Patent Publication Number: US-2023148682-A1

Title: Vaping device mouthpiece with temperature control

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application 63/281,074, filed 18 Nov. 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to mouthpieces for devices with liquid inhalable precursors. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to devices for mouthpieces to use on vaping systems and methods of manufacturing such mouthpieces. 
     RELATED ART 
     Vaping devices are used to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation, such as an oil that may or may not contain one or more cannabinoids, to form a vapor. The vaping device may include a reservoir that holds a pre-vapor formulation and a heating element that vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation by applying heat to at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation. Vaping devices are often sold and shipped directly to local oil manufacturers in two or more pieces, such as a cartridge piece and a capping mouthpiece. They are filled by the local oil manufactures with a pre-vapor formulation, and then capped with the mouthpiece. 
     One drawback to vaping devices may be the difficulty in achieving the right temperature for the heating element to create vapor to be drawn through the mouthpiece. In some cases, the heating element may generate excess heat, which may result in an increased temperature in one or more portions of the cartridge. Excessive heat, internal temperatures, etc., may result in an overheat condition in the cartridge. Overheating of the cartridge may result in degradation of the oil within the cartridge, formation of one or more reaction products which may detract from the sensory experience when included in a vapor, etc. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment, a mouthpiece for a vaping device includes: a sidewall extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the sidewall defining a lumen through which vapor may be drawn, the sidewall having an interior edge and an exterior edge; and an exterior groove formed in the proximal end of the sidewall, the exterior groove extending from the interior edge in fluid connection with the lumen to the exterior edge of the sidewall. 
     The exterior groove allows air to be drawn from outside the mouthpiece into the exterior groove. In some embodiments, the exterior groove comprises at least two exterior grooves. In other embodiments, the exterior groove comprises three, four, or more exterior grooves. The exterior grooves may be spaced equidistant apart. 
     According to another aspect, the mouthpiece includes a heat sink in fluid communication with the lumen. 
     According to another aspect, a mouthpiece for a vaping device includes a sidewall extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the sidewall defining a lumen through which vapor may be drawn, the sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface; an air channel formed in the sidewall between the interior surface and the exterior surface, the air channel extending from a first opening in fluid communication with the proximal end of the sidewall to a second opening in fluid communication with the exterior surface of the sidewall, the air channel for intake of air exterior to the mouthpiece. 
     According to another aspect, a mouthpiece for a vaping device includes: a sidewall extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the sidewall defining an interior lumen through which vapor may be drawn, the sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface; at least one aperture extending through the sidewall, the at least one aperture fluidly connecting the interior lumen to the exterior surface of the sidewall and enabling air from exterior to the mouthpiece to be drawn into the interior lumen through the at least one aperture when a user inhales on a proximal opening of the mouthpiece. 
     In some embodiments, the mouthpiece also includes an exterior circumferential groove formed in the exterior surface of the sidewall between the proximal end and the distal end, and wherein the at least one aperture is within the exterior circumferential groove. The exterior circumferential groove may extend around a circumference of the exterior surface of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the at least one aperture comprises four apertures. Or two, three, four, five, or more apertures can be used. The apertures may be spaced equidistant apart. The apertures may have a circular shape, an octagonal shape, or any other shape desired. 
     In other embodiments, the mouthpiece can include an exterior longitudinal groove formed in the proximal end, the exterior groove extending from a proximal opening in fluid connection with the interior lumen to an exterior surface of the sidewall, and wherein the at least one aperture is formed in the exterior longitudinal groove. The exterior longitudinal groove may extend from an exterior side wall to the proximal end of the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece also includes a heat sink in fluid communication with the interior lumen. 
     According to another aspect, a mouthpiece for a vaping device includes: a sidewall extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the sidewall defining a lumen through which vapor may be drawn, the sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and a cylindrical heat sink in connection with the lumen, the cylindrical heat sink having a heat sink lumen therethrough, and wherein at least some of the vapor drawn into the lumen is also drawn through the heat sink lumen. As the vapor is drawn through the head sink, it can be cooled as it passes through the heat sink. 
     Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings illustrate what are currently considered to be specific representative embodiments for carrying out the disclosed subject matter and are not limiting as to embodiments which may be made in accordance with this disclosure. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an exemplary mouthpiece; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of another exemplary mouthpiece; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of another exemplary mouthpiece; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of another exemplary mouthpiece; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of another exemplary mouthpiece; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of another exemplary mouthpiece; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of another exemplary mouthpiece; 
         FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of another exemplary mouthpiece; and 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of  FIG.  15   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for improved mouthpieces for use with vaping devices. With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 2   , a first embodiment may include a mouthpiece  110 . The mouthpiece may include a sidewall  114  surrounding and defining an inner lumen  120 , the sidewall  114  extending from the distal end  118  to the proximal end  125 . The inner lumen  120  defined by the sidewall  114  is in fluid connection with the lumen of a vaping cartridge, and vapor from the lumen of the vaping cartridge is inhaled through the mouthpiece inner lumen  120  when a user places their mouth over the proximal end  125  and inhales. 
     The sidewall  114  of the mouthpiece  110  may have varying degrees of thickness. The sidewall  114  extends from an interior edge  111  to an exterior edge  112 . 
     The outer surface  114   a  may have an approximately planar outer surface  114   a . The inner surface  114   b  may form an hourglass shape to control the flow of vapor, and thus temperature, upwardly through the lumen  120 . For example, the vapor may be forced through the narrow neck  127  of the hourglass, limiting the flow of the vapor before it reaches the proximal opening  129  of the lumen  20 . Instead of forming an hourglass shape, the inner surface  114   b  of the sidewall  114  may be substantially planar or have another shape to affect and/or control the vapor flow. 
     The proximal opening  129  of the lumen  120  may be circular. Or, instead of being circular, it may be any other suitable shape. The proximal opening  129  may be made with a smaller diameter or a larger diameter to further control the flow of vapor and temperature of the vapor as it exits the proximal open  129 . A proximal opening  129  that is relatively larger, such as that shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , may cool the vapor more compared to a proximal opening  129  that is smaller. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3 - 4   , an embodiment of a mouthpiece  210  includes one or more exterior grooves  233  in the outer surface  214   a . The exterior groove(s)  233  are formed in the proximal end of the sidewall, and extend from the interior edge  211  in fluid connection with the lumen, to the exterior edge  212  of the sidewall  214 . In some embodiments, the sidewall extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The sidewall defines a lumen through which vapor may be drawn, the sidewall having an interior edge and an exterior edge. One or more exterior groove(s) can be formed in the proximal end of the sidewall to allow air to be drawn from outside the mouthpiece into the groove. The exterior groove(s) extend from the interior edge, which is in fluid communication with the lumen, to the exterior edge of the sidewall. The groove(s) fluidly connect air outside the mouthpiece with air inside the lumen. As a user draws inwardly on the proximal end of the mouthpiece, they draw vapor from the lumen, and air is also drawn in from outside the mouthpiece, through the exterior groove(s). 
     Mouthpiece  210  as shown includes four longitudinal grooves  233 . Instead of four grooves, one groove, two grooves, three grooves, or five or more grooves may be provided. Grooves  233  have a width of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, groove  133  have a width of 1 mm. Grooves  233  have a depth of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, and in one embodiment grooves  233  have a depth less than 1 mm. Instead of a width of 1 mm and a depth of less than 1 mm, the width and depth could be larger or smaller depending on the desired effects. Grooves  233  have a generally semi-circular shape. Instead of a semi-circular shape, grooves can have a semi-octagonal shape, or any other shape. 
     Grooves  233  extend from the proximal opening  229  of the inner lumen  120 , across a proximal end  225 , and down the outer surface  214   a  of the sidewall  214 . Instead of extending to the inner lumen  20  on the proximal end  125 , grooves  233  may extend only from the proximal end  225  down the outer surface  214   a  of the sidewall  214 . Grooves  233  may extend down the outer surface  214   a  of the sidewall  214  partially towards the distal end  218 , or fully to the distal end  218 . In other embodiments, grooves  233  do not extend down the outer surface  214   a  of the sidewall, but only across the proximal end of the side wall. 
     One or more grooves  233  may prevent a user&#39;s mouth from creating a perfect seal across the proximal end  225  when they inhale through the proximal opening  229  of lumen  220 . Users are known to place their mouths partially or sideways over a portion of the proximal opening  229  in order to approximate the effect created by the grooves  233 . That is, users place a portion of their mouth over a portion of the proximal opening  229  and inhale, thus inhaling some vapor through the portion of their mouth that is over the proximal opening  229  and inhaling some fresh air through the portion of the mouth that is not over the proximal end. 
     When a user places their entire mouth over the proximal end  225  of the mouthpiece  210 , some fresh air from outside the mouthpiece will be inhaled through grooves  233  and some vapor will be inhaled through the proximal opening  229  of lumen  220 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5 - 6   , another embodiment of a mouthpiece  310  is shown. In this embodiment, a heat sink  337  is provided within the lumen  320 . The heat sink may be, for example, a cylindrical heat sink in connection with the lumen. The cylindrical heat sink may have a heat sink lumen  349  therethrough, and at least some of the vapor drawn into the mouthpiece lumen  320  may also be drawn through the heat sink lumen  349 . As the vapor passes the heat sink lumen  349 , it may be cooled. In other embodiments, the heat sink is not cylindrical and/or does not include a lumen, such that the vapor may pass by the heat sink rather than through the heat sink. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , the heat sink  337  is located at the proximal end  325  of the inner wall  314   b . Instead of being located at the proximal end  325 , the heat sink may be located more distally, such as at the middle  341  of the inner wall  314   b  or at the distal end  318  of the inner wall  314   b . The heat sink can be formed of any suitable materials, such as aluminum, etc. Any metal or metal alloy with heat absorptive/dissipative properties may be used, such as aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, or any combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the inner wall  314   b  is formed with a shoulder  345  or ridge that the heat sink  337  may interface or rest on. Instead of a shoulder  345 , the inner wall  314   b  may be substantially planar and the heat sink  337  may be connected or otherwise coupled to the lumen through other means. Heat sink  337  is circular with a heat sink lumen  349  extending therethrough. Instead of being circular, heat sink  337  could have any other suitable polygonal shape, and may include one or more ridges or cut-aways for customizing its heat sinking properties. In one embodiment the heat sink  337  is octagonal, and in other embodiments the heat sink has different geometries. Likewise, the thickness of the heat sink  337  may be varied and optimized depending on the temperature control desired. The heat sink  337  shown in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  5 - 6    can be combined with any other embodiments shown herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  7 - 8   , an embodiment of a mouthpiece  410  may include an interior spiral  442 , or vortex, formed within the lumen  420  on the inner wall  414   b  of the sidewall  414 . The interior spiral  442  is formed by a helical or spiral structure within the lumen  420 . This structure may be integral to the inner wall  414   b  of the sidewall  414 , or it may be a separate feature connected inside the lumen  420 . 
     Similar to the embodiment of mouthpiece  210 , four grooves  433  are formed in the outer surface  414   a . Instead of four grooves, three or fewer grooves or five or more grooves may be provided. The number of grooves  433  may be varied to achieve the desired amount of air drawn in from outside the mouthpiece, or air from outside the mouthpiece that is inhaled by a user when the user places their mouth over the entire proximal end  425  and inhales. Instead of varying the number of grooves to adjust the amount of fresh air inhaled, the width, depth, and/or shape of the grooves being varied. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  9 - 10   , an embodiment of a mouthpiece  510  may be similar to the embodiment  410 , but with wider and deeper grooves  533 . Mouthpiece  510  includes four grooves  533  formed in the outer wall  514   a  of the mouthpiece  510 . Grooves  533  may be about 1 mm to about 3 mm wide, about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm wide, or about 2 mm wide. Groove(s)  533  may typically be less than 1 mm deep. In one embodiment, the grooves are 2 mm wide and less than 1 mm deep. The number of grooves, position of grooves, width of grooves, and depth of grooves may all be varied to achieve desired results with respect to the amount of outside air taken in through the grooves. An interior spiral airpath  542  may be provided. Instead of an interior spiral air path  542 , a planar interior wall  514   b  may be provided. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  11 - 12   , another embodiment of mouthpiece  610  is illustrated. In this embodiment, at least one aperture extends through the sidewall, fluidly connecting the interior lumen to the exterior surface of the sidewall and enabling air from exterior to the mouthpiece to be drawn into the interior lumen  620  through the at least one aperture when a user inhales on a proximal opening of the mouthpiece. 
     According to another aspect, mouthpiece  610  may include a circumferential groove  646  formed in the exterior surface of the sidewall. Circumferential groove  646  extends around the circumference of the outer wall  614   a . Instead of extending around the entire circumference, groove  646  may be provided at only select portions of the circumference. In some embodiments a groove  646  is not provided and the outer wall  614   a  may be substantially planar. 
     Four apertures  650  extend from the outer wall  614   a  within the groove  646  to the inner wall  614   b  of the sidewall  614 . Apertures  650  connect the lumen  620  defined by the inner wall  614   b  to the outer wall  614   a , and thus make the lumen  620  in fluid connection with fresh air from outside the mouthpiece  610 . Apertures  650  are shown as being generally circular. Instead of being circular, apertures could be any suitable polygonal shape. In other embodiments, one, two, three, four, five, six, or more apertures can be used. Similarly, apertures can be varied in size to achieve the desired air cooling effects. 
     Apertures  650  are recessed within the groove  646 . By recessing apertures  650  within the groove  646 , it reduces the chance of a user inadvertently covering the apertures  650  entirely when a user has their hand on the mouthpiece  610 . Because apertures  650  extend to the lumen  620 , as a user inhales on the proximal end  625  of the mouthpiece  610  and through the proximal opening  629 , air is drawn from the outside of the mouthpiece, through apertures  650  and into the lumen  620 . Similarly, vapor is drawn up through the center of the lumen  620  from the cartridge. The air drawn from outside the mouthpiece  610  may mix with the vapor drawn up the lumen and serve to cool the vapor in the lumen  620 . 
     Mouthpiece  610  may be provided with an interior spiral as discussed above with reference to  FIGS.  7 - 8   , and/or one or more heat sink elements. 
     In other embodiments, the mouthpiece can include one or more exterior longitudinal grooves. With reference to  FIGS.  13 - 14   , an embodiment of mouthpiece  710  includes two longitudinal grooves  733  formed in the sidewall  714 . Each longitudinal groove  733  extends along the outer wall  714   a  from the proximal end  725  towards a distal end. The grooves  733  are spaced equidistant apart. Instead of being spaced equally apart, the grooves may be placed closer or farther apart. Two grooves are shown, but one groove, three grooves, or four or more grooves may also be used. The exterior longitudinal groove can extend from a proximal opening in fluid communication with the interior lumen to an exterior surface of the side wall. Or the exterior longitudinal groove extends from an exterior side wall to the proximal end of the mouthpiece. 
     In some embodiments, one or more groove(s)  733  include one or more aperture(s)  750 . For example, each groove  744  shown in  FIGS.  13 - 14    include a single aperture  750  at the distal end  754  of the groove  733 . Aperture  750  extends from the outer wall  714   a  to the inner wall  714   b . Apertures  750  connect the groove  733  on the outer wall  714   a  to the lumen  720  defined by the inner wall  714   b . Apertures  750  are recessed within the grooves  733  to prevent a user from inadvertently covering the apertures entirely when a user has their hand on the mouthpiece  710 . One aperture  750  is shown in each of grooves  733 , but instead of just one aperture in each groove  733 , two or more apertures can be used. In other embodiments, some grooves may have no apertures. 
     The grooves  733  extend up from the aperture  750  to the proximal end  725 . The grooves  733  extend to the proximal opening  729  of the lumen  720 . In other embodiments, the grooves  733  do not extend to the proximal opening  729 . The width, depth, and number of grooves  733  can be varied depending on the desired heating effects. The grooves  733  formed in the proximal end also serve to prevent a user from forming a perfect seal with their mouth around the proximal end  725 . 
     Because apertures  750  extend to the lumen  720 , as a user inhales on the proximal end of the device, air is drawn from the outside of the mouthpiece, through apertures  750  and into the lumen. Similarly, vapor is drawn up through the center of the lumen from the cartridge. The air drawn from outside the mouthpiece through apertures  750  may mix with the vapor in the lumen  720  and serve to cool the vapor in the lumen  20 . 
     Mouthpiece  710  includes an interior spiral  742  formed within the lumen  720  on the inner wall  714   b  of the sidewall  714  (as described in detail with respect to  FIGS.  7 - 8    above). Instead of an interior spiral  742  in the lumen  720 , substantially straight inner walls  714   b  of the sidewall  714  may be provided. Other structures may be provided on the inner walls  714   b  to affect or adjust the flow of vapor through the lumen  720 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  15 - 16   , a mouthpiece  810  can include a sidewall  814  with an air channel  858  formed in the sidewall between the interior surface and the exterior surface, the air channel  858  extending from a first opening in fluid communication with the proximal end of the sidewall to a second opening in fluid communication with the exterior surface of the sidewall. The air channel  858  intakes air from exterior to the mouthpiece to proximal end of the sidewall. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS.  15 - 16   , mouthpiece  810  includes two slots or air channels  858  within sidewall  14 . The slots  858  extend from the proximal end  825  to the distal end  818 . The slots are open at the proximal end, extend through the body of the sidewall  814  between the outer wall  814   a  and the inner wall  814   b , and open at a distal end. The slots are not in communication with the lumen  820 . When a user places their mouth on the proximal end and inhales, vapor from the lumen  820 , as well as fresh air drawn in from the two slots  858  enters the user&#39;s mouth. 
     Instead of two slots  858 , one slot may be used, or three or more slots may be used. Instead of positioning slots equidistant apart, the slots may be spaced closer together or farther apart. The shape and size of the slots may also be varied. Slots  858  are shown as having a generally circular cross-section, but other polygons may also be used. A larger slot may be used to draw in relatively more fresh air and a smaller slot may be used to draw in relatively less fresh air as desired. 
     The mouthpiece  180  also includes an interior spiral  842  formed within the lumen  820  on the inner wall  814   b  of the sidewall  814  (discussed in detail above with respect to  FIGS.  7 - 8   ). The spiral air pathway can be used, or in other embodiments a spiral air pathway is not used. Similarly, a heat sink and/or other embodiments and combinations are possible. 
     While the present methods and devices have been specifically described with respect to use in vaping systems, it will be appreciated that other applications are possible and contemplated herein. The various aspects described above, including elements of the various embodiments described above, can be combined to provide further embodiments. For example, any of the embodiments described above can include a vortex within the lumen or not include a vortex within the lumen. Similarly, the embodiments may include a heat sink or may not include a heat sink. Any of the embodiments may be formed partially or entirely of suitable materials such as ceramic, plastics, metals, etc. 
     Various aspects discussed in reference to one drawing may be present and/or used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in another drawing, and each element shown in multiple drawings may be discussed only once. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the present disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. In one embodiment, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to numerical parameters within 10% of the indicated range. 
     Reference in the specification to “one configuration,” “one embodiment,” “a configuration,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment, but it is not a requirement that such feature, structure, or characteristic be present in any particular embodiment unless expressly set forth in the claims as being present. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the invention to a single embodiment, rather the element may be included in other or all embodiments discussed herein. 
     The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents used in the context of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Thus, for example, reference to “an aperture” or “a channel” may include one or more of such apertures or one or more of such channels. Structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. 
     Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
     Certain components of the mouthpiece described herein will be described as being coupled or connected to one another and such connections and couplings may be achieved in any suitable manner. Additionally, such components may be integrated with one another or distributed in any suitable fashion. As used herein, the vaping system mouthpiece may be described as having parts or portions that are more proximal and parts or portions which are more distal. This is relative to the distance from a user&#39;s mouth when the vaping system is in use. For example, the end of the mouthpiece which the user places their mouth on to inhale will be more proximal, or on a proximal end of the vaping system mouthpiece. In one embodiment, a portion or feature of the system which is towards the proximal end is closer to the proximal end than the distal end. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, a portion or feature of the system which is towards the distal end is closer to the distal end than the proximal end. 
     Various portions and components of apparatus within the scope of this disclosure, including for example, structural components, can be formed by one or more various suitable manufacturing processes known to those in the art. Similarly, various portions and components of apparatuses within the scope of this disclosure can be made from suitable materials known to those in the art. 
     The above description has set out various features, functions, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. Time and further development may change the manner in which the various aspects are implemented. The scope of protection defined by the claims is not intended to be limited to the specific sizes, shapes, features, or other aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The claimed inventions may be implemented or embodied in other forms while still being within the scopes of the concepts disclosed hereby. Also included are equivalents of the elements of the claims that can be made without departing from the scopes of concepts properly protected by the claims that follow.