Patent Publication Number: US-2016223114-A1

Title: Easy connect liquid flow control system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/125,854, filed Feb. 3, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a flow control system, and more specifically to an easy connect liquid flow control system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Valves can be used to control the flow of a liquid from one location to another. For instance, liquid water supply or shutoff valves can direct and control water flow. Water travels through a passageway within the water supply valve, and can be regulated using the valve. Many valves include threaded connections that are difficult for attaching external devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     Systems and devices are described that include tools for quickly connecting an external device (e.g., a tool for dispensing a liquid, a liquid-powered tool, or other device) to a flow control device (or valve). In some examples, a liquid flow control device is provided that includes a quick connect-disconnect male coupler, and a quick connect-disconnect female coupler is provided for connecting to the male coupler. Together, the quick connect-disconnect male coupler and the quick connect-disconnect female coupler form a quick connect-disconnect coupling. The quick connect-disconnect coupling allows the external device to be easily connected and disconnected to the flow-control device. 
     In some embodiments, a liquid flow control device is provided. The liquid flow control device includes a first end for receiving a liquid from a liquid source. The first end includes a connection component. The connection component is configured to connect to the liquid source. For example, the connection component can attach to the liquid source, such as a pipe or other source of liquid. The liquid flow control device further includes a second end providing an exit point for the liquid from the liquid flow control device. The second end includes a male coupler connection component. The male coupler connection component has a groove circumscribing an outer circumference of the second end for securing a female coupler connection component to the male coupler connection component. The male coupler connection component and the female coupler connection component form a quick connect-disconnect coupling. The liquid flow control device further includes a body connecting the first end and the second end. The body can be of any suitable shape, including a tubular shape, or a tubular shape with an opening portion at the top (or other position) of the body. The liquid flow control device further includes a regulator for regulating flow of the liquid from the first end to the second end. The regulator is coupled to the body. In some examples, the regulator can protrude out of an opening in the top (or other position) of the body. 
     In some examples, the regulator includes a stem for controlling an amount of liquid flowing from the first end to the second end. The regulator can also include a lever coupled to the stem. The lever is adjustable to rotate the stem to increase or decrease the amount of liquid flowing from the first end of the liquid flow control device to the second end of the liquid flow control device. 
     In some examples, the regulator includes a bonnet including threading on an inner portion of the bonnet for mounting to outer threading of a gland nut. In such examples, the regulator further includes the gland nut circumscribing the stem. 
     In some examples, the regulator includes a threaded spindle within the stem. In some embodiments, the stem and the threaded spindle at least partially protrude out of the body (e.g., out of an opening in the body). In such embodiments, the regulator further includes a screw coupled to the threaded spindle. The screw secures the lever to the stem. The regulator further includes a bonnet with threading on an inner portion of the bonnet for mounting to the threaded spindle. The regulator further includes a packing substance circumscribing the stem for providing a sealant between the stem and the bonnet, and a gland nut circumscribing the stem for compressing the packing substance. 
     In some examples, the regulator includes a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a cock and plug valve, or a globe valve. 
     In some examples, the female coupler connection component is part of a quick connect-disconnect female coupler, the female coupler connection component having one or more protuberances for securing to the groove circumscribing the outer circumference of the male coupler connection component of the liquid flow control device, wherein the quick connect-disconnect female coupler includes a second end providing an exit point for the liquid from the quick connect-disconnect female coupler, the second end including a connection component configured to connect to an external device. 
     In some examples, the one or more protuberances of the female coupler connection component include a plurality of ball bearings seated in concave openings at the first end. 
     In some examples, the connection component of the second end of the quick connect-disconnect female coupler includes internal threads for securing the second end to threads of the external device. 
     In some examples, the connection component of the second end of the quick connect-disconnect female coupler includes one or more protuberances for securing to a groove around an outer circumference of a male coupler connection component of the external device. 
     In some embodiments, a quick-connect liquid transport system is provided that includes the liquid flow control device and the quick connect-disconnect female coupler. For example, the quick-connect liquid transport system includes a liquid flow control device including: a first end for receiving a liquid from a liquid source, the first end including a connection component, the connection component being configured to connect to the liquid source; a second end providing an exit point for the liquid from the liquid flow control device, the second end including a male coupler connection component, the male coupler connection component having a groove circumscribing an outer circumference of the second end for securing a female coupler connection component to the male coupler connection component, wherein the male coupler connection component and the female coupler connection component form a quick connect-disconnect coupling; a body connecting the first end and the second end; and a regulator for regulating flow of the liquid from the first end to the second end, the regulator being coupled to the body. The quick-connect liquid transport system further includes a quick connect-disconnect female coupler, including: a first end for receiving a liquid from the liquid flow control device, the first end including the female coupler connection component, the female coupler connection component having one or more protuberances for securing to the groove circumscribing the outer circumference of the male coupler connection component of the liquid flow control device; and a second end providing an exit point for the liquid from the quick connect-disconnect female coupler, the second end including a connection component, the connection component being configured to connect to an external device. 
     In some embodiments, an easy-connect valve may be provided, including: a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a surface of the first end of the tubular body having a plurality of threads for connecting to a water supply; a water flow regulator within the tubular body; and a quick connect-disconnect coupling at the second end of the tubular body for connecting to an external device (e.g., a hose or other tool that uses liquid). 
     In some embodiments, a male coupler (also referred to herein as a liquid flow control device) is provided that is constructed and arranged for connection to a mating female coupler (e.g., that is connected to an external device). The male coupler can also be referred to as a liquid flow control device. The male coupler can include: an open first end (e.g., having a plurality of threads on surface for connecting to an incoming water supply); an open second end circumscribed by a groove for locking and unlocking the mating female coupler to and from the male coupler, the male coupler and mating female coupler forming a quick connect-disconnect coupling for connecting to an external device; a tubular body connecting the first and second ends of the male coupler together; a passageway inside the tubular body open on the first end through to the open second end; and a seat in the passageway allowing water flow. The male coupler includes a regulator portion for regulating the flow of liquid from the open first end to the open second end. For example, the regulator portion includes: a disc adjacent the seat for making an adjustable seal with the seat, the adjustable seal regulating the amount of water flow through the male coupler; a stem connected to the disk that transmits the motion of the disc to and from the seat by turning the disc one or more directions to open or close the passageway; a seat washer at the bottom of the disc to make a water tight seal with the seat; a screw to hold the seat washer in place; a threaded spindle in the bottom center of the stem to receive a screw for securing the washer; a threaded area on the circumference of the stem for screwing the stem to and from the seat; a bonnet circumscribing the stem and holding the steam and internal valve parts together; a threaded spindle on the interior of the bonnet to mesh with the exterior threads of the steam; a rounded head at the top of the body; a threaded area on the circumference of the bonnet; a threaded spindle through the head penetrating into the interior passageway of the body to screw the bonnet into securing the regulator into the male coupler; a shaped edge (e.g., in the shape of a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a hexagon, or other suitable shape) on the outside circumference of the bonnet for tightening the bonnet into the body; a packing circumscribing the stem above the bonnet for sealing between the stem and bonnet; a protruding edge around the inside circumference of the gland nut to support the packing; a gland nut circumscribing the steam and compressing the packing in place; a rounded head on the top of the bonnet; a threaded spindle inside the top of the bonnet head to screw the gland nut into; a shaped edge (e.g., in the shape of a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a hexagon, or other suitable shape) on the outside circumference of the gland nut for tightening it into the bonnet body; an adjustment device (e.g., a lever, a handle, a push button, or other suitable adjustment device) connected to the stem to control the stem from outside of the male coupler body; a threaded spindle inside the top of the steam to receive a screw; and a screw to secure the handle to the stem. 
     In some embodiments, a quick-connect female coupler is provided. For example, the quick-connect female coupler can include: an open first end; an open interior passageway from the first end to and internally-threaded open second end; an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of protuberances at a first end of the outer surface; a plurality of protuberances at a second end of the outer surface, the protuberances at the first and second ends of the outer surface providing a grooved, rough surface for non-slip gripping of the female coupler; a circular surface in the passageway, the surface including an opening through center thereof; a washer on outer rear side of the circular surface; a plurality of threads on interior of back end of the passageway, to accommodate a hose or other external device connection thereto; an O-ring disposed within inner surface near a first end of the female coupler, for stopping water flow; a first groove in which the O-ring is seated; a plurality of ball bearings seated in concave openings near a second end of the female coupler; an outer sleeve surrounding the ball bearings, which float freely in the sleeve; a cylindrical member having an outer surface on which the sleeve slides; a spring resting against a thicker outside surface of the cylindrical member, for urging the sleeve to a closed or locked configuration; a snap ring disposed in front of and retaining the sleeve; and a second groove in which the snap ring is seated. 
     This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim. 
     The foregoing, together with other features and embodiments, will be described in more detail below in the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawing figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of an example flow control system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an example flow control system with a flow control device connected to an external device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of an example regulator of a flow control system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of an example quick connect-disconnect female coupler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is another exploded perspective view of the example quick connect-disconnect female coupler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. The figures and description are not intended to be restrictive. 
     The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. 
     Water supply shutoff valves are provided for connecting external devices to a water source. For example, water can travel through a passageway within the water supply shutoff valve, and can be regulated by the valve that can open or close the passageway by varying degrees. There is a need for a fast and efficient way to connect and disconnect an external device to a water supply shut-off valve without the need for tools or adaptations to the water supply shut-off valve. 
     Systems and devices are described herein that include tools for quickly connecting an external device to a flow control device (or valve) for liquid distribution. External devices can include any device that connects to a water supply, such as a tool for dispensing a liquid (e.g., a garden hose, a pressure washing system, an oil dispensing device, a spray nozzle, or other tool), a liquid-powered tool, a sink, a toilet, a fire hydrant, or other external device that is supplied with or uses water. As described in detail below, a liquid flow control device is provided that includes a quick connect-disconnect male coupler. A quick connect-disconnect female coupler is also provided for connecting to the male coupler. Together, the quick connect-disconnect male coupler and the quick connect-disconnect female coupler form a quick connect-disconnect coupling. The quick connect-disconnect coupling allows an external device to be easily connected and disconnected to the flow-control device. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an example flow control system  100 . The flow control system  100  includes a liquid flow control device  102  and a quick connect-disconnect female coupler  104 . Details of the quick connect-disconnect female coupler  104  are described below with respect to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . The liquid flow control device  102  includes a first end  106  for receiving a liquid from a liquid source (not shown). The first end  106  includes a connection component  110  that is configured to connect to the liquid source. In one example, the connection component  110  includes external threads that can screw into internal threads of the liquid source. In some examples, the liquid source can include a pipe that provides liquid from a public utility, a well, or other location that includes liquid. While the connection component  110  is shown as having male external threads, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the connection component can include any other means of connecting to the liquid source, such as female internal threads that can screw onto external threads of the liquid source, a quick connect-disconnect coupling, a solder-on coupling, compression, or any other suitable connecting means. 
     The liquid flow control device  102  also includes a body  114  that connects the first end  106  to a second end  108 . The body  114  can be tubular in shape, square in shape, hexagonal in shape, octagonal in shape, or have any other suitable shape for facilitating connection of the liquid flow control device  102  to the liquid source and to the female coupler connection component  104 . The second end  108  provides an exit point for the liquid from the liquid flow control device  102 . For example, the second end  108  can transfer liquid from the liquid flow control device  102  to an external device through the female coupler connection component  104 . The second end  108  is or includes a male coupler connection component having a groove  118  circumscribing an outer circumference of the second end  108 . The groove  118  operates to secure the female coupler connection component  104  to the male coupler connection component of the second end  108 . Together, the male coupler connection component and the female coupler connection component  104  form a quick connect-disconnect coupling. For example, the male coupler connection component can mate with the female coupler connection component  104  to form a quick coupling. Because of the male coupler connection component and the female coupler connection component  104 , the quick coupling is self-sealing. The self-sealing nature of the coupling prevents air or contaminates from entering the external device when the flow control system  100  is being used to provide water to the external device. 
     In one example shown in  FIG. 2 , the flow control system  100  can be used to connect the liquid flow control device  102  to a hose  120  using the quick connect-disconnect coupling between the male coupler connection component and the female coupler connection component  104 , allowing water to be conveyed to a spray nozzle (not shown) connected to the hose  120 . In another example, the male coupler connection component attaches to a hose using the quick connect-disconnect coupling between the male coupler connection component and the female coupler connection component, and the hose can then attach to another external device, such as a nozzle, a sink, a toilet, or other device requiring a water supply. For instance, a water stop valve that supplies a toilet could quick connect to a hose using a quick connect coupling at one end of the hose, and the other end of the hose can quick connect to the flow control device  102  male end coupler connection component using the female coupler connection component  104 . 
     The flow control system  100  works well when the quick connect-disconnect coupling connects to an external device that can be regulated from a liquid flow perspective. As used herein, regulation of a liquid supply can refer to turning the liquid on and off, or can refer to regulating different amounts of liquid to the external device. To that end, the body  114  is coupled to a regulator  116  for controlling and regulating flow of the liquid from the first end  106  to the second end  108 . Inside of the body  114  is a passageway  112  from the front end  106  to the second end  108 . The regulator  116  intersects the body  114  to regulate water flow through the passageway  112 . Reference is made to  FIG. 3  to describe details of an example of the regulator  116 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the regulator  116  shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  is only an example, and that any type of regulator or valve can be used in the liquid flow control device  102 . For example, the regulator  116  could include a butterfly valve, a cock and plug valve, a globe valve, a ball valve, or any other type of valve that can control the flow of a liquid from the first end  106  of the liquid flow control device  102  to the second end  108 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the regulator  116  of the liquid flow control device  102 . In some embodiments, the regulator  116  includes a bonnet  302  including threading on an inner portion of the bonnet  302  for mounting to outer threading of a gland nut  304  circumscribing a stem  310 . For example, the regulator  116  includes the bonnet  302 . The bonnet  302  has external threads circumscribing a lower portion of the bonnet  302 . The external threads mesh with or screw into internal threads inside the body  114  to create a bonnet-body coupling  308  for mounting the regulator  116  to the body  114  creating a sealed connection. In some embodiments, the bonnet  302  can have a shaped edge (e.g., a hexagonal shape, a square shape, an octagonal shape, or other suitable shape) that allows the bonnet  302  to be easily tightened into the valve body  114 . 
     The regulator  116  also includes a stem  310  that attaches to the body  114  through the center of the bonnet  302  and a gland nut  304 . The stem  310  controls an amount of liquid flowing from the first end  106  to the second end  108 . In some embodiments, packing substance can be provided that circumscribes the stem  310  for providing a sealant between the stem  310  and the bonnet  302 . The gland nut  304  has external threads around the circumference of a middle portion of the gland nut  304 . The external threads of the gland nut  304  screw into internal threads circumscribing a top portion of the bonnet  302  to create a bonnet-gland nut coupling  306 . By screwing the gland nut  304  into the bonnet  302 , the packing substance is compressed against the inside circumference of bonnet  302  to create a watertight seal with the gland nut  304  and the stem  310 . The packing substance also helps to support the stem  310 . In some embodiments, the gland nut  304  can have a shaped edge at a top portion (e.g., a hexagonal shape, a square shape, an octagonal shape, or other suitable shape) that allows the gland nut  304  to be easily tightened into the bonnet  302 . 
     The stem  310  includes external threads around the circumference of a bottom portion of the stem  310 . The external threads of the stem  310  screw into internal threads circumscribing a bottom portion of the gland nut  304  to create a stem-gland nut coupling  312 . In some embodiments, the external threads of the stem  310  screw into internal threads circumscribing a bottom portion of the bonnet  302  (instead of internal threads of the gland nut  304  that are shown in  FIG. 3 ) to create a stem-bonnet coupling (not shown). In such embodiments, the gland nut  304  may terminate above the external threads around the circumference of the bottom portion of the stem  310 . The stem-gland nut coupling  312  (or the stem-bonnet coupling in alternative embodiments) allows the stem  310  to be adjusted toward or away from the passageway  112  of the liquid flow control device  102 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the stem  310  can be adjusted using a lever  314  that is coupled to the stem  310 . The lever  314  is adjustable to rotate the stem  310  to increase or decrease the amount of liquid flowing from the first end  106  to the second end  108 . The lever  314  can be permanently coupled or connected (and thus part of) to the stem  310 . In other embodiments not shown in  FIG. 3 , the lever  314  can be removably coupled to the stem  310 , for example using a screw with external threads that can be screwed through the middle of the lever  314  into internal threads at a top portion of the stem  310 . For example, a threaded spindle in the top center of the steam  310  can receive the screw to secure the lever  314  onto the steam  310 . Thus, in some embodiments, the regulator  116  includes a threaded spindle within the stem  310 , in which case the stem  310  and the threaded spindle at least partially protrude out of the body  114 . In such embodiments, the regulator  116  can further include a screw that screws into or is otherwise coupled to the threaded spindle in the stem  310 , with the screw securing the lever  314  to the stem  310 . 
     As the stem  310  is adjusted toward the passageway  112 , water is restricted, and as the stem  310  is adjusted away from the passageway  112 , water flow through the passageway  112  is encouraged. A seat  316  provides a gateway for water flow through the passageway  112 . A disc  320  at the bottom of the stem  310  is adjacent the seat  316 . The disc  320  can be permanently or removably connected to the stem  310 . For example, the disc  320  can be part of the stem  310  so that it cannot be removed from the stem  310 . In such an example, the disc  320  is small enough to go through the passageway of the gland nut  304  and/or the bonnet  302 . In another example, the disc  320  can be removable coupled to the stem  310  using a screw or other connection mechanism. As the lever  314  turns the steam  310  in one direction or the other, the disc  320  moves closer to or away from the seat  316 , which opens or closes the passageway  112  to regulate the amount of water flow through the liquid flow control device  102 . For example, turning the lever  314  in a clockwise direction can cause the disc  320  to move closer to the seat  316 , causing flow of water through the passageway  112  to be restricted. Turning the lever  314  in a counter-clockwise direction can cause the disc  320  to move away from the seat  316 , causing flow of water through the passageway  112  to be increased. A seat washer  318  at the bottom of the disc  320  can be provided to make a watertight seal between the disc  320  and the seat  316  when the regulator  116  is in a fully closed position (e.g., the lever  314  is turned clockwise until the disc  320  is fully compressed against the washer  318  and seat  316 . 
       FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  illustrate exploded perspective views of a quick connect-disconnect female coupler  104 . The quick connect-disconnect female coupler  104  includes a quick connect first end  40   d  for connecting to the male coupler connection component of the second end  108  of the liquid flow control device  102  shown in  FIG. 1 , allowing regulated amounts of liquid to flow from the liquid flow control device  102  to an external device through the quick connect-disconnect female coupler  104 . The quick connect-disconnect female coupler  104  is also referred to herein as the female coupler  104 . The female coupler  104  has an outer surface  40   a and an inner surface  40   b . In some embodiments, the outer surface  40   a  has two sets of protuberances  40   c  at a first end  40   d , and a plurality of smaller protuberances  40   e  and  40   de  at a second end  40   f . The protuberances  40   c ,  40   e , and  40   de  provide a grooved, rough surface for non-slip gripping of the female coupler  104 . In other embodiments, the female coupler  104  has no protuberances, or has fewer or more protuberances than those shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . 
     The first end  40   d  of the female coupler  104  is open, and can be openly connected to the second end  40   f . The second end  40   f  is open and has a connection component with internal threads  40   s  for connecting to a male threaded portion of an external device. In other embodiments, the second end  40   f  can have a connection component with external threads, can have a female quick connect coupling component, can including a permanent connection to the external device, or can have any other suitable attachment mechanism for attaching to the external device. For example, the connection component of the second end of the quick connect-disconnect female coupler can include one or more protuberances (e.g., ball bearings) for securing to a groove around an outer circumference of a male coupler connection component of the external device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a washer  40   g  is disposed at the rear of and on an interior surface  40   n  of the second end  40   f . The interior surface  40   n  has a circular indented edge  40   u  and an opening  40   w  ( FIG. 4 ) centered in a passageway  40   y . An O-ring  40   h  is disposed within the inner surface  40   b  near the second end  40   f  of the female coupler  104 . The O-ring  40   h  is seated in a groove  40   p . The washer  40   g  forms a sealed passageway  40   y  for liquid to the external device. When coupled to the female coupler  104 , the male coupler connection component of the liquid flow control device  102  fits tightly in and through the O-ring  40   h  to form a seal for the passageway  40   y . The result is a watertight connection from a water source to an external device with speed, ease, and security, allowing a controlled supply of water to the external device. 
     Near the first end  40   d  of the female coupler  104  are three circumferentially spaced ball bearings  40   i  at the front-end  40   d  of the cylindrical member  40   l . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other protuberances other than ball bearings can be used to secure the female coupler  104  to the male coupler connection component of the liquid flow control device  102 . The ball bearings  40   i  can be evenly spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical member  40   l . The ball bearings  40   i  are seated in concave openings  40   r  that are smaller than the ball bearings  40   i , so that the ball bearings  40   i  can only partially protrude through the openings  40   r . The ball bearings  40   i  float freely against an outer surrounding sleeve  40   j  that can be slide over the cylindrical member  40   l . The inside front-end surface  40   k  of the sleeve  40   j  is tapered, and slides on the outer surface of a cylindrical member  401 . A spring  40   m  surrounding the cylindrical member  40   l  biases the sleeve  40   j  to a closed or locked configuration in which the sleeve  40   j  is pressed against the O-ring  40   h . In this configuration, the inside surface  40   k  of the tapered sleeve  40   j  is thickest, causing a downward pressure against the ball bearings  40   i . The downward pressure pushes the ball bearings  40   i  into the groove  118  surrounding the male coupler connection component of the liquid flow control device  102 . When the ball bearings  40   i  are pushed into the groove  118 , the ball bearings  40   i  are pressed hard against the groove  118 , seating the ball bearings  40   i  firmly in the openings  40   r  and into the groove  1 . A seal is thus created between the coupler connection component of the liquid flow control device  102  and the O-ring  40   h . The springs  40   m  rests against a thicker outside surface  40   x  of the second end  40   f  and around the cylindrical member  40   l , keeping the sleeve  40   j  in a locked configuration. A snap ring  40   o  fits in front of and retains the sleeve  40   j , and is seated in a groove  40   z . If the sleeve  40   j  is pushed toward the first end  40   d  of the female coupler  104 , the ball bearings  40   i  are disengaged, and the male coupler connection component of the liquid flow control device  102  is released from the female coupler  104 . In some embodiments, the female coupler  104  can be permanently attached to the external device, not requiring the threaded second end  40   f.    
     A number of embodiments of the disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modification may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 
     Where components are described as being configured to perform certain operations, such configuration can be accomplished, for example, by designing electronic circuits or other hardware to perform the operation, by programming programmable electronic circuits (e.g., microprocessors, or other suitable electronic circuits) to perform the operation, or any combination thereof.