Patent Publication Number: US-2022217892-A1

Title: Smart implements

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/136,197, filed on Jan. 11, 2021 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/208,388, filed on Jun. 8, 2021. The entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in the present disclosure. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally directed towards smart implements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described herein are not prior art to the claims in the present application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     Farming and agricultural ventures are often associated with labor intensive work and long hours. In some circumstances, long hours may be attributed to the large tracts of land and numerous crops that may be included in an operation. In some instances, tractors and other large machinery are used in conjunction with attached implements to manage the tracts of land. Some implements may consume large amounts of energy and/or time. 
     The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a smart implement may include combinations of a power takeoff connector, one or more sensors, a controller, and a communication unit. The power takeoff connector attaches the smart implement to a tractor. The one or more sensors generate implement data. The controller is configured to determine operating parameters based on the implement data from the one or more sensors. The communication unit is configured to communicate with the tractor. 
     These and other aspects, features and advantages may become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the drawings, the detailed description, and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a number of example smart implements; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example smart implement control system; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an example system for controlling an implement; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of an example computing system; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example flowchart of an example method of controlling an implement, all arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Agricultural undertakings, including farming, are often time consuming and of a large scale such that power vehicles and equipment provide a great benefit in accomplishing tasks related thereto. Tractors and other agricultural equipment may be used to help reduce the amount of time required to cultivate land and/or crops. In some circumstances, various implements may be attached to the tractors and other agricultural equipment that may be used to help accomplish tasks. 
     Implements simplify much of the agricultural process but also use a large amount of energy to operate. As the energy is provided by an associated tractor or other vehicle, use of implements may contribute to increased amounts of pollution and/or energy consumption of the tractor. Further, once connected and in operation, implements are often designed to run at or near 100% capacity until disconnected. 
     In some embodiments, a smart implement may include variable power consumption, as determined by the implement, or as directed by the associated tractor. In some circumstances, the smart implement may detect the surrounding environment or information related to the current task which may be used to direct the amount of power consumption by the smart implement. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a smart implement may reduce the amount of power requested from an associated tractor, such that the tractor may be more energy efficient. Further, the smart implement may improve the speed of which tasks are completed by increasing power consumption to complete the tasks as circumstances permit or dictate. 
     In the present disclosure, the term “tractor” may refer to an agricultural tractor and/or other power equipment or vehicles that may be used in an agricultural setting. Alternatively or additionally, the term “tractor” may include a power vehicle that may be configured to support and operate an implement, which may be used in the agricultural setting or any other applicable setting. Further, while discussed in primarily an agricultural setting, some embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in other settings, such as mining, construction, and/or other locales where large machinery may be beneficial. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a number of example smart implements  100 , in accordance with at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. The example smart implements  100  may include some or all of the components as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 , and/or  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example smart implement control system  200  of a smart implement  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. The smart implement control system  200  may include an implement control module  205 , implement controller  210 , and one or more sensors  220 . The one or more sensors  220  may include environmental sensors  225  and a digital camera  230 . 
     The implement control module  205  may include code and routines configured to enable a computing system to perform one or more operations. Additionally or alternatively, the implement control module  205  may be implemented using hardware including a processor, a microprocessor (e.g., to perform or control performance of one or more operations), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some other instances, the implement control module  205  may be implemented using a combination of hardware and software. In the present disclosure, operations described as being performed by the implement control module  205  may include operations that the implement control module  205  may direct a corresponding system to perform. Further, although described separately in the present disclosure to ease explanation of different operations performed and roles, in some embodiments, one or more portions of the implement control module  205  may be combined or part of the same module. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to interface with the implement  215 , such as by the implement controller  210 , where the implement  215  may be attached to and/or be powered by a tractor analogously to methods in which other implements attach to and/or are powered by the tractor. For example, the implement  215  may be configured to attach to the tractor via power takeoff (PTO). Alternatively or additionally, the interface between the implement  215  and the tractor may include an electrical connection, and/or any other processes configured to variably transfer power from the tractor to the implement  215 . In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to determine a varying power request for the implement  215  and may interface with the tractor such that the tractor may provide a variable power delivery. In some embodiments, the implement controller  210  may be configured to provide the controls to the implement  215 . The variable power delivery from the implement controller  210  may be in the alternative to and/or in addition to the implement  215  receiving a constant power delivery from the tractor. For example, the amount of power output of the implement  215  may vary based on the amount of power as determined by the implement control module  205  and requested by the implement controller  210 , which may be delivered by the tractor. 
     In some embodiments, the implement controller  210  may be configured to interface with the implement control module  205  and/or the implement  215 . For example, the implement controller  210  may be configured to receive input from the implement control module  205  that may be used by the implement controller  210  to cause movement and/or operations of the implement  215 . In some embodiments, the implement controller  210  may include one or more motors, actuators, and/or other mechanical devices configured to cause the implement  215  to move. For example, in instances in which the implement control module  205  determines that a sprayer implement may be more effective spraying crops at a further distance from the crops, the implement controller  210  may receive commands from the implement control module  205  and may cause the sprayer implement to retract from the crops and continue to apply a spray. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may provide an output to the implement controller  210  such that the implement  215  may be idled and/or powered down when not in use, including instances in which the implement  215  is connected to a currently operating tractor via PTO. For example, the implement control module  205  may determine to the implement  215  in instances in which the implement  215  may not be used, such as when the tractor makes turns at the end of a row, or transfers from a first location to a second location to continue operations. In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may receive sensor input from the one or more sensors  220 , which may contribute to determining instances in which the implement  215  may be powered down. For example, the digital camera  230  may be configured to detect the tractor is not adjacent to any crops and the implement control module  205  may determine that the implement  215  may be powered down. Alternatively or additionally, the environmental sensors  225  may detect that an amount of work the implement  215  is configured to perform (e.g., mowing weeds) has decreased below a threshold for using the implement  215  and the implement control module  205  may determine that the implement  215  may be powered down. Alternatively or additionally, the tractor may provide an input to the implement control module  205  that the current tractor speed is greater than a threshold for using the implement  215  and the implement control module  205  may determine that the implement  215  may be powered down. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to receive input from the one or more sensors  220  that may be used to determine a power draw requested by the implement controller  210  and/or the implement  215 . For example, the one or more sensors  220  may provide an indication to the implement control module  205  of an amount of force being exerted by the implement  215 . For example, in instances in which a mower is the implement  215 , the implement control module  205  may determine the mower may benefit from more delivered power based on received input from the one or more sensors  220 , which may indicate, based on the amount of force being exerted by the mower, that the mower is currently mowing dense and/or wet grass. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to vary the speed of the tractor based on the determined power draw of the implement  205 . For example, in instances in which a mower is the implement  215  and the mower is currently mowing dense and/or wet grass, the implement control module  205  may provide feedback to the tractor to decrease the tractor speed which may improve the mowing results by the mower. Alternatively or additionally, in instances in which a mower is the implement  215  and the mower is currently mowing light and/or dry grass, the implement control module  205  may provide feedback to the tractor to increase the tractor speed, up to a threshold, which may improve the mowing results by the mower. 
     In these and other embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to use the requested power draw of the implement controller  210  and/or the implement  215  to manage the power usage of the tractor and/or the implement  215  and/or the speed of the tractor and/or the implement  215 . Alternatively or additionally, the implement control module  205  may store the requested power draw over time and may use the stored requested power draw to determine instances in which service to the implement  215  and/or the tractor may contribute to extending the life thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may determine that the implement  215  may be idled and/or powered down may reduce the power consumption of the tractor, which may contribute to a reduced resource drain of the tractor. For example, in instances in which the tractor is an electric vehicle, powering down the implement  215  may result in less drain of the batteries, which may enable the electric tractor to be used for longer periods of time between charges. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more sensors  220  may be configured to provide sensor input to the implement control module  205  which may be used to direct the tractor to vary the amount of power delivered to the implement  215 . In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may request a variation of power from the tractor based on input and/or data received from the one or more sensors  220 . For example, in instances in which the one or more sensors  220  detect an increased workload, the implement control module  205  may request more power from the tractor. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may receive sensor input from the one or more sensors  220 . In some embodiments, the one or more sensors  220  may be disposed on the implement  215  and may be configured to detect the operating environment of the implement  215 . For example, the one or more sensors  220  that may be coupled to the implement  215  may include a digital camera  230 , infrared sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, moisture sensors, and/or other environmental sensors  225  which may be disposed on an interior and/or exterior surface of the implement  215 . Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors  220  may be disposed on the tractor and may be configured to provide sensor input to the implement control module  205 . For example, the one or more sensors  220  may be coupled with and/or integrate with the tractor and may capture and send sensor data to the implement control module  205  that may be used to direct operation of the implement  215 . Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors  220  may be disposed at locations remote from the tractor and/or the implement  215 , where the remote sensor input may be communicated to the implement control module  205 . For example, the one or more sensors  220  may be disposed throughout the area in which the tractor and/or implement  215  are operating and the remote sensor input may capture and send sensor data to the implement control module  205  that may be used to direct operation of the implement  215 . 
     In instances in which the one or more sensors  220  are disposed on a smart mower, the one or more sensors  220  may detect a density of grass (i.e., plants and/or other objects to be mowed), an amount of binding of cut grass within the implement  215 , a moisture level of the grass, and/or other mowing factors. In instances in which the one or more sensors  220  are disposed on a smart sprayer, the one or more sensors  220  may detect a range to the target, an environmental wind speed and direction, a humidity, and/or other spray factors. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to be in communication with the tractor to which the implement  215  is attached. For example, the implement control module  205  may provide an indication to the tractor of the current workload and/or updates regarding the perceived operating environment of the implement  215 . In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may include software and/or hardware components capable of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and/or machine learning. Alternatively or additionally, the implement control module  205  may transmit sensor data from the one or more sensors  220  to the tractor and/or a remote system which tractor and/or remote system may include the software and/or hardware components capable of implementing artificial intelligence and/or machine learning. 
     In some embodiments, the AI and/or machine learning system may be integrated with the implement control module  205 , such that the implement control module  205  may perform some or all of the functions of the AI and/or machine learning system. Alternatively or additionally, the AI and/or machine learning may be separate and/or distinct from the implement control module  205  and may be configured to communicate with the implement control module  205 . For example, in instances in which the AI and/or machine learning is separate from the implement control module  205 , the operation of the AI and/or machine learning system may be performed by a computing system, such as the computing system  402  of  FIG. 4 . 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may aggregate data from the one or more sensors  220  to improve the response time of the operation of the implement  215  to the detected environment and/or predict a response based on the detected environment. For example, the implement control module  205  may use positional data and/or sensor data from the one or more sensors  220  to determine that a section of a tract of land grows grass at a faster rate and may request the tractor increase power delivered to the implement  215 , such as a mower, when the tractor enters the section. Alternatively or additionally, the implement control module  205  may use time data and/or sensor data to determine that mowing at certain times of the day may result in wetter grass (e.g., mowing in the morning with dew present), and may send a request to the tractor to increase power to the implement  215  at early times and/or reduce power as the day advances. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to measure and record a run time and/or an operational time of the implement  215 . For example, the implement control module  205  may record an amount of time the implement  215  is powered on (i.e., the run time) and/or an amount of time the implement  215  is performing a task (i.e., the operational time). Alternatively or additionally, the implement control module  205  may be configured to determine an intensity level of the conditions the implement  215  is operating under, such as based on data from the one or more sensors  220 . For example, in instance in which a mower is the implement  215 , sensor data obtained by the implement control module  205  may indicate a height, a density, a moisture level, and/or other characteristics of grass to be mowed, such that the implement control module  205  may determine an intensity level related to the operation of the implement  215 . In some embodiments, the intensity level may include a metric that may be calculated by the implement control module  205 , such as a weighted score and/or combination of various metrics related to the intensity of operation of the implement  215 . 
     In these and other embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to use the data associated with the run time, the operational time, and/or the intensity level of the conditions, to determine a maintenance schedule for the implement  215 . For example, the implement control module  205  may determine a usage metric by summing a run time metric, an operational time metric, and an intensity level metric and compare it to a threshold. When the usage metric exceeds the threshold, the implement control module  205  may determine the implement  215  may be benefitted from maintenance. In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to provide the maintenance data to an operator of the implement. For example, in instances in which the implement control module  205  has determined the usage metric exceeds the threshold, the implement control module  205  may be configured to provide a visual indication, an aural indication, a tactile indication, and/or may provide a transmitted message to the operator, such as described below. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices. For example, the implement control module  205  may be configured to communicate via wireless channels including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Bluetooth®, cellular communications, and/or other wireless technologies. In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may wirelessly communicate with the tractor and/or an operator&#39;s mobile device. A mobile device may include a mobile phone, tablet, personal computer, and/or other mobile devices. In some embodiments, the wireless communication from the implement control module  205  to a mobile device may be via mobile application that may include a graphical user interface for displaying received data (e.g. sensor data) and transmitted control data (e.g., control instructions in the implement controller  210 ) related to the implement control module  205 , and/or operational information of the implement  215 . In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may wirelessly transmit sensor data and/or operational data to the mobile device. For example, the implement control module  205  may transmit a current RPM, a recommended implement RPM, a percentage representing the current RPM as a percentage of maximum RPM, a recommended tractor speed, a recommended time until next implement service, total operational hours, and/or other operational data of the implement  215 . 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be configured to receive wireless communications from the mobile device which may be used with the implement control module  205  to provide controls to the implement controller  210  that may control the implement  215 . For example, the mobile device may transmit a maximum RPM, a recommended tractor speed, and/or other commands to the implement control module  205 . Alternatively or additionally, the mobile device may transmit wireless communications to the tractor, which may, in turn, interface with the implement control module  205 . In these and other embodiments, the operator may input commands into the mobile application which may wirelessly transfer the data to either directly to the implement control module  205  and/or indirectly to the implement control module  205 , such as via the tractor. 
     In some embodiments, the tractor may respond to received data from the implement control module  205  which may improve efficiency and/or operations. For example, in response to receiving data from the implement control module  205  that the implement  215  is underused, the tractor may increase the tractor speed and/or decrease the power delivered to the implement  215 . 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be used in conjunction with existing implements that may not include one or more sensors, but that may be outfitted with the one or more sensors  220  as described above. For example, the implement control module  205  may be used in conjunction with a mower, a weeder, a sprayer, a seeder, and/or other similar attachable implements for use with tractors. Alternatively or additionally, the implement control module  205  may be integrated with implements  215  that include the one or more sensors  220 . For example, an implement such as a smart mower may include the one or more sensors  220  which may include the environmental sensors  225  and/or the digital camera  230  that may provide sensor data to the implement control module  205 . 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may receive a default tractor speed for operation based on the implement  215  in use, which speed may be transmitted to the tractor. For example, the implement control module  205  may determine a smart mower&#39;s default speed be slower than a smart sprayer&#39;s default speed. Alternatively or additionally, the default speed, as determined by the implement control module  205 , may be set and/or adjusted based on data received by the implement control module  205  from previous operations. For example, in instances in which the one or more sensors  220  associated with a smart mower repeatedly provides data to the implement control module  205  that slows down the tractor, the implement control module  205  may determine that the default speed for the smart mower may be reduced. 
     In some embodiments, the implement control module  205  may be implemented with an existing agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, which may be outfitted to include additional sensors and/or hardware to communicate with the implement control module  205 . Alternatively or additionally, the implement control module  205  may be integrated with a future agricultural vehicle, such as an autonomous land drone as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/136,197. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an example system  300  for controlling an implement, in accordance with at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. The system  300  may include an implement  310 , a tractor  320 , and a remote system  330 . The implement  310  may include a first implement control module  312 , the tractor  320  may include a second implement control module  322 , and the remote system  330  may include a third implement control module  332 . 
     In some embodiments, the first implement control module  312  may be disposed on or in the implement  310 , the second implement control module  322  may be disposed on or in the tractor  320 , and the third implement control module  332  may be disposed on or in the remote system  330 . The implement  310  may be analogous to the implement  215  of  FIG. 2 . 
     In some embodiments, the first implement control module  312  may be configured to direct operation of the implement  310 . For example, the first implement control module  312  may receive sensor input and/or may determine operational control of the implement  310 . Alternatively or additionally, the first implement control module  312 , the second implement control module  322 , and the third implement control module  332  may be configured to interface with each other to direct operation of the implement  310 . For example, receiving sensor input, analyzing the sensor data and tractor operations, and providing the control operations for the implement  310  may be distributed and performed by combinations of the three implement control modules. Alternatively or additionally, one of the first implement control module  312 , the second implement control module  322 , and the third implement control module  332  may perform some or all the operations for operating the implement  310 . For example, in some embodiments, only the second implement control module  322  or the third implement control module  332  may be present to direct operation of the implement  310 . Alternatively or additionally, other various combinations of the three implement control modules may be used to direct operation of the implement  310 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of an example computing system  402 , according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The computing system  402  may be configured to implement or direct one or more operations associated with an implement control module (e.g., the implement control module  205  of  FIG. 2 ). The computing system  402  may include a processor  450 , a memory  452 , and a data storage  454 . The processor  450 , the memory  452 , and the data storage  454  may be communicatively coupled. 
     In general, the processor  450  may include any suitable special-purpose or general-purpose computer, computing entity, or processing device including various computer hardware or software modules and may be configured to execute instructions stored on any applicable computer-readable storage media. For example, the processor  450  may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or to execute program instructions and/or to process data. Although illustrated as a single processor in  FIG. 4 , the processor  450  may include any number of processors configured to, individually or collectively, perform or direct performance of any number of operations described in the present disclosure. Additionally, one or more of the processors may be present on one or more different electronic devices, such as different servers. 
     In some embodiments, the processor  450  may be configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in the memory  452 , the data storage  454 , or the memory  452  and the data storage  454 . In some embodiments, the processor  450  may fetch program instructions from the data storage  454  and load the program instructions in the memory  452 . After the program instructions are loaded into memory  452 , the processor  450  may execute the program instructions. 
     For example, in some embodiments, an implement control module may be included in the data storage  454  as program instructions. The processor  450  may fetch the program instructions of a corresponding module from the data storage  454  and may load the program instructions of the corresponding module in the memory  452 . After the program instructions of the corresponding module are loaded into memory  452 , the processor  450  may execute the program instructions such that the computing system may implement the operations associated with the corresponding module as directed by the instructions. 
     The memory  452  and the data storage  454  may include computer-readable storage media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable storage media may include any available media that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, such as the processor  450 . By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media including Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid state memory devices), or any other storage medium which may be used to carry or store particular program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data configured to cause the processor  450  to perform a certain operation or group of operations. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the computing system  402  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the computing system  402  may include any number of other components that may not be explicitly illustrated or described. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example flowchart of an example method  500  of controlling an implement, described according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method  500  may be performed by any suitable system, apparatus, or device. For example, one or more of the operations of the method  500  may be performed by an implement control module, an implement controller, and/or a computing system, such as those described above. Further, the implement  215  or the implement  310  described above may be examples of the implement that may be controlled. 
     At block  502 , sensor data may be obtained. For example, in some embodiments, sensor data such as that described above with respect to the sensors  220  of  FIG. 2  may be obtained. 
     At block  504 , an operating environment of an implement may be determined. In some embodiments, conditions about the environment such as those described above with respect to  FIG. 2  may be determined based on the sensor data and may be examples of the different operating environments that may be encountered by the implement. 
     At block  506 , one or more operational parameters of the implement may be determined. The operational parameters may include any parameters that may affect operation of the implement, such as amount of power to provide to the implement, when to engage the implement (e.g., power up), when to disengage the implement (e.g., power down), adjustment of speed of a tractor or other machine using the implement, etc. In some embodiments, the examples of such parameters given with respect to  FIG. 2  may be example operational parameters 
     At block  508 , operation of the implement may be directed based on the determined operational parameters. For example, the tractor or other machine may be directed to provide a certain amount of power to the implement, operate at a certain speed, etc., according to the determined operational parameters. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the method  500  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the order of one or more of the operations described may vary than the order in which they were described or are illustrated. Further, each operation may include more or fewer operations than those described. For example, any number of the operations and concepts described above with respect to  FIG. 2  may be included in or incorporated by the method  500 . In addition, the delineation of the operations and elements is meant for explanatory purposes and is not meant to be limiting with respect to actual implementations. 
     Terms used in the present disclosure and in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.). 
     Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. 
     In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc. 
     Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” This interpretation of the phrase “A or B” is still applicable even though the term “A and/or B” may be used at times to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosure are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.