Patent Publication Number: US-9416475-B2

Title: Air flow in a washing machine appliance

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to the airflow through a washing machine appliance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A horizontal washing machine appliance generally includes a cabinet with a wash tub mounted therein. A wash drum can be rotatably mounted within the wash tub and can receive articles for washing through an opening. The wash drum generally includes a plurality of holes so as to allow the flow of a fluid, such as air or wash liquid, between the wash drum and wash tub. 
     During a wash cycle of the washing machine appliance, wash liquid, e.g., detergent, fabric softener, water, and/or bleach, can fill the wash tub to an appropriate level and be applied to articles within the wash basket. Such wash liquid can assist with cleaning of the articles, e.g., as the articles are agitated during the wash cycle. After the wash cycle, the washing machine appliance can rinse the wash fluid from the articles, e.g., using fresh water. Before and/or after the rinse cycle, the washing machine appliance can initiate one or more spin cycles to remove liquids from the articles. During the spin cycles, the wash drum is rotated at a relatively high RPM within the wash tub to wring liquid from the articles, such that liquid flows out of the articles, through the plurality of holes in the wash drum, and drains out of the wash tub. 
     Following one or more wash cycles and spin cycles, the washing machine can initiate a drying cycle, also referred to as an overnight drying cycle, so as to provide washed and dried articles to the user without the need for the user to, e.g., stay up later than desired or wake up earlier than desired, to switch the washed clothes to a drier after washing. The combination of a wash and overnight drying cycle can last approximately as long as the expected sleep time of the user, so the dried clothes do not have time to settle within the wash drum and, e.g., develop wrinkles 
     During an overnight drying cycle, the washing machine appliance can dry the articles by rotating the wash drum at a relatively low RPM within the wash tub, while providing airflow to the wash drum to remove moisture from the air and the articles. Generally, air is introduced through an inlet port positioned in the wash tub, flows through the plurality of holes in the wash drum, and then exits through an exhaust port positioned near the opening of the wash drum. 
     Certain problems can exist with such a construction, however. For example, an appliance of such a construction can have poor air circulation during a spin cycle where air can be bypassed without coming in contact with the articles and can therefore be less efficient at removing moisture from the air and articles. This can result in a relatively high remaining moisture content (RMC) and can make it more difficult to then dry the articles. Additionally, during an overnight drying cycle of an appliance of such a construction, the air tends to be “short-cycled,” wherein air flows along the least resistance path from the inlet port to the exhaust port with little or no contact with the articles. More particularly, the articles to be dried tend to collect near a back end of the wash drum, while air tends to enter the wash drum near the opening of the wash drum and flow straight through to the exhaust port. Short-cycling can result in a low amount of contact between the airflow and the articles prior to the air being exhausted from the appliance. This can leave the articles with a relatively high RMC. Further, a washing machine appliance of such a construction can have accumulations of lint near the opening of the wash drum. 
     Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having one or more features that can reduce the RMC of articles present in the wash drum after a spin cycle and/or after a dry cycle would be useful. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure provides a washing machine appliance having one or more features to improve the airflow in the washing machine appliance during a spin cycle and/or an overnight drying cycle. The appliance uses one or more one way valves in an inlet duct and/or an exhaust duct to direct the airflow through the washing machine appliance during spin cycles. Additionally, or alternatively, the appliance provides ambient air through an inlet port positioned proximate to an opening in a wash drum and exhausts the air to the ambient through an exhaust port positioned at a rear end of a wash tub. Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the disclosure. 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided including a wash tub and a wash drum rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The washing machine appliance also includes an inlet duct in fluid communication with the wash drum and the wash tub and configured for providing a flow of air to the wash drum and the wash tub. The washing machine appliance additionally includes a one way inlet valve positioned within the inlet duct and moveable between an open position and a closed position. The one way inlet valve is configured for only allowing air to flow in a direction through the inlet duct into the wash drum and the wash tub. The washing machine appliance further includes a first exhaust duct in fluid communication with the wash drum and the wash tub and configured for exhausting air from the wash drum and the wash tub. Air is caused to enter the appliance through the inlet duct and exist through the first exhaust duct when the wash drum rotates at or above an RPM THR . 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided, including a wash tub and a wash drum rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The wash drum defines an opening configured for receiving articles to be washed, dried, or both, a cylindrically shaped wall extending from the opening and defining a length, and a plurality of holes along the cylindrically shaped wall configured for allowing a flow of a fluid between the wash drum and the wash tub. The washing machine appliance additionally includes an inlet port positioned proximate to the opening of the wash drum configured for providing ambient air to the wash drum. Further, the washing machine appliance includes an exhaust port positioned at a rear end of the wash tub configured for exhausting air from the wash tub, such that at least a portion of the air provided through the inlet port travels the length of the cylindrically shaped wall prior to flowing to the wash tub through the plurality of holes. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a washing machine appliance of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  provides a front view of the washing machine appliance of  FIG. 1  with a door shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a washing machine appliance of the present disclosure during a spin cycle. 
         FIG. 4  provides a schematic illustration of the washing machine appliance of  FIG. 3  during an overnight drying cycle. 
         FIG. 5  provides a schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a washing machine appliance of the present disclosure during a spin cycle. 
         FIG. 6  provides a schematic illustration of the washing machine appliance of  FIG. 5  during an overnight drying cycle. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  provide schematic illustrations of two additional exemplary embodiments of a washing machine appliance of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance  100 . However, while described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance  100 , using the teachings disclosed herein, it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance  100  is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well. 
     Washing machine appliance  100  has a cabinet  102  defining a vertical direction V and a transverse direction T that is orthogonal to vertical direction V. A wash tub  110  is positioned within cabinet  102  (see  FIGS. 3 through 8 ). A wash drum  120  is rotatably mounted in the wash tub  110 . A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with drum  120  in order to selectively rotate drum  120  (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 ). Drum  120  defines an opening  128  configured for receiving articles to be washed, dried, or both, into a wash chamber  121  defined by wash drum  120 . Additionally, drum  120  defines a cylindrically-shaped wall  142  extending in the transverse direction T from opening  128  defining a length L (see  FIG. 3 ). A plurality of holes  124  are positioned along wall  142 . The plurality of holes  124  span the length of wall  142  and facilitate a flow between drum  120  and tub  110  of a fluid, such as a wash fluid or air. 
     A plurality of ribs  126  extend from wall  142  of drum  120  into wash chamber  121 . Ribs  126  assist in agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber  121  during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . For example, ribs  126  may lift articles disposed in drum  120  during rotation of drum  120 . A detergent drawer  106  is slidably mounted within cabinet  102 . Detergent drawer  106  receives detergent and directs the detergent to wash chamber  121  during operation of appliance  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100  has a door casing assembly  160 . Door casing assembly  160  defines an opening  162  that permits a user access to opening  128  and wash chamber  121  of drum  120 . A door  130  is mounted to door casing assembly  160  by two hinges  140  and is configured to close off openings  162  and  128  of door casing assembly  160  and drum  120 , respectively. A window  136  in door  130  permits viewing of wash chamber  121  during operation of appliance  100 . Door  130  also includes a handle  132  that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door  130 . Latch  134  is configured for selectively securing door  130  in a closed configuration (not shown). 
     Washing machine appliance  100  also includes a gasket  146  positioned at opening  128  of drum  120  that creates a fluid seal between door  130  and door casing assembly  160  when door  130  is in a closed configuration (i.e., a configuration in which door  130  is positioned adjacent cabinet  102 ). For the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and as will be discussed further with reference to  FIGS. 3 through 8 , an inlet port  200  is positioned in gasket  146  that provides ambient air to drum  120  during various methods of operation of washing machine appliance  100 . Further, door  130  is shaped so as to direct air from inlet port  200  into drum  120 . More particularly, door  130  includes a funnel portion  144 , wherein the thickness of door  130  increases from a top portion  150  to a bottom portion  148 , forming an arcuate cross-sectional shape. Such a configuration allows air to flow more directly into drum  120  from inlet port  200 . 
     It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, inlet port  200  may be positioned elsewhere and/or door  130  may have another shape or configuration. For example, in other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, inlet port  200  may be positioned in another location proximate opening  128  or may be positioned in wash tub  110 , and door  130  may have a curved, straight, or slanted cross-sectional shape. 
     A control panel  111  with a plurality of input selectors  112  is also mounted to cabinet  102 . Control panel  111  and input selectors  112  collectively form a user interface for user selection of machine cycles and features. A display  114  of control panel  111  indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users. 
     Operation of washing machine appliance  100  is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown), that is operatively coupled to control panel  111  for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel  111 , the controller operates the various components of washing machine appliance  100  to execute selected machine cycles and features. 
     In an illustrative aspect of the present disclosure, articles or laundry items are loaded into wash chamber  121 , and a washing operation is initiated through user manipulation of input selectors  112 . A portion of drum  120  is filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance  100  to provide for filling drum  120  and tub  110  to an appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once drum  120  and tub  110  are properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber  121  are agitated with ribs  126  for cleansing of laundry items in drum  120 . 
     After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, drum  120  and tub  110  are drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid such as water to drum  120  and depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, ribs  126  may again provide agitation within wash chamber  121 . The fluid is again drained from drum  120  and tub  110 . Appliance  100  also uses one or more spin cycles in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle. Following the last spin cycle, washing machine appliance  100  can commence an overnight drying cycle, wherein articles in appliance  100  are dried without the use of a heater. 
     Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided in  FIGS. 3 through 8 , and described below with reference thereto.  FIGS. 3 and 4  provide schematic illustrations of one exemplary washing machine appliance during a spin cycle and overnight drying cycle.  FIGS. 5 and 6  provide schematic illustrations of another exemplary washing machine appliance also during a spin cycle and overnight drying cycle.  FIG. 7  provides a schematic illustration of yet another exemplary washing machine appliance having multiple exhaust ports.  FIG. 8  provides a schematic illustration of still another exemplary washing machine appliance having a blower in fluid communication with an exhaust port. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , schematic illustrations of exemplary washing machine appliance  100  are provided wherein an airflow, A, allows for a reduction in the remaining moisture content (RMC) of articles within wash chamber  121  during a spin cycle and/or a drying cycle such as an overnight drying cycle.  FIG. 3  shows schematically the flow of air A through washing machine appliance  100  during an exemplary spin cycle, while  FIG. 4  shows schematically the flow of air A through washing machine appliance during an exemplary drying cycle such as an overnight drying cycle. 
     As shown, appliance  100  further includes an inlet duct  202  in fluid communication with wash drum  120  and wash tub  110  through inlet port  200 . Inlet duct  202  is configured to provide a flow of ambient air A to wash tub  110  and wash drum  120  through inlet port  200 . A blower  222  is in fluid communication with duct  202  and is selectively operable to provide ambient air to drum  120  through inlet duct  202  and inlet port  200 . The ambient air can be provided from any suitable location outside cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100 . 
     A one way inlet valve  240  is positioned within inlet duct  202  and is configured to only allow air to flow in a direction through inlet duct  202  into drum  120 . More particularly, one way inlet valve  240  is moveable between an open position (see  FIG. 3 ) and a closed position (see  FIG. 4 ). In the open position air may flow through valve  240  and duct  202  into drum  120  and tub  110 . In the closed position air may not flow in the reverse direction through valve  240 . 
     A first exhaust duct  246  and a second exhaust duct  206  are provided in fluid communication with wash tub  110  and wash drum  120  through a first exhaust port  244  and second exhaust port  204 , respectively. Exhaust ports  204  and  244  are positioned at a rear end  250  of tub  110 . More particularly, exhaust ports  204  and  244  are positioned on a top side  254  of tub  110  at rear end  250 . First and second exhaust ducts  246 ,  206  are configured for exhausting air from wash tub  110  and wash drum  120  to the ambient air at any suitable location outside cabinet  102  of appliance  100 . 
     First exhaust duct  246  is in fluid communication with exhaust port  244 , and has a one way exhaust valve  242  positioned therein. Valve  242  is configured to only allow air to flow in a direction from wash tub  110  and wash drum  120  out through exhaust duct  246 . More particularly, one way exhaust valve  242  is moveable between an open position (see  FIG. 3 ) and a closed position (see  FIG. 4 ). In the open position air may flow from tub  110  out through exhaust duct  246  and valve  242  to the ambient air. In the closed position air may not flow in the reverse direction through valve  242  or exhaust duct  246 . 
     One way inlet valve  240  and one way exhaust valve  242  can each be spring loaded flap valves configured to open and close based on a differential pressure between a portion of each respective duct  202 ,  246  upstream and downstream of the respective valve  240 ,  242 . It should be appreciated, however, that other mechanical or electro-mechanical one way valves may be used as well. For example, valves  240  and  242  may be electro-mechanical valves actuated by the controller between an open position and a closed position based on a particular operating method of appliance  100 . It should also be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, appliance  100  may only include a single one way valve positioned in either inlet duct  202  or exhaust duct  246 . 
     Second exhaust duct  206  is in fluid communication with exhaust port  204  and is configured for exhausting air to the ambient air. A lint filter  220  is positioned within exhaust duct  206 . By way of example, lint filter  220  can be a fine mesh. However, in other exemplary embodiments, lint filter  220  can have any other suitable configuration. 
     Notably, the exhaust ports  204 ,  244  are positioned such that when wash fluid is filled to an appropriate level in tub  110  and drum  120  e.g., during wash or rinse cycles, wash fluid does not travel through any of the exhaust ports to the exhaust ducts  206 ,  246 . More specifically, the exhaust ports  204 ,  244  may be positioned vertically above a level that wash fluid may fill tub  110  and drum  120  e.g., during wash or rinse cycles. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , during a spin cycle, drum  120  is rotated at a relatively high revolutions per minute (RPM) so as to urge fluid from the articles in drum  120 , through the plurality of holes  124 , into tub  110 , and out one or more drains (not shown). More particularly, drum  120  rotates at an RPM greater than or equal to a threshold RPM (RPM THR ) during the one or more spin cycles. By way of example, RPM THR  can be in the range of about 200 to 1500. Alternatively, RPM THR  can be in the range of about 250 to 1450. In still another exemplary embodiment, RPM THR  can be about 300 rpm. When drum  120  rotates at an RPM great than or equal to RPM THR , valves  240  and  242  are configured to open and cause air to enter the appliance through inlet duct  202  and exit through the first exhaust duct  246 . More particularly, when drum  120  rotates at an RPM great than or equal to RPM THR , centrifugal forces generated within drum  120  force air out through the plurality of holes in drum  120 , increasing the pressure in tub  110 . This creates a high enough differential pressure between a portion of exhaust duct  246  upstream of valve  242  and a portion of exhaust duct  246  downstream of valve  242 , such that valve  242  opens and allows an airflow A from tub  110  out through exhaust duct  246 . Likewise, when drum  120  rotates at such an RPM, the differential air pressure between a portion of inlet duct  202  downstream of valve  240  and a portion of inlet duct  202  upstream of valve  240  is sufficient to force valve  240  to the open position, allowing an airflow A through inlet duct  202  into drum  120 . 
     As is shown schematically in  FIG. 3 , the use of one way valves  240 ,  242  allows washing machine appliance  100  to direct the airflow A during a spin cycle from inlet port  200 , into drum  120 , through the plurality of holes  124  into tub  110 , and out through exhaust port  244 . Appliance  100  having such a configuration may be able to more efficiently remove moisture from the articles in drum  120  during a spin cycle. Thus, the RMC of the articles in drum  120  following a spin cycle may be reduced by e.g., approximately 3% to 5%, as compared to a washing machine appliance that does not direct the flow of ambient air through drum  120  during a spin cycle. The reduced RMC of the articles in drum  120  following a spin cycle can make it easier to subsequently dry the articles. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , during an overnight drying cycle, articles in appliance  100  are dried without the use of a heater. Additionally, drum  120  rotates at a speed less than RPM THR , such that the differential pressures in ducts  202  and  246  are not sufficient to open valves  240  and  242 , respectively. As indicated, during the overnight drying cycle, blower  222  is activated to provide an airflow A of ambient air to duct  202  and drum  120  through inlet port  200 . Blower  222  can be configured to run continuously throughout the overnight drying cycle. Alternatively, blower  222  can be configured to run intermittently during overnight drying cycles, depending on e.g., a fixed schedule or a varying schedule that accounts for the RMC of the articles in drum  120 . 
     The ambient air enters drum  120  through inlet port  200  positioned proximate to opening  128  and flows to tub  110  through the plurality of holes  124 . The air in tub  110  then exhausts through exhaust port  204  positioned at the rear end  250  of tub  110 . As indicated in  FIG. 4 , at least a portion of the airflow A provided to drum  120  through inlet port  200  is encouraged to travel the length L of drum  120  prior to flowing into tub  110 . This is due to the positioning of exhaust port  204  at the rear end  250  of tub  110 . At least a portion of the airflow A provided by inlet port  200  therefore is in contact with the articles to be dried for a relatively extended period of time prior to exiting drum  120 , which may lower the RMC of the articles during the overnight drying cycle more efficiently. 
     During the overnight drying cycle, particles of the laundry items being dried tend to separate from the laundry items and be carried away with the air, creating lint. As such, lint filter  220  is provided in exhaust duct  206 . Lint filter  220  is configured for catching and collecting the particles that separate from the laundry items being dried during the overnight drying cycle. 
     As is shown schematically in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , during a spin cycle a majority of the airflow A from tub  110  exhausts through duct  246  as opposed to duct  206  ( FIG. 3 ). This is due to the fact that once valve  242  is opened, there is less resistance through duct  246  as compared to duct  206  due to the presence of lint filter  220 . During an overnight drying cycle, however, when the differential pressure is not sufficient to open valve  242 , the airflow A is forced to travel through duct  206 , and accordingly through lint filter  220  ( FIG. 4 ). This allows washing machine appliance  100  to bypass the resistance of lint filter  220  during spin cycles, while avoiding bypass of lint filter  220  during overnight drying cycles (when most lint is created). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , schematic illustrations of another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are provided, showing a spin cycle and an overnight drying cycle, respectively. Operation of the exemplary washing machine  100  provided in  FIGS. 5 and 6  is similar to the operation of the exemplary washing machine provided in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . By contrast, however, exemplary washing machine  100  shown schematically in  FIGS. 5 and 6  has second exhaust port  204  positioned on a rear wall  252  of wash tub  110 , with second exhaust duct  206  in fluid communication therewith. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , during a spin cycle, valves  240  and  242  positioned in inlet duct  202  and exhaust duct  246 , respectively, are in the open position, such that the airflow A travels from inlet port  200 , to drum  120 , into tub  110  and out through exhaust port  244 .  FIG. 6  then shows schematically the flow of air A during an overnight drying cycle. During such a cycle, blower  222  provides an airflow A through inlet port  200 , into drum  120  and tub  110 , and out though second exhaust port  204  positioned in rear wall  252 , as opposed to top side  254  of tub  110 . The airflow A through second exhaust port  204  passes through second exhaust duct  206  and lint filter  220 . 
       FIG. 7  provides another exemplary embodiment of washing machine appliance  100  during an overnight drying cycle. Exemplary washing machine appliance  100  shown schematically by  FIG. 7  operates similarly during an overnight drying cycle to the exemplary washing machine appliance provided in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . However, the exemplary washing machine  100  provided in  FIG. 7  comprises an additional exhaust port  208  positioned in rear wall  252  of tub  110 . Exhaust port  208  and exhaust port  204  are each in fluid communication with exhaust duct  206 , such that the airflow A through exhaust ports  204  and  208  flows through a single lint filter  220 . 
     It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure the exhaust ports may have any other suitable configuration for urging at least a portion of the airflow A to travel the length of wash drum  120  prior to flowing through holes  124  to wash tub  110 . For example, in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, washing machine appliance may have three or more exhaust ports positioned in rear wall  252  of tub  110 , top side  254  of tub  110 , or a combination thereof 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a schematic illustration of still another exemplary embodiment of washing machine appliance  100  is provided during an overnight drying cycle. Exemplary washing machine appliance  100  of  FIG. 8  operates similarly during an overnight drying cycle to the other exemplary washing machine appliances discussed above. However, for the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8 , blower  222  is in fluid communication with exhaust duct  206  such that it is configured to provide an airflow A through wash drum  120  and wash tub  110  by moving air through exhaust port  204  and exhaust duct  206 . 
     It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, washing machine appliance  100  may include one or more features that improve the airflow during spin cycles, but may not include one or more features to improve the airflow during overnight drying cycles. For example, inlet port  200  may not be positioned proximate to opening  128  and/or appliance  100  may not exhaust air from tub  110  through exhaust ports  204  or  244  positioned at rear end  250  of tub  110 . Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, washing machine appliance  100  may include one or more features that improve the airflow during overnight drying cycles, but may not include one or more features that improve the airflow during spin cycles. More specifically, appliance  100  of the present disclosure may not include one or both one way valves  240  and  242  in ducts  202  and  246 , respectively (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.