Patent Publication Number: US-11396417-B2

Title: System and method for dispensing liquids

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/880,230, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS”, filed Jul. 30, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/035,539 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS”, filed on Jun. 5, 2020, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a dispensing device, system, and method for the dispensing of a fluid supplement. The dispensing of fluids, such as in the form of a concentrated fluid containing flavoring, nutrients, medication, and/or other supplements. The system as provided in certain embodiments, comprises a handheld apparatus which allows the dispensing of predetermined amount of a fluid with single-handed use. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of concentrates for the addition of a supplement is a common method of administering supplements—such as vitamins, medication, and electrolytes. Particularly in the field of administering medication, the practice of using fluids has been adopted for ease of use, for those that have difficulty swallowing, as well as those that simply prefer to administer their supplements in fluid form to imbibe with a beverage. Recently the use of  Cannabis -based medications and treatments have increased in use, however the traditional means of ingesting  Cannabis -based medications including compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) may be impractical, socially unacceptable, inappropriate, or undesirable. 
     A traditional means of ingesting or administering  Cannabis -based medications is the inhalation of smoke generated through the burning of portions of the  Cannabis  plant. This method is imprecise with regard to the dosage to an individual and is increasingly discouraged in public settings. Furthermore, the inhalation of smoke are not recommended for certain users—such as children, the elderly, and those who are in a state of respiratory compromise—who may benefit from the use of  Cannabis  derived compounds. For instance,  Cannabis  derived compounds are used frequently for patients undergoing chemotherapy in efforts to stimulate hunger. Furthermore, in the medical community, there have been clinical findings which indicate that the use of CBD assists in the treatment and reduction of seizures in children suffering from severe forms of epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet Syndrome. 
     Another popular means for the ingesting of  Cannabis -based compound surrounds the act of “vaping,” which operate on a similar basis as electronic cigarettes. Vaping surrounds the vaporization of a fluid within which the  Cannabis  compound is contained. Pulmonary health concerns exist surrounding the act of vaping as vaping has shown in some clinical trials to result in inflammation of the lungs and lung damage. In some cases, vaping has been attributed as a cause of death in some individuals. A further risk associated with vaping surrounds the dosage. The dose amount when vaping is heavily dependent upon a user and the amount they inhale. 
     A more recent means of ingesting or administering  Cannabis -based medications is the oral ingestion of prepared edible portions which are prepared in a form such as cookies, gummy candies, or other edible forms. This method, although more precise and less likely to create corresponding health-risks, is still imprecise and is unable to be personalized for a specific user to provide appropriate dosage, track dosage, and to prevent over-dosage. Furthermore, mistakenly ingesting such edibles may create unsafe situation such as overdosing which results in an undesirable psychological state, particularly with children. 
     For reasons such as those discussed above, there is a need for a apparatus and method for the administration of  Cannabis -based supplements in a precise, safe, and discrete manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a device and method for the accurate and precise dispensing of a fluid. The present invention surrounds the use of a dispenser unit which interconnects with interchangeable pods for the purposes of dispensing different fluids. The dispenser unit reads and records unique identifying information from the pod by reading a unique identifier or using a digital key to gain access to the dispenser function. The identifying information includes, but is not limited to minimum dosage, maximum dosage, potency, viscosity, electric requirements for pod operation, remaining fluid in the pod, recommended intervals for dosing, and predefined dose. 
     The interchangeability of pods with the dispenser allows a user to easily change the fluid, which is dispensed by the device, thereby negating the need to completely exhaust a first pod prior to using a second pod, and allowing a user to dispense different fluids without the need to carry multiple devices. Rather a user may carry a single dispenser and a plurality of pods which are configured to interconnect with the dispenser. 
     It is an aspect of the present invention to prevent accidental or unauthorized dispensing of fluid from a pod of certain embodiments. A combination of one-way valves, and anti-suction elements prevent the leakage of fluid from a pod. A one-way valve intended for filling the pod for instance, allows the filling of a reservoir from an external aspect of the pod, but does not allow flow of the liquid in the opposite direction. 
     Furthermore, a one-way valve intended for dispensing a fluid in certain embodiments for instance, allows flow of fluid from the pod to an external aspect of the pod further. The one-way valve further comprises an anti-suction feature. For instance, certain embodiments comprise an anti-suction channel connecting the external aspect of the one-way valve to an aspect of the pod wherein a user is unable to place their mouth over the one-way valve to suck the fluid from the pod. Sucking on the dispensing region of a pod would only result in drawing air from an external aspect of the pod located away from the one-way valve. 
     Many portable devices for the ingesting of a fluid, such as vape pens and electronic cigarettes, rely on the user to draw in the fluid with their breath. This mode of delivery is imprecise and unreliable. 
     It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a repeatable, reliable, and precise means for dispensing a fluid for ingestion. A dispenser and pod of certain embodiments allows the repeatable delivery of a predetermined amount. Furthermore, the dispenser tracks the amount dispensed, time of dispensing, and type of fluid dispensed. 
     It is a further aspect of the present invention that a dispenser interconnects with disposable or reusable pods wherein the fluid is contained. The pods have a self-contained dispensing mechanism actuated by the dispenser. Thus, the dispenser does not have direct contact with fluid and does not require cleaning. Furthermore, the lack of direct contact of fluid with the dispenser prevents cross-contamination of fluids when changing pods. 
     These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the inventions contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings, and the claims provided herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 —A front view of certain embodiments of a device for dispensing fluids. 
         FIG. 2A —A perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a dispenser and a removably interconnected pod. 
         FIG. 2B —A perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a dispenser and a removably interconnected pod. 
         FIG. 3 —A diagrammatic system representation of certain embodiments of a device for dispensing a fluid. 
         FIG. 4A —A perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a pod. 
         FIG. 4B —A front cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a pod. 
         FIG. 5A —A perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a pod. 
         FIG. 5B —A side cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a pod. 
         FIG. 6A —A side cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a pod in an intake stroke configuration. 
         FIG. 6B —A side cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a pod in an ejection stroke configuration. 
         FIG. 7 —A front cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a pod. 
         FIG. 8 —A perspective exploded view of a device for dispensing fluids comprising a pod. 
         FIG. 9 —A diagrammatic representation of a method for dispensing fluids. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 1 - FIG. 3 , comprises a device  1000  for the dispensing of fluids, the device comprises a dispenser  1100  and a pod  1200 . The dispenser  1100  comprises a power source  2000 , central processing unit or controller (CPU)  2010 . As shown, a bottom surface  1105  of the dispenser is configured to interconnect with a top aspect  1220  of the pod. It will be appreciated that the interconnection of the dispenser  1100  with the pod  1200  using alternative sides is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. When the dispenser  1100  is interconnected with the pod  1200 , the dispenser  1200  is able to actuate the dispensing of a fluid from the pod  1200  by sending electrical signals from electrical connections  1110  of the dispenser, through electrical connections  1210  of the pod to the pod  1200 . It will be appreciated that it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention send electromagnetic signals through electrical connections  1110 . The dispenser  1100  of certain embodiments interconnects to the pod through use of electrical connections  1110 , such as  1310  which comprise magnets  1300 . The magnets  1300  of certain embodiments are located on the pod  1200 , alternate embodiments comprise magnets  1300  on the dispenser  1100 , and further alternate embodiments comprise magnets  1300  on pod  1200  and dispenser  1100 . The magnets  1300  of such embodiments provide a mechanical connection between the pod  1200  and dispenser  1100 . It will be appreciated that alternative mechanical connections known to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In certain embodiments, seen in  FIG. 2A - FIG. 3 , comprise a pod  1200  having a plurality of magnets  1300  configured to interconnect with a plurality of magnets  1300  of a dispenser. In such certain embodiments, the pod  1200  and the dispenser  1100  are configured to be interconnected with the pod  1200  in a first orientation, or a second orientation wherein the pod  1200  is rotated 180-degrees from the first orientation wherein the magnets  1300  of the dispenser, and the magnets  1300  of the pod are configured to interconnect in either the first orientation or the second orientation. 
     Certain embodiments, seen in  FIG. 2A - FIG. 3 , comprise a pod  1200  having a plurality of magnets  1300  configured to interconnect with a plurality of magnets  1300  of a dispenser. It may be desired to prevent the interconnection of a dispenser  1100  in a manner other than intended. Accordingly, the magnets  1300  of certain embodiments are configured in an asymmetric manner to prevent the mating of the dispenser to the pod in a manner other than intended. Further still, certain embodiments comprise a configuration of magnets  1300  on a pod wherein the poles (North and South) of the magnets prevent interconnecting the pod  1200  to the dispenser  1100  incorrectly. For instance, certain embodiments comprise four magnets embedded into a surface of the pod  1200 , typically a top aspect  1220 , wherein a first pair of magnets  1300  adjacent to a first side  1230  of the pod are directed with a first polarity toward the top aspect  1220 , and a second pair of magnets adjacent to a second side  1230  of the pod are directed with a second polarity toward the top aspect  1220 . Accordingly, a dispenser  1100  having magnets  1300  configured to interconnect with the magnets  1300  of the pod having opposite polarities, are able to interconnect when the pod  1200  is aligned in the intended orientation. However, if a user attempts to interconnect the pod  1200  with the dispenser  1100  with the pod rotated 180-degrees from the intended orientation for instance, the magnets  1300  of the pod will align with magnets of the dispenser having matching polarities resulting in the dispenser  1100  and pod  1100  repelling each other and preventing the interconnection of the pod  1200  and dispenser  1100 . 
     In certain embodiments, shown in  FIG. 2A - FIG. 2B , a top aspect  1220  of a pod comprises a first and second electrical contacts  1210  comprising spring-loaded electrical connectors  1310 . The electrical contacts allow the electrical connection between the dispenser  1100  and the pod  1200 , and allows the dispenser  1100  to send electrical signals to the pod to dispense an amount of fluid. Certain embodiments comprise spring-loaded electrical connectors  1310  often referred to as “pogo-pins” by those skilled in the art. Certain embodiments comprise the electrical connections  1110  of the dispenser comprising spring-loaded electrical connectors  1310 . 
     Certain embodiments comprising a pod  1200 , shown in  FIG. 4A  comprise a body  3000  surrounded by a sleeve  3100 . In certain embodiments the sleeve  3100  is slidably disposed over the body  3000  of the pod. In certain embodiments a sleeve is disposed around the body of the pod, thereby obscuring view and access to portions of the body of the pod except a top aspect  1220  and bottom aspect  1225  of the pod. 
     A pod  1200  of certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4A - FIG. 4B  comprises a body  3000  having a fill-port  3200  comprising a one-way valve  3210  disposed in an external surface of the body  3000 . The one-way valve  3210  provides fluid communication between an external aspect of the body and a reservoir  3300  disposed within the body  3000 . The fill-port  3200  is typically configured to be adjacent to a top aspect  1220  of the body when the body is held in an orientation for dispensing. However, it will be appreciated that a fill port  3200  can be located adjacent to other aspects of the body  3000 —such as a bottom aspect, or side aspect—while in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In certain embodiments, shown in  FIG. 4B , the reservoir  3300  comprises a cavity within the body  3000  wherein the fluid can be contained and drawn from for the dispensing of the fluid. The reservoir comprises a volume having a bottom aspect  3310  further comprising a sump  3320 . It will be appreciated that the term sump refers to a low point, pit, hollow, or concavity configured to accumulate fluid. A sump  3320  is typically disposed at the lowest point of the reservoir  3300  when the body  3000  is held in an orientation for dispensing and thus preventing air from entering into the siphon tube  3400  and into the pump  4000  ( FIG. 5A ). 
     In certain embodiments, again referencing  FIG. 4B , a siphon tube  3400  is disposed within the sump  3320  of the reservoir to draw fluid from the reservoir  3300  when fluid is dispensed. While embodiments illustrated herein show a siphon tube  3400  which is configured to draw fluid upward from the sump  3320  of the reservoir, it will be appreciated that alternate embodiments comprising a siphon tube  3400  configured to draw fluid downward or laterally from the reservoir  3300  is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the siphon tube  3400  is configured to draw fluid upward from the sump  3320  of the reservoir, wherein the siphon tube  3400  is interconnected with the sump  3320  of the reservoir, and further comprises apertures  3410  through the siphon tube  3400 , wherethrough the fluid is drawn from the reservoir  3300  and into the siphon tube  3400 . The apertures  3410  are located at the bottom of the sump  3320 , further preventing air from entering the siphon tube  3400  or the pump  4000 . 
     A pump  4000  of certain embodiments, shown in  FIG. 4B - FIG. 5B  is disposed within the body  3000 , wherein the pump  4000  has fluid communication the reservoir  3300  through a siphon tube  3400 . In certain embodiments a one-way valve  3210  is disposed between the siphon tube  3400  and the reservoir  3300  wherein the fluid passes through the one-way valve  3210  before entering the pump  4000 . It will be appreciated that alternate embodiments wherein the one-way valve  3210  is disposed between the siphon tube  3400  and the reservoir  3300  are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In certain embodiments, seen in  FIG. 5A , a pump  4000  comprises a diaphragm pump comprising an O-ring  4010 , a diaphragm  4020 , and a compression element  4030 . The O-ring  4010  of certain embodiments is disposed against a bottom aspect  4110  of a threaded recess  4100  of the body. In certain embodiments, a first face  4021  of the diaphragm is disposed against the O-ring  4010 , and the threaded compression element  4030  is disposed against a second face  4022  of the diaphragm. The threaded compression element  4030  is configured to threadably interconnect with the threaded recess  4100  of the body in order to impart pressure on the second face  4022  of the diaphragm. When the threaded compression element  4030  is threadably interconnected with the threaded recess  4100  and threadably advanced, the threaded compression element  4030  imparts pressure on the second face  4022  of the diaphragm, thereby resulting in the first face  4021  of the diaphragm imparting pressure on the O-ring  4010 . When pressure is imparted on the O-ring  4010 , the O-ring compresses and deforms thereby creating a seal between the O-ring  4010  and the bottom aspect  4110  of the threaded recess and a seal between the O-ring  4010  and the first face  4021  of the diaphragm. 
     In certain embodiments, a pump  4000  is assembled within the body  3000  wherein the pump  4000  and associated elements are integrated with the body  3000  through the use of soldering, welding, over-molding, adhesive, or other methods appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     It will be appreciated that a diaphragm pump, sometimes referred to as a membrane pump, is a positive displacement pump that uses a combination of a reciprocating action of a flexible membrane to pump a fluid. It will be appreciated that the diaphragm of a diaphragm pump  4000  of various embodiments comprise rubber, thermoplastics, Teflon® and/or metal while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Certain embodiments, shown in  FIG. 5A - FIG. 6B  comprise a diaphragm pump  4000  which actuates an intake stroke  4500  and ejection stroke  4600  using piezoelectric effects. When power is supplied to the pump  4000 , the diaphragm  4020  deforms away from the body  3000  in an intake stroke  4500 , drawing fluid into the pump  4000  through the inlet port  4200 . When power is cut from the pump  4000 , the diaphragm  4020  rebounds to its resting configuration toward the body  3000  in an ejection stroke  4600 , forcing fluid out of the pump through the outlet port  4300 . In an intake stroke  4500 , the diaphragm pump  4000  creates a suction action wherein fluid is drawn from the reservoir  3300 , through the siphon tube  3400 , through a one-way valve  3210 , and through an inlet port  4200  into the pump  4000 . In an ejection stroke  4600 , the diaphragm pump  4000 , the diaphragm creates a positive pressure, forcing the fluid out of the pump  4000  through an outlet port  4300 . 
     In certain embodiments ( FIG. 5A ) a diaphragm pump  4000  comprises a concave  4400  surface wherein the inlet port  4200  and outlet port  4300  are disposed. The concave surface  4400  is configured to interface with the diaphragm  4020  of the diaphragm pump and control the pump “one-stroke” capacity. In certain embodiments, the inlet port  4200  is located in the concave surface  4400 , offset from a central aspect of the concave surface  4400 . In certain embodiments, the outlet port  4300  is located in the concave surface  4400 , adjacent or coincident with the central aspect of the concave surface  4400 . The proximity of the outlet port  4300  to the center of the concave surface  4400  allows for most power is in the center more complete ejection of all fluid in the diaphragm pump  4000  during an ejection stroke  4600  ( FIG. 6B ). In certain embodiments the concavity of the concave surface  4400  is configured to match the curvature of the diaphragm  4020  in an ejection stroke  4600 . 
     In certain embodiments, an outlet duct  5000  is connected to the outlet port  4300 . The outlet duct  5000  provides fluid communication between the outlet port  4300  and an external aspect of the pod  1200 . In certain embodiments, an outlet  5100  comprising a one-way valve  3210  is disposed between the outlet duct  5000  and an external aspect  6000  of the pod. The one-way valve  3210  allows fluid flow only in the direction from the outlet duct  5000  to the external aspect  6000  of the pod. In certain embodiments the one-way valve  3210  between the outlet duct  5000  and the external aspect  6000  of the pod is disposed on a bottom aspect  1225  of the body of the pod. 
     In certain embodiments an anti-suction channel  5500  is in gaseous communication with the outlet valve  3210  and the fill-port  3200  of the pod. The anti-suction channel  5500  provides an air-filled volume which serves multiple purposes. A first purpose of the anti-suction channel  5500  is to provide make-up air for the fill-port  3200 . As fluid is dispensed, this creates a suction in the reservoir  3300  ( FIG. 4B ) which is relieved by the fill-port  3200  permitting the passage of air from the anti-suction channel  5500  into the reservoir  3300 . A second purpose of the anti-suction channel  5500  is to prevent the misuse of the pod whereby an individual attempts to suck fluid from the outlet valve. The anti-suction channel provides an unsealed plenum of ambient air wherein the sucking of air from a bottom aspect of the pod results in drawing air from the anti-suction channel  5500  and gaps between the body  3000  and the sleeve  3100 . 
     Certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , comprise a method  7000  for the dispensing of a fluid comprise:
         a) Setting  7050  a preferred dose on a dispenser;   b) Saving  7100  the preferred dose amount to a controller of the dispenser;   c) Connecting  7150  a pod to the dispenser;   d) Reading  7200  pod information from the pod, and saving the pod information to the dispenser;   e) Communicating  7250  wirelessly the pod information from the dispenser to a connected computing device;   f) Depressing  7300  a button disposed on the dispenser;   g) Sending electrical signal  7350  to the pod to actuate an intake stroke;   h) Actuating the intake stroke  7400  of a diaphragm pump resulting in drawing the fluid from a reservoir, through a first one-way valve, through an inlet port, and into the diaphragm pump;   i) Cutting electrical signal  7450  of the electrical signal resulting in actuating an ejection stroke of the diaphragm pump;   j) Ejecting  7500  the fluid from the diaphragm pump through an outlet port and through a second one-way valve;   k) Dispensing  7550  the fluid from the pod;   l) Recording dispensed amount  7600  and time of dispensing to the dispenser;   m) Recording remaining amount  7650  of fluid to the pod; and   n) Displaying  7700  the remaining amount of fluid remaining.       

     In certain embodiments, a user sets  7050  a preferred dose amount which is saved  7100  to the controller of the dispenser. The dispenser is configured to be removably connected to a pod, and when a user connects  7150  a pod to the dispenser, the dispenser reads  7200  the information from the pod and stores it on the controller. In certain embodiments, the reading step  7200  comprises reading a max dosage permitted for dispensing in a predetermined time period. Certain embodiments further comprise a comparing  7325  step performed prior to the sending electrical signal  7350  step. The comparing step  7325  compares the recorded dispensed amount from previous recording steps  7650  in the predetermined time period prior to the depressing  7300  of the button. If the recorded amount dispensed within the predetermined time period prior to the depressing step  7300  is equal to or greater than the max dosage, the dispenser will not send an electrical signal  7350 , thus preventing the dispensing in excess of the max dosage within the predetermined time period. After a max dosage in the predetermined time period is reached, the dispenser will not further dispense fluid until enough time has passed such that less than the max dosage has been dispensed in the predetermined time period prior to the depressing  7300  of the button on the dispenser. I 
     The dispenser of certain embodiments, shown in  FIG. 3 , further comprises a wireless module  2020  which allows wireless communication with other computing devices  2030  such as a smart phone, computer, or other computing device having local network or internet connectivity. The dispenser of certain embodiments further comprises user input devices, such as buttons  2040 , a display  2050 , a USB port  2060  for wired connection to other computing devices, a charging circuit  2070 , a battery for power storage  2000 , a voltage regulator  2080 , a driver  2090  for the delivery of electrical signals from the dispenser to a pod, electrical connections for the purposes of providing power and electrical signals between the dispenser and pod, and electrical connections for the purpose allowing the reading and writing of data between the dispenser and the pod. 
     In certain embodiments, the pod comprises memory storage  2110  wherein the dispenser can store the data associated with the dispensed amount, date of dispensing, and/or the amount of fluid remaining in the pod. Certain embodiments of the pod comprises a piezo-electric crystal  2100 . 
     In certain embodiments as shown in  FIG. 9 —user input, such as the depressing of a button  2040  ( FIG. 1 - FIG. 3 ) indicates to the dispenser that the user wishes to dispense the pre-programmed desired amount of fluid. The depressing  7300  of the button initiates the controller sending  7350  electrical signals through the driver and through the driver to the pod. The electrical signal actuates  7400  the pump into an intake stroke wherein the diaphragm deflects from the body and away from the concave surface of the body. During the intake stroke the fluid is drawn from the reservoir, through the siphon tube, and through a first one-way valve into the pump. Following the intake stroke, terminating the electrical signal  7450  results in the diaphragm deflecting toward the concave surface in an ejection stroke, thereby ejecting  7500  the fluid from the pump through an outlet port of the pump, though an outlet duct, and through a one-way valve and thereby dispensing  7550  the fluid. Following the dispensing of fluid, in certain embodiments, the dispenser records  7600  the dispensed amount and time of dispensing to the dispenser. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises a step wherein the dispenser records  7650  the amount remaining within the pod to the memory of the pod. 
     In certain embodiments comprising a dispenser, the dispenser further comprises a tilt sensor  2200  ( FIG. 3 ), wherein the dispense does not send an electrical signal unless the device is in an upright orientation ( FIG. 1 ) or substantially upright to ensure dispensing in the right direction and prevent air from entering the pump. It will be appreciated that a tilt sensor  2200  of certain embodiments comprises an accelerometer to measure the direction of gravitational acceleration, thus confirming the upright orientation of the pod prior to dispensing. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.