Patent Publication Number: US-9893438-B1

Title: Electrical connectors for high density attach to stretchable boards

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure herein relates generally to electrical connectors and more particularly to electrical connectors for flexible materials and stretchable traces. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Multiple terminal electrical connectors that exist today have fairly high z-height, are not necessarily compatible with electric substrates, and in many cases, are not intuitive in how to use, especially for the lay user. Existing multiple-terminal electrical connectors can also require careful alignment or fine manipulation for proper use. Examples of such electrical connectors include flex connectors, which can use pressure contact or a small “lever” to open and close the contact pins. Others include pin or socket type connectors where each individual connection can be re-made multiple times. Additionally, most of these connectors can not be easily attached to a stretchable boards or substrates such as a fabric. Existing wearable connectors for stretchable skin contact applications are mostly based on sophisticated snaps, conductive velcro or thread-through conductive rings. Sophisticated snaps can consume a large area on a device especially when several contacts are required. Additionally, sophisticated snaps can have relatively large Z-height which impacts fabricating devices that are discreet and that do not impact user comfort. Conductive Velcro can require relatively large area on the substrate which results in larger system size when several connections are needed. Conductive Velcro can not be easily designed to avoid user error (the user might assume that all the contacts are made when only one side is connected). Thread through conductive rings form permanent attachment and the threads must be cut to release the device which significantly complicates the attach and detach process for the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrates generally an example of a multiple-terminal snap connector  100  according to an example of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates generally a multiple terminal zipper connector  200  according to an example of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates generally a system  300  including a multiple terminal zipper connector  330 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates generally a system including a multiple terminal snap fastener or connector  200 . 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate generally flowcharts of methods for coupling traces of stretchable boards or substrates together. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a system level diagram, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims. 
     The present inventors have recognized electrical connectors that can be easily manipulated by the user. Such connectors can be discrete and very intuitive for the user to operate. The present inventors have recognized a need for such connectors as internet-of-things (IoT) systems have begun to emerge that have multiple components and that can benefit from detachable electrical connectors that are easily manipulated by a user. For example, systems are becoming more prevalent that contain both disposable and reusable electrical components. Such systems can include health monitoring systems that can contain a disposable part that is placed in continuous contact with the skin for measuring biosignals (ECG, respiration rate, etc) and is disposed of every few days due to skin shedding or desquamation. Alternatively, the disposable part may include a strip that receives a sample of blood or sweat from the user for chemical analysis and needs to be thrown away after each use. The reusable part may contain more expensive components that are not irreversibly impacted during use such as the processor, communication, or other sensor chips and/or a battery. These example systems can benefit from multiple-terminal electrical connectors that can be frequently attached or disconnected by the user without requiring sending the parts back to the vendor. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrates generally an example of a multiple-terminal snap connector  100  according to an example of the present subject matter. In general, a snap connector  100  for fabric can include a male portion or stud  101  and a female portion or socket  102  or receiver that can be mated together to mechanically connect two stretchable boards or substrates  103 ,  104  where at least one of the substrates is flexible such as a fabric, for example. The stud  101  and socket  102  are configured for easy mating and unmating, however, once mated, the stud  101  and socket  102  resist separation. In certain examples, each portion  101 ,  102  of the snap connector can include the connecting part  111 ,  112  and a prong part  113 , or prong ring, that when used, or interfaced, together can fasten one half of the snap connector  100  to a flexible substrate  103 ,  104 . In certain examples, a special tool can be used to assemble each half of a snap connector  100  with a flexible substrate  103 ,  104 . The special tool can ensure that the prongs of the prong part  113  pierce the flexible substrate and engage and fold into the connecting part  111 ,  112  to hold the assembly fast to the substrate  103 ,  104 . 
     In certain examples, each connection part of a snap connector can be patterned with an electrically conductive material to form an individual connector interface terminal  121 ,  122 ,  123 ,  124 . Upon coupling the stud  101  with the socket  102 , an electrical connection can be made between the connector interface terminals on each portion  101 ,  102  of the snap connector. In certain examples, the connecting part of each portion of the snap connector  100  can be assembled with the corresponding prong part such that each patterned terminal of the connecting part aligns with and couples to a corresponding trace  131 ,  132 ,  133 ,  134  or terminal of the flexible electronic substrate  103 ,  104 . Upon mating with a corresponding connecting part, the snap connector  100  can facilitate multiple individual electrical connections between at least one flexible substrate  103  and a second substrate  104 . In some examples, the structural material of each connecting part  111 ,  112  can be a non-conductive material. In certain examples, the structural material of each connecting part  111 ,  1112  can be a metallic material and the patterning process can include patterning an insulator material between the structural material and the conductive terminal material. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates generally a plan view of a stud portion  111  of a snap connector  100 . The top-down view shows that additional connector interface terminals  125 ,  126  that can be patterned on the stud and can interface with corresponding traces of the substrate  103 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates generally a multiple terminal zipper connector  200  according to an example of the present subject matter. The multiple terminal zipper connector  200  can include a first portion  201  and a second portion  202 . At least one of the portions  201 ,  202  can be coupled to a flexible material  203 ,  204  such as a textile with integrated electrical traces  231 ,  232 ,  233 ,  234 ,  241 ,  242 ,  243 ,  244 . Each portion  201 ,  202  can include fasteners, or teeth  205 , configured to interlock with each other. The two plurality of teeth  205  that make op the portions  201 ,  202  of the multiple terminal zipper connector  200  may also be referred to as a chain. Some of the teeth  205 , conductive teeth  206 , can be electrically coupled to one of the electrical traces  231 ,  232 ,  233 ,  234 ,  241 ,  242 ,  243 ,  244  associated with a material coupled to the portion  201 ,  202  of the multiple terminal zipper connector  200 , such as the flexible material discussed above. When the two portions  201 ,  202  of the multiple terminal zipper connector  200  are connected and corresponding conductive teeth  206  of each portion  201 ,  202  are interlocked, signals can be passed between the traces  231 ,  232 ,  233 ,  234 ,  241 ,  242 ,  243 ,  244  of each substrate associated with each portion  201 ,  202 . 
     In certain examples, the first portion  201  can include a pin (not shown) and the second portion  202  can include a box  207 , sometimes referred to as a retainer box, and a pull tab  208 , zip mechanism or slider. The teeth  205  of the second portion  202  can be captured by the pull tab  208  and the pull tab  208  can slide along the teeth  205  of the second portion  202 . To connect the two portions  201 ,  202 , the pull tab  208  can be positioned adjacent the box  207  and the pin of the first portion  201  can be guided through the pull tab  208  into the box  207 . The pull tab  208  can be slid along the teeth  205  of both the first and second portions  201 ,  202 . As the pull tab  208  slides along the teeth  205 , the pull tab  208  interlocks the teeth  205  of the first portion  201  with the teeth  205  of the second portion  202 . Once the pull tab  208  is moved to the other end of the second portion  202 , the two portions  201 ,  202  are completely connected. Multiple electrical connections, or terminations can be made when the two portions  201 ,  202  are zipped together by locating non-conductive teeth between each set of conductive teeth  206  of each portion  201 ,  202 . 
     Moving the pull tab  208  through the interlocked teeth  205  can decoupled the first and second portions  201 ,  202 . The multiple terminal zipper connector  200  can provide an easy to use electrical connector for systems that include disposable electronics, wearable electronics, fabric based electronics or combinations thereof. 
     In certain examples, a centerline of a first trace  232  on the first flexible material can be offset from the centerline of a second trace  242  of the second flexible material  204  and conductive teeth of the multiple terminal zipper connector  200  can electrically couple the first trace  232  with the second trace  242  when the conductive teeth are zipped together. In general, at least one of the first portion or the second portion of the multiple terminal zipper connector  200  can include a length of conductive teeth that is generally wider than one of the first trace  232  or the second trace  242 . In certain examples, the ability to electrically couple offset traces can allow one portion  201 ,  202  of the multiple terminal zipper connector  200  to be used with multiple other portions where traces may need to terminate at different positions of the multiple terminal zipper connector  200 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates generally a system  300  including a multiple terminal zipper connector  330 . The system  300  can include a first circuit  303  and a second circuit  304 . In certain examples, the first circuit  303  can be in the form of a wearable circuit such as a shirt and can include a flexible substrate, a fabric substrate, a fabric-type substrate, such as a non-woven, or combinations thereof. In certain examples, the first circuit  303  can include one or more input or output devices  331 , such as sensors, transducers, displays, keyboards or combinations thereof. The input or output devices  331  can be coupled to the multiple terminal zipper connector  330  via flexible traces  332  integrated with the substrate of the first circuit  303 . In certain examples, the first circuit can include relatively low-cost devices such that the circuit is intended to be disposable, of limited use, or for one-time only use. 
     In certain examples, the second circuit  304  can include relatively more expensive devices and can be intended to be reused many times. The second circuit  304 , for example, can include a controller  333  for interfacing with the devices  331  of the first circuit  303 . The controller  333  can be coupled to the multiple terminal zipper connector  330  via flexible traces  334  integrated with the substrate of the second circuit  304 . In certain examples, the second circuit  304  can include a flexible substrate, a fabric substrate, a fabric-type substrate. 
     In certain examples, the multiple terminal zipper connector can be used to electrically and mechanically couple the first circuit with the second circuit. As discussed above, when connected, multiple terminations of the second circuit can be electrically coupled with corresponding terminations of the first circuit via interlocking, conductive teeth of the multiple terminal zipper connector. Upon completion of a use of the system, the multiple terminal zipper connector can be disconnected using the pull tab and one or more of the first circuit and the second circuit can be quickly and easily connected for subsequent use with a corresponding circuit. 
     The illustrated example shows a multiple terminal zipper connector following a perimeter path about the substrate of the second circuit. It is understood that other paths are possible for coupling the first and second circuits using a multiple terminal zipper connector without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In certain examples, the second circuit can include a pouch with one or more additional electrical connectors. In some examples, the pouch can be configured to hold different controllers and the connectors can be configured to couple the different controllers to corresponding input and output devices of a corresponding first circuit. In some examples, the second circuit processing logic is integrated with the pouch and the pouch and connectors are configured to hold expendable components such a power sources or memory devices that can easily be exchanged when such devices are expended, for example, by being depleted of most power or filling upto near capacity. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates generally a system including a multiple terminal snap fastener or connector  200 . The system can include a first circuit and a second circuit. In certain examples, the first circuit can be in the form of a wearable circuit such as a shirt and can include a flexible substrate, a fabric substrate, a fabric-type substrate, such as a non-woven, or combinations thereof. In certain examples, the first circuit can include one or more input or output devices, such as sensors, transducers, displays, keyboards or combinations thereof. In certain examples, the first circuit can include relatively low-cost devices such that the circuit is intended to be disposable, of limited use, or for one-time only use. 
     In certain examples, the second circuit can include relatively more expensive devices and can be intended to be reused many times. The second circuit for example can include a controller for interfacing with the devices of the first circuit. In certain examples, the second circuit can include a flexible substrate, a fabric substrate, a fabric-type substrate or combinations thereof. 
     In certain examples, the multiple terminal snap fasteners can be used to electrically and mechanically couple the first circuit with the second circuit. As discussed above, when connected, multiple terminations of the second circuit can be electrically coupled with corresponding terminations of the first circuit via the patterned interface of the receiver and stud of the snap fastener. Upon completion of a use of the system, the multiple terminal snap fasteners can be pulled apart to be disconnected and one or more of the first circuit and the second circuit can be quickly and easily connected for subsequent use with a corresponding circuit. 
     The illustrated example shows several multiple terminal snap fasteners at a perimeter about the substrate of the second circuit. It is understood that other locations are possible for coupling the first and second circuits using multiple terminal snap fasteners without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In certain examples, the second circuit can include a pouch with one or more additional electrical connectors. In some examples, the pouch can be configured to hold different controllers and the connectors can be configured to couple the different controllers to different combinations of input and out devices of a corresponding first circuit. In some examples, the second circuit processing logic is integrated with the pouch and the pouch and snap fasteners are configured to hold expendable components such power sources or memory devices that can easily be exchanged when such devices are expended, for example, by being depleted of most power or filling up to near capacity. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate generally flowcharts of methods for coupling traces of stretchable boards or substrates together. In certain examples, a method  500  for coupling traces of stretchable boards or substrates together and include, at  501 , electrically coupling a plurality of stretchable traces together using a fabric fastener. In certain examples, the fabric fastener mechanically couples the fabrics together while simultaneously coupling the stretchable traces electrically. In certain examples, a method  510  for coupling traces of stretchable boards or substrates together can include, at  503 , aligning a stud of a snap fastener with a receiver of the snap fastener, or vice versa, and, at  505 , mating the stud with the receiver to connect the plurality of stretchable traces. In certain examples, a method  520  for coupling traces of stretchable boards or substrates together can include, at  507 , inserting a pin of a zipper within a zipper box, and at  508 , sliding the pull tab of the zipper along the teeth of the zipper to connect a plurality of stretchable traces together. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a system level diagram, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. For instance,  FIG. 6  depicts an example of an electronic device (e.g., system) including a multiple-terminal snap connector as described above.  FIG. 6  is included to show an example of a higher level device application for the present subject matter. In one embodiment, system  600  includes, but is not limited to, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a tablet, a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, a workstation, a cellular telephone, a mobile computing device, a smart phone, an Internet appliance or any other type of computing device. In some embodiments, system  600  is a system on a chip (SOC) system. 
     In one embodiment, processor  610  has one or more processing cores  612  and  612 N, where  612 N represents the Nth processor core inside processor  610  where N is a positive integer. In one embodiment, system  600  includes multiple processors including 610 and 605, where processor  605  has logic similar or identical to the logic of processor  610 . In some embodiments, processing core  612  includes, but is not limited to, pre-fetch logic to fetch instructions, decode logic to decode the instructions, execution logic to execute instructions and the like. In some embodiments, processor  610  has a cache memory  616  to cache instructions and/or data for system  600 . Cache memory  616  may be organized into a hierarchal structure including one or more levels of cache memory. 
     In some embodiments, processor  610  includes a memory controller  614 , which is operable to perform functions that enable the processor  610  to access and communicate with memory  630  that includes a volatile memory  632  and/or a non-volatile memory  634 . In some embodiments, processor  610  is coupled with memory  630  and chipset  620 . Processor  610  may also be coupled to a wireless antenna  678  to communicate with any device configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals. In one embodiment, the wireless antenna interface  678  operates in accordance with, but is not limited to, the IEEE 802.11 standard and its related family, Home Plug AV (HPAV), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth, WiMax, or any form of wireless communication protocol. 
     In some embodiments, volatile memory  632  includes, but is not limited to, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM), and/or any other type of random access memory device. Non-volatile memory  634  includes, but is not limited to, flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or any other type of non-volatile memory device. 
     Memory  630  stores information and instructions to be executed by processor  610 . In one embodiment, memory  630  may also store temporary variables or other intermediate information while processor  610  is executing instructions. In the illustrated embodiment, chipset  620  connects with processor  610  via Point-to-Point (PtP or P-P) interfaces  617  and  622 . Chipset  620  enables processor  610  to connect to other elements in system  600 . In some embodiments of the invention, interfaces  617  and  622  operate in accordance with a PtP communication protocol such as the Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (CPI) or the like. In other embodiments, a different interconnect may be used. 
     In some embodiments, chipset  620  is operable to communicate with processor  610 ,  605 N, display device  640 , and other devices  672 ,  676 ,  674 ,  660 ,  662 ,  664 ,  666 ,  677 , etc. Chipset  620  may also be coupled to a wireless antenna  678  to communicate with any device configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals. 
     Chipset  620  connects to display device  640  via interface  626 . Display  640  may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, cathode ray tube (CRT) display, or any other form of visual display device. In some embodiments of the invention, processor  610  and chipset  620  are merged into a single SOC. In addition, chipset  620  connects to one or more buses  650  and  655  that interconnect various elements  674 ,  660 ,  662 ,  664 , and  666 . Buses  650  and  655  may be interconnected together via a bus bridge  672 . In one embodiment, chipset  620  couples with a non-volatile memory  660 , a mass storage device(s)  662 , a keyboard/mouse  664 , and a network interface  666  via interface  624  and/or  604 , smart TV  676 , consumer electronics  677 , etc. 
     In one embodiment, mass storage device  662  includes, but is not limited to, a solid state chive, a hard disk drive, a universal serial bus flash memory drive, or any other form of computer data storage medium. In one embodiment, network interface  666  is implemented by any type of well known network interface standard including, but not limited to, an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express interface, a wireless interface and/or any other suitable type of interface. In one embodiment, the wireless interface operates in accordance with, but is not limited to, the IEEE 802.11 standard and its related family, Home Plug AV (HPAV), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth, WiMax, or any form of wireless communication protocol. 
     While the modules shown in  FIG. 6  are depicted as separate blocks within the system  600 , the functions performed by some of these blocks may be integrated within a single semiconductor circuit or may be implemented using two or more separate integrated circuits. For example, although cache memory  616  is depicted as a separate block within processor  610 , cache memory  616  (or selected aspects of  616 ) can be incorporated into processor core  612 . 
     ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES AND NOTES 
     Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined with one or more of the other examples in any permutation or combination. 
     In Example 1, a system can include a first portion of a fabric fastener, a second portion of the fabric fastener, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to mechanically connect with each other and to resist separation from each other once connected, and wherein the first and second portions include a plurality of corresponding electrical contacts configured to form a plurality of individual electrical connections when the first portion is mechanically connected with the second portion. 
     In Example 2, the fabric fastener of Example 1 optionally is a snap fastener, the first portion can include a stud and a first prong ring interfaced with the stud. 
     In Example 3, the second portion of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally includes a receiver and a second prong ring interfaced with the receiver. 
     In Example 4, the system of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally includes a first fabric assembly, a first circuit integrated with the first fabric assembly, and wherein the first fabric assembly is secured between the stud and the first prong ring. 
     In Example 5, a first trace of the first circuit and the first fabric assembly of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally is electrically coupled to a first conductive portion of the stud, the first conductive portion of the stud of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally includes a first portion of a first contact of the plurality of corresponding contacts. 
     In Example 6, the system of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally includes a second fabric assembly, a second circuit integrated with the second fabric assembly, and wherein the second fabric assembly is secured between the receiver and the second prong ring. 
     In Example 7, a first trace of the second circuit and the second fabric assembly of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally is electrically coupled to a first conductive portion of the receiver, the first conductive portion of the receiver of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally includes a second portion of the first contact of the plurality of corresponding contacts 
     In Example 8, a second trace of the first circuit and the first fabric assembly of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally is electrically coupled to a second conductive portion of the stud, the second conductive portion of the stud of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally includes a first portion of a second contact of the plurality of corresponding contacts, and a second trace of the second circuit and the second fabric assembly of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally is electrically coupled to a second conductive portion of the receiver, the second conductive portion of the receiver of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally includes a second portion of the second contact of the plurality of corresponding contacts 
     In Example 9, the fabric fastener of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally is a zipper, the zipper including a chain and a slider configured to mate and to separate teeth of the chain, wherein the first portion includes a first plurality of teeth of the chain, and wherein the second portion includes a second plurality of teeth of the chain. 
     In Example 10, the system of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally includes a first fabric assembly and a first circuit integrated with the first fabric assembly, wherein a first trace of the first circuit and the first fabric assembly is electrically coupled to a first plurality of conductive teeth of the first plurality of teeth, the first plurality of conductive teeth comprising a first portion of a first contact of the plurality of corresponding contacts 
     In Example 11, the system of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally includes a second fabric assembly and a second circuit integrated with the second fabric assembly, wherein a first trace of the second circuit and the second fabric assembly is electrically coupled to a first plurality of conductive teeth of the second plurality of teeth, the first plurality of conductive teeth of the second plurality of teeth comprising a second portion of the first contact of the plurality of corresponding contacts. 
     In Example 12, when the first plurality of teeth are mated with the second plurality of teeth, the first trace of the first circuit of any one or more of Examples 1-11 optionally is electrically coupled to a first trace of the second circuit and the first trace of the first circuit is not aligned with the first race of the second circuit. 
     In Example 13, a second trace of the first circuit and the first fabric assembly of any one or more of Examples 1-12 optionally is electrically coupled to a second plurality of conductive teeth of the first plurality of teeth, the second plurality of conductive teeth comprising a first portion of a second contact of the plurality of corresponding contacts, and a second trace of the second circuit and the second fabric assembly of any one or more of Examples 1-12 optionally is electrically coupled to a second plurality of conductive teeth of the second plurality of teeth, the second plurality of conductive teeth of the second plurality of teeth comprising a second portion of the second contact of the plurality of corresponding contacts. 
     In Example 14, a method can include electrically coupling a plurality of stretchable traces of a first circuit with a corresponding plurality of stretchable traces of a second circuit using a fabric fastener, wherein the first circuit is integrated with a first fabric assembly; the first fabric assembly including a first portion of the fabric fastener, and wherein the second circuit is integrated with a second fabric assembly, the second fabric assembly including a second portion of the fabric fastener. 
     In Example 15, the first portion of any one or more of Examples 1-14 optionally includes a stud of a snap fastener and the second portion include a receiver of the snap fastener, and the electrically coupling a plurality of stretchable traces of any one or more of Examples 1-14 optionally includes aligning a stud of the fabric fastener with a receiver of the fabric fastener and mating the stud with the receiver. 
     In Example 16, the first portion of any one or more of Examples 1-15 optionally includes a first plurality of teeth of a chain of a zipper fastener and the second portion includes a second plurality of teeth of the zipper fastener, the electrically coupling a plurality of stretchable traces of any one or more of Examples 1-15 optionally includes inserting a pin associated with the second plurality of teeth within a slider integrated with the first plurality of teeth and within a retainer box and simultaneously sliding the slider along the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth away from the pin and the retainer box. 
     The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. 
     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are legally entitled.