Patent Publication Number: US-2021177566-A1

Title: Artificial urethral sphincter

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority from pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/980,155, filed on Feb. 22, 2020, and entitled “ARTIFICIAL MAGNETIC URETHRAL SPHINCTER” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to medical implants, and particularly relates to an artificial sphincter and, more particularly, to an artificial urethral sphincter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Urinary incontinence is generally defined as the involuntary leakage of urine. In simple terms, urinary incontinence is to urinate when not intended to. In other words, urinary incontinence is the inability to hold urine in the bladder because voluntary control over the urinary sphincter is either lost or weakened. Urinary inconsistence is a much more common problem than most people think. For example, In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that at least three million people, that is approximately equal to 5% of the total population of the United Kingdom, suffer from urinary incontinence. The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that approximately  13  million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence. 
     Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type of incontinence, the severity of the problem, and also the underlying cause. In most cases, physicians suggest patients to try the least invasive treatments such as behavioral techniques and physical therapy, and then move on to other options only if these techniques fail. Behavioral techniques include bladder training, scheduled toilet trips, and diet management. Physical therapies include pelvic floor muscle exercises and electrical stimulation. Often, medications are used in conjunction with behavioral techniques. 
     There are also some medical devices available such as urethral inserts that are small tampon-like disposable devices inserted into the urethra and act as a plug to prevent leakage. If other treatments are not working, some surgical procedures may be used to fix problems that cause urinary incontinence. These surgical procedures include sling procedures, bladder neck suspension, and artificial urinary sphincter prostheses. 
     There are known urinary sphincter prostheses consisting of a toric balloon which tightly hugs the urethra, this balloon may be able to be inflated by utilizing a small syringe made of flexible synthetic material and placed in a man&#39;s testicles or a woman&#39;s labia majora. An auxiliary reservoir, placed in the viscera and linked by tubes to the syringe and balloon, makes it possible to inflate or deflate the latter using a physiological fluid propulsed by the syringe. This reservoir houses a device making it possible to reverse the direction of flow of the fluid which inflates and deflates the balloon. The surgical installation of this urinary sphincter prosthesis is quite tricky as it is made up of three subassemblies linked to a pipe in which a physiological fluid flows. This urinary sphincter prosthesis may be associated with some drawbacks. For example, this urinary prosthesis is relatively bulky and is insufficiently ergonomic which thereby contributes to the psychological discomfort of the patient. There is also a risk of the physiological fluid leakage for these urinary. Furthermore, the size of the balloon can only be adjusted in notches and inflating it leads to folds which bring about excessive compression points on the urethra which may lead to a local necrosis of the tissues. 
     This type of urinary sphincter prostheses has been improved by providing a device for controlling the physiological fluid which is controlled by magnetic means outside the human body. However, these sphincter prostheses are complex too because of the various components required and the risks of the physiological fluid leaking persist. 
     Other artificial urinary sphincters also exist which do not operate with a physiological fluid but by means of a mechanical valve controlled directly by a magnetic field applied outside the human body. A type of these artificial urinary sphincters is comprised of a mechanical clip provided around the duct to be sealed and one of its branches is coupled to a solenoid controlled by an internal energy sensor. This sensor receives waves from a transmitter outside the human body, converts them and transmits them to the solenoid to open the clip. Another type of these artificial urinary sphincters is made up of a mechanical valve, part of which comprises a permanent magnet activated by an electromagnet arranged outside the human body. In both cases, the magnetic control only controls the valve of the artificial sphincter in on-off mode, i.e. only opening or closing it. None of these devices makes it possible to adjust the degree to which this mechanical valve is closed. 
     There is, therefore, a need for an artificial urinary sphincter which is simple, inexpensive, and ergonomic with minimum discomfort of the patient and minimum risk of malfunction in long-term use. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. The proper scope of the present disclosure may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description below and the drawings. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure describes an artificial urethral sphincter. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed artificial urethral sphincter may include a cuff member, a hollow cylinder, a spring, and a cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member may include a first layer and a second layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer and the second layer may define an internal pocket between the first layer and the second layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member may be configured to encircle a urethra of a patient when the cuff member is wrapped around the urethra of the patient and a distal end of the cuff member is attached to a proximal end of the cuff member. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the hollow cylinder may be configured to be disposed inside the patient&#39;s body. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, a first part of the cable may be disposed inside the internal pocket. In an exemplary embodiment, the first part of the cable may be associated with a first end of the cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the first part of the cable may be connected to a first end of the cable. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first end of the cable may be attached to a distal end of the cuff member. In an exemplary embodiment, the first part of the cable may be configured to block the urethra of the patient through gripping the urethra of the patient when the first part of the cable is pulled out of the internal pocket. In an exemplary embodiment, a second part of the cable may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the second part of the cable may be associated with a second end of the cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the cable may be connected to the second part of the cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the cable may be attached to a second end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, a first end of the spring may be attached to a first end of the hollow cylinder. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the spring may pull the first part out of the internal pocket through pushing the second end of the spring and the second end of the cable toward a second end of the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the hollow cylinder may be associated with the second end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the hollow cylinder may be connected to the second end of the spring. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first part of the cable may be configured to unblock the urethra of the patient by releasing the urethra of the patient when the second end of the spring is pulled toward the first end of the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urethral sphincter may further include a moveable part attached to the second end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the moveable part may be disposed slidably inside the hollow cylinder. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, when the moveable part moves inside the hollow cylinder and toward the first end of the hollow cylinder, the second end of the spring may move toward the first end of the hollow cylinder and the first part of the cable may unblock the urethra of the patient through releasing the urethra of the patient. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the moveable part may include a magnetic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the moveable part may be configured to urge the second end of the spring to move inside the hollow cylinder and toward the first end of the hollow cylinder and compress the spring when a magnet moves toward the first end of the hollow cylinder. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urethral sphincter may further include a first cuff adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a maximum gripping force applied to the urethra of the patient from the cuff member. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cuff adjustment mechanism may include an adjustment cable and an adjustment screw. In an exemplary embodiment, a first part of the adjustment cable may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, a first end of the adjustment cable may be attached to the second end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end of the adjustment cable may be associated with the first part of the adjustment cable. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a second end of the adjustment cable may be attached to the adjustment screw. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable may be configured to pull the first end of the spring toward the second end of the hollow cylinder when the adjustment screw is twisted in a first rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring may be configured to urge the first end of the spring to move inside the hollow cylinder and toward the first end of the hollow cylinder when the adjustment screw is twisted in a second rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first rotational direction may be opposite to the second rotational direction. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urethral sphincter may further include a second cuff adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the maximum gripping force applied to the urethra of the patient from the cuff member. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism may include an adjustment cylinder, a helical slot, and a cap part. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment cylinder may include a hollow structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment cylinder may be disposed rotatably around the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment cylinder may include a longitudinal slot on an inner surface of the adjustment cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the helical slot may be provided on an outer surface of the hollow cylinder. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the cap part may be disposed slidably and rotatably inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap part may be disposed onto the moveable part. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap part may include a pin on an outer surface of the cap part. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin may be disposed slidably inside the longitudinal slot and the helical slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap part may be configured to limit movements of the moveable part inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, when the adjustment cylinder rotates around a first axis, the cap pat may move up and down inside the hollow cylinder. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the cap part may be configured to move up inside the hollow cylinder when the adjustment cylinder rotates around the first axis and in a third rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap part may be configured to move down inside the hollow cylinder when the adjustment cylinder rotates around the first axis in a fourth rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the third rotational direction may be opposite to the fourth rotational direction. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism may further include a lock mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock mechanism may include a lock pin, a lock spring, and a plurality of pin receiving holes. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock pin may be disposed slidably inside a lock hole of a base. In an exemplary embodiment, the base may be attached to the hollow cylinder. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the lock spring may be disposed between the base and a pin plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin plate may be attached to the lock pin. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock spring may be configured to urge the lock pin to move upward inside the lock hole by applying an upward force to the pin plate. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pin receiving holes may be provided at a bottom end of the adjustment cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of pin receiving holes may be configured to receive the lock pin. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock pin may be configured to prevent rotational movement of the adjustment cylinder around the rotation axis when the lock pin is inserted into a pin receiving hole from the plurality of pin receiving holes. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock spring may be disposed around the lock pin. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the lock pin may include a handle attached to the pin plate. In an exemplary embodiment, when the handle is pulled down in a first direction, the lock pin may disengage from the adjustment cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, when the handle releases, the lock spring may push up the lock pin inside the lock hole. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urethral sphincter may further include an electromotor, and a pull cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the electromotor may be disposed under the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the pull cable may be interconnected between the electromotor and the moveable part. In an exemplary embodiment, the electromotor may be configured to pull the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring utilizing the pull cable when the electromotor rotates in a first rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the electromotor may further be configured to release the second end of the spring when the electromotor rotates in a second rotational direction. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urethral sphincter may further include a solenoid in connection with the electromotor. In an exemplary embodiment, the solenoid may be configured to provide an induction current for the electromotor. In an exemplary embodiment, when the magnet moves toward the solenoid, the electromotor may rotate in the first rotational direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a cuff member, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter when the artificial urethral sphincter is implanted inside a patient&#39;s body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates an open view of a cuff member, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter in a scenario in which a cuff member grips a urethra of a patient and the urethra of the patient is blocked, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter in a scenario in which a urethra of a patient is released and unblocked, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter when the artificial urethral sphincter is implanted inside a patient&#39;s body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view of an adjustment cylinder, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a perspective view of a hollow cylinder, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates a cap part, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a bottom perspective view of an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a side view of an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates an exploded view of an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure. 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure. 
         FIG. 6E  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure. 
         FIG. 6F  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter in a scenario in which a second end of a spring is pulled toward a first end of a spring, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6G  illustrates an artificial urethral sphincter in a scenario in which a second end of a spring is pulled toward a first end of a spring, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings. 
     The following detailed description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the methods and devices disclosed in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the exemplary implementations will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
     Herein is disclosed an artificial urethral sphincter. An exemplary artificial urethral sphincter may include a cuff member, a hollow cylinder, a spring, and a cable. The cuff member may be wrapped around a urethra of a patient and a distal end of the cuff member may be attached to a proximal end of the cuff member. A first part of the cable may be disposed inside an internal pocket of the cuff member. A first end of the cable, which may be connected to the first part of the cable, may be attached to the distal end of the cuff member. The second part of the cable may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. The spring maybe disposed inside the hollow cylinder. A second end of the cable, which may be connected to the second part of the cable, may be attached to a top end of the spring. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the spring may push up the second end of the cable inside the hollow cylinder and, thereby, pulling out the first part of the cable from the internal pocket and blocking the urethra of the patient. A magnetic part may be attached to the top end of the spring. In an exemplary scenario, when a user intends to urinate, the user may pull down a first end of an exemplary spring by moving a magnet toward a bottom end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, when a user intends to urinate, may move a magnet close to the bottom end of the spring in such a way that a distance between the magnet and the bottom end of the spring becomes less than 1 centimeter. By pulling down the first end of the spring, the cable may be loosened and the urethra of the patient may be unblocked. In an exemplary embodiment, by utilizing such an artificial urethral sphincter, when a urethra of a patient is blocked by the cuff member and an undesired excess force is applied to the bladder of the patient, the applied excess force may urge the cuff member to unblock the urethra of the patient and, to thereby, may prevent any negative consequences of urinary retention in the bladder of the patient. In other words, the disclosed artificial urethral sphincter artificial urethral sphincter may provide a safety facility for a patient. 
       FIG. 1A  shows an exemplary artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1A , in an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may include a cuff member  102 .  FIG. 1B  shows cuff member  102 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1B , in an exemplary embodiment, cuff member  102  may include an internal pocket  122 .  FIG. 1C  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100  when artificial urethral sphincter  100  is implanted inside a patient&#39;s  110  body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1C , in an exemplary embodiment, cuff member  102  may be configured to encircle a urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, patient  110  may refer to a person who has a urethra and he/she is unable to hold his/her urine in his/her bladder because voluntary control over the urinary sphincter is either lost or weakened. In an exemplary embodiment, when cuff member  102  encircle urethra  112  of patient  110 , cuff member  102  may form a circle around urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, cuff member  102  may be made up of a flexible material which may allow cuff member  102  to move or deform easily. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may wrap cuff member  102  around urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, the user may refer to a surgeon. In an exemplary embodiment, cuff member  102  may act as a belt around urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, a user may then attach a proximal end  124  of cuff member  102  to a distal end  126  of cuff member  102 .  FIG. 1D  shows an open view of cuff member  102 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1D , cuff member  102  may include a first attaching member  123  at proximal end  124  of cuff member  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, cuff member  102  may further include a second attaching member  125  at distal end  126  of cuff member  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, a user, after wrapping cuff member  102  around urethra  112  of patient  110 , may attach first attaching member  123  to second attaching member  125 . In an exemplary embodiment, first attaching member  123  may include a first pair of suture holes  1232 . In an exemplary embodiment, second attaching member  125  may include a second pair of suture holes  1252 . In an exemplary embodiment, a user, after wrapping cuff member  102  around urethra  112  of patient  110 , may attach first attaching member  123  to second attaching member  125  through suturing first attaching member  123  to second attaching member  125  by utilizing first pair of suture holes  1232  and second pair of suture holes  1252 . 
       FIG. 2A  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2A , in an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may further include a hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, hollow cylinder  202  may be disposed inside patient&#39;s  110  body. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may dispose hollow cylinder  202  inside a perineum (not illustrated) of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may further include a spring  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, spring  204  may be disposed inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, spring  204  may be replaced with any elastic object that stores mechanical energy and a length of the object changes when an external force is applied to the object. For example, spring  204  may be replaced with an elastic rubber. 
       FIG. 2B  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , in an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may further include a cable  206 . In an exemplary embodiment, a first part  262  of cable  206  may be disposed inside internal pocket  122 . In an exemplary embodiment, a first end  264  of cable  206  may be attached to distal end  126  of cuff member  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, first end  264  of cable  206  may be attached to second attaching member  125 . In an exemplary embodiment, a second part  266  of cable  206  may be disposed inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, second part  266  of cable  206  may be disposed inside spring  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, second part  266  of cable  206  may be disposed outside spring  204  and inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, second end  268  of cable  206  may be attached to a second end  244  of spring  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, spring  204  may push second end  244  of spring  204  and second end  268  of cable  206  toward a second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, when spring  204  pushes second end  244  of spring  204  and second end  268  of cable  206  toward second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202 , first part  262  of cable  206  may be pulled out of internal pocket  122 . In an exemplary embodiment, when first part  262  of cable  206  is pulled out from internal pocket  122 , cuff member  102  may shrink and, thereby, cuff member  102  may grip urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, when cuff member  102  grips urethra  112  of patient  110 , urethra  112  of patient  110  may be blocked and, consequently, urine may not be allowed to pass through urethra  112  of patient  110 .  FIG. 2C  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100  in a scenario in which cuff member  102  grips urethra  112  of patient  110  and urethra  112  of patient  110  is blocked, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may further include a moveable part  209 . In an exemplary embodiment, moveable part  209  may be disposed slidably inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, moveable part may include a magnet. In an exemplary embodiment, moveable part  209  may be made up of a magnetic material. In an exemplary embodiment, when moveable part  209  is disposed slidably inside hollow cylinder  202 , it may mean that moveable part  209  is disposed inside hollow cylinder  202  in such a way that moveable part  209  is allowed to move linearly inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, moveable part  209  may be allowed to move linearly along a slide axis  294  inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, slide axis  294  may coincide a main longitudinal axis of hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, moveable part  209  may be attached to second end  244  of spring  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, moveable part  209  may be disposed onto spring  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, second end  268  of cable  206  may be attached to a second end  244  of spring  204  through attaching second end  268  of cable  206  to moveable part  209 . In an exemplary embodiment, when moveable part  209  moves toward a first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202 , cable  206  may become loose. In an exemplary embodiment, a cable may become loose when a tensile stress in the cable is zero. In other words, a cable may be loose when no external tensile force is applied to the cable. In an exemplary embodiment, when cable  206  becomes loose, first part  262  of cable  206  may be loosened accordingly and, thereby, cuff member  102  may release urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, when urethra  112  of patient  110  is released, urethra  112  of patient  110  may be unblocked. In an exemplary embodiment, when urethra  112  of patient  110  is unblocked, urine may be discharged from bladder and through urethra  112  of patient  110 .  FIG. 2D  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100  in a scenario in which urethra  112  of patient  110  is released and unblocked, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, moveable part  209  may be made up of a magnetic material. In an exemplary embodiment, when a part of a magnetic material is disposed inside a magnetic field of a magnet, the part may be urged to move toward the magnet. In an exemplary embodiment, when a magnet is disposed near to first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202 , moveable part  209  may be attracted toward first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, patient  110  may unblock urethra  112  of patient  110  by moving a magnet toward first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, patient  110  may unblock urethra  112  of patient  110  by moving a magnet close to first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202  in such a way that a distance between the magnet and first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202  becomes less than 1 centimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, it due to an absence of an external magnetic field, moveable part  209  may be placed at second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202  and, consequently, urethra  112  of patient  110  may be blocked as discussed above. Then, sue to an absence of an external magnetic field, urine may not be allowed to pass through urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, when patient  110  intends to urinate, patient  110  may allow urine discharge from patient&#39;s  110  bladder and through urethra  112  of patient  110  by dispose a magnet near to second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, cylinder  202  may be disposed inside patient&#39;s  110  body in such a way that second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202  is located near to patient&#39;s  110  skin so that patient  110  may be able to easily dispose a magnet near to second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202 .  FIG. 2E  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100  when artificial urethral sphincter  100  is implanted inside a patient&#39;s  110  body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2E , patient  110  may dispose a magnet  250  near to second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202  to unblock urethra  112  of patient  110  and then urine may be discharged from patient&#39;s  110  bladder. In an exemplary embodiment, magnet  250  may include a magnetic part, a magnetic inductor, an electromagnetic inductor, or a combination thereof.  FIG. 3  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may further include a first cuff adjustment mechanism  300 . In an exemplary embodiment, first cuff adjustment mechanism  300  may include an adjustment cable  302 . In an exemplary embodiment, a first part  322  of adjustment cable  302  may be disposed inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, a first end  324  of adjustment cable  302  may be attached to second end  268  of cable  206 . In an exemplary embodiment, first end  324  of adjustment cable  302  may be attached to second end  268  of cable  206  in such a way that adjustment cable  302  and cable  206  create a unitary/integrated cable. In an exemplary embodiment, first end  324  of adjustment cable  302  may be attached to second end  244  of spring  204  through attaching first end  324  of adjustment cable  302  to moveable part  209 . In an exemplary embodiment, first part  322  of adjustment cable  302  may be disposed inside spring  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, spring  204  may be disposed inside hollow cylinder  202  but outside spring  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, first cuff adjustment mechanism  300  may further include an adjustment screw  304 . In an exemplary embodiment, a second end  326  of adjustment cable  302  may be attached to adjustment screw  304 . In an exemplary embodiment, a second part of adjustment cable  302  may be wrapped around adjustment screw  304 . In an exemplary embodiment, when adjustment screw  304  is twisted in a first direction, more length of adjustment cable  302  may be wrapped around adjustment screw  304  and, consequently, moveable part  209  may move toward first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, when moveable part  209  moves toward first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202 , cable  206  may be loosened and, consequently, a gripping force that may be applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  may decrease. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping force may refer to a normal force that may be applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  in order to block urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, when adjustment screw  304  is twisted in a second direction, less length of adjustment cable  302  may be maintained wrapped around adjustment screw  304  and, consequently, moveable part  209  may move toward second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, when moveable part  209  moves toward second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202 , cable  206  may be tightened and, consequently, the gripping force that may be applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  may increase. In an exemplary embodiment, first cuff adjustment mechanism  300  may be used for tightening cable  206 . In an exemplary embodiment, after that artificial urethral sphincter  100  is implanted, first cuff adjustment mechanism  300  may be used to tighten cable  206  so that cable  206  is able to transfer the gripping force appropriately. In an exemplary embodiment, first cuff adjustment mechanism  300  may allow a same size artificial urethral sphincter  100  to be used for different patients with different urethra sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, when moveable part  209  is moved down inside hollow cylinder  202 , cable  206  may be loosened. In an exemplary embodiment, first cuff adjustment mechanism  300  may be used to tighten cable  206  and compensate the looseness of cable  206 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, first cuff adjustment mechanism  300  may provide significant benefits. For example, a user, for example the surgeon or patient  110  may be able to control the gripping force applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  by twisting adjustment screw  304  in the first direction and/or the second direction. For example, the surgeon may be able to increase the gripping force applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  by twisting adjustment screw  304  in a clockwise direction and decrease increase the gripping force applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  by twisting adjustment screw  304  in a counterclockwise direction. In an exemplary embodiment, in instances, without utilizing first cuff adjustment mechanism  300 , when magnet  250  is disposed near to second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202 , moveable part  209  may be placed at second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202  and, consequently, urethra  112  of patient  110  may be gripped tightly by cuff member  102 . On the other hand, in absence of magnet  250 , moveable part  209  may be placed at first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202 , cuff member  102  may fully release urethra  112  of patient  110  urethra  112  of patient  110 . Hence, without utilizing first cuff adjustment mechanism  300 , the surgeon or patient  110  may not have a full control on the gripping force applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, adjustment screw  304  may be disposed inside patient&#39;s  110  body in such a way that adjustment screw  304  is located near to patient&#39;s  110  skin so that a surgeon or patient  110  may be able to easily twist adjustment screw  304  in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, extra gripping force may damage urethra  112  of patient  110 , that is applying, more than a threshold amount of force on urethra  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, the threshold amount of force may be enough so that cuff member  102  grips urethra  112  but does not damage it. Consequently, at first stages of using artificial urethral sphincter  100  for patient  110 , adjustment screw  304  may be adjusted in such a way that cuff member  102  applies a relatively low force to urethra  112  of patient  110  so as to minimize a probable damage to urethra  112  of the patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, applying a relatively low force to urethra  112  of patient  110  may refer to applying a pressure between 1000 Pascal and 2500 Pascal to urethra  112  of patient  110 . But after using artificial urethral sphincter  100  for a patient for a long time, the previously applied force to urethra  112  of patient  110  may no longer be able to fully grip and block urethra  112  of patient  110 . In this scenario, adjustment screw  304  may be twisted in the second direction so as to increase the gripping force applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  and, consequently, urine leakage from the urethra  112  of patient  110  may be prevented or otherwise minimized. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping force may refer to a normal force that may be applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  in order to block urethra  112  of patient  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, after a period of using artificial urethral sphincter  100 , urethra  112  of patient  110  may be atrophied and consequently, a size of artificial urethral sphincter  100  may be changed to grip urethra  112  of patient  110  more tightly. In order to change the size of artificial urethral sphincter  100  to grip urethra  112  of patient  110  more tightly, moveable part  209  may be moved down inside hollow cylinder  202  and, thereby, cable  206  may be loosened. In an exemplary embodiment, in order to tighten first cable  206  and compensate the looseness of cable  206 , adjustment screw  304  may be twisted in the second direction so as to increase the gripping force applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110 . 
       FIG. 4A  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4A , in an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may include a second cuff adjustment mechanism  400 . In an exemplary embodiment, second cuff adjustment mechanism  400  may be configured to adjust the maximum gripping force applied to urethra  112  of patient  110  from cuff member  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, second cuff adjustment mechanism  400  may include an adjustment cylinder  402 . In an exemplary embodiment, adjustment cylinder  402  may be disposed slidably and rotatably around hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, when adjustment cylinder  402  is disposed rotatably around hollow cylinder  202 , it may mean that adjustment cylinder  402  is disposed around hollow cylinder  202  in such a way that adjustment cylinder  402  is able to rotate around an axis such as a rotation axis  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, rotation axis  422  may be the same as a main axis of hollow cylinder  202  and adjustment cylinder  402 . In an exemplary embodiment, when adjustment cylinder  402  is disposed rotatably around hollow cylinder  202 , it may be the same as a scenario in which hollow cylinder  202  is disposed rotatably inside adjustment cylinder  402 .  FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of adjustment cylinder  402 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4B , in an exemplary embodiment, adjustment cylinder  402  may include a longitudinal slot  424 . In an exemplary embodiment, longitudinal slot  424  may be provided on an inner surface  426  of adjustment cylinder  402 . In an exemplary embodiment, longitudinal slot  424  may be provided on inner surface  426  of adjustment cylinder  402  in such a way that a main axis of longitudinal slot  424  is parallel to rotation axis  422 .  FIG. 4C  shows a perspective view of hollow cylinder  202 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, hollow cylinder  202  may include a helical slot  430  on an outer surface  432  of hollow cylinder  202 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, second cuff adjustment mechanism  400  may further include a cap part  404 . In an exemplary embodiment, cap part  404  may be disposed slidably and rotatably inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, when cap part  404  is disposed slidably and rotatably inside hollow cylinder  202 , it may mean that cap part  404  is disposed inside hollow cylinder  202  in such a way that cap part  404  is able to rotate around rotation axis  422  and move linearly along rotation axis  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, cap part  404  may be disposed onto moveable part  209 . In an exemplary embodiment, in an exemplary scenario when cap part  404  is disposed onto moveable part  209 , when cap part  404  moves downward inside hollow cylinder  202 , cap part  404  may urge moveable part  209  to move downwardly with moveable part  209  but when cap part  404  moves upward inside hollow cylinder  202 , moveable part  209  may not follow cap part  404 .  FIG. 4D  shows cap part  404 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4D , in an exemplary embodiment, cap part  404  may include an inner chamber  442 . In an exemplary embodiment, inner chamber  442  may be configured to receive moveable part  209  in an exemplary embodiment, a diameter  4422  of inner chamber  442  may be slightly larger than an outer diameter  292  of moveable part  209 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, cap part  404  may further include a pin  444  on an outer surface  446  of cap part  404 . In an exemplary embodiment, pin  444  may be disposed slidably inside longitudinal slot  424  of adjustment cylinder  402 . In an exemplary embodiment, when pin  444  is disposed slidably inside longitudinal slot  424  of adjustment cylinder  402 , it may mean that pin  444  may be disposed inside longitudinal slot  424  of adjustment cylinder  402  in such a way that pin  444  is able to move linearly inside longitudinal slot  424  of adjustment cylinder  402 . In an exemplary embodiment, in an exemplary scenario when pin  444  is disposed slidably inside longitudinal slot  424  of adjustment cylinder  402 , when cap part  404  moves upward and downward inside hollow cylinder  202 , pin  444  may also move upward and downward inside longitudinal slot  424  of adjustment cylinder  402 . In an exemplary embodiment, moving upward inside hollow cylinder  202  may refer to a movement inside hollow cylinder  202  toward second end  224  of hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, moving downward inside hollow cylinder  202  may refer to a movement inside hollow cylinder  202  toward first end  222  of hollow cylinder  202 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, pin  444  may be disposed inside helical slot  430 . In an exemplary embodiment, when pin  444  is disposed inside helical slot  430  and cap part  404  rotates around rotation axis  422 , inner surfaces of helical slot  430  may urge pin  444  to move inside helical slot  430 . For example, when cap part  404  rotates around rotation axis  422  in a clockwise direction, helical slot  430  may urge pin  444  to move downwardly inside helical slot  430 . Then, in an exemplary embodiment, when cap part  404  rotates around rotation axis  422  in a clockwise direction, cap part  404  may move downwardly inside hollow cylinder  202 . Also, when cap part  404  rotates around rotation axis  422  in a clockwise direction, helical slot  430  may urge pin  444  to move upwardly inside helical slot  430 . Then, it may be understood that when cap part  404  rotates around rotation axis  422  in a counterclockwise direction, cap part  404  may move upwardly inside hollow cylinder  202 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, pin  444  may be disposed inside longitudinal slot  424  and helical slot  430 . In an exemplary embodiment, when adjustment cylinder  402  rotates around rotation axis  422  in a clockwise direction, cap part  404  may rotate around rotation axis  422  synchronously with adjustment cylinder  402  since pin  444  is disposed inside longitudinal slot  424  of adjustment cylinder  402 . On the other hand, when cap part  404  rotates around rotation axis  422  in a clockwise direction, cap part  404  may move downward inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, when adjustment cylinder  402  rotates around rotation axis  422  in a counterclockwise direction, cap part  404  may rotate around rotation axis  422  synchronously with adjustment cylinder  402  since pin  444  is disposed inside longitudinal slot  424  of adjustment cylinder  402 . On the other hand, when cap part  404  rotates around rotation axis  422  in a counterclockwise direction, cap part  404  may move upward inside hollow cylinder  202 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a surgeon and/or any other user may be able to move cap part  404  downward inside hollow cylinder  202  by rotating adjustment cylinder  402  in a clockwise direction around rotation axis  422 . Also, a surgeon and/or any other user may be able to move cap part  404  upward inside hollow cylinder  202  by rotating adjustment cylinder  402  in a counterclockwise direction around rotation axis  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, a surgeon and/ or a user may be able to adjust the maximum gripping force that may be applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  by rotating adjustment cylinder  402  in a clockwise direction and/or a counterclockwise direction around rotation axis  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, a higher position of cap part  404  inside hollow cylinder  202  may mean that moveable part  209  may be allowed to move upper inside hollow cylinder  202  and, consequently, a greater gripping force may be applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110 . Hence, a user may be able to increase the maximum gripping force that may be applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  by rotating adjustment cylinder  402  in a clockwise direction around rotation axis  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, when adjustment cylinder  402  is rotated in a clockwise direction around rotation axis  422 , cap part  404  may move upper inside hollow cylinder  202  which may allow moveable part  209  to move upper inside hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, when moveable part  209  is able to move upper inside hollow cylinder  202 , cuff member  102  may be able to grip urethra  112  of patient  110  more tightly. Also, a surgeon may be able to decrease the maximum gripping force that may be applied from cuff member  102  to urethra  112  of patient  110  by rotating adjustment cylinder  402  in a counterclockwise direction around rotation axis  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, adjustment cylinder  402  may be located near to patient&#39;s  110  skin so that a user may be able to easily rotate adjustment cylinder  402  around rotation axis  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, second cuff adjustment mechanism  400  may provide significant benefits. For example, when artificial urethral sphincter  100  is damaged and unable to function appropriately, for example due to a car accident, a surgeon may be able to easily rotate adjustment cylinder  402  around rotation axis  422  in order to unblock urethra  112  of patient  110  and, thereby, the bladder of patient  110  may be discharged. 
       FIG. 5A  shows a bottom perspective view of artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5B  shows a side view of artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , in an exemplary embodiment, second cuff adjustment mechanism  400  may include a lock mechanism  502 .  FIG. 5C  shows an exploded view of artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5C , in an exemplary embodiment, lock mechanism  502  may include a lock pin  522 , a lock spring  524 , and a plurality of pin receiving holes  526 . In an exemplary embodiment, lock pin  522  may be disposed slidably inside a lock hole  512  of a base  514 . In an exemplary embodiment, base  514  may be attached to hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, base  514  and hollow cylinder  202  may be manufactured seamlessly to create an integrated part. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, lock spring  524  may be disposed around lock pin  522 . In an exemplary embodiment, lock spring  524  may be disposed base  514  and a pin plate  5222 . In an exemplary embodiment, pin plate  5222  may be attached to lock pin  522 . In an exemplary embodiment, pin plate  5222  and lock pin  522  may be manufactured seamlessly to create an integrated part. In an exemplary embodiment, lock spring  524  may be configured to apply an upward force to pin plate  5222 . In an exemplary embodiment, lock spring  524  may be configured to urge lock pin  522  to move upward inside lock hole  512  by applying an upward force to pin plate  5222 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 5C , in an exemplary embodiment, plurality of pin receiving holes  526  may be provided at a bottom end  542  of adjustment cylinder  402 . In an exemplary embodiment, each of plurality of pin receiving holes  526  may be configured to receive lock pin  522 . In an exemplary embodiment, lock pin  522  may be configured to prevent or otherwise minimize rotational movement of adjustment cylinder  402  around rotation axis  422  when lock pin  522  is present in a pin receiving hole from plurality of pin receiving holes  526 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, lock pin  522  may include a handle  5224  attached to pin plate  5222 . In an exemplary embodiment, a user may disengage lock pin  522  from adjustment cylinder  402  by pulling down handle  5224  in a first direction  525 . In an exemplary embodiment, when lock pin  522  is pulled down inside lock hole  512  and lock pin  522  is disengaged from adjustment cylinder  402 , a user may be able to rotate adjustment cylinder  402  around rotation axis  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, when handle  5224  is released, lock spring  524  may push up lock pin  522  in a second direction  527 . In an exemplary embodiment, when lock pin  522  is pushed up in second direction  527 , lock pin  522  may be inserted in a pin receiving hole from plurality of pin receiving holes  526 . In an exemplary embodiment, when lock pin  522  is inserted in a pin receiving hole from plurality of pin receiving holes  526 , lock pin  522  may be engage with adjustment cylinder  402  and, to thereby, rotational movement of adjustment cylinder  402  around rotation axis  422  may be prevented. 
       FIG. 6A  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure.  FIG. 6B  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure.  FIG. 6C  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure.  FIG. 6D  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure.  FIG. 6E  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the resent disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6E , in an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may further include an electromotor  602  and a solenoid  604 . In an exemplary embodiment, electromotor  602  may be disposed under hollow cylinder  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, a pull cable  606  may be interconnected between electromotor  602  and moveable part  209 . In an exemplary embodiment, electromotor  602  may be configured to pull second end  244  of spring  204  toward first end  242  of spring  204  when electromotor  602  rotates in a first rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, electromotor  602  may further be configured to release second end  244  of spring  204  when electromotor  602  rotates in a second rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, solenoid  604  may be in connection with electromotor  602 . In an exemplary embodiment, solenoid  604  may be configured to provide an induction current for electromotor  602 . In an exemplary embodiment, when the magnet  250  moves toward and close to solenoid  604 , electromotor  602  may rotate in the first rotational direction and, to thereby, may pull second end  244  of spring  204  toward first end  242  of spring  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, magnet  250  may include a magnetic part, a magnetic inductor, an electromagnetic inductor, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, when spring  204  has a large spring stiffness constant, electromotor  602  may be used to pull second end  244  of spring  204  toward first end  242  of spring  204 .  FIG. 6F  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100  in a scenario in which second end  244  of spring  204  is pulled toward first end  242  of spring  204 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 6G  shows artificial urethral sphincter  100  in a scenario in which second end  244  of spring  204  is pulled toward first end  242  of spring  204 , consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may further include a controller and a microchip in connection with the electromotor. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller and the microchip may be configured to control movements of electromotor  602 . In an exemplary embodiment, the controller and the microchip may be in connection with a Bluetooth or wireless module which may enable the controller and the microchip to be programmed when artificial urethral sphincter  100  is implanted inside patient&#39;s  110  body. In an exemplary embodiment, a size of cuff member  102  and the amount of stretch in cable  206  may be adjusted independently through programming. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller and the microchip may help artificial urethral sphincter  100  to be developed with artificial intelligence. In an exemplary embodiment, artificial urethral sphincter  100  may be used as an artificial sphincter for anal sphincter and/or lower esophagus sphincter. 
     While the foregoing has described what may be considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings. 
     Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. 
     The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed. 
     Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims. 
     It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective spaces of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various implementations. This is for purposes of streamlining the disclosure, and is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. While various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other implementation unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.