Patent Publication Number: US-10767947-B2

Title: Apparatus and method for loading ammunition magazines

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to firearms and more specifically to apparatus and method for loading magazines in an efficient manner with limited contact between the user and the rounds. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Ammunition loading is a tedious task that requires dexterity and the willingness to have bruised and/or blistered thumbs due to the nature of the existing magazine loading procedures and mechanisms. Another issue is due to the ammunition being made from lead, which is toxic to humans, meaning gloves or the willingness to come into contact with the toxic material are required for loading the magazine. Other magazine loaders are catered to push fit magazines, meaning that there needs to be a mechanical forcing of the ammunition into the magazine, which can cause wear on the magazine loader. Loading is also a time-consuming and unorganized process that limits the amount of time spent firing the gun. Therefore, there is a need to solve the problems described above by proving a device and method for efficient and safe loading of magazines. 
     The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented in this section could be or could have been pursued; they are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this section of the application. 
     BRIEF INVENTION SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In an aspect, a device for loading ammunition in a magazine is provided, the device having a slide housing, that houses the ammunition in the appropriate amount for each magazine, holds each round by its rim to prevent contact between the lead portion of the bullet and the device, and reduces friction between the device and the rounds, a main housing, which holds the rounds in position within the slide housing by the use of retention caps and readies them for loading, and a magazine holder, that depresses the magazine button to allow for accelerated loading of a full magazine at once. Thus, an advantage is not being in contact with the toxic lead casing of the ammunition along with a lack of fouling on the device from the wax or lead. 
     Another advantage is the user no longer having to depress the magazine button manually because depressing the button manually for an extended period of time can lead to finger fatigue or even blisters. This also allows the ammunition to easily slide into the magazine without any mechanical force because the rounds slide into the open magazine using gravity. Another advantage is the time saved by using this device. In an example, the device allows for five magazines at a total of fifty round capacity be loaded within thirty seconds and then allowing the loader to be ready to be used again within a ten second window. Overall, this allows the user to have more time firing the firearm instead of time spent tediously loading each magazine. 
     In another aspect, the apparatus for loading magazines can also be used to store ammunition in a compact manner. Not properly stored ammunition can lead to the bullets being damaged or in the worst case can lead to them discharging and causing a chain reaction in the container they are being stored in. Furthermore, firearms enthusiasts typically keep bullets loose inside their housings or loose for manual loading on the range. Thus, another advantage is that the ammunition can be stored safely within the loading apparatus. In an example, the loading apparatus, when filled, can be stood on by a grown man weighing in excess of 100 kg and the container will still exert no pressure to the rounds inside, which means the round will not unintentionally discharge. Another advantage is its compact size due to the magazine housing being detachable. The detachability of the magazine holder also makes the apparatus more universal to the possibility of different magazine shapes. 
     The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspects or examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a device for loading ammunition into a magazine, more specifically showing three loading components namely a slide housing, a main housing, and a magazine holder, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a slide housing in two orientations, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 3 a    illustrates a back view of the slide housing, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 3 b    illustrates a front view of the slide housing, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 3 c    illustrates a top view of the slide housing, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 3 d    illustrates a bottom view of the slide housing, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 3 e    illustrates a right side view of the slide housing, which show the bullet channels and the three-ammunition exit configuration, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 3 f    illustrates a left side view of the slide housing, which show the bullet channels and the two-ammunition exit configuration according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the perspective view of a main housing, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 5 a    illustrates a left side view of the main housing with the two-ammunition opening configuration, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 5 b    illustrates a front view of the main housing, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 5 c    illustrates a right view of the main housing with the three-ammunition opening configuration, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 5 d    illustrates a top view of the main housing showing the magazine holder mating grooves and retention cap placement, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 5 e    illustrates the bottom view of the main housing showing the set of female thin-span keyways and the set of female wide-span keyways, the magazine holder mating grooves, and the thumb recess, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 5 f    illustrates a perspective view of the main housing, more specifically the mating grooves for securely connecting the main housing to the magazine holder, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 6 a    illustrates the perspective view of the back of a retention cap, further showing a lifting lip, and a hinge pin hole, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 6 b    illustrates the perspective view of the front of a retention cap, further showing a lifting lip, a protrusion, and a hinge pin hole, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 6 c    illustrates the left side view of a retention cap, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 6 d    illustrates the back view of a retention cap, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 6 e    illustrates the front view of a retention cap, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 6 f    illustrates the right side view of a retention cap, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the perspective view of the front and back of a magazine holder, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 8 a    illustrates a front view of a magazine holder device, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 8 b    illustrates a right side view of a magazine holder device, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 8 c    illustrates a back view of a magazine holder device, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 8 d    illustrates a left side view of a magazine holder device, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 8 e    illustrates a bottom view of a magazine holder device further showing the mating hook, for holding the magazine 
         FIG. 8 f    illustrates a top view of a magazine holder device, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 9 a    illustrates a front view of the main housing being loaded with a box of ammunition, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 9 b    illustrates a side view of the magazine holder being loaded with an empty magazine, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 9 c    illustrates a perspective view of the slide housing being connected with the main housing, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 10 a    illustrates a perspective view of the main housing and slide housing system being combined with the magazine holder and empty magazine, according to an aspect. 
         FIG. 10 b    illustrates a side view of the entire system being rotated to allow for the ammunition to slide into the empty magazine, according to an aspect. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/or examples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be made to the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawings is part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/or examples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structural and/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skills in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. 
     It should be understood that, for clarity of the drawings and of the specification, some or all details about some structural components or steps that are known in the art are not shown or described if they are not necessary for the invention to be understood by one of ordinary skills in the art. 
     For the following description, it can be assumed that most correspondingly labeled elements across the figures (e.g.,  101  and  201 , etc.) possess the same characteristics and are subject to the same structure and function. If there is a difference between correspondingly labeled elements that is not pointed out, and this difference results in a non-corresponding structure or function of an element for a particular embodiment, example or aspect, then the conflicting description given for that particular embodiment, example or aspect shall govern. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the perspective view of a device for loading ammunition in a magazine showing three loading components namely the slide housing  101 , main housing  102 , and magazine holder  103 , according to an aspect. As it will be described in more detail hereinafter, these three loading components cooperate to expediently and safely load a magazine. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the left and right perspective views of a slide housing  201 , according to an aspect. The slide housing has two sides  210  and  211  with ammunition exits to allow the bullets to leave the slide housing as shown in  FIG. 3 d -3 f   , and as it will be described when referring to  FIG. 3 d -3 f    The male thin-span key protrusions  213  and male wide-span key protrusions  214 , as it will be described when referring to  FIG. 3 a -3 c   , allow the slide housing  201  to engage with the main housing  102 , as it will be described when referring to  FIG. 9 c   . In an example, instead of a mechanical lock, magnets may be used to engage the slide housing  201  with the main housing  102  and the magnets may be made of neodymium because of their thin structure and may be flush with the main housing  102 . However, in time magnets could fail and thus could pose a hazard to the user by accidently opening the delivery assembly. 
       FIG. 3 a    illustrates a back view of the slide housing  301 , which as shown has a set of exterior male wide-span key protrusions  314 , according to an aspect. The corresponding configuration, specifically the female keyways  529  on the main housing  102  allow for the slide housing  301  and the main housing  102  to be orientated only in the correct alignment, which is as shown in  FIG. 9 c   , and as it will be described when referring to  FIG. 9   c.    
       FIG. 3 b    illustrates a front view of the slide housing  301 , which as shown has an exterior set of male thin-span key protrusions  313 , according to an aspect. As will be described in more detail hereinafter when referring to  FIG. 9 c   , the corresponding configurations, specifically female keyways  523  on the main housing  102  allow for the slide housing  301  and the main housing  102  to be orientated only in the correct alignment, which is shown in  FIG. 9 c   , and it will be described more when referring to  FIG. 9   c.    
       FIG. 3 c    illustrates a top view of the slide housing  301 , which as shown is formed by a zig zag pattern  315  and rails  306  creating a channel  307  for containing the ammunition, and both a set of exterior wide-span  314  and thin-span  313  protrusions, according to an aspect. 
       FIG. 3 d    illustrates a bottom view of the slide housing, according to an aspect. The slide housing  301  also includes hook points, or notches  316  for the retention caps to engage the slide housing  301  to the main housing  102 . This engagement between the slide housing  301  and the main housing  102  ensures a secure connection via the retention caps being able to grip the slide housing notch  316  when in the locked position. These notches  316  are aligned with each channel ammunition exit  307  to allow the retention caps to operationally engage with the slide housing  301 , thus providing a locked engagement and alignment with the slide housing  301  and the main housing  102 . The retention caps may engage with the slide housing notches  316  which act as a mechanical lock, to provide the secure connection between the slide housing  301  and the main housing  102 . In an example, the notches  316  allow for the delivery assembly  981  to be securely engaged at all times when a minimum of one retention cap may be in the closed position. As an example, the slide housing  301  may have grooves for the finger of the user to easily and ergonomically open the retention caps from the bottom of the slide housing  301 . 
       FIG. 3 e    illustrates a right side view of the slide housing  301 , which show the bullet channels  307  and the three-ammunition openings  311  configuration, according to an aspect.  FIG. 3 f    illustrates a left side view of the slide housing  301 , which show the bullet channels  307  and the two-ammunition opening  310  configuration, according to an aspect. As shown in  FIGS. 3 c -3 f   , each channel  307  alternates its ammunition exits  310 ,  311  from the immediately adjacent channel  307 , such that two of the ammunition exits depicted as  310  are on one side and the remaining three of the ammunition exits depicted as  311  are on the opposite side of the slide housing  301 .  FIG. 3 e    and  FIG. 3 f    also show the bottom plate  305 , which allows the slide housing  301  to be easily removed from the main housing  102  by using the thumb recess  404 , which is as shown in  FIG. 4 , and as it will be described when referring to  FIG. 4 . The channels  307  allow each row of ammunition to be completely independent within the system, such that to slide out of the channels  307  without affecting the ammunition within the other channels  307 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the perspective view of a main housing  402 , which is an exterior container with two or three retention caps  420  on each side respectively along with a cutout (thumb recess)  404  for access to the interior components on the front and back sides, according to an aspect. The main housing  402  allows for the ammunition to be easily loaded from the manufacturers box to the housing itself as described below when referring to  FIG. 9 a   . The main housing  402  attaches to the slide housing  101  by the interior keyholes, which is as shown in  FIG. 5 e   , and as it will be described when referring to  FIG. 5 e   . The main housing  402  contains retention caps  420  which allow for the ammunition to leave the fully assembled unit only when the user desires. 
     The retention caps  420  also contain a protrusion  421  for snuggly fitting into the exterior ammunition opening, which is as shown in  FIG. 6 b   , and as it will be described when referring to  FIG. 6 b   , further ensuring the rounds stay within the housing. As shown in  FIG. 4 , in order to hold the retention caps  420  pivotally connected to the main housing  402 , a hinge pin  422  may be used to pass through each retention cap  420  and the main housing  402  on each side of the main housing  402 . The cutout, or thumb recess  404 , may be used for holding the manufacturer&#39;s ammunition retention casing in place during the process of loading the bullets into the main housing  402 , which is as shown in  FIG. 9 a   , and as it will be described when referring to  FIG. 9 a   . The main housing  402  also contains a retention cap cutout  457 . The retention cap cutout  457  is the hollowed-out portion on the main housing  402  underneath each retention cap  420 . 
       FIG. 5 a    illustrates a left side view of the main housing  102  with the three-ammunition opening  510  configuration, where each ammunition opening is comprised of a slot  526 , being the larger gap for the length of the ammunition to pass through, and the rail  525 , being the top portion where the rim of the bullet would rest on for the bullet to pass through, according to an aspect. Similarly,  FIG. 5 c    illustrates a right side view of the main housing  102  with the three-ammunition opening  511  configuration, where each ammunition opening is comprised of a slot  526 , being the larger gap for the length of the ammunition to pass through, and the rail  525 , being the top portion where the rim of the bullet would rest on for the bullet to pass through, according to an aspect. A single ammunition opening  524  is shown, this shape allows the bullet to be able to slide through the space without a large amount of contact on the component. The rail  525  shows the segment for which the ammunition rests on to allow the minimum contact. The slot  526  is the larger empty space that the remaining casing of the bullet would pass through, this shape is bigger than the actual casing to limit the amount of contact, which further decreases fouling along with friction between the bullet and the housing allowing for better sliding into the magazine. The limited contact between the bullet, channel  307 , and ammunition opening  524  means less lead particles being transferred, which decreases risk of particles becoming in contact with the user&#39;s skin. 
       FIG. 5 b    illustrates a front view of the main housing  102  with both sides having a set of hinge pin holes  522  along with a cutout  504  for access to the interior components, according to an aspect. The hinge pin holes allow for the retention caps  420  to have the ability to be moved from the closed to open position manually. 
       FIG. 5 d    illustrates a top view of the main housing  402  showing the female coupling element  527 , according to an aspect. The female coupling element  527 , such as a groove or slot, have a complementary male coupling element configuration on the magazine holder  103  allowing for the magazine holder  103  to be slid into the main housing  102 . 
       FIG. 5 e    illustrates the bottom view of the main housing  102  showing the set of female thin-span keyways  523  and the set of female wide-span keyways  529 , and female coupling element  527 , according to an aspect. The two different female keyway configurations permit only correct alignment for inserting the slide housing  101  into the main housing  402 . 
       FIG. 5 f    illustrates a perspective view of the main housing  102 , more specifically female coupling element  527  for securely connecting the main housing  402  to the magazine holder  103  along with the hinge pin holes  522  for securing the retention caps  420  to the main housing  402 , according to an aspect. 
       FIGS. 6 a -6 f    illustrate multiple views of the front of a retention cap  620 , further showing a lifting lip  652 , a protrusion  621 , and a hinge pin hole  651 , according to an aspect. The retention caps  620  prevent the rounds from exiting the main housing  102  and slide housing  101  assembly, or delivery assembly, prior to the user being ready. The protrusions  621  retain the ammunition within the delivery assembly. The protrusion  621  on the retention caps  620  hold the first round within the slide housing  101  and away from the shear point of where the slide housing  101  meets the main housing  102 . The protrusion  621  also limits rattling within the apparatus when holding the first round inside the delivery assembly because the protrusion  621  eliminates the extra space that would allow the rounds to move around in the channel  307 . The lifting lip  652  also helps provide a secure connection between the main housing  102  and the slide housing  101 . The lifting lip  652  allows for this strong connection because the retention cap  620  swings from the open, or unlocked, position, into the closed, or locked, position, the close position being when the lifting lip  652  is engaged within the slide housing notch. In an example, the angle of the top slanted edge of the retention cap  620  may be at 45 degrees to ensure the retention caps  620  sits flush on a flat surface, which also may keep the lifting lip  652  from obstructing the addition of a new box of rounds to the main housing  102 . 
     The retention caps  620  lock the delivery assembly  981  into a secured position to deter the slide housing  101  and main housing  102  from separating when not desired by the user. It should be noted that the retention caps  620  have a dual function that of securely locking the delivery assembly  981  in place and holding the ammunition within the channels. The retention caps  620  lock the delivery assembly  981  together such as to prevent an accidental opening of the delivery assembly  981 , which may lead to the ammunition leaving the delivery assembly  981  and miss firing. In an example, the retention caps  620  may engage with the slide housing  101  via a mechanical lock, such as by a snap-on lock, as known in the art. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the perspective view of a magazine holder  703 , containing a groove  730  running its length for the magazine to be placed in, a circular indent or indentation  731  for the magazine button to be depressed by, and a male coupling element  732  for attaching the magazine holder  703  to the main housing  102 , according to an aspect. The magazine holder  703  attaches to the main housing  102  and the slide housing  101  by the male coupling element  732 , which ensures a quality connection between the parts of the system and for the bullets to be able to easily slide into the magazine. The magazine holder  730  is set at the optimal angle for the magazine and the main housing ammunition openings to be in line for the ammunition to easily flow from the main housing  102  to the magazine. For example, an optimal angle for the magazine holder may be twenty-five degrees. This groove  730  allows for the magazine to be held within the indentation snuggly so it remains stationary during the loading process. The groove  730  holds the magazine in place while the ammunition is slid into the magazine&#39;s opening and the button recess  731  allows for the magazine&#39;s button to be held in place for the entire loading process. In an example, the magazine holder can be used with Ruger MK3 and MK4 pistol magazines because of the standard shape. 
       FIG. 8 a    illustrates a front view of a magazine holder device  803  further showing the groove  830  for holding the magazine and showing the outline of curvature  833  on the magazine holder for transferring rounds from the main housing  102  to the magazine on the magazine holder  803 , according to an aspect. This curvature  833  does not occur the entire width of the magazine holder because it allows for just the bullet to be lifted slightly to present it to the magazine opening with as little resistance as possible.  FIG. 8 b    illustrates a right side view of a magazine holder device  803  further showing the mating groove  832  for holding the magazine holder  803  to the main housing  102  and the circular indent  831  for depressing the magazine&#39;s button, according to an aspect. 
       FIG. 8 c    illustrates a back view of a magazine holder  803  further showing the groove  830  for holding the magazine, according to an aspect.  FIG. 8 d    illustrates a left side view of a magazine holder device further showing the mating groove  832  for holding the magazine holder  803  to the main housing  102 , according to an aspect.  FIG. 8 e    illustrates a bottom view of a magazine holder device further showing the mating groove  832 , for holding the magazine holder  803  to main housing  102 .  FIG. 8 f    illustrates a top view of a magazine holder device  803 , further showing the curvature  833  on the magazine holder groove  830  for transferring rounds from the main housing  102  to the magazine on the magazine holder  803 , according to an aspect. 
       FIGS. 9 a -10 b    depict the process of assembling and filling the apparatus for loading a magazine.  FIG. 9 a    indicates that the first step of using the apparatus for loading ammunition into a magazine, may be to combine rounds and main housing  902 , which is shown in  FIG. 9 a   . This may be done by removing the ammunition from the manufacturer&#39;s box and placing the main housing deliver box  902  over the rounds that are still contained in the manufacturer&#39;s retention packaging. The main housing  902  and rounds are then flipped, and the plastic retention packing is removed. This allows the rounds to be freestanding in the main housing. In an example, the angle of the top slanted edge of the retention cap  620  may be at 45 degrees to ensure the retention caps  620  sits flush with the main housing  902  on a flat surface, which also may keep the lifting lip  652  from obstructing the addition of a new box of rounds to the main housing  102 . 
     Then, the user would insert a magazine into the magazine holder  903  by fitting the magazine into the top groove with the magazine button in line with the circular indentation on the magazine holder  903  and pushing the magazine in place, as shown in  FIG. 9 b   . Once this is completed, the user would insert the slide housing  901  into the main housing  902  in the correct orientation. The slide housing  901  may only be inserted, engaged with each other, in the correct orientation due to the keyway and protrusion shapes on both the slide housing  901  and the main housing  902  demonstrated in  FIG. 9   c.    
     The slide housing  901  and main housing delivery box  902  may be engaged if the orientation of the two parts are correct. The proper engagement is allowed by the correct alignment of the protrusions and keyholes. The previously described wide-span protrusions will align with the wide-span keyholes, while the thin-span protrusions will align with the thin-span keyholes. The two orientation patterns allow for the main housing  902  and slide housing  901  to engage in the proper orientation, allowing for the ammunition exits and ammunition openings to also always be aligned. 
     A delivery assembly  981  is formed by the slide housing  901  and the main housing  902  becoming engaged with each other, in which the interior walls of the main housing  902  and the exterior walls of the slide housing  901 , or mating surfaces, come into contact to form a secure connection with the assistance of the keyholes, protrusions, and retention caps. Once the main housing  902  and slide housing  901  are engaged, the retention caps may move to the closed position and lock onto the slide housing  901 . The engagement of the retention caps onto the slide housing  901  allow for a sturdy connection between the main housing  902  and the slide housing  901 . In an example, when the delivery assembly  981  is engaged the shape of the retention cap allows for the retention cap to be in the closed position without disturbing the surface the rounds are sitting on within the main housing  902 . Also, when putting the retention cap into the closed position the retention caps do not to lift the main housing  902  due to the retention cap moving away from the flat surface in which the delivery assembly  981  is resting on. 
     This feature further ensures the proper alignment between the slide housing  901  and main housing  902 , which allows the bullets to slide into the magazine with the precision necessary. This two-part assembly of the slide housing  901  and the main housing  902 , the delivery assembly  981 , can also be used to store ammunition in a compact manner, while also storing the unused bullets safely. The delivery assembly  981  could also be used for temporarily storing, or containing, the ammunition. In an example to test the vertical force, the loading apparatus, when filled, can be stood on by a grown man weighing in excess of 100 kg and the container will still exert no pressure to the rounds inside, which means the round will not unintentionally discharge. 
       FIG. 10 a    illustrates a perspective view of the delivery assembly  1081  being combined with the magazine holder  1003  and empty magazine, according to an aspect.  FIG. 10 b    illustrates a side view of the entire system being rotated to allow for the ammunition to slide into the empty magazine, according to an aspect. As shown, the main housing retention cap can be lifted and the slot side of the magazine holder, with the magazine inserted, would be slid into the delivery assembly  1081  shown in  FIG. 10 a   . The magazine holder&#39;s hook and male coupling element would slide into the notch on the slide housing  1001  and female coupling element on the main housing  1002  to operationally engage the components. With apparatus fully assembled, the user would turn the system for the rounds to exit the main housing  1002  into the empty magazine. In an example, the user would turn the apparatus ninety degrees to allow the ammunition to slide from the delivery assembly into the magazine. 
     Next, the user would remove the magazine from the magazine holder  1003  and have a fully loaded and ready for insertion magazine, as shown in  FIG. 10 b   . As described before, in an example, the device allows the loading of five magazines, each magazine having a ten-round capacity, within thirty seconds and then allowing the loader to be ready to be used again within a ten-second window. 
     It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
     Further, as used in this application, “plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or more of such items. Whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. 
     If present, use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. These terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used in this application, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items. 
     Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus or procedures disclosed or claimed. Although some of the examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. 
     Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one aspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from a similar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples. 
     Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described as processes, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depict the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should be understood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the steps as shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the described methods. 
     If means-plus-function limitations are recited in the claims, the means are not intended to be limited to the means disclosed in this application for performing the recited function, but are intended to cover in scope any equivalent means, known now or later developed, for performing the recited function. 
     Claim limitations should be construed as means-plus-function limitations only if the claim recites the term “means” in association with a recited function. 
     If any presented, the claims directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated and described herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easily detect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may be capable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted for the aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternate aspects, embodiments and/or examples. Hence, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Further, each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification.