Patent Publication Number: US-2020277950-A1

Title: Seal support sensor for a pump

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/811,745, filed Feb. 28, 2019, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to a seal support sensor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a seal support sensor configured to improve seal performance and life for a pump. 
     Background Information 
     Conventional pump monitoring is most often effected by a person who periodically visits each pump, makes observations of noise and leaks and takes vibration readings with instrumentation utilizing an accelerometer. The information is compared with historical data on that pump to detect trends that could result in failure of the pump bearings, couplings or seals. 
     Moreover, in some conventional systems detectors can be used, whether permanently installed or periodically applied by an operator, which generally monitor the bearings or couplings, either directly or through the housing and do not indicate the condition of the seal, which can indicate failures in other components of the pump. 
     SUMMARY 
     It has been discovered that the reliability of mechanical seals can be improved with precise control of barrier fluid environmental factors. In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a seal support sensor that includes a housing, an extension  64 , a sensor and an electronic controller. The housing is configured to attach to a barrier fluid tank. The extension  64  has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being connected to the housing. The sensor is disposed at the distal end, configured to be disposed within the barrier fluid tank and configured to detect a parameter within the barrier fluid tank. The electronic controller is configured to determine whether the parameter within the barrier fluid tank is within a predetermined range perform a mitigation operation when the parameter is not within the predetermined range. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a seal support sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention disposed within a barrier fluid tank for pump shaft seal; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the seal support sensor of  FIG. 2  disposed within the barrier fluid tank; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of  FIG. 2  with the barrier fluid tank and the housing in phantom; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross sectional view in part of the seal support sensor according to of  FIG. 2  disposed within the barrier fluid tank; 
         FIG. 4B  is an enlarged view in section of the seal support sensor connection to the barrier fluid tank; 
         FIG. 4C  is an enlarged view in section of the sealed cap of the seal support sensor; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the barrier fluid tank with the seal support sensor of  FIG. 2  removed; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of another embodiment of the seal support sensor of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the seal support sensor of  FIG. 6  with the housing in phantom; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic of the seal support sensor according to embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the seal support sensor of  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention directed to a seal support sensor  10  that is disposed within a barrier fluid tank  12  for pump shaft seal  14 . As can be understood, the pump can be any conventional pump that includes a pump shaft  16 , a pump shaft seal  14 , an impeller (not shown) and a volute (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the barrier fluid tank  12  is preferably a metal or composite tank and can be a generally cylindrical tank with a top surface  18 , a bottom surface  20  and a radial surface  22  disposed between the top surface  18  and the bottom surface  20 , and is in fluid communication with the pump shaft seal  14 . The barrier fluid tank  12  includes a first top port  24 , a second top port  26 , a middle port  28  and a bottom port  30 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the barrier fluid tank  12  can be positioned adjacent the pump shaft seal  14  and attached to an attachment post  32  or other structure. It is noted that the barrier fluid tank  12  can be positioned adjacent to the pump shaft seal  14  in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the barrier fluid tank  12  can be positioned separate from the pump shaft seal  14  and in another embodiment, the barrier fluid tank  12  can be attached to or formed with the pump shaft seal  14 . It is further noted that the barrier fluid tank  12  can be formed from any suitable material and have any suitable configuration. 
     The second top port  26  can be disposed in the top surface  18  offset from the longitudinal center line L of the barrier fluid tank  12  and is a fill/service port and can include an analog gauge AG if desired ( FIG. 1 ). The second top port  26  includes a cylindrical collar  34  that can be press fitted into an opening in the barrier fluid tank  12 , or connect to the barrier fluid tank  12  in any suitable permanent, semi-permanent or detachable manner. The collar  34  is generally cylindrical and has a through passage  36  with internal threads  38 . The internal threads  38  are configured to couple to the analog gauge. 
     The bottom port  30  can be disposed in the radial surface  22  and is a seal supply port and is connected to the pump shaft seal  14  through a hose or a tube  40 . The bottom port  30  includes a cylindrical collar  42  that can be press fitted into an opening in the barrier fluid tank  12 , or connect to the barrier fluid tank  12  in any suitable permanent, semi-permanent or detachable manner. The collar  42  is generally cylindrical and has a through passage  44  with internal threads  46 . The internal threads  46  are configured to couple to the hose  40 . The pump shaft seal  14  can supply fluid F to the barrier fluid tank  12  through the hose  40  and the bottom port  30 . 
     The middle port  28  can be disposed in the radial surface  22  and is a seal return port and is connected to the pump shaft seal  14  through a hose or a tube  48 . The middle port  28  includes a cylindrical collar  50  that can be press fitted into an opening in the barrier fluid tank  12 , or connect to the barrier fluid tank  12  in any suitable permanent, semi-permanent or detachable manner. The collar  50  is generally cylindrical and has a through passage  52  with internal threads  54 . The barrier fluid tank  12  can return fluid to the pump shaft seal  14  through the hose  48  and the middle port  28 . 
     It is noted that the second top port  26 , the middle port  28  and the bottom port  30  can be disposed in any suitable position and are not limited in position and or arrangement as described herein. 
     The first top port  24  is preferably centrally disposed in the top surface  18  so as to be positioned along the longitudinal center line L of the barrier fluid tank  12 . The first top port  24  includes a cylindrical collar  56  that can be press fitted into an opening in the barrier fluid tank  12 , or connect to the barrier fluid tank  12  in any suitable permanent, semi-permanent or detachable manner. The collar  56  is generally cylindrical and has a through passage  58  with internal threads  60 . The internal threads  60  are preferably female threads that are configured to couple to the seal support sensor  10 . However, it is noted that the first top port  24  can be positioned on the barrier fluid tank  12  in any position desired and attach to the seal support sensor  10  in any manner desired. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4A , the seal support sensor  10  is configured to be disposed within the first top port  24  and includes a housing  62 , an extension  64 , a first sensor  66 , a second sensor  68 , an electronic controller  70 , a wireless communication system  72 , a capacitive level sensing probe  74 , a multi-pole connector  76 , an electrically insulated grounding plate  78 , a display  80  and a sealed cap  82 . 
     The housing  62  is preferably molded plastic, but can be formed from any suitable material. The housing  62  is preferably a two piece housing  62  with an upper housing section  62   a  and a lower housing section  62   b  defining a hollow interior  84  which can house a control board  86 . The upper and lower housing sections  62   a  and  62   b  are coupled together to form housing  62 . When coupled together, as seal or sealing element  88  is disposed between an outer surface or an internal projection  90  of the upper housing section  62   a  and an interior surface  92  of the lower housing section  62   b , such that the housing  62  is sealed from external elements and the hollow interior  84  is protected. The upper and lower housing sections  62   a  and  62   b  can form the housing  62  that can be generally cylindrical with a top surface  94 , a bottom surface  96  and a radial surface  98  therebetween. 
     The control board  86  includes the electronic controller  70  and other electrical circuitry and components as discussed herein. Moreover, disposed within an opening in the top surface of the housing  62  is the multi-pole connector  76 . In one embodiment, the multi-pole connector  76  attached to the housing  62  and configured to enable connection to test equipment. The multi-pole connector  76  can be a M12 5 pin or 8 pin Deustch user connection. Thus, as can be understood, a user can connect test equipment to the multi-pole connector  76  and determine the status of the pump shaft seal  14  without removing the seal support sensor  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the housing  62  includes an adapter  102  that preferably is press fitted (e.g., a pressure fitting adapter) into an opening in the bottom surface  96  of the housing  62 . The adapter  102  is preferably cylindrical in shape and is molded plastic. The exterior surface  104  of the adapter  102  can have male threads  105  that enable the adapter  102  and thus the housing  62  to be detachably or removably attached to the barrier fluid tank  12 . That is, the male threads on the adapter  102  can engage the female threads  60  in the collar  56  of the first top port  24  of the barrier fluid tank  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the adapter  102  can include a first longitudinal passage  106  and a second longitudinal passage  108 . The first longitudinal passage  108  has a first section  110  and a second section  112 , the second section  112  having a diameter D 2  that is larger than the diameter D 1  of the first section  110 . The first longitudinal passage  106  is sized and configured to enable electrical wiring to pass therethrough and along the extension  64  to the sealed cap  82 . The second section  112  includes internal or female threads  114  that couple to the electrically insulated grounding plate  78 . 
     The electrically insulated grounding plate  78  is preferably plastic and is generally cylindrical. The electrically insulated ground plate  78  includes external threads  116  that enable the electrically insulated grounding plate  78  to couple to the adapter  102 . That is, the male threads  116  on the electrically insulated grounding plate  78  can engage the female threads  114  in adapter  102 . The electrically insulated grounding plate  78  can include a first longitudinal passage  118  and a second longitudinal passage  120 . The first longitudinal passage  118  has a first section  120  and a second section  122 , the second section  122  having a diameter D 4  that is larger than the diameter D 3  of the first section  120 . The first longitudinal passage  118  is sized and configured to enable electrical wiring to pass therethrough and along the extension  64  to the sealed cap  82 . The second section  122  includes internal threads  124  that couple to the extension  64 . Thus, the an electrically insulated grounding plate  78  is connected to the adapter  102  and is attached to the extension  64 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the extension  64  is a cylindrical metal tube that has a distal end  126  and a proximal end  128 . The proximal end  128  has external thread  130  that enables the extension  64  to connect to the electrically insulated grounding plate  78 , such that the extension  64  is basically connected to the housing  62 . In one embodiment, the extension the threads  130  on an exterior surface at the proximal end  128  that engage the internal threads  124  on the second section  122  of the electrically insulated grounding plate  78 . The extension  64  is hollow in the longitudinal direction and is sized and configured to enable electrical wiring to pass therethrough. The distal end  126  of the extension  64  also has threads  132  on an exterior surface which enables the extension  64  to couple to the sealed cap  82 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 a    and  4 C, the sealed cap  82  is a cylindrical molded plastic member with internal threads that engage the threads on the exterior surface of the distal  128  end of the extension  64 . Additionally, in one embodiment, a seal  135 , such as an O-ring, is disposed within the sealed cap  82  to seal the sealed cap  82  from the elements. In one embodiment the seal  135  is a retardant polyurethane seal The sealed cap  82  has a hollow interior that is sized and configured to hold a sensor board  134 . 
     The sensor board  134  can include a digital pressure transducer (first sensor  66 ) and temperature transducer (second sensor  68 ). The sealed cap  82  can hold the sensor board  134  in place and provides sealing for the digital pressure transducer  66  and an temperature transducer  68 . Thus, the electrical wiring W can be connected to the control board  86  in the housing  62 , pass through the adapter  102  and the electrically insulated grounding plate  78 , through the extension  64  and the sealed cap  82  to the sensor board  134 . 
     Turning back to the second longitudinal passage  108  in the adapter  102  in  FIG. 4B , the second longitudinal passage  108  has a first section  136  and a second section  138 , the second section  138  having a diameter D 6  that is larger than the diameter D 7  of the first section  136 . The first longitudinal passage  106  is sized and configured to enable the capacitive level sensing probe  74  to pass therethrough adjacent to the extension  64  to a bracket  140  attached to the sealed cap  82 . Thus, the capacitive level sensing probe  74  can be connected to the control board  86  in the housing  62 , pass through the adapter  102  to the bracket  140  attached to the sealed cap  82 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the seal support sensor can have a housing with a rectangular housing  62 . In this embodiment, the display, can be LEDs on the top surface of the housing. This embodiment is substantially similar in operation and internal structure as the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the electronic controller  70  can be a cortex M4 microcontroller  70  or any other controller  70  configured to carry out the processes discussed herein. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic controller  70  preferably includes a microcontroller or microcomputer with a control program that controls the seal support sensor  10  as discussed below. The electronic controller  70  can also include other conventional components such as an input interface circuit, an output interface circuit, and storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) device and a RAM (Random Access Memory) device. The microcomputer of the electronic controller  70  is programmed to control the seal support sensor  10 . The memory circuit stores processing results and control programs such as ones for the seal support sensor  10  operation that are run by the processor circuit. The electronic controller  70  is operatively coupled to the first sensor  66 , the second sensor  68 , the wireless communication system  72 , the capacitive level sensing probe  74 , and the multi-pole connector  76  in a conventional manner. The internal RAM of the electronic controller  70  stores statuses of operational flags and various control data. The electronic controller  70  is capable of selectively controlling any of the components of the control system in accordance with the control program. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the precise structure and algorithms for the electronic controller  70  can be any combination of hardware and software that will carry out the functions of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical system can include the electronic controller  70  that is a Cortex M4 microcontroller. The electronic controller  70  is electrically connected to an onboard capacitance measurement—level probe, a CAN 2.0B driver—CANopen, J1939, a UART—Bluetooth, SPI—WIFI, 12XDigital output (for LEDS fir status and up to 3 relays), 2× Analog input (for the pressure and Temperature transducers, and 1×—one wire for multiple digital temperature transducers. 
     The controller  70  is in communication, the capacitive level sensing probe  74 , the temperature transducer  68 , the pressure transducer  66 , the wireless communication system  72  (for example, the Bluetooth transceiver  72   a , the WIFI transceiver  72   b ) and the display  80 . Further the controller  70  is in communication with a regulator  142 , relays  144  for driving air pumps/valves that are capable of increasing and decreasing seal pressure, an SPDT replay  146  for control system integration and a CAN transceiver  148 . Each of these elements (the regulator  142 , the relays  144  for driving air pumps/valves that are capable of increasing and decreasing seal pressure, the SPDT replay  146  for control system integration and the CAN transceiver  148 ) are in turn in electrical communication with the multi-pole connector  76 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the seal support sensor  10  can be inserted in the barrier fluid tank  12 , which fluid F from the seal pump shaft seal  14  can be disposed. The extension  64  is disposed within the fluid F and the sensor (e.g., temperature transducer  68 , the pressure transducer  66 ) can be disposed at the distal end of the extension  64 , such that the sensor (e.g., temperature transducer  68 , the pressure transducer  66 ) is disposed within the barrier fluid tank  12  and configured to detect a parameter within the barrier fluid tank  12 . In one embodiment, the sensor is the digital pressure transducer  66  in conjunction with a temperature transducer  68 . In this embodiment, the capacitive level sensing probe  74  is an insulated spring steel rod or a corrosion resistant spring steel or, and also extends in to the fluid F. 
     Turning to  FIG. 9 , the process of operating the seal support sensor is illustrated. First, the controller  70  on the control board  86  reads the capacitive level sensing probe  74  (i.e., the level sensor) in step S 110 , reads the pressure transducer  66  in step S 120 , and reads the temperature transducer  68  in step S 130 . 
     In step S 140 , the controller  70  scales the sensor readings from at least one of steps S 110 -S 130 , and then reports the sensor readings to the controller  70  in step S 150 . The controller  70  in step S 160  can compare the sensor readings to previously stored (in a storage device) sensor readings. The previously stored readings can be readings from readings previously detected or from a predetermined set of values or parameters. Thus, in one embodiment, the sensor readings are parameters that are compared to previous parameters or readings. In one embodiment, the parameters are compared to a predetermined parameter range. In step S 170 , the parameter can be a rate of change of the level of the fluid F (e.g., as determined by the sensed level compared to a previous sensed level). If the controller  70  determines that there is a change of level via the capacitive level sensing probe  74 , such that the rate of change shows a leaking fluid, the controller  70  can determine that a mitigation operation should be performed. In step S 180 , the mitigation operation can be a warning that is reported. The warning can be a visual display  80  through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the warning can be an audible warning, or a warning that is displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     If the controller  70  determines that the level of the fluid F does not show a leaking fluid the controller  70  can compare the sensed temperature with a previously sensed temperature (or a predetermined temperature) stored in the storage device in step S 190 . If the controller  70  determines that there is a change in temperature or the temperature is higher than a threshold (or predetermined temperature), the controller  70  can determine that a mitigation operation should be performed. In step S 180 , the mitigation operation can be a warning that is reported. The warning can be a visual display through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the warning can be an audible warning, or a warning that is displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     If the controller  70  determines that the temperature of the fluid F does not show a change in temperature or the temperature is higher than a threshold (or predetermined temperature), the controller  70  can compare the sensed pressure with a previously sensed pressure (or a predetermined pressure) stored in the storage device in step S 200 . If the controller  70  determines that there is a change in pressure or the pressure is higher than a threshold (or predetermined pressure), the controller  70  can determine that a mitigation operation should be performed. In step S 180 , the mitigation operation can be a warning that is reported. The warning can be a visual display through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the warning can be an audible warning, or a warning that is displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     If the controller  70  determines that the pressure of the fluid F does not show a pressure that is higher than a threshold (or predetermined) temperature, the controller  70  can compare the sensed pressure with a previously sensed pressure (or a predetermined pressure) stored in the storage device in step S 210 . In one embodiment, the pressure can be compared with the environmental pressure sensed by an environmental pressure sensor. If the controller  70  determines that there is a change in pressure or the pressure is lower than a threshold (or predetermined pressure), the controller  70  can determine that a mitigation operation should be performed. In step S 180 , the mitigation operation can be a warning that is reported. The warning can be a visual display through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the warning can be an audible warning, or a warning that is displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     If the controller  70  determines that the pressure of the fluid F does not show a pressure that is lower than a threshold (or predetermined) temperature, the controller  70  can determine whether the fluid level is empty in step S 220 . The controller  70  can determine that the fluid level is empty based on the level of the fluid sensed using the via the level sensor. If the fluid F is level is not empty, the controller  70  can determine that a mitigation operation should be performed. In step S 240 , the mitigation operation can be a stopping the pump. In addition, the mitigation operation can include a visual display through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the warning can include an audible warning, or a warning that is displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     If the controller  70  determines that fluid level is not empty, in step S 250 , the controller  70  can compare the sensed temperature with a threshold temperature (or a predetermined) temperature stored in the storage device in step S 190 . If the controller  70  determines that the temperature is higher than the threshold (or predetermined) temperature, the controller  70  can determine that a mitigation operation should be performed. In step S 240 , the mitigation operation can be a stopping the pump. In addition, the mitigation operation can include a visual display through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the warning can include an audible warning, or a warning that is displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     If the controller  70  determines that fluid temperature is not higher than the threshold (or predetermined) temperature, in step S 250 , the controller  70  can compare the sensed pressure with a threshold pressure (or a predetermined pressure) stored in the storage device in step S 260 . If the controller  70  determines that the pressure is higher than the threshold pressure (or predetermined pressure), the controller  70  can determine that a mitigation operation should be performed. In step S 240 , the mitigation operation can be a stopping the pump. In addition, the mitigation operation can include a visual display through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the warning can include an audible warning, or a warning that is displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     If the controller  70  determines that fluid pressure is not higher than the threshold (or predetermined) temperature, in step S 260 , the controller  70  can compare the sensed pressure with a threshold pressure (or a predetermined pressure) stored in the storage device in step S 270 . If the controller  70  determines that the pressure is lower than the threshold pressure (or predetermined pressure), the controller  70  can determine that a mitigation operation should be performed. In step S 240 , the mitigation operation can be a stopping the pump. In addition, the mitigation operation can include a visual display through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the warning can include an audible warning, or a warning that is displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     If the controller  70  determines that fluid pressure is not lower than the threshold (or predetermined) temperature, in step S 270 , the controller  70  can report the parameters are normal in step S 280 . The report can be on a visual display through LEDs on the display  80 . Moreover, the can be displayed on the test equipment through the multi-pole connector  76 , or any combination thereof. The test sequence can then return to start. 
     Thus, as can be understood, the controller  70  is configured to determine whether a parameter within the barrier fluid tank  12  is within a predetermined range (i.e., level, pressure, and/or temperature range) and perform a mitigation operation when the parameter is not within the predetermined range. The controller  70  is also configured to wirelessly display the mitigation operation as a warning or information through the wireless communication system  72 , such as the WIFI transceiver  72   b  or Bluetooth transceiver  72   a  to a remote display. Moreover, instructions can be issued through the same wireless (or wired) connection. For example, instructions such as a pump shut down can be communicated to the controller  70  through the wireless communication system  72  or a wired connection. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the controller  70  can also be connected to the regulator  142  with reverse polarity, overcurrent and overvolt protection  150 , the relay  152  for driving pump valves to increase and decrease the seal pressure, and a relay  154  for system integration into existing pump control applications. Thus, in some embodiments, the controller  70  can perform a mitigation operation by changing the pump seal pressure and/or controlling and regulating the fluid temperature. 
     Thus, the seal support sensor  10  can perform continuous variable level measurement, perform temperature compensation enable readings for the seal support pressure. Embodiments of the present invention can include a modular fieldbus transceiver  156  for full monitoring and control including CANbus, UART, Bluetooth and WiFi. Further, the controller  70  can operate in conjunction with a sensors system that can communicate with additional pump sensors over field bus transceiver for additional versatility, i.e., a pump shaft RPM and torque sensor, seal and bearing temperature sensors, and hydraulic pressure transducers or current transformers for hydraulic or electric load 
     As can be understood, the sensors as described herein can be low-pass filtered with 1-second running average. A CANbus, or the WiFi transceiver  72   b  or the Bluetooth transceiver  72   a  can used for sensor reading and calibration/setup. The relay provides dry contacts for use of N.O. or N.C. contacts. Power input and relay contacts with WiFi or Bluetooth can use a 5-pole connector. The CANbus with Power and Relay Contacts, or additional relay contacts, can use an 8-pole connector option. The controller  70  housing  62  is encapsulated/potted with non-shrink electronics potting, or optional with IP69 removable cover for serviceability. The CANbus can be used to read in additional pump sensors. 
     The present invention is capable of precise control and monitoring of barrier fluid environmental factors. Thus, the life of the seal can be extended, and failures and undue wear can be prevented. 
     The sensors are conventional components that are well known in the art. Since sensors are well known in the art, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components can be any type of structure and/or programming that can be used to carry out the present invention. 
     In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. 
     The terms “sense” and “detect” as used herein to describe an operation or function carried out by a component, a section, a device or the like includes a component, a section, a device or the like that does not require physical detection, but rather includes determining, measuring, modeling, predicting or computing or the like to carry out the operation or function. 
     The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function. 
     While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.