Patent Publication Number: US-9427132-B2

Title: Spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to dishwasher appliances and spray assemblies for the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash compartment. Rack assemblies are mounted within the wash compartment and are configured for receipt of articles for washing. Spray assemblies are also mounted within the wash compartment and can apply wash fluid to articles within the rack assemblies during operation of the dishwasher appliance. The spray assemblies can include a lower spray assembly directly or indirectly mounted to the tub at a bottom of the wash compartment, a mid-level spray assembly mounted to one of the rack assemblies, and an upper spray assembly directly or indirectly mounted to the tub at a top of the wash compartment. 
     The spray assemblies can each include spray arms that rotate and direct wash fluid onto articles in the rack assemblies. Generally, such spray arms are mounted to the spray assemblies using fasteners that extend through the spray arm into other components of the spray assemblies or the tub. In other designs, the spray arms can be secured onto the spray assemblies using snap fit connections. Such snap fit connections can require a bearing that supports the spray arm to be rotated relative to the spray arm in order to secure or engage the snap fit connections. 
     However, the upper spray assembly is preferably designed to avoid interfering with articles within the rack assembly. In particular, the upper spray assembly&#39;s components can be designed such that the upper spray assembly has a thin or narrow profile. Such design constraints can cause difficulty in mounting the upper spray assembly&#39;s spray arm with a fastener. Similarly, an assembly worker may have difficulty grasping or rotating the bearing of the spray assembly during manufacture of the dishwasher appliance in order to mount the spray arm to the spray assembly using snap fit features. 
     Accordingly, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance with features for assisting mounting of a spray arm to the spray assembly would be useful. In particular, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance with features for permitting a spray arm to rotate a bearing in order to mount of the spray arm to the spray assembly would be useful. 
     In addition, mounting the upper spray assembly to the tub can be tedious or difficult. Certain upper spray assemblies are mounted to tubs with fasteners such as screws. However, fasteners can strip out and are also labor intensive. Further, securing the upper spray arm to a blow molded conduit that supplies wash fluid to the upper spray arm can be difficult due to the tolerance and geometric limitations of blow molded components. 
     Accordingly, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance with features for assisting mounting of the spray assembly to the dishwasher appliance would be useful. In particular, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance with features for assisting mounting of the spray assembly to a blow molded conduit of the dishwasher appliance would be useful. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter provides a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance. The spray assembly includes a spray arm, a bearing, and a bracket for mounting the spray assembly to a dishwasher appliance. The spray arm is mounted for rotation relative to the bearing, and the bearing is mounted to the bracket. The spray assembly includes features for rotating the bearing relative to the bracket with the spray arm. Such rotation can assist with mounting of the bearing to the bracket. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In a first exemplary embodiment, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The spray assembly defines an axial direction and a radial direction. The spray assembly includes a spray arm that defines an opening and a chamber for receipt of wash fluid from the opening. The spray assembly also includes a bearing. The spray arm is rotatably mounted to the bearing. The bearing includes a conduit that is received within the opening of the spray arm. A plurality of projections is positioned on the conduit and extends outwardly along the radial direction therefrom. A flange is also mounted to the conduit and extends outwardly from the conduit along the radial direction. The flange is positioned within the chamber of the spray arm. A bracket defines an aperture and a plurality of slots. The conduit of the bearing is received within the aperture of the bracket, and each projection of the plurality of projections of the bearing is received within a respective one of the plurality of slots of the bracket. The spray assembly also includes means for selectively rotating the conduit of the bearing within the aperture of the bracket with the spray arm. 
     In a second exemplary embodiment, a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The spray assembly defines an axial direction and a radial direction. The spray assembly includes a spray arm that defines an opening and a chamber for receipt of wash fluid from the opening. The spray assembly also includes a bearing. The spray arm is rotatably mounted to a bearing. The bearing includes a conduit that is received within the opening of the spray arm. A plurality of projections is positioned on the conduit and extends outwardly along the radial direction therefrom. A flange is also mounted to the conduit and projects from the conduit along the radial direction. The flange is positioned within the chamber of the spray arm. A bracket defines an aperture and a plurality of slots. The conduit of the bearing is received within the aperture of the bracket, and each projection of the plurality of projections of the bearing is received within a respective one of the plurality of slots of the bracket. A support is fixed to the bracket and extends away from the bracket along the axial direction. The support defines a notch that is configured for mounting the spray assembly to a dishwasher appliance. 
     In a third exemplary embodiment, a method for mounting a spray assembly to a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance has a tub that defines a wash compartment. The method includes providing: (1) a spray arm that defines an opening and a chamber for receipt of wash fluid from the opening and includes a socket positioned within the chamber; (2) a bearing about which the spray arm is rotatable and that includes a conduit positioned within the opening of the spray arm, a plurality of projections positioned on the conduit and extending therefrom, a flange mounted to the conduit and positioned within the chamber of the spray arm, and a lug mounted to the conduit; and (3) a bracket that defines an aperture, a plurality of channels, and a plurality of slots. The method also includes: securing the bracket to the tub of the dishwasher appliance; positioning the conduit of the bearing within the aperture of the bracket such that each projection of the plurality of projections of the bearing is received within a respective one of the plurality of slots of the bracket; sliding the lug of the bearing into the socket of the spray arm; rotating the spray arm in order to rotate the bearing until each projection of the plurality of projections of the bearing is received within a respective one of the plurality of channels of the bracket; and releasing the spray arm such that the lug of the bearing disengages the socket of the spray arm and the spray arm is rotatable about the bearing. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  provides a front elevation view of a dishwasher appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a section view of the dishwasher appliance of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a spray assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter and that may be mounted within the dishwasher appliance of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  provides an exploded view of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a bracket of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bearing of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded, section view of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a section view of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 8 , an exemplary embodiment of a spray arm is supported on the bearing of the spray assembly such that an exemplary embodiment of a lug of the bearing is removed from an exemplary embodiment of a socket of the spray arm. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a section view of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 9 , the spray arm engages the bearing such that the lug of the bearing is received within the socket of the spray arm in order to permit rotation of the bearing relative to the bracket with the spray arm. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a dishwasher appliance  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Dishwasher appliance  100  includes a cabinet  102  having a tub  104  therein that defines a wash compartment  106 . In particular, tub  104  includes a top wall  107  that assists in defining wash compartment  106 . Tub  104  also includes a door  120  hinged at its bottom  122  for movement between a normally closed configuration (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which wash compartment  106  is sealed shut, e.g., for washing operation, and an open configuration, e.g., for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher appliance  100 . 
     Dishwasher appliance  100  defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , dishwasher appliance  100  extends between a top  110  and a bottom  111  along the vertical direction V and also extend between a first side  114  and a second side  115  along the lateral direction L. As may be seen in  FIG. 2 , dishwasher appliance  100  also extends between a front  112  and a back  113  along the transverse direction T. Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal directional system. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , guide rails  126  are mounted on tub side walls  128  and accommodate upper and lower roller-equipped rack assemblies  130 ,  132 . Each of the upper and lower racks  130 ,  132  is fabricated from lattice structures that include a plurality of elongated members  134 . Each rack  130 ,  132  is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash compartment  106 , and a retracted position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which the rack is located inside the wash compartment  106 . 
     A silverware basket  160  is removably mounted to upper rack assembly  130 . However, silverware basket  160  may also be selectively attached to other portions of dishwasher appliance  100 , e.g., lower rack  132  or door  120 . Silverware rack  160  is configured for receipt of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by the upper and lower racks  130 ,  132 . 
     The dishwasher appliance  100  further includes a lower spray assembly  144  that is mounted within a lower region  146  of the wash compartment  106  and above a tub sump portion  142  so as to be in relatively close proximity to the lower rack  132 . A mid-level spray assembly  148  is located in an upper region of the wash compartment  106  and may be located in close proximity to upper rack  130 . Additionally, an upper spray assembly  150  is located above the upper rack  130  and mounted to top wall  107  of tub  104 . 
     The lower and mid-level spray assemblies  144 ,  148  and the upper spray assembly  150  are fed by a fluid circulation assembly (not shown) for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub  104 . The fluid circulation assembly may be located in a machinery compartment  140  located below the bottom sump portion  142  of the tub  104 , as generally recognized in the art. The fluid circulation assembly includes circulation piping  108  that directs water and/or wash fluid to upper spray assembly  150 . 
     Each spray assembly includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in the upper and lower racks  130 ,  132  and silverware basket  160 . The lower, mid-level spray, and upper assemblies  144 ,  148 , and  150  may be rotatably mounted in wash compartment  106 . Accordingly, the arrangement of the discharge ports in at least the lower spray assembly  144  may provide a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray assembly  144  can provide coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. 
     The dishwasher appliance  100  is further equipped with a controller  137  to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance  100 . The controller may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. 
     The controller  137  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the controller  137  may be located within a control panel  116  of door  120  as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher appliance  100  along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom  122  of door  120 . Typically, the controller  137  includes a user interface panel  136  through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance  100 . In one embodiment, the user interface  136  may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface  136  may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface  136  may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface  136  may be in communication with the controller  137  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher appliance and that dishwasher appliance  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, the present subject matter may be used in dishwasher appliances having other rack configurations. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a spray assembly  200  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Spray assembly  200  may, e.g., be mounted within wash compartment  106  of dishwasher appliance  100  ( FIG. 2 ). Thus, spray assembly  200  may, e.g., be utilized as upper spray assembly  150 , mid-level spray assembly  148  and/or lower spray assembly  144  ( FIG. 2 ).  FIG. 4  provides an exploded view of spray assembly  200 . 
     Spray assembly  200  defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. Spray assembly  200  includes a bracket  230  that defines an aperture  231 . Bracket  230  can be mounted to tub  104  or other components of dishwasher appliance  100  in order to mount spray assembly  200  thereto. As an example, bracket  230  includes supports  234  that may be selectively secured to circulation piping  108  of dishwasher appliance  100  ( FIG. 2 ). In particular, supports  234  define notches  235  that may receive portions of circulation piping  108  in order to mount spray assembly  200  at top wall  107  of tub  104 . For example, a bottom surface  295  ( FIG. 4 ) of supports  234  can rest on circulation piping  108  in order to mount spray assembly  200  to tub  107 , e.g., to hinder spray assembly  200  from displacing or falling along the vertical direction V ( FIG. 2 ) within tub  104 . In particular, supports  234  can snap onto circulation piping  108  and provide an snap fit interface between spray assembly  200  and circulation piping  108 . 
     Spray assembly  200  also includes a bearing  220  mounted to bracket  230 . Bearing  220  defines a passage  222  ( FIG. 4 ). Spray assembly  200  further includes a spray arm  210  that is rotatably mounted to bearing  220 . Thus, spray arm  210  is mounted for rotation relative to both bearing  220  and bracket  230 . Spray arm  210  includes an upper spray arm body  216  and a lower spray arm body  217  that define a chamber  212  ( FIG. 4 ) for receipt of wash fluid therebetween. Upper spray arm body  216  also defines an opening  214  ( FIG. 4 ). Upper and lower spray arm bodies  216  and  217  may be secured together using ultrasonic welding, fasteners, heat staking, solvent bonding, and/or any other suitable technique or method. 
     As discussed above, chamber  212  of spray arm  210  is configured for receipt of wash fluid during operation of spray assembly  200 . As an example, wash fluid may be directed into chamber  212  from circulation piping  108  during operation of dishwasher appliance  100 . In particular, aperture  231  of bracket  230  is in fluid communication with circulation piping  108  and receives such wash fluid when bracket  230  is mounted to circulation piping  108 . In turn, passage  222  of bearing  220  is in fluid communication with aperture  231  of bracket  230  and receives such wash fluid and directs such wash fluid through opening  214  of spray arm  210  into chamber  212  of spray arm  210 . From chamber  212 , such wash fluid can exit spray arm  210  through a plurality of nozzles or outlets  213 . Nozzles  213  can direct such wash fluid onto articles for washing, e.g., positioned within upper and lower rack assemblies  130  and  132  and/or silverware basket  150  ( FIG. 2 ). Wash fluid exiting nozzles  213  can also urge rotation of spray arm  210  about bearing  220  in order to assist in directing such wash fluid throughout wash compartment  106 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of bracket  230  of spray assembly  200  ( FIG. 3 ) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen in  FIG. 5 , bracket  230  includes a plate  236 . Supports  234  extend upwardly from plate  236 . Supports  234  may extends away from plate  236  by any suitable distance, e.g., along the axial direction A. For example, supports  234  may extends away from plate  236  by less than about one inch, less than about two inches, less than about three inches, or less than about four inches. A circular sidewall  237  extends downwardly from plate  236  along the axial direction A. Thus, supports  234  and circular sidewall  237  are positioned on opposite sides of plate  236 . Bracket  230  also defines a plurality of slots  232 , e.g., two, three, four, five, or more slots. As an example, plurality of slots  232  may be defined in circular sidewall  237  of bracket  230 . Each slot of plurality of slots  232  includes an axial portion  238  that extends along the axial direction A and a circumferential portion or channel  239  that extends along the circumferential direction C. Plurality of slots  232  are configured for assisting with mounting of bearing  220  to bracket  230  as discussed in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of bearing  220  of spray assembly  200  ( FIG. 3 ) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen in  FIG. 6 , bearing  220  includes a conduit  221 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , conduit  221  is a hollow cylinder. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, conduit  221  may have any suitable shape. 
     Bearing  220  also includes a flange  224  that is mounted to conduit  221 . Flange  224  extends outwardly from conduit  221  along the radial direction R. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , flange  224  has an annular shape and, in particular, has a larger diameter than conduit. Bearing  220  further includes a plurality of projections  223 , e.g., two, three, four, five, or more projections. Each projection of plurality of projections  223  is positioned on conduit  221  and extends outwardly along the radial direction R therefrom. Flange  224  and plurality of projections  223  are positioned on opposite ends of bearing  220  such that flange  224  and plurality of projections  223  are spaced apart, e.g., along the axial direction A. 
     Plurality of projections  223  and conduit  221  assist in mounting bearing  220  to bracket  230 . In particular, conduit  221  is received within aperture  231  of bracket  230  ( FIG. 5 ) and each projection of plurality of projections  223  is received within a particular slot of plurality of slots  232  of bracket  230  ( FIG. 5 ). In a similar manner, conduit  221  and flange  224  assist in mounting, e.g., rotatably mounting, spray arm  210  ( FIG. 3 ) to bearing  220 . In particular, conduit  221  is received within and extends through opening  214  ( FIG. 3 ) of spray arm  210  and flange  224  is disposed within chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ) of spray arm  210 . Because flange  224  has a larger diameter than opening  214 , spray arm  210  and bearing  220  are hindered from separating. With spray arm  210  mounted to bearing  220 , spray arm  210  can rotate about bearing  220 , e.g., during operation of dishwasher appliance  100 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded, section view of spray assembly  200 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a section view of spray assembly  200 . As an example, to assemble the spray assembly  200  from the configuration shown in  FIG. 7  to the configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , conduit  221  of bearing  220  may be inserted into opening  214  of spray arm  210  such that flange  224  and plurality of projections  223  are disposed on opposite sides of upper spray arm body  216 . Subsequently, upper spray arm body  216  may be mounted or secured to lower spray arm body  217  such that chamber  212  is defined by spray arm  210  with flange  224  disposed therein. Conduit  221  may then be inserted into aperture  231  of bracket  230 . During insertion of conduit  221  into aperture  231 , plurality of projections  223  may slide into plurality of slots  232 , in particular, axial portion  238  ( FIG. 5 ) of plurality of slots  232 . To complete mounting of spray arm  210  to bracket  230 , conduit  221  is rotated within aperture  231  such that plurality of projections  223  slide into circumferential portion  239  ( FIG. 5 ) of plurality of slots  232 . 
     However, rotating conduit  221  within aperture  231  can be difficult. For example, it can be difficult for a user to grasp conduit  221  or to engage conduit with a wrench or another tool. Thus, spray assembly  200  also includes features for facilitating rotation of conduit  221  within aperture  231 . In particular, spray assembly  200  includes a socket  215  positioned within chamber  212  of spray arm  210  and a lug  225  mounted to conduit  221  of bearing  220  in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As may be seen in  FIG. 8 , lug  225  is aligned with socket  215  along the axial direction A. Lug  225  and socket  215  are also positioned on an axis of rotation X of spray arm  210 . Further, lug  225  is receivable within socket  215  in order to facilitate or enable rotation of conduit  221  of bearing  220  within aperture  231  of bracket  230  with spray arm  210 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a section view of the spray assembly of  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 9 , spray arm  210  engages bearing  220  such that lug  225  is received within socket  215  in order to permit rotation of bearing  220  relative to bracket  230  with spray arm  210 , e.g., rotation of conduit  221  of bearing  220  within aperture  231  of bracket  230  with spray arm  210 . Conversely, turning back to  FIG. 8 , spray arm  210  is rotatable about bearing  220  because lug  225  is disposed outside of or removed from socket  215 . Thus, spray arm  210  is freely rotatable about bearing  220  in  FIG. 8  and locked or coupled to bearing  220  with socket  215  and lug  225  in  FIG. 9 . 
     As an example, from the configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , the spray arm  210  may be lifted upwardly along the axial direction A until lug  225  is disposed or positioned within socket  215 . Spray arm  210  may then be rotated in order to rotate bearing  220  relative to bracket  230 . In particular, rotation of spray arm  210  can also rotate conduit  221  of bearing  220  within aperture  231  of bracket  230  such that plurality of projections  223  slide into circumferential portion  239  of plurality of slots  232 . By sliding plurality of projections  223  into circumferential portion  239  of plurality of slots  232 , mounting of spray arm  210  and bearing  220  to bracket  230  can be completed without additional tools and/or requiring grasping of conduit  221 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 6 , lug  225  has a hexagonal cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction A. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, lug  225  may have any suitable cross-section in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction A, e.g., oval, triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or Phillips head shaped. Also, in alternative exemplary embodiments, lug  225  may be mounted to spray arm  210  and socket  215  may be mounted to bearing  220 . Further, alternative mechanisms may be provided to enable rotation of rotation of bearing  220  relative to bracket  230  with spray arm  210 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , bearing  220  includes blades  226  that extend downwardly from flange  224 . Blades  226  can engage spray arm  210  in order to enable rotation of rotation of bearing  220  relative to bracket  230  with spray arm  210 . 
     Spray assembly  200  is configured to facilitate mounting of spray assembly  200  within dishwasher appliance  100 . As an example, spray assembly  200  may be mounted within dishwasher appliance  100  by securing bracket  230  to tub  104  of dishwasher appliance  100 . In particular, bracket  230  may be mounted to circulation piping  108  on top wall  107 . Conduit  221  of bearing  220  may then be positioned within aperture  231  of bracket  230 . In particular, each projection of plurality of projections  223  may be received within a respective one of plurality of slots  232  of bracket  230 , e.g., within axial portion  238  of plurality of slots  232 . Lug  225  may then be inserted into socket  215  by lifting or moving spray arm  210  towards bearing  220 . With lug  225  disposed within socket  215 , spray arm  210  may be rotated in order to rotate bearing  220  until plurality of projections  223  slide within plurality of slots  232 , e.g., until plurality of projections  223  is received within circumferential portion  239  of plurality of slots  232 . Spray arm  210  may then be released such that lug  225  disengages socket  215  and spray arm  210  is, e.g., freely, rotatable about bearing  220 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.