having an approximately ⅛ inch curved radius at the top 41 thereof, and straight or parabolic conical sides leading down to the widest part of the base  44 . Also, the tip  13  shown in the first embodiment has a cylindrical base  13   a  that extends at least about ¾ inch behind the generally conical tip  13 , which fits into the cylindrical recess  14  at the top of the body  18  of the holder  10  in the first embodiment and is brazed into recess  14 . 
     In the second embodiment of the bit/holder  30 , the tip  31  shown in  FIG. 3  and the third embodiment of the tip  40  of  FIG. 6  also include an approximate ⅛ inch curved top. The sides  31   a ,  31   b  ( FIG. 3 ) of the conical portion of the insert are parabolic in shape. An additional ⅛ inch thereafter, the parabola shape changes to a 60½ degree separation and another ⅛ inch down from there the separation changes to an approximate 51 degree separation. 
     The parabolic shape of the ballistic tip  31  provides more mass under the multi layered diamond coating than would a straight side conical tip. Additionally, the top of the parabolic tip  31  provides improved separation of the material removed from the base thereof and directs the material removed further away from the base of the tip. 
     As shown, the base  32  of the tip  31  in the second embodiment is ¾ inch in diameter and in the second embodiment includes a 2 degree per side taper toward the bottom of the insert which is about a total 1 inch to 1.5 inches in height. 
     As mentioned previously, it appears from the drawing shown in  FIG. 3 , that an important factor for wear in the bit/holder is the width of the base of the tip in the insert. While prior art inserts have been approximately 0.565 inch in diameter, increasing that diameter to 0.75 inch and larger provides a wider base at the point of greatest wear during use of such a bit/insert. Thus the use of a 0.75 inch or greater diameter insert base provides for greater longevity of use. Also, larger bit holders are utilized for trenching and mining operations, so larger bit inserts can be utilized there. Further, the increased length of the insert to 1 inch in length or greater allows at least a ⅝ inch exposed length of the insert that also directs material removed away from the base of the insert to decrease the wear in what  FIGS. 4 and 5  show as the most sensitive part of the wear for a bit/holder during use. 
     The third embodiment of the diamond coated tip  40  shown in  FIG. 6  differs from that shown in  FIG. 3  in that the diamond coating  46  includes a ridge or overfill portion  44  at the base of the parabolic curves  42 ,  43  that has a thickness of about 0.010 inch or more per side. The overfill or over formed portion  44  may not be regular in shape and does not need to be ground or removed into any specific shape. This added diameter also affects the shape of the finished surface as will be discussed in more detail below. Depending upon the grade of diamond material or PCD material used, this thickness of the diamond coating may typically be about 0.120 inch or less. Multiple layers of diamond coating  46 ,  47 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , may be overlayed on the bit tip  40 . It should be noted that with the greater diameter and outward extending diamond edge overfill  44  of the increased tip  40  shown in  FIG. 6 , a thinner diamond or PCD coating at  46 ,  47  may be utilized in adjusting wear characteristics vs. cost. It should be noted that the conical area of a 0.75 inch diameter cone at the tip includes over 3.5 times the area of a 0.565 inch tip, providing a substantially more massive cutting tool. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a plurality of cutting tools  50 - 50 , constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, are shown sweeping across the cutting area of a surface to be removed. As previously described, the increased outer diameter of the bit tip to 0.75 inch adds mass to the exact area where most wear during use occurs. This increased cross section creates a shallow depth pattern as needed in micro milling, without requiring additional machine horsepower. 
     As previously discussed, a plurality of these bit assemblies  50 - 50  are mounted on cylindrical drum  51  in spiral or chevron fashion. A typical drum being about 7 feet to about 13 feet in length and typically 42 to 54 inches in diameter, may hold around 168 to 650 bit assemblies with center-to-center axial spacing of 0.625 inch between bit assemblies. This is in what is termed a “standard drum” previously used for removal of not only surface material, but also substrate material. Previously, drums used for micro milling have had center-to-center tip axial spacing of 0.20 inch between tips. As such, drums used for micro milling may have about 325 bit assemblies for same 7 feet 2 inch length drum. This is in drums term “double or triple hit drums,” double hit drums may have about 25 percent more of the bit assemblies. Full lane micro milling drums that are about 13 feet in length may have 600 to 900 bit assemblies per drum at a 0.200 inch center-to-center axial tip spacing. 
     Applicant has found that the use of ¾ inch nominal diameter or larger diamond coated bit tips when used at ½ to 1 inch depth of cut at approximately 92 rpm drum rotation speed and at a travelling speed of 20-40 ft/min may provide a surface approaching or equal to the flatness of a micro milled surface previously obtained with 0.565 inch diameter bit tips on drums having 0.200 inch center-to-center bit separation with same machine cutting specifications. 
       FIG. 8  shows a diagram of succeeding 0.75 inch bit tips of the present disclosure spaced at 0.625 inch apart which gives an axial overlap between adjacent bit tips of about 0.125 inch. This overlap is also at the point of most vertical curvature for even a ½ inch depth of the cut, leaving a substantially flatter surface than would be obtained using the 0.565 inch diameter bit tips. The fineness of the residual surface is also obtained by moving the drum at a slower speed (15-25 fpm). The faster in feet per minute the drum travels forward, the rougher the cut. It is therefore necessary not to outrun the cut. A speed of 60-120 feet per minute is considered normal for a rough cut. 
     As noted, the resulting fineness of the surface milled using the larger diameter bit tip approaches or achieves micro milling flatness by utilizing standard center-to-center diameter drums instead of the more expensive drums presently made for micro milling operations. Additional fineness of cut can be achieved by modifying spacing to somewhat less than 0.625, but substantially greater than 0.2 inch center-to-center. Not only is the cost of the drum less, but utilizing fewer bit assemblies makes a lighter drum requiring less horsepower to operate with more fuel efficiency and less impact on the machine components. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a fourth embodiment of a generally conical tip insert  116 , that includes a parabolic curved section below an apex of the tip insert  116 , in a third embodiment of a bit/holder  60  of the present disclosure is shown. The bit/holder  60  is a unitary bit and bit holder construction that includes a body  62  and a generally cylindrical hollow shank  64  axially depending from a bottom of the body  62 . The shank  64  includes an elongate first slot  66  extending from a generally annular distal end  68  of the shank  64  axially upward or forward to an upper termination  70  adjacent the upper or forward end of the shank  64 . In this embodiment, the shank  64  also includes an internally oriented second slot  72  located approximately 180 degrees around the annular shank  64  from the first slot  66 . This second slot  72  is parallel to the first slot  66  and is an internal slot having a rearward semicircular termination  74  inwardly adjacent to the distal end  68  of the shank  64  and a forward semicircular termination  76  (not shown) generally coinciding longitudinally and axially with the upper termination  70  of the first slot  66 . 
     In this illustrated embodiment, the shank  64  preferably includes a lower or first tapered portion  78  running axially from a stepped shoulder  80  adjacent the distal end  68  of the shank  64 . The stepped shoulder  80  is disposed between the lower tapered portion  78  and the distal end  68 . A diameter of the stepped shoulder  80  increases, or steps up, as it axially extends from the distal end  68  to the lower tapered portion  78 . The first tapered portion  78  runs upwardly or axially from the stepped shoulder  80  of the shank  64  and terminates generally mid slot  66  longitudinally. The shank  64  also includes an annular shoulder  82  separating the lower tapered portion  78  from an upper or second tapered portion  84  which extends from the shoulder  82  to generally adjacent to the top of the shank  64  or forward terminations  70 ,  76  of slots  66 ,  72 , respectively. The annular shoulder  82  is disposed between the lower tapered portion  78  and the upper tapered portion  84 . A diameter of the annular shoulder  82  decreases, or steps down, as it axially extends from the lower tapered portion  78  to the upper tapered portion  84 . A generally cylindrical top portion  86  of the shank  64  extends from a position adjacent the top or upper terminations  70 ,  76  of slots  66 ,  72 , respectively, towards a generally annular back flange  88  that denotes the base or bottom of the body  62  of the bit/holder  60 . The top of the shank  64  may include a rounded junction  87  between the top portion  86  of the shank  64  and the generally annular flange  88  of the body  62  of the bit/holder  60 , which is provided to avoid sharp corners which may provide an area for stress cracks to begin. 
     The generally annular flange  88  includes a pair of horizontal slots  90 - 90  generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combination bit/bit holder, one on either side of the generally annular flange  88 . The horizontal slots  90 - 90  are configured to receive a pair of bifurcated fork tines that may be inserted between the base of the body  62  of the bit/holder  60  and a base block (not shown) into which the shank  64  of the bit/holder combination is inserted and retained by outward radial force in use. 
     A central bore  100  longitudinally and axially extending through the shank  64  of the bit holder body  62  of the bit/holder  60  combination terminates at bore termination  102 , which in this illustrated embodiment has a conical shape, which is approximately at the upper end of the shank  64 . This allows the generally C-shaped annular side wall of the shank  64  to radially contract when the shank  64  is mounted in a tapered or cylindrical bore in a base block (not shown). 
     In this third illustrated embodiment of the bit/holder  60 , the bit holder body  62  includes an generally cylindrical or annular upper body portion  92  depending from a forward end  94  of the upper body portion  92 . Optionally, a mid-section of the upper body portion  92  of the bit/holder  60  may include a cross or through hole  93  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bit/holder  60 . This cross hole  93  extends horizontally through the upper body portion  92  and forms a receiver for a drift pin (not shown) used in connection with the cup portion of a bit/holder insertion tool. In an alternate embodiment, the upper body portion  92  of the bit/holder  60  may not include a cross or through hole. A mediate body portion  96  subjacent the upper body portion  92  generally slopes axially and radially outwardly to a radially extending generally arcuate tire portion  98 . 
     The bit holder body  62 , in order to provide superior brazing of a tungsten carbide ring  110  to the forward end  94  of the upper body portion  92 , includes a forwardly extending annular collar  104  that is created on the bit holder body  62  to provide an annular trough  106  around a tapered forward extension  108  of the bit holder body  62  onto which the annular ring  110  is mounted. In this illustrated embodiment, the annular collar  104  includes a cylindrical bottom inner wall  105  and a tapered top inner wall or countersink  107 . The vertical outer wall of the trough  106  will keep brazing material from flowing outwardly of the joinder between the base of the ring  110  and the annular trough  106  on which the ring  110  is positioned. The annular trough  106  is therearound positioned perpendicular to the axis of the bit/holder  60  from the interior of which axially extends the smaller radially oriented annular tapered upper or forward extension  108 . Around this tapered forward extension  108  is fitted the annular tungsten carbide ring  110 , seated in the annular trough  106 , which may preferably be braised into unitary construction with the remainder of the bit/holder  60 . The top or forwardmost portion of the tungsten carbide ring  110  and the annular tapered forward extension  108  of the upper body portion terminate generally at a forward end  95  of the bit holder body  62  of the combination bit/holder  60 . 
     With the bit holder body  62  of the present disclosure preferably made of 4340 or equivalent steel, the top of the forward extension  108  of the upper body  92  includes a radially declining tapered bore  112 , or a generally cylindrical bore in other embodiments, extending from the co-terminal upper wall of the body axially inwardly thereof which defines, in this illustrated embodiment, a radially declining taper. In other embodiments, the bore can also have a hollow generally cylindrical shape or a slight draw or draft angle. The bore  112  extends a short distance longitudinally axially inwardly of the forward extension  108  to define a base  111  for the tip insert base  114 . The base  111 , in this illustrated embodiment, has a tapered shape. The bit holder body  62  also includes a bore  115  that axially extends from the base  111  of the bore  112  to a bore termination  117 , which in this embodiment is conical shaped, within the upper body portion  92  of the bit/holder  60  adjacent the annular trough  106 . 
     The tapered bore  112  provides a space for receiving a complementary shaped declining tapered outer surface  113  of the base  114  of the tip insert  116  for the bit/holder combination. In one exemplary implementation of the fourth embodiment, the tip insert  116  can have a diameter in the range of ⅝ inch to 1.250 inch. In this fourth embodiment, the base  114  includes a tapered portion  120  adjacent a distal end  122  of the base  114 . The base  114  may be made of steel or tungsten carbide and includes a tip  118  at an outer or forward end  124  of the base  114 . In this embodiment, an outer surface or forward end  126  of tip  118  has an overlay  127  of a polycrystalline diamond structure. The tip  118  can have a frustoconical shape, a flat generally cylindrical puck shape, a parabolic ballistic shape, and/or an arcuate shape. The outer surface  126  of the tip  118  may also include an overlay  127  of an industrial diamond material and may be a single coating or outer layer or multiple coating or outer layers of such industrial diamond material, natural diamond, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) material, and polycrystalline diamond composite or compact (PDC) material. The single or multiple coatings or layers may be formed by a high pressure, high temperature process. The overlay  127  occupies a large radial and axial profile of the tip  118  which allows faster heat transfer into a region subjacent to the overlay  127  PCD layer. Excessively high heat, such as temperatures above 1300 degrees F., is the greatest cause of PCD failure due to diamond connective failure, the quick heat transfer from the tip  118  of the PCD cutting zone, which is approximately ½ inch depth of cut per tip engagement, to the subjacent region below the PCD drastically reduces the possibility of a temperature of the tip  118  of the PCD reaching temperatures at or above 1300 degrees F. for any extended period of time thereby avoiding failure of the PCD layer. 
     The tip insert  116  further includes a bore  119  that axially extends from the distal end  122  of the tip insert  116  to a bore termination  121 , which in this embodiment has a rounded shape, within the tip  118  adjacent an apex thereof. In this illustrated embodiment, the bore termination  121  is approximately a minimum distance  128  ( FIG. 10 ), which may be approximately 3/16 inch, from the apex of the tip  118 . The bore  115  and the bore  119  are adapted to receive an insert  123  made of a high heat transfer of conductor material, such as copper in this illustrated embodiment. The bore  115 , the bore  119 , and the insert  123  can vary in diameter  129  ( FIG. 10 ) depending on the size of the tip insert  116 . A depth  125  ( FIG. 10 ) that the insert  123  axially extends into the upper body portion  92  of the bit/holder  60  is sufficient to transfer and/or disperse heat from the overlay  127 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a fifth embodiment of a generally conical tip insert  216 , that includes a parabolic curved section below an apex of the tip insert  216 , in a fourth embodiment of a bit/holder  160  of the present disclosure is shown. The bit/holder  160  is a unitary bit and bit holder construction that includes a body  162  and a generally cylindrical hollow shank  164  axially depending from a bottom of the body  162 . The shank  164  includes an elongate first slot  166  extending from a generally annular distal end  168  of the shank  164  axially upward or forward to an upper termination  170  adjacent the upper or forward end of the shank  164 . In this embodiment, the shank  164  also includes an internally oriented second slot  172  ( FIG. 12 ) located approximately 180 degrees around the annular shank  164  from the first slot  166 . This second slot  172  is parallel to the first slot  166  and is an internal slot having a rearward semicircular termination  174  ( FIG. 12 ) inwardly adjacent to the distal end  168  of the shank  164  and a forward semicircular termination  176  (not shown) generally coinciding longitudinally and axially with the upper termination  170  of the first slot  166 . 
     In this illustrated embodiment, the shank  164  preferably includes a lower or first tapered portion  178  running axially from a stepped shoulder  180  adjacent the distal end  168  of the shank  164 . The stepped shoulder  180  is disposed between the lower tapered portion  178  and the distal end  168 . A diameter of the stepped shoulder  180  increases, or steps up, as it axially extends from the distal end  168  to the lower tapered portion  178 . The first tapered portion  178  runs upwardly or axially from the stepped shoulder  180  of the shank  164  and terminates generally mid slot  166  longitudinally. The shank  164  also includes an annular shoulder  182  separating the lower tapered portion  178  from an upper or second tapered portion  184  which extends from the shoulder  182  to generally adjacent to the top of the shank  164  or forward terminations  170 ,  176  of slots  166 ,  172 , respectively. The annular shoulder  182  is disposed between the lower tapered portion  178  and the upper tapered portion  184 . A diameter of the annular shoulder  182  decreases, or steps down, as it axially extends from the lower tapered portion  178  to the upper tapered portion  184 . A generally cylindrical top portion  186  of the shank  164  extends from a position adjacent the top or upper terminations  170 ,  176  of slots  166 ,  172 , respectively, towards a generally annular back flange  188  that denotes the base or bottom of the body  162  of the bit/holder  160 . The top of the shank  164  may include a rounded junction  187  between the top portion  186  of the shank  164  and the generally annular flange  188  of the body  162  of the bit/holder  160 , which is provided to avoid sharp corners which may provide an area for stress cracks to begin. 
     The generally annular flange  188  includes a pair of horizontal slots  190 - 190  ( FIG. 12 ) generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combination bit/bit holder, one on either side of the generally annular flange  188 . The horizontal slots  190 - 190  are configured to receive a pair of bifurcated fork tines that may be inserted between the base of the body  162  of the bit/holder  160  and a base block (not shown) into which the shank  164  of the bit/holder combination is inserted and retained by outward radial force in use. 
     A central bore  200  longitudinally and axially extending through the shank  164  of the bit holder body  162  of the bit/holder  160  combination terminates at bore termination  202 , which in this illustrated embodiment has a conical shape, that is approximately at the upper end of the shank  164 . This allows the generally C-shaped annular side wall of the shank  164  to radially contract when the shank  164  is mounted in a tapered or cylindrical bore in a base block (not shown). 
     In this fourth illustrated embodiment of the bit/holder  160 , the bit holder body  162  includes a generally cylindrical or annular upper body portion  192  depending from a forward end  194  of the upper body portion  192 . Optionally, a mid-section of the upper body portion  192  of the bit/holder  160  may include a cross or through hole  193  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bit/holder  160 . This cross hole  193  extends horizontally through the upper body portion  192  and forms a receiver for a drift pin (not shown) used in connection with the cup portion of a bit/holder insertion tool. In an alternate embodiment, the upper body portion  192  of the bit/holder  160  may not include a cross or through hole. A mediate body portion  196  subjacent the upper body portion  192  generally slopes axially and radially outwardly to a radially extending generally arcuate tire portion  198 . 
     The bit holder body  162 , in order to provide superior brazing of a tungsten carbide ring  210  to the forward end  194  of the upper body portion  192 , includes a forwardly extending annular collar  204  that is created on the bit holder body  162  to provide an annular trough  206  around a tapered forward extension  208  of the bit holder body  162  onto which the annular ring  210  is mounted. In this illustrated embodiment, the annular collar  204  includes a cylindrical bottom inner wall  205  and a tapered top inner wall or countersink  207 . The vertical outer wall of the trough  206  will keep brazing material from flowing outwardly of the joinder between the base of the ring  210  and the annular trough  206  on which the ring  210  is positioned. The annular trough  206  is therearound positioned perpendicular to the axis of the bit/holder  160  from the interior of which axially extends the smaller radially oriented annular tapered upper or forward extension  208 . Around this tapered forward extension  208  is fitted the annular tungsten carbide ring  210 , seated in the annular trough  206 , which may preferably be braised into unitary construction with the remainder of the bit/holder  160 . The top or forwardmost portion of the tungsten carbide ring  210  and the annular tapered forward extension  208  of the upper body portion terminate generally at a forward end  195  of the bit holder body  162  of the combination bit/holder  160 . 
     With the bit holder body  162  of the present disclosure preferably made of 4340 or equivalent steel, the top of the forward extension  208  of the upper body  192  includes a radially declining tapered bore  212 , or a generally cylindrical bore in other embodiments, extending from the co-terminal upper wall of the body axially inwardly thereof which defines, in this illustrated embodiment, a radially declining taper. In other embodiments, the bore can also have a hollow generally cylindrical shape or a slight draw or draft angle. The bore  212  extends a short distance longitudinally axially inwardly of the forward extension  208  to define a base  211  for the tip insert base  214 . The base  211 , in this illustrated embodiment, has a conical shape. 
     The tapered bore  212  provides a space for receiving a complementary shaped declining tapered outer surface  213  of the base  214  of the tip insert  216  for the bit/holder combination. In one exemplary implementation of the fifth embodiment, the tip insert  216  can have a diameter in the range of ⅝ inch to 1.250 inch. In this fifth embodiment, the base  214  includes a tapered portion  220  adjacent a distal end  222  of the base  214 . The base  214  may be made of steel or tungsten carbide and includes a tip  218  at an outer or forward end  224  of the base  214 . In this embodiment, an outer surface or forward end  226  of tip  218  has an overlay  227  ( FIG. 11 ) of a polycrystalline diamond structure. The tip  218  can have a frustoconical shape, a flat generally cylindrical puck shape, a parabolic ballistic shape, and/or an arcuate shape. The outer surface  226  of the tip  218  may also include an overlay  227  of an industrial diamond material and may be a single coating or outer layer or multiple coating or outer layers of such industrial diamond material, natural diamond, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) material, and polycrystalline diamond composite or compact (PDC) material. The single or multiple coatings or layers may be formed by a high pressure, high temperature process. The overlay  227  occupies a large radial and axial profile of the tip  218  which allows faster heat transfer into a region subjacent to the overlay  227  PCD layer. Excessively high heat, such as temperatures above 1300 degrees F., is the greatest cause of PCD failure due to diamond connective failure, the quick heat transfer from the tip  218  of the PCD cutting zone, which is approximately ½ inch depth of cut per tip engagement, to the subjacent region below the PCD drastically reduces the possibility of a temperature of the tip  218  of the PCD reaching temperatures at or above 1300 degrees F. for any extended period of time thereby avoiding failure of the PCD layer. 
     The tip insert  216  further includes a bore  228  that axially extends from the distal end  222  of the tip insert  216  to a bore termination  230 , which in this embodiment has a rounded shape, within the tip  218  adjacent an apex thereof. The bore  228  is adapted to receive diamond particles  232  that may be brazed, packed firmly, bonded with epoxy, or the like, into the bore  228  and distribute heat generated at the cutting tip  118 . The diamond particles  232  are sealed within bore  228  by a metal plug  234  that is placed in a space  229  ( FIG. 12 ) within bore  228  adjacent the distal end  222  of the base  214 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a sixth embodiment of a generally conical tip insert  316 , that includes a parabolic curved section below an apex of the tip insert  316 , in a fifth embodiment of a bit/holder  260  of the present disclosure is shown. The bit/holder  260  is a unitary bit and bit holder construction that includes a body  262  and a generally cylindrical hollow shank  264  axially depending from a bottom of the body  262 . The shank  264  includes an elongate first slot  266  extending from a generally annular distal end  268  of the shank  264  axially upward or forward to an upper termination  270  adjacent the upper or forward end of the shank  264 . In this embodiment, the shank  264  also includes an internally oriented second slot  272  located approximately 180 degrees around the annular shank  264  from the first slot  266 . This second slot  272  is parallel to the first slot  266  and is an internal slot having a rearward semicircular termination  274  inwardly adjacent to the distal end  268  of the shank  264  and a forward semicircular termination  276  (not shown) generally coinciding longitudinally and axially with the upper termination  270  of the first slot  266 . 
     In this illustrated embodiment, the shank  264  preferably includes a lower or first tapered portion  278  running axially from a stepped shoulder  280  adjacent the distal end  268  of the shank  264 . The stepped shoulder  280  is disposed between the lower tapered portion  278  and the distal end  268 . A diameter of the stepped shoulder  280  increases, or steps up, as it axially extends from the distal end  268  to the lower tapered portion  278 . The first tapered portion  278  runs upwardly or axially from the stepped shoulder  280  of the shank  264  and terminates generally mid slot  266  longitudinally. The shank  264  also includes an annular shoulder  282  separating the lower tapered portion  278  from an upper or second tapered portion  284  which extends from the shoulder  282  to generally adjacent to the top of the shank  264  or forward terminations  270 ,  276  of slots  266 ,  272 , respectively. The annular shoulder  282  is disposed between the lower tapered portion  278  and the upper tapered portion  284 . A diameter of the annular shoulder  282  decreases, or steps down, as it axially extends from the lower tapered portion  278  to the upper tapered portion  284 . A generally cylindrical top portion  286  of the shank  264  extends from a position adjacent the top or upper terminations  270 ,  276  of slots  266 ,  272 , respectively, towards a generally annular back flange  288  that denotes the base or bottom of the body  262  of the bit/holder  260 . The top of the shank  264  may include a rounded junction  287  between the top portion  286  of the shank  264  and the generally annular flange  288  of the body  262  of the bit/holder  260 , which is provided to avoid sharp corners which may provide an area for stress cracks to begin. 
     The generally annular flange  288  includes a pair of horizontal slots  290 - 290  generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combination bit/bit holder, one on either side of the generally annular flange  288 . The horizontal slots  290 - 290  are configured to receive a pair of bifurcated fork tines that may be inserted between the base of the body  262  of the bit/holder  260  and a base block (not shown) into which the shank  264  of the bit/holder combination is inserted and retained by outward radial force in use. 
     A central bore  300  longitudinally and axially extending through the shank  264  of the bit holder body  262  of the bit/holder  260  combination terminates at bore termination  302 , which in this illustrated embodiment has a conical shape, which is approximately at the upper end of the shank  264 . This allows the generally C-shaped annular side wall of the shank  264  to radially contract when the shank  264  is mounted in a tapered or cylindrical bore in a base block (not shown). 
     In this fifth illustrated embodiment of the bit/holder  260 , the bit holder body  262  includes a generally cylindrical or annular upper body portion  292  depending from a forward end  294  of the upper body portion  292 . Optionally, a mid-section of the upper body portion  292  of the bit/holder  260  may include a cross or through hole  293  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bit/holder  260 . This cross hole  293  extends horizontally through the upper body portion  292  and forms a receiver for a drift pin (not shown) used in connection with the cup portion of a bit/holder insertion tool. In an alternate embodiment, the upper body portion  292  of the bit/holder  260  may not include a cross or through hole. A mediate body portion  296  subjacent the upper body portion  292  generally slopes axially and radially outwardly to a radially extending generally arcuate tire portion  298 . 
     The bit holder body  262 , in order to provide superior brazing of a tungsten carbide ring  310  to the forward end  294  of the upper body portion  292 , includes a forwardly extending annular collar  304  that is created on the bit holder body  262  to provide an annular trough  306  around a tapered forward extension  308  of the bit holder body  262  onto which the annular ring  310  is mounted. In this illustrated embodiment, the annular collar  304  includes a cylindrical bottom inner wall  305  and a tapered top inner wall or countersink  307 . The vertical outer wall of the trough  306  will keep brazing material from flowing outwardly of the joinder between the base of the ring  310  and the annular trough  306  on which the ring  310  is positioned. The annular trough  306  is therearound positioned perpendicular to the axis of the bit/holder  260  from the interior of which axially extends the smaller radially oriented annular tapered upper or forward extension  308 . Around this tapered forward extension  308  is fitted the annular tungsten carbide ring  310 , seated in the annular trough  306 , which may preferably be braised into unitary construction with the remainder of the bit/holder  260 . The top or forwardmost portion of the tungsten carbide ring  310  and the annular tapered forward extension  308  of the upper body portion terminate generally at a forward end  295  of the bit holder body  262  of the combination bit/holder  260 . 
     With the bit holder body  262  of the present disclosure preferably made of 4340 or equivalent steel, the top of the forward extension  308  of the upper body  292  includes a radially declining tapered bore  312 , or a generally cylindrical bore in other embodiments, extending from the co-terminal upper wall of the body axially inwardly thereof which defines, in this illustrated embodiment, a radially declining taper. In other embodiments, the bore can also have a hollow generally cylindrical shape or a slight draw or draft angle. The bore  312  extends a short distance longitudinally axially inwardly of the forward extension  308  to define a base  311  for the tip insert base  314 . The base  311 , in this illustrated embodiment, has a frustoconical shape. 
     The tapered bore  312  provides a space for receiving a complementary shaped declining tapered outer surface  313  of the base  314  of the tip insert  316  for the bit/holder combination. In one exemplary implementation of the sixth embodiment, the tip insert  316  can have a diameter in the range of ⅝ inch to 1.250 inch. In this sixth embodiment, the base  314  includes a tapered portion  320  adjacent a distal end  322  of the base  314 . The base  314  may be made of steel or tungsten carbide and includes a tip  318  at an outer or forward end  324  of the base  314 . In this embodiment, an outer surface or forward end  326  of tip  318  has an overlay  327  of a polycrystalline diamond structure. The tip  318  can have a frustoconical shape, a flat generally cylindrical puck shape, a parabolic ballistic shape, and/or an arcuate shape. The outer surface  326  of the tip  318  may also include an overlay  327  of an industrial diamond material and may be a single coating or outer layer or multiple coating or outer layers of such industrial diamond material, natural diamond, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) material, and polycrystalline diamond composite or compact (PDC) material. The single or multiple coatings or layers may be formed by a high pressure, high temperature process. The overlay  327  occupies a large radial and axial profile of the tip  318  which allows faster heat transfer into a region subjacent to the overlay  327  PCD layer. Excessively high heat, such as temperatures above 1300 degrees F., is the greatest cause of PCD failure due to diamond connective failure, the quick heat transfer from the tip  318  of the PCD cutting zone, which is approximately ½ inch depth of cut per tip engagement, to the subjacent region below the PCD drastically reduces the possibility of a temperature of the tip  318  of the PCD reaching temperatures at or above 1300 degrees F. for any extended period of time thereby avoiding failure of the PCD layer. 
     The tip insert  316  further includes a bore  328  that axially extends from the distal end  322  of the tip insert  316  to a bore termination  330 , which in this embodiment has a rounded shape, within the tip  318  adjacent an apex thereof. In this illustrated embodiment, the bore termination  330  is approximately a minimum distance  332 , which may be approximately 3/16 inch, from the apex of the tip  318 . The bore  328  is adapted to allow for inward contraction and/or movement when the overlay  327  distributes heat generated at the cutting tip  318  and transfers the heat into the base  314  during cutting operations. The bore  328  prevents less outward expansion of the tungsten carbide portion of the tip insert  316 , such as the base  314  and the tip  318  subjacent the overlay  327 , in the direction of the overlay  327  and thereby prevents the expanded tungsten carbide from fracturing the overlay  327  of the tip insert  316 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14-16 , a seventh embodiment of a generally conical tip insert  416 , that includes a parabolic curved section below an apex of the tip insert  416 , and the fifth embodiment of a bit/holder  260 , as described with respect to  FIG. 13  above, of the present disclosure is shown. The tip insert  416  comprises a generally conical tip  418  at a forward end  424  of a tip insert base  414 . In one exemplary implementation of the seventh embodiment, the tip insert  416  can have a diameter in the range of ⅝ inch to 1.250 inch. The base  414  comprises a complementary shaped declining tapered outer surface  413  that is adapted to be mounted in the tapered bore  312  of the bit/holder  260 . In this seventh embodiment, the base  414  includes a tapered portion  420  adjacent a distal end  422  of the base  414 . The base  414  may be made of steel or tungsten carbide and includes a tip  418  at an outer or forward end  424  of the base  414 . In this embodiment, an outer surface or forward end  426  of tip  418  has an overlay  427  of a polycrystalline diamond structure. The tip  418  can have a frustoconical shape, a flat generally cylindrical puck shape, a parabolic ballistic shape, and/or an arcuate shape. The outer surface  426  of the tip  418  may also include an overlay  427  of an industrial diamond material and may be a single coating or outer layer or multiple coating or outer layers of such industrial diamond material, natural diamond, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) material, and polycrystalline diamond composite or compact (PDC) material. The single or multiple coatings or layers may be formed by a high pressure, high temperature process. The overlay  427  occupies a large radial and axial profile of the tip  418  which allows faster heat transfer into a region subjacent to the overlay  427  PCD layer. Excessively high heat, such as temperatures above 1300 degrees F., is the greatest cause of PCD failure due to diamond connective failure, the quick heat transfer from the tip  418  of the PCD cutting zone, which is approximately ½ inch depth of cut per tip engagement, to the subjacent region below the PCD drastically reduces the possibility of a temperature of the tip  418  of the PCD reaching temperatures at or above 1300 degrees F. for any extended period of time thereby avoiding failure of the PCD layer. 
     The tip insert  416  comprises a bore  428  that axially extends from the distal end  422 , shown in  FIG. 15 , of the tip insert  416  to a bore termination  430 , which in this embodiment has a rounded shape, within the tip  418  adjacent an apex thereof. In this illustrated embodiment, the bore termination  430  is approximately a minimum distance  436  ( FIG. 16 ), which may be approximately ¼ inch, from the apex of the tip  418 . The tip insert  416  further comprises at least one bore  432 , each bore  432  extending from the tapered portion  420  of the tip insert  416  to a bore termination  434 , which in this embodiment has a rounded shape, within the tip insert  416 . In this illustrated embodiment, bores  432  are radially positioned from bore  428  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Bore  428  and bores  432  are adapted to allow for inward contraction and/or movement when the overlay  427  distributes heat generated at the cutting tip  418  and transfers the heat into the base  414  during cutting operations. Bore  428  and bores  432  prevent less outward expansion of the tungsten carbide portion of the tip insert  416 , such as the base  414  and the tip  418  subjacent the overlay  427 , in the direction of the overlay  427  and thereby prevents the expanded tungsten carbide from fracturing the overlay  427  of the tip insert  416 . 
     As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, “X includes at least one of A and B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes at least one of A and B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. The articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Moreover, use of the term “an implementation” or “one implementation” throughout is not intended to mean the same embodiment, aspect or implementation unless described as such. 
     While the present disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments and measurements, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments and measurements but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.