Patent Publication Number: US-10323469-B2

Title: Collet device with an adjustable snap value

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to adjusting a force for coupling two devices, and more particularly (although not necessarily exclusively), to a collet device with an adjustable snap value. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A collet device can include beams that extend axially from a body of the collet device. The beams can be positioned radially adjacent to a mating device for gripping the mating device and coupling the collet device to the mating device. The beams can exert a force for gripping the mating device in response to a bend applied to the beams in positioning the beams radially adjacent to the mating device. In some examples, the beams are positioned around a shaft for gripping an outer surface of the shaft. The beams may exert an inwardly radial force if the outer diameter of the shaft is larger than an inner diameter of the beams. The magnitude of the force that can be exerted by the beams in a direction of the mating device can be referred to as a snap value. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional diagram of an example of a collet device coupled to a mating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional diagram of an example of a collet device having an inner member and an outer member threadably coupled to a main body of the collet device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an example of a collet device having an outer member that can slide along an exterior surface of a main body of the collet device according to one aspect of the present disclosure 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional diagram of an example of the collet device in  FIG. 3  having a fastener for locking the outer member at an axial position according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an example of a collet device having an outer member threadably coupled to the main body according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an example of the collet device in  FIG. 5  having a mandrel passing through an inner area of the collet device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an example of the collet device in  FIG. 5  having a mandrel in a locked position in an inner area of the collet device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of an example of the collet device in  FIG. 5  having a mandrel in a locked position in an inner area of the collet device and the outer member at a second position for increasing a snap value according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of tapered beams according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of stepped beams according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of an example of a mating device having a locking member that can be replaced for adjusting an inner diameter of a segment of the mating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an example of a mating device having a wedge for adjusting an amount that a locking member extends from an inner surface of the mating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain aspects and features relate to a collet device with an adjustable snap value. The snap value can correspond to a magnitude of force that can be exerted by a collet device for coupling the collet device with a mating device. A collet device can include a tubular body and beams. A portion of the beams can extend axially from the tubular body and the beams may bend when positioned in or around a mating device. The beams can exert a force in a direction of the mating device that is proportional in magnitude to a force used to bend the beams. Adjusting a length of the beams can change the amount of force required to bend the beams and can change the snap value of the collet device. The amount the beams must bend to be positioned in or around the mating device can also be changed to adjust the snap value of the collet device. 
     A collet device can include a tubular body having a main body, an inner member, and an outer member. The beams can be coupled to the main body and the beams can extend axially from the tubular body. The inner member and the outer member can move axially relative to the main body for changing the length of a portion of the beams that extends from the tubular body. The portion of the beams that extends from the tubular body can bend to be positioned in or around a mating device. For example, the beams may be positioned in an inner area of a mating device for gripping an inner surface of the mating device. The inner diameter of the mating device may be smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the beams that extends from the tubular body. Positioning the beams in the inner area may cause the portion of the beams that extends from the tubular body to bend inward radially. An outwardly radial force can be exerted by the portion of the beams extending from the tubular body for gripping the inner surface of the mating device in response to the portion of the beams extending from the tubular body being bent inward. 
     Changing the length of the portion of the beams that extends from the tubular body can change the magnitude of force used to bend the portion of the breams and adjust the snap value of the collet device. A beam with a longer portion extending from the tubular body can be more easily bent than a beam with a shorter portion extending from the tubular body. In some examples, the less force used to bend the beams the lower the snap value. 
     Some applications of a collet require a precise snap value. A precise snap value for a collet device can be obtained through trial and error by manufacturing collet devices of different shapes and sizes. Additionally, material can be removed from a manufactured collet device to adjust the snap value. For example, material can be removed from the end of the beams to shorten the beams or material can be removed from an outer surface of the beams to reduce the outer diameter of the beams. In some aspects, a snap value of a collet device can be adjusted by changing a length of a portion of the beams that extends from a tubular body. Changing the length of the portion of the beams that extends from the tubular body can be performed after manufacturing without adding or removing material from the collet device. In some examples, a snap value of a collet device can be calibrated post manufacturing to environmental conditions. The collet device can be used with downhole tools that require a narrow snap value range including various indicating tools. 
     These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe various additional features and examples with reference to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions are used to describe the illustrative aspects but, like the illustrative aspects, should not be used to limit the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional diagram of an example of a collet device  100  coupled to a mating device  120 . The collet device  100  can have a tubular body that includes a main body  102 , inner member  104 , and an outer member  106 . Beams  108  can be coupled to the main body  102  such that a portion of the beams  108  extends, from the tubular body. The inner member  104  and the outer member  106  can move axially to change a length of the portion of the beams  108  that extends from the tubular body. The mating device  120  can include a mating body  122  with a locking member  124  and a wedge  130 . The locking member  124  can extend from the inner surface of the mating body  122  and wedge  130  can move axially to change an amount that that locking member  124  extends from the mating body  122 . The collet device  100  can have a snap value corresponding to a magnitude of force exerted by the beams  108  in the direction of the mating device  120 . The snap value can be adjusted by changing a length of the portion of the beams  108  that extends from the tubular body or changing an amount that the locking member  124  extends from the mating body  122 . 
     The inner member  104  can be radially adjacent to an inner surface of the main body  102 . The outer member  106  can be radially adjacent to an outer surface of the main body  102 . The inner member  104  and the outer member  106  can be threadably coupled to the main body  102  and the inner member  104  and the outer member  106  can move axially relative to the main body  102 . The inner member  104  and the outer member  106  can be positioned axially to encompass a section of the beams  108  such that the section of the beams  108  is within the tubular body. The portion of the beams  108  that extends from the tubular body can bend at a seam between the beams  108  and the tubular body. The longer the portion of the beams  108  that extends from the tubular body the less force that is required to bend the portion of the beams  108 . The snap value can be based on the magnitude of force required to bend the portion of the beams  108 . The inner member  104  and outer member  106  are illustrated in  FIG. 1  as not encompassing any section of the beams  108  such that the length of the portion of the beams  108  extending from the tubular body is the length of the beams  108  such that the snap value can be at its lowest for the collet device  100 . 
     The wedge  130  can be positioned between an inner surface and an outer surface of mating body  122 . The wedge  130  can have a sloped edge that contacts a substantially parallel sloped edge of a locking member  124 . The wedge can move axially to adjust the amount that the locking member  124  extends from the inner surface of the mating body  122 . In  FIG. 1 , the wedge  130  can move to the right to cause the locking member  124  to extend further from the surface of the mating body  122 . The wedge can also move to the left to allow the locking member  124  to extend less from the inner surface of the mating body  122 . 
     The locking member  124  can form the smallest inner diameter of the mating body  122  and can contact the beams  108  causing the beams  108  to bend radially inward. The further the locking member  124  extends from the inner surface of the mating body  122  the greater the bend that may be induced on the beams  108  during positioning of the beams  108  in the inner area of the mating body  122 . The snap value of the collet device  100  can be adjusted by changing the amount that the locking member  124  extends from the inner surface of the mating body  122 . 
     Although the collet device  100  is depicted as positioned in an inner area of mating device  120 , the collet device  100  can be positioned such that beams  108  grip an exterior surface of a mating body. In some examples, a force applied by the beams can be an inwardly radial force that can grip the exterior surface of a mating device. In additional or alternative aspects, a locking member can be positioned to extend from an outer surface of a mating device. Although the collet device  100  and mating device  120  are depicted as cylindrical and the main body  102 , inner member  104 , outer member  106 , and locking member  124  are each depicted as ring-shaped, they may be any suitable shape. For example, a collet device can be a rectangular prism with a channel along a longitudinal axis. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional diagram of an example of the collet device  100  from  FIG. 1  having the inner member  104  and the outer member  106  threadably coupled to the main body  102  with threads  110 . The inner member  104  can be radially adjacent to an inner surface of the main body  102 . The outer surface of the inner member  104  and the inner surface of the main body  102  can have threads  110  for threadably coupling the inner member  104  to the main body  102 . The inner member  104  can move axially along the inner surface of the main body  102  and a portion of the inner surface of the beams  108 . 
     The outer member  106  can be radially adjacent to an outer surface of the main body  102 . The inner surface of outer member  106  and the outer surface of the main body  102  can have threads  110  for threadably coupling the outer member  106  to the main body  102 . The outer member  106  can move axially along the outer surface of the main body  102  and a portion of the outer surface of the beams  108 . 
     The threads can be spiraled such that rotating the inner member  104  or the outer member  106  can axially move the inner member  104  or the outer member  106 . The inner member  104  and the outer member  106  can be positioned to encompass a section of the beams  108  such that the section of the beams  108  is within the tubular body. The portion of the beams  108  that extends from the tubular body can bend at a seam between the beams  108  and the tubular body. In some examples, the shorter the portion of the beams that extends from the tubular body the greater the force required to bend the portion of the beams. The snap value can be based on a magnitude of force required to bend the portion of the beams  108 , so moving the inner member  104  and the outer member  106  toward an end of the beams  108  can increase the snap value and moving the inner member  104  and the outer member  106  away from an end of the beams  108  can decrease the snap value. 
     Although the threads  110  in  FIG. 2  are depicted as extending across an entire surface of main body  102 , inner member  104 , and outer member  106 , threads may cover only a portion of the surface of the main body  102 , inner member  104 , and outer member  106 . In some aspects, threads may cover a portion of a surface of the beams  108 . In some aspects, the inner member  104  or the outer member  106  may be threadably coupled to the beams  108 . The threads for threadably coupling the inner member  104  or the outer member  106  to the main body  102  can be any size. A tighter thread may offer greater precision in axially positioning the inner member  104  or outer member  106 . 
       FIGS. 3-4  are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an example of a collet device  300  with a tubular body having a main body  302  and an outer member  306  that can slide along an external surface of the main body  302 . The outer member  306  can include openings  312  positioned through the outer member  306 . Beams  308  can be coupled to the main body  302  and extend radially from the tubular body. 
     The collet device  300  in  FIG. 4  depicts the tubular body with an inner member  404  threadably coupled to main body  302  by threads  410 .  FIG. 4  also depicts fasteners  414  that can be positioned in the openings  312 . In some examples, the fastener  414  can be a lug or a screw and can lock the outer member  306  and inner member  404  at an axial position. The inner member  404  can be positioned axially, relative to the main body  302 , by rotating the inner member  404  within threads  410 . The outer member  306  can slide to a position relative to the main body  302 . The fastener can be positioned in the opening  312  such that the fastener extends through a gap between two beams  308  and couples to the inner member  404 . The fastener  414  can lock the outer member  306  into alignment with inner member  404 . The fastener  414  can also limit the axial movement of the inner member  404  by preventing the inner member  404  from rotating due to the fastener  414  being positioned in the gap between two beams  308 . In some examples, the fastener may contact a beam  308  on each side of the gap such that the inner member  404  is locked from moving axially. 
     A section of beams  308  can be positioned between outer member  306  and inner member  404  such that a portion of the beams  308  that extends from the tubular body is shorter than a full length of the beams  308 . The snap value for collet device  300  can be adjusted by moving the inner member  404  and outer member  306  to change the length of the portion of the beams  308  that extend from the tubular body. 
     In some aspects, an outer member can have a number of openings equal to the number of beams  308  coupled to the main body  302  such that each opening can be aligned with a gap between the beams to create a passage between an area external to the outer member and an inner area of the main body. In some additional or alternative aspects, an application of a collet device can have space constraints. Collet device  300  can have a smaller outer diameter than a collet device that has a layer of threads between an outer member and a main body. Outer member  306  and main body  302  can be thinner than a threaded outer member and a threaded main body. Although not illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 , a beam can include an aperture therethrough and the fastener  414  can be positioned to pass through an opening in the outer member  306  and an aperture in the beam. 
       FIGS. 5-8  are a perspective view and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a collet device  500  with a tubular body. The tubular body having a main body  502  and an outer member  506  threadably coupled to the main body  502  by threads  510 . The collet device  500  also includes beams  508  coupled to the main body  502  and extending axially from the tubular body. 
     Although not illustrated in  FIG. 5 ,  FIGS. 6-8  depict the collet device  500  with an inner member  604 . The inner member  604  can be a mandrel that is positioned radially adjacent to an inner surface of the main body  502 . The inner member  604  can have an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the beams  508  such that positioning the mandrel radially adjacent to the beams  508  applies a force to the beams  508  causing the beams  508  to bend radially outward. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional example of the collet device  500  with the inner member  604  in an unlocked position such that it can move axially.  FIGS. 7-8  are cross-sectional examples of the collet device  500  with the inner member  604  in a locked position. In  FIG. 7 , the outer member  606  is positioned radially adjacent to the main body  502  such that the tubular body does not encompass any section of the beams  508 . A length of a portion of the beams  508  that extends from the tubular body can be a full length of the beams  508 . In  FIG. 8 , the outer member  506  is positioned radially adjacent to the beams  508  such that only a portion of beams  508  extends from the tubular body. The snap value of collet  500  in  FIG. 8  can be higher than the snap value of collet  500  in  FIG. 7  because of the positioning of outer member  506 . 
       FIGS. 9-10  are cross-sectional views of examples of beams  908 ,  1008  with a non-uniform cross-sectional area. In some aspects, a snap value associated with a collet device can be based on a cross-sectional area of the beams  908 ,  1008  at a seam where a portion of the beams  908 ,  1008  extend from a tubular body of the collet device. In some examples, a beam with a larger cross-sectional area at the seam can require a greater force to bend than a beam with a smaller cross-sectional area at the seam. An inner member or an outer member of the tubular body can be positioned axially to adjust a location of the seam, which can change the cross-sectional area of the beam  908 ,  1008  at the seam. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the beams  908  are tapered such that beams  908  have a linearly smaller cross-sectional area at points farther from the tubular body. As an inner member and outer member of a tubular body are moved toward the portion of the beams that extends from the tubular body, the seam is moves and can be positioned at a portion of the beams  908  with a smaller cross-sectional area. In  FIG. 10 , beams  1008  are stepped such that a cross-sectional area has a non-linear decrease at points farther from the tubular body. The cross-sectional area of beams  1008  can decrease across some segments of the beams  1008  and the cross-sectional area of the beams  1008  can remain constant in other segments. 
     In some aspects, a width of a beam may be non-uniform. In additional or alternative aspects, a thickness of a beam may be non-uniform. A collet device with a beam that has a non-uniform cross-sectional area can have a larger range of snap values than a collet device with beams that have a uniform cross-sectional area. In some examples, a change in a length of a portion of a beam that extends from a tubular body of a collet device with a non-uniform cross-sectional area can have an exponential change in snap value. Although  FIGS. 9-10  depict beams with cross-sectional areas that decrease at points farther from a tubular body, some collet devices can have beams that have an increase in cross-sectional area at points farther from a tubular body. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of an example of a mating device  1120  having a locking member  1124  that can be replaced for adjusting an inner diameter of the mating body  1122 . The mating body  1122  can include an outer layer  1126 , a retaining layer  1128  and the locking member  1124 . The retaining layer  1128  can be coupled to the mating body  1122  such that a groove forms in an inner surface of the mating body  1122 . The locking member  1124  can be positioned in the groove such that the locking member  1124  extends into an inner area of the mating body  1122 . The outer layer  1126  can be positioned radially adjacent to the retaining layer  1128  and locking member  1124  such that the locking member  1124  is trapped in the groove. 
     The locking member  1124  can form the smallest inner diameter of the mating body  1122  and can contact a collet device (not illustrated) that can be positioned in the inner area. In some examples, the further the locking member  1124  extends from the inner surface of the mating body  1122  the smaller the inner diameter of the mating body  1122  and the greater a snap value of the collet device. In some aspects, the outer layer  1126  can be decoupled from the mating body  1122  such that the locking member  1124  can be removed from the mating device  1120  and replaced with a locking member of a different size. Replacing the locking member  1124  of the mating device  1120  can adjust the snap value for a collet device coupled to the mating device  1120 . 
     Although  FIG. 11  depicts the locking member  1124  as extending into an inner area of the mating body  1122 , a mating device can have a locking member for extending from an outer surface of the mating device. In some aspects, the outer layer can be threadably coupled to the mating body. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an example of a mating device  1220  having a wedge  1230  for changing an amount that a locking member  1224  extends from an inner surface of the mating device  1222  for adjusting an inner diameter of the mating body  1222 . The mating body  1222  can include an outer layer  1226 , a retaining layer  1228 , the locking member  1224 , and the wedge  1230 . The retaining layer  1228  can be coupled to the mating body  1222  such that a groove exists in the inner surface of the mating body  1222 . The locking member  1224  can be positioned in the groove such that the locking member  1224  extends into an inner area of the mating body  1222 . The wedge  1230  can be positioned axially adjacent to the locking member  1224  relative to the mating body  1222  and can be threadably coupled to the retaining layer  1228 . The wedge can include an edge that can contact the locking member  1124  such that moving the wedge axially can change the amount that the locking member  1224  extends from the inner surface of the mating body  1222 . The outer layer  1226  can be positioned radially adjacent to the retaining layer  1228 , locking member  1224 , and wedge  1230  such that the locking member  1224  is trapped in the groove and the wedge  1230  is locked axially. 
     The locking member  1224  can form the smallest inner diameter of the mating body  1222  and can contact a collet device (not illustrated) that can be positioned in the inner area. The further the locking member  1224  extends from the inner surface of the mating body  1222  the smaller the inner diameter of the mating body  1222  and the greater a snap value of the collet device. In some aspects, the outer layer  1226  can be decoupled from the mating body  1222  such that the wedge  1230  can move axially to adjust the amount that the locking member extends into the inner area of the mating body  1222 . In additional or alternative aspects, a wedge may extend through an opening in the mating body  1222 , or an opening in the mating body  1222  may allow access to the wedge for moving the wedge axially. 
     Although  FIG. 12  depicts the locking member  1224  as extending into an inner area of the mating body  1222 , a mating device can have a locking member for extending from an outer surface of the mating device. In some aspects, a locking member can be threadably coupled to the retaining layer  1228  such that the locking member can be rotated to adjust an amount that the locking member extends from the inner surface of the mating body  1222 . 
     In some aspects, a collet device with an adjustable snap value is provided according to one or more of the following examples: 
     Example #1 
     A first device can include a tubular body and beams. The tubular body can include a main body, an inner member, and an outer member. The inner member can be in an inner area of the main body and can be axially moved relative to the main body. The outer member can be in an outer area of the main body and can be axially moved relative to the main body. The beams can be coupled to the main body. A portion of the beams can extend axially from an end of the tubular body. A length of the portion of the beams that extend axially from the end of the tubular body can be adjusted by moving the inner member or the outer member. Adjusting the length of the portion can change a snap value corresponding to a magnitude of a force that can be exerted by the beams in a direction of a second device positioned radially adjacent to the beams. 
     Example #2 
     The first device of Example #1, further featuring the inner member being threadably coupled to the main body or the beams. 
     Example #3 
     The first device of Example #2, further featuring the outer member can axially slide along an exterior surface of the main body. The outer member can include an opening therethrough. A fastener can be positioned through the opening and through a gap between beams for coupling the outer member to the inner member and locking the outer member at a position axially. 
     Example #4 
     The first device of Example #1, further featuring the outer member can be threadably coupled to the main body or the beams. 
     Example #5 
     The first device of Example #4, further featuring the inner member can be a mandrel for applying an outwardly radial force to the beams based on the mandrel having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the beams. 
     Example #6 
     The first device of Example #1, further featuring at least one beam including a non-uniform cross-sectional area such that at least one of the inner member or the outer member can be moved to adjust a cross-sectional area of the portion of the beams extending axially from the end of the tubular body at a seam between the portion of the beams extending axially from the end of the tubular body and the tubular body. 
     Example #7 
     The first device of Example #6, further featuring the at least one beam has a tapered width such that a first portion has a larger cross-sectional area than a second portion and the first portion is closer to the main body than the second portion. 
     Example #8 
     The first device of Example #1, further featuring the main body can be cylindrical and the inner member and the outer member can each be ring-shaped. 
     Example #9 
     The first device of Example #1, further featuring the beams can be for exerting the force in an outwardly radial direction to couple to the second device by gripping an inner surface of the second device. 
     Example #10 
     The first device of Example #1, further featuring the beams can be for exerting the force in an inwardly radial direction to couple to the second device by gripping an exterior surface of the second device. 
     Example #11 
     A first device including a mating body and a locking member. The mating body can be positioned radially adjacent to a second device. The locking member can extend from the mating body for contacting the second device. The amount that the locking member extends from the mating body can be adjusted to change a snap value corresponding to a magnitude of a force that can be exerted for coupling the first device to the second device. 
     Example #12 
     The first device of Example #11, further including a wedge positioned between an inner surface and an outer surface of the mating body. The wedge can be axially moved to contact the locking member for adjusting the amount that the locking member extends from the mating body. 
     Example #13 
     The first device of Example #11, further featuring the mating body can be cylindrical and the locking member can be ring-shaped. 
     Example #14 
     The first device of Example #11, further featuring a section of the mating body that includes a retaining sleeve for retaining the locking member in a groove. The locking member can be a first locking member and can be replaced with a second locking member for adjusting the amount of the locking member that extends from the mating body. 
     Example #15 
     An assembly can include a first device and a second device. The first device can include a tubular body and beams. The tubular body can include a main body, an inner member, and an outer member. The inner member can be an inner area of the main body that can be axially moved relative to the main body. The outer member can be in an outer area of the main body that can be axially moved relative to the main body. The beams can be coupled to the main body. A portion of the beams can extend axially from an end of the tubular body. A length of the portion of the beams extending axially from the end of the tubular body can be adjusted by moving the inner member or the outer member. The second device can include a mating body and a locking member. The mating body can be positioned radially adjacent to the beams. The locking member can extend from the mating body for contacting the beams. An amount that the locking member extends from the mating body can be adjusted to change a snap value corresponding to a magnitude of a force that can be exerted by the beams in a direction of the second device based on the length of the portion of the beams extending axially from the end of the tubular body. 
     Example #16 
     The assembly of Example #15, further featuring the beams can be for exerting the force in an outwardly radial direction to couple the first device to the second device by gripping an inner surface of the mating body. The locking member can extend from the inner surface. 
     Example #17 
     The assembly of Example #15, further featuring the beams can be for exerting the force in an inwardly radial direction to couple the first device to the second device by gripping an exterior surface of the second device. The locking member can extend from an outer surface of the first device. 
     Example #18 
     The assembly of Example #15, further featuring the inner member and the outer member can each be threadably coupled to the main body or the beams. At least one beam can include a non-uniform cross-sectional area such that at least one of the inner member or the outer member can be moved to adjust a cross-sectional area of the portion of the beams extending axially from the end of the tubular body. 
     Example #19 
     The assembly of Example #15, further including a wedge that can be positioned between an inner surface and an outer surface of the mating body. The wedge can be axially moved to contact the locking member for adjusting the amount that the locking member extends from the mating body. 
     Example #20 
     The assembly of Example #15, further featuring the main body and the mating body can each be cylindrical and the inner member, the outer member, and the locking member can each be ring-shaped. 
     The foregoing description of certain examples, including illustrated examples, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure.