Patent Publication Number: US-2023157257-A1

Title: Methods and Apparatus for Pets

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is: 
     claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/294,302, filed Dec. 28, 2021;   is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. Application Serial No. 17/141,583, filed Jan. 5, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. Application Serial No. 16/911,071, filed Jun. 24, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/866,187, filed Jun. 25, 2019; and   incorporates the disclosure of each application listed above by reference.   

    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Pets enrich the lives of families and individuals around the world, providing companionship, love, protection, and entertainment. For many pet owners, nothing is more important than the safety, comfort, and well-being of their pets. Pets may even occupy a position comparable to children. 
     The cleanup and unpleasant smell of litter, however, is a frequent problem for cat and other pet owners. Many pets also want to go outside or view the outdoors, but many owners fear that the pet could run away or be in danger if allowed to go outdoors. Owners enjoy watching their pets in a playful environment like cat trees or cat patios and would like additional options that could be environmentally controlled. Many people have pet doors already installed in their home that they cannot use for fear of their pet escaping. 
     SUMMARY 
     Methods and apparatus for pets according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a pet apparatus configured to attach to a pet door and comprising an enclosure comprising a wall. The wall may include an entrance defined therethrough. A pet door interface may be connectable to the pet door. The pet door interface may define a substantially enclosed portal between the pet door and the entrance. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES 
       A more complete understanding of the present technology may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures. 
         FIG.  1    is a cross-section side view of a pet system according to various aspects of the present technology. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a pod. 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of a pod. 
         FIGS.  4 A-F  are top, cross-section side, cross-section top, rear, side, and front views, respectively, of a pod. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross section view of a dog door system. 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded view of a dog door system. 
         FIGS.  7 A-B  are side views of a pet door tunnel. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a pet door system with a security panel holder. 
         FIGS.  9 A-B  are perspective views of a pod. 
         FIGS.  10 A-B  are rear views of pods with stands. 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded view of a pod with a removable tray. 
         FIG.  12    is a side vide of a pod with a connector tunnel. 
         FIGS.  13 A-D  are views of multiple interconnected pods. 
     
    
    
     Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present technology. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware or software components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, a system according to various aspects of the present technology may employ pods, connectors, power sources, waste collection systems, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, the present technology may be practiced in conjunction with any number of access systems and animal control systems, and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. Further, a system according to various aspects of the present technology may employ any number of conventional techniques for connection, ventilation, waste collection, and the like. 
     Methods and apparatus for pets according to various aspects of the present technology may operate in conjunction with a pod that can be entered by a pet. The pod may be configured to connect to a pet door such that the pod can be placed outdoors but remain accessible to the pet via the pet door. The pet can enter the pod through the pet door without exposure or physical access to the outdoor environment. In various embodiments, the pod may be connected to the pet door via a nondedicated security panel holder outside an owner’s home for an already-installed legacy pet door, via a dedicated security panel holder that engages the pod outside the owner’s home around the pet door, another fastener that attaches the pod to structure around the pet door, and/or via a tunnel or other connection between the pet door and the pod. 
     In various embodiments, the pod may not be connected to a pet door, and instead allows entry directly through the pod entrance. For example, the pod may be placed indoors or outdoors to provide the pet with a freestanding litter box pod area and/or play system. 
     The pod may also be configured to couple to other pods, such as through aligned openings in the walls of the pods and/or one or more tunnels. Connecting multiple pods can provide a play system that connects together for pets, which may be entertaining for the owners to design and watch their pets enjoy. 
     The pod may include a waste collection system to isolate the mess and odors associated with pet waste from the owner’s home. For example, the pod may include a tray for cat litter. The tray may be removable from outside the pod so the litter may be disposed of and replaced without the cat litter entering the owner’s home. 
     For example, referring to  FIGS.  1  through  4 A-F , methods and apparatus for pets according to various aspects of the present technology may operate in conjunction with a pet system  100  comprising an embodiment of a pod  110  with an entrance  112  for a pet and a pet door interface  118 . The pod  110  provides a substantially enclosed space for the pet to occupy, and the entrance  112  allows the pet to enter and exit the pod  110 , such as via a pet door of a main structure  160 , like a pet owner’s home. 
     The pet door interface  118  defines a substantially enclosed portal between the pet door and the entrance  112 . In this context, a substantially enclosed portal is a structure permitting a pet to pass through between the pet door and the pod  110  but with no access to the outside environment. Thus, while the substantially enclosed portal may not be entirely enclosed, such as due to ventilation holes, the substantially enclosed portal confines the pet movement. 
     The pet door may be any opening to allow pets like dogs and cats to enter and exit a building without requiring a human to open the door. Pet doors may range from simple holes to an opening in a wall or larger door with a hinged and possibly spring-loaded panel or flexible flap, and/or an electronically controlled door or flap. Such pet doors typically inhibit entry of unwanted wind, rain, and larger-bodied intruders. Pet doors may also be referred to or implemented as pet flaps, cat flaps, cat doors, kitty doors, dog flaps, dog doors, or doggy/doggie doors. 
     The pod  110  provides a space large enough for the pet to enter and move. The pod  110  may comprise any appropriate configuration and material. In the present embodiment, the pod  110  comprises a substantially rigid weather-resistant plastic and is sized to accommodate the normal range of house cats. For example, the pod  110  may be 8-19 inches high and 11-22 inches in length and width or diameter. The dimensions may be adjusted within or beyond these dimensions according to the size and type of pet and anticipated uses of the pod  110 . For example, smaller dimensions may be suitable for a pod  110  expected to be used primarily as a litter box or a resting area; larger dimensions may be suitable for an anticipated play area or for larger animals. 
     In the present embodiment, the pod  110  comprises an enclosure, i.e., a structure defining a substantially enclosed interior space, such as a shell structure with one or more apertures like entrances/exits, windows, and/or vents. Referring to  FIG.  3   , the enclosure may comprise a top section  320 , a side section  322 , and a bottom section  324  assembled to form the enclosure. The side section forms walls, which may have apertures formed in them. 
     The entrance  112  allows the pet to enter and exit the pod  110 . The entrance  112  may be sized appropriately for the pet to pass through. For example, the entrance  112  may be 4-19 inches high and 5-22 inches in width or diameter for an entrance intended for house cats. The entrance  112  may include a door, which may be opened by the pet, such as a flap, spring-biased door, or motorized door, or may be no more than an opening formed in the wall of the pod  110 . 
     In the present embodiment, the entrance  112  includes one or more flaps  114  that cover the opening into the pod  110  and move away when pushed by the pet. The flap  114  inhibits transfer of odors through the pet door or other access point into the main structure  160  without inhibiting passage of the pet. The flap  114  may comprise any appropriate system for limiting odors, noise, airflow, dust, dampness, and the like through the passage while still permitting the pet to pass through. In various embodiments, the flap  114  may comprise a tear-resistant flexible material hanging from the top of the entrance  112  and/or the tunnel or a rigid lightweight material hanging via a hinge. 
     The flap  114  may include features to enhance its functionality. For example, the flap  114  may engage weatherstripping, such as a low-profile fuzzy weatherstripping, attached to the edges of the frame to inhibit airflow around the flap  114 . The flap  114  may also comprise an opaque or translucent material to reduce visibility of smudges and dirt. In the present embodiment, the flap  114  comprises translucent vinyl with metal strikes molded into the vinyl to reduce noise as the flap  114  closes. The bottom of the flap  114  may include a metal strike to enhance the seal, such as a metal strike along the entire bottom edge of the flap  114 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , in various embodiments, the pod  110  may be placed outdoors and connected to another structure  160 , such as a home adjacent the entrance  112 . For example, the entrance  112  may be aligned with the exterior of a pet door system  116 . The pod  110  may be secured in position to maintain the alignment of the entrance  112  to the pet door system  116 . The pod  110  may be secured in any suitable manner using a secure and/or removable connector. 
     In various embodiments, a pet door interface  118  includes the connector. For example, the pet door interface  118  may be positioned adjacent the entrance  112 , may be connectable to the pet door system  116 , and may maintain the alignment between the entrance and the pet door so the pet can pass through both. For example, the pet door interface  118  may secure the entrance  112  in its aligned position directly to the main structure  160 . In other embodiments, referring to  FIG.  12   , the pet door interface  118  may provide access to the entrance  112  indirectly, like via a connector tunnel  1210  connectable between the entrance  112  and the pet door system  160 . The pet door interface  118  may affix one end of the connector tunnel  1210  or the pod  110  to the main structure  160  with a connector, such as permanent fasteners like nails, bolts, or screws. Alternatively, the pet door interface  118  may removably attach the connector tunnel  1210  or pod  110  to the main structure  160 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , in various embodiments, the pod  110  operates in conjunction with dedicated elements, such as a dedicated wall tunnel  150  and exterior and interior frames  152 ,  154 , but may also or alternatively function with legacy pet door systems, such as a pre-existing and unrelated passage  162  and a legacy security panel holder around the passage  162 . 
     The pod  110  may operate in conjunction with legacy pet door systems, and the pod  110  may also be configured to operate with dedicated elements. For example, referring again to  FIGS.  1  and  5 - 6   , the pod  110  may be accessed via a wall tunnel  150 , an exterior frame  152 , and an interior frame  154  as dedicated interoperable elements. The wall tunnel  150  defines a passage  162  for the pet through the hole in the structure  160 , such as through a wall or door. The passage  162  may comprise a legacy passage or a new opening through the structure  160 . The wall tunnel  150  separates the interior of the passage  162  from the rough interior surfaces of the structure  160 , such as drywall, insulation, and wall studs, and provides a finished interior surface defining the passage  162 . The wall tunnel  150  may also engage one or both frames  152 ,  154 . The wall tunnel  150  may comprise a substantially rigid and smooth material, such as metal, plastic, or wood. 
     In one embodiment, the wall tunnel  150  comprises a collapsible reinforced aluminum tunnel that requires no cutting to install. For example, referring to  FIGS.  7 A-B , the wall tunnel  150  may comprise two main sections  2110 ,  2112  that may be joined. In various embodiments, one main section  2110  slides into the opening from the interior, and the second main section  2112  slides into the opening from the exterior. One main section may slide into the other in a telescoping manner so that the length of the tunnel may be adjusted according to the wall thickness. The two sections  2110 ,  2112  may then be joined together in position, such as using one or more fasteners, to form a single continuous tunnel. 
     In addition, the wall tunnel  150  may comprise subsections to be assembled on-site. In one embodiment, each tunnel section comprises multiple wall sections, such as eight sections, that snap into a receiving portion of the interior frame  154  and exterior frame  152 , respectively. Thus, the wall tunnel  150  may break down into individual pieces and a relatively flat package for shipping, assembly, and storage. The wall tunnel  150  may, however, comprise any appropriate elements and materials for defining the passage  162 . 
     The exterior frame  152  defines a perimeter around the exterior end of the passage  162 . In various embodiments, the exterior frame  152  comprises a rigid weather resistant material, such as metal, plastic, or wood. In one embodiment, the external frame  152  comprises a composite material that is resistant to outdoor elements, such as humidity, water, heat, cold, and ultraviolet exposure, such as steel reinforced aluminum. The exterior frame  152  may attach to the wall tunnel  150  and may obscure the end of the wall tunnel  150  and the surrounding edges of the hole in the structure  160 . The exterior frame  152  may also provide structures for mounting other elements, such as the pod  110 , a connector tunnel leading to the pod  110 , a security panel, a solar panel, a ramp, or a shade/shelter. 
     The interior frame  154  defines a perimeter around the interior end of the passage  162 . In various embodiments, the interior frame  154  comprises a substantially rigid material, such as metal, plastic, or wood. The interior frame  154  may attach to the wall tunnel  150  and may obscure the end of the wall tunnel  150  and the surrounding edges of the hole in the structure  160 . In various embodiments, the interior frame  154 , the exterior frame  152 , and/or the wall tunnel  150  comprise extruded aluminum, which may facilitate assorted sizes by cutting various lengths of the frame and tunnel pieces. The interior frame  154  may also provide structures for mounting other elements, such as a solar panel or a ramp. 
     One or more security panels may also selectively block the passage  162  with a physical barrier, such as in addition to or instead of a door unit  156 . The security panel provides a barrier that can securely disable the passage  162 , such as when the owner is departing for an extended time and/or removing the pod  110  from the exterior frame  152  and/or the door unit  156  from the interior frame  154 . The security panel may comprise any appropriate barrier for blocking the passage  162 . For example, the security panel may comprise a rigid and sturdy panel that may be secured across the passage  162  to form a barrier. In one embodiment, the security panel comprises a rectangular panel of metal, wood, or plastic that engages the interior frame  154  and/or the exterior frame  152  to block access through the wall tunnel  150 . 
     The exterior frame  152  and/or the interior frame  154  may be configured to engage the security panel. In various embodiments, referring to  FIG.  8   , the frame  152 ,  154  may include a mounting structure, such as a structure like the security panel holder  310 , configured to engage the lower and lateral perimeter of the security panel and/or a corresponding mounting structure on the pod  110  and/or back of the door unit  156 . In the present embodiment, at least one of the frames  152 ,  154  includes a grooved mounting structure  312 , such as grooves on the lateral edges of the frame. In one embodiment, the groove is open to the interior edge of the frame. The security panel may be secured to the frame  152 ,  154  by sliding a connector on the security panel or the entire security panel into the lateral grooves through the open top of the groove until it rests on the bottom of the grooved mounting structure  312 . The security panel may include a lock, such as a keyed lock or a manual pin lock, to secure the security panel in place and inhibit removal. 
     In various embodiments, an exterior security panel may be secured across the exterior end of the tunnel  150 , such as an exterior security panel that slides onto the exterior frame  152  on the outside of the home or other structure. The exterior security panel may cover most or all of the exterior frame  152 . In some embodiments, the exterior security panel may be locked from inside the tunnel  150  and may locked without a need for a key. Other embodiments may use a key-operated lock. The exterior security panel may secure the home or structure for relatively lengthy periods, such as by securing the tunnel  150  to deter intruders and inhibit rain, snow, leaves, and/or other debris from entering the tunnel  150 . 
     The exterior frame  152 , the interior frame  154 , and/or another element associated with the main structure  160  may be configured to engage the pod  110 . In various embodiments, the frame  152 ,  154  may include a mounting structure configured to engage the pod  110  around the entrance  112 , such as via a permanent or removable coupling, for example using a structure on the frame  152 ,  154  that couples to a corresponding structure on the pod  110 . In various embodiments, the coupling uses dedicated structures on the frame  152 ,  154  and the pod  110  that are designed solely to couple the frame  152 ,  154  to the pod  110 . In other embodiments, other elements may also connect to the frame  152 ,  154  and/or the pod  110  via the coupling, such as a connector tunnel to connect the frame  152 ,  154  to the pod  110 . 
     The pod  110  may also be secured to the main structure  160  via a legacy security panel holder from an unrelated legacy system. Many pet door systems include a security panel holder to receive a security panel. The legacy pet door system’s security panel holder may comprise a slotted security panel holder having a geometric shape, such as rectangular, to support a security panel. 
     For example, referring again to  FIG.  8   , an example security panel holder  310  is configured to engage the lower and at least one lateral edge of a security panel. The security panel holder  310  includes the grooved mounting structure configured to engage the security panel, such as a grooved mounting structure extending away from the end of the tunnel and forming a rectangle with an open top or side. The grooved mounting structure may comprise a wall protruding substantially perpendicularly from the vertical surface of the wall surrounding the opening with a groove that is open toward the interior of the mounting structure. 
     The legacy security panel holder  310  may be substantially rectangular to receive a substantially rectangular security panel. The security panel may be secured to the security panel holder  310  by sliding the security panel into the groove through the open top or side of the mounting structure until it rests on the bottom or opposite side of the groove along the bottom or opposite side of the rectangle. 
     In various embodiments, the pod  110  may be connected to a nondedicated structure (i.e., a structure originally intended to connect to something else or serve another purpose), such the legacy security panel holder, to attach the pod  110  to the main structure  160  over the passage  162  opening. The pod  110  provides pet access through the passage  162  and entrance  112  and may be mounted on the legacy security panel holder  310 . The connection between the pod  110  and the main structure  160  may be permanent or removable. 
     For example, the pod  110  may include a security panel interface configured to engage the security panel holder such that the pet door interface connects to a security panel holder. In the present embodiment, referring to  FIGS.  1 ,  4 A-F and  9 A-B , the security panel interface may comprise a hang structure  810  extending from the pod  110  around the entrance  112  and substantially matching the geometric shape of the slotted security panel holder  310 . The hang structure  810  includes a lip extending outwardly from the protruding edge of the hang structure  810 , forming a groove in the exterior of the hang structure  810  to engage the slotted security panel holder  310  by sliding into the groove of the security panel holder  310 . The hang structure  810  may comprise any suitable material, such as extruded aluminum, that slides into the existing pet door security panel grooves. 
     The connection between the pod  110  and the main structure  160  and/or the legacy security panel holder  310  may be implemented in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, the pet door interface is modifiable to connect to multiple security panel holder geometries. For example, the pet door interface may include modular connectors that attach to the pod  110  and match assorted sizes and configurations of security panel holders from different manufacturers, or adjustable connectors that attach to the pod  110  and may be adjusted to fit assorted sizes and configurations of security panel holders from different manufacturers. 
     In the present embodiment, the hang structure  810  may comprise or operate in conjunction with a modular system comprising multiple different mount adapters configured to match assorted sizes and types of security panel holders  310 . Each mount adapter may be configured to be removably mounted on the pod  110 , such as via the hang structure  810  around the entrance  112  or other attachment mechanism. The user may select the appropriate mount adapter that matches the legacy security panel holder  310 , or adjust the mount adapter to match the legacy security panel holder  310 , and mount the mount adapter on the legacy security panel holder  310  and mount the pod  110  on the mount adapter. 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS.  4 A-F and  9 A-B , an example mount adapter  410  may be removably or permanently attached to the side of the pod  110  around the entrance  112 , for example via the hang structure  810 . The mount adapter  410  may be attached to the pod  110  in any suitable manner, however, such as via a friction fit, snap connection, clips, fasteners, adhesive, and the like. 
     The mount adapter may be removably or permanently attached to main structure  160  in any suitable manner. For example, the mount adapter  410  may include slots  910  through which screws, nails, or other fasteners may be disposed to removably or permanently attach the mount adapter  410  to the main structure  160 . The mount adapter  410  may also engage the legacy security panel holder  310  of a conventional pet door. For example, the appropriate size and/or shape of mount adapter  410  may be selected from a collection of mount adapters  410  according to the legacy security panel already installed on the main structure  160 . The selected mount adapter  410  may be attached to the pod  110  and then fitted onto the legacy security panel holder  310 , such as by sliding the mount adapter  410  into the slot of the legacy security panel holder  310 . 
     In one embodiment, the mount adapter  410  includes a security panel holder that can receive a security panel and/or the hang structure  810  positioned around the entrance  112  of the pod  110 . This configuration allows the pod  110  to be removed from the mount adapter  410  and replaced with a security panel, such as when the owner wishes to secure the pet door. 
     The pod  110  may also be supported by other elements to maintain the position of the pod  110 . Support elements may comprise any suitable elements for stabilizing the pod  110 , such as legs, supports, brackets, braces, jacks, restraints, straps, connectors, and the like. In the present embodiment, referring to  FIGS.  10 A-B , the pod  110  includes an adjustable stand  1010  that supports the bottom of the pod  110  and rests in the ground or floor. The stand  1010  may be adjusted with a telescoping support  1012  to maintain the position of the pod  110 . 
     The pod  110  may include a waste collection system, such as a feces and urine collection system. The waste collection system may comprise any appropriate system for collecting and removing pet waste. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS.  3  and  11   , the waste collection system comprises an area at the bottom of the pod  110  for holding litter, such as a removable tray  1110  so that the tray may be removed from the pod  110  to change the litter. The tray  1110  may be configured to be removable through the entrance  112 . Alternatively, the tray may be removable without passing through the entrance  112 , such as to avoid transporting used litter into or through the main structure  160 . 
     For example, the waste collection system may include a removable tray  1110  positioned on the bottom of the pod  110  and containing litter or other appropriate material. The tray  1110  may be removed from outside the pod  110  by sliding it laterally out of the pod  110 . The tray  1110  may contain a litter cartridge  1112 , which may be removed from the tray  1110  and replaced. Because the pod  110  may be positioned outdoors and the tray  1110  may be removed and replaced from outside the pod  110 , the odors and mess associated with the waste collection system are relatively isolated from the home or other structure  160 . 
     The pod  110  may include a ventilation and/or odor control system, such as to circulate fresh air into the pod  110  and remove odors. The ventilation and/or odor control system may comprise any suitable components, such as a vent to the outside environment, a fan, a filter system, and/or deodorizing elements. For example, referring again to  FIG.  3   , the present pod  110  includes a fan  326  disposed in fluid communication with a grille  328  in the top and/or side of the pod  110 . The pod  110  may further include a carbon filter  310 . 
     The pod  110  may also include additional openings and elements, such as to entertain and soothe the pet. For example, the pod  110  may include one or more windows  312  formed in the sides or roof of the pod  110 , such as to allow the pet to view the surrounding environment. The pod  110  may also include toys or other entertainment elements, such as bells on strings, feathers, motion activated toys and attractions, dots generated by lasers, lights, etc. The entertainment elements may be integrated into the pod  110  or removable. 
     In various embodiments, the pod  110  includes openings  314  in one or more of the sides, roof, and floor that are securable to multiple different components. Thus, each opening  314  can receive replaceable elements. For example, each opening  314  may include an opening adapter  316  to receive distinct kinds of elements, such as by snapping the elements into place. In one embodiment, a window  312  may be initially installed in an opening. The window  312  may be removed from the opening adapter  316  and replaced with another element, such as a panel equipped with toys. 
     The opening  314  may also be used to provide access to a second enclosure. For example, referring to  FIGS.  13 A-D , the opening  314  may receive and removably secure a tunnel or other connections to a separate pod, for example to connect the pod  110  to other pods and/or passages to other pods or other structures, such as to create a multi-pod habitat. 
     The fan and other electrical components may receive power from any suitable power source, such as power from the main structure  160 , a battery, and/or solar panel  318  ( FIG.  3   ). The power source may supply power to other systems, such as doors, cameras, motion detectors, toys, and lights. The various powered elements may be controlled by any suitable system, such as a control panel connected to the pod  110 , a dedicated remote control, a remote computer, or an app on a personal device like a cellular phone or tablet. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than merely the examples described. 
     For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims. 
     Benefits and other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “includes,” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.