Patent Publication Number: US-2022226527-A1

Title: Spray bottle insert including chlorine dioxide micro reactor utilizing membrane packaging

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/137,933, which was filed on Jan. 15, 2021. The entire contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for generating a cleaning solution within a spray bottle. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution includes chlorine dioxide. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus housing at least one packet containing a reactant that generates a sterilizing agent in the presence of an initiating agent. 
     Sterilizing gases such as chlorine dioxide are useful disinfectants in many industries. For example, chlorine dioxide can be used to wash meat and food products to remove food borne pathogens and to prolong shelf life. Chlorine dioxide can also be used to sterilize high traffic areas such as hotels, hospitals, livery vehicles, veterinary clinics, restaurants, office buildings, municipal buildings, schools, and the like. 
     Chlorine dioxide is often dispersed in a medium such as water. The resulting chlorine dioxide and water mixture may be released out of a container such as a spray bottle. Spray bottles are widely used in both households and commercial settings. 
     Use of chlorine dioxide can prompt health concerns. For example, chlorine dioxide that is improperly generated or stored can be explosive or ignite. Therefore, many current solutions generate chlorine dioxide within the spray bottle before desired use, for example by adding water to a packet containing a reactant. However, the packets swell when exposed to water and cannot be removed through the neck of the spray bottle. The spray bottle must then be discarded, which is wasteful and economically inefficient. 
     Therefore, there exists an unmet need for the safe, effective, and repeatable generation of sterilizing agents such as chlorine dioxide within a conventional spray bottle. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for an apparatus for generating sterilizing agents such as chlorine dioxide, methods of forming the apparatus, and methods of use thereof. 
     The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an apparatus including a hollow cylinder having a closed end and an open end. The cylinder includes a plurality of holes disposed on a body of the cylinder. The apparatus further includes at least one packet disposed within the cylinder, and at least one packet contains one or more reactants. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a packet containing a desiccant. The packet is disposed within the cylinder. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes allows entry of a liquid into the cylinder. In further embodiments, the cylinder is sufficiently rigid to prevent expansion of the packet beyond the body of the cylinder after entry of the liquid. 
     In some embodiments, the cylinder is configured to be insertable through a neck of a spray bottle. In further embodiments, the cylinder is mounted to a straw of the spray bottle. In further embodiments, the cylinder is mounted to the straw with at least one clip. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a pH indicator attached to the cylinder. In further embodiments, the pH indicator is a cap removably attached to the open end of the cylinder. In some embodiments, the pH indicator is a tether attached to a cap removably attached to the open end of the cylinder. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a cap removably attached to the open end of the cylinder. 
     The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a method of preparing a disinfecting agent. The method includes selecting a hollow cylinder having a closed end and an open end; inserting and securing a packet within the cylinder; and introducing a liquid into the cylinder. The cylinder includes a plurality of holes disposed on a body of the cylinder. The packet contains a reactant. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes inserting the cylinder into a spray bottle. In further embodiments, the cylinder is inserted through a neck of the spray bottle. In some embodiments, the method further includes securing the cylinder within the spray bottle. In further embodiments, the cylinder is secured with at least one clip. In some embodiments, the cylinder is secured to a straw of the spray bottle. In further embodiments, the disinfecting agent is released through the straw out of the spray bottle. 
     In some embodiments, the liquid is introduced through at least some of the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the cylinder is sufficiently rigid to prevent expansion the packet beyond the body of the cylinder after introducing of the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid is water. 
     It may be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a plastic-wrapped tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a tube housing a packet for generating a gas, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view depicting a cross section cut of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent depicted in  FIG. 8 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view depicting the process of loading a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is an internal view of a packet situated within a tube, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  graphically depicts use of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is a mock-up microscopic view of an initiating agent entering a packet containing a reactant, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  depicts the section cut line of a spray bottle for the views depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12C . 
         FIG. 12A  depicts a first embodiment of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent situated in a spray bottle. 
         FIG. 12B  depicts a second embodiment of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent situated in a spray bottle. 
         FIG. 12C  depicts a third embodiment of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent situated in a spray bottle. 
         FIG. 13  is a close-up side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12B . 
         FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C  depict a pH indicator cap as part of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a pH indicator tethered to a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  depicts a pH indicator tethered to a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent situated within a spray bottle, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  depicts labeled dimensions of a conventional spray bottle. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a capsule for housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of a capsule for housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  is a rear view of a capsule for housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  is a right side view of a capsule for housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  is a left side view of a capsule for housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom view of a capsule for housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of a capsule for housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 25  is a section view of the capsule of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a packet being loaded into an open capsule, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of a detent of a rail for locking the capsule, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged view of a notch of a channel for locking the capsule, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to certain exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, certain examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Similarly, the use of the term “comprising,” as well as other forms, such as “comprises,” is also not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. 
     The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose. 
     A “conventional spray bottle” is defined as a 16 or 32 ounce bottle having a straw that draws a product within the body of the bottle through a nozzle. Such conventional spray bottles are widely available for sale for household and commercial use. 
     The disclosed apparatus provides an easily replaceable mechanism for generating a gas, for example chlorine dioxide. The apparatus includes a tube containing a durable packet that safely houses a reactant and is configured to permit the introduction of an initiating agent, such as water, from outside the packet. The tube has sufficient strength to contain the packet within the boundaries of the tube as the packet expands after the introduction of the initiating agent. 
     Immediate mixing of the reactant within the packet with the initiating agent produces a sterilizing agent that provides hospital-grade disinfection (99.9999% reduction in pathogens). By comparison, typical household cleaners operate as a sanitizer (99.9% reduction in pathogens). However, over time the sterilizing agent produced in the disclosed apparatus loses effectiveness and operates as a sanitizer rather than a hospital-grade disinfectant. Therefore, an apparatus designed to facilitate mixing of the reactant in the packet with water immediately before use is useful. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of,  FIG. 2  is a side view of, and  FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. The tube  102  is a possible embodiment of an apparatus  100  configured to house at least one desiccant packet  120  and reactant packet  121 . The desiccant packet  120  stabilizes the apparatus  100  for a longer shelf life. The desiccant within packet  120  may be any conventional desiccant know to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the wall  104  of apparatus  100  may possess a circular, rectangular, triangular, or other cross-sectional shape. For example, the tube  102  may be a hollow cylinder. The wall  104  includes a plurality of holes  106  configured to allow the entrance and exit of fluids. Upon entry of an initiating agent fluid, such as water, into the reactant packet  121 , the ensuing reaction between the fluid and reactant may cause the reactant packet  121  to expand in size. In the absence of another structure, reactant packet  121  would expand to a size larger than the neck of a conventional spray bottle. At such an expanded size, removal of a used reactant packet  121  would be impossible without destroying the spray bottle, necessitating the purchase of a new bottle. 
     Tube  102  may be composed of a compound with sufficient strength to restrict expansion of the reactant packet  121 . And tube  102  may be sized to fit within a neck of a spray bottle. Therefore, a used reactant packet  121 , stored within tube  102 , can be evacuated from the spray bottle after use. The spray bottle may then be reused and another apparatus  100  may be inserted into the bottle. In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  is composed of recyclable material and may be recycled after use. 
     The packet  121  may be composed of a hydrophobic material. For example, the packet  121  may be composed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE offers advantages compared to other possible packet  121  materials. Specifically, PTFE is more robust due to its high hydrophobicity and does not become embrittled during gas generation. In some embodiments, the packet  121  is composed of a single layer of hydrophobic material. 
     In some embodiments, the hydrophobic material is porous. In further embodiments, the pores may be sized between 0.01 micrometers and 3.00 micrometers, between 0.03 micrometers and 2.00 micrometers, between 0.05 micrometers and 1.00 micrometers, or any range in between. The pores are of suitable size to allow passage of an initiating agent and a generated sterilizing agent through the packet  121  material. 
     In some embodiments, the reactant is in a solid form. Selection of the reactant determines the sterilizing agent that will be generated once the apparatus  100  is exposed to water. For example, a reactant composed of a combination of sodium chloride and citric acid would generate chlorine dioxide in the presence of water. Reactants may also be chosen to generate chlorine dioxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, calcium carbonate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a combination of carbon dioxide and chlorine dioxide is generated. 
     In some embodiments, the reactant fills a portion of the interior of the packet  121 . For example, the reactant may fill between 10-90%, 20-60%, 30-50%, or any percentage in between, of the interior of the packet  121 . The remaining volume of the interior of the packet  121  that is not filled with reactant may contain air. 
     The apparatus  100  may include a removable cap  110  situated at one end of the apparatus  100 . The apparatus  100  may include a sealed end situated at the opposing end of the apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the sealed end  112  provides a base for a straw of a spray bottle situated within the tube  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the tube  102  may be shrink-wrapped for sale.  FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of plastic-wrapped tube housing a pouch for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. The plastic wrap  103  may be sealed and fully encompasses the tube  102 . In alternate embodiments, the apparatus  100  is loaded within a spray bottle and is not wrapped in plastic. The bottle may be sealed at a threaded portion of the bottle to maintain a sterile environment for the apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of cap  110  specifically. Cap  110  may be used to retain packets  120  and  121  within the tube  102  while the apparatus  100  is stored before use or sale. Before use, cap  100  can be removed to allow entry of a straw of a spray bottle into the tube  102 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a tube housing a packet for generating a gas, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of sealed end  112 . The sealed end  112  functions to prevent the packets  120 ,  121  from passing through the bottom of tube  102 . 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view depicting the process of loading a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. The process depicted in  FIG. 7  can be adapted for mass production. A metal shield insert  115  may be inserted into an empty tube  102 . Then packets  120  and  121  may be placed in the larger funnel end of insert  115  and a ramrod  113  is used to pack the packets  120  and  121  inside the tube  102  up against a sealed end of the tube  102 . In some embodiments, packet  121  is packed adjacent to the sealed and packet  120  is packed behind packet  121 . After insertion of the ramrod  113 , the insert  115  is pulled back over the ramrod  113 , leaving behind packets  120  and  121 . Then the cap  110  may be applied to secure the packets  120  and  121 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side view depicting a cross section cut of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent depicted in  FIG. 8 , which is an internal view of a packet situated within a tube, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, reactant packet  121  may be proximate to the holes  106  in wall  104 . Holes  106  allow for passage of an initiating agent, for example water, into the tube  102  and packet  121  to cause the generation of a sterilizing agent. The resulting sterilizing agent is released into the surrounding water and passes back out of the holes  106 . 
       FIG. 9  graphically depicts use of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. Tap water  221  may be added to a spray bottle  200 . In some embodiments, the bottle  200  is reusable. In some embodiments, the water  221  is added up to a fill line indicated on the bottle  200 . 
     After the bottle  200  is filled with water  221 , the apparatus  100  is inserted into the bottle  200 . Alternatively, apparatus  100  may be pre-loaded into the bottle  200  before the addition of water  221 . Trigger top  220  is immediately screwed onto the bottle  200  after introduction of water  221 , trapping the apparatus  100  in the bottle  200  while the reactant begins a reaction with water  221 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a mock-up microscopic view of an initiating agent entering a pouch containing a reactant, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the packet wall  125  is composed of a sufficiently porous material to allow the passage of the initiating agent  126 , for example water. The initiating agent also passes through holes  106  in the tube  102 . The initiating agent  126  then interacts with the reactant  124  to generate a sterilizing agent  127 . 
       FIG. 10B  is a mock-up microscopic view of a generated sterilizing agent exiting a pouch containing a reactant, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the tube  102  is configured to allow the passage of the generated sterilizing agent while retaining the reactant  124 . The sterilizing agent mixes with the remaining water to form an aqueous cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may be drawn by a straw of a trigger top of a spray bottle and applied to a surface needing disinfection, cleaning, sanitizing, and the like. 
       FIG. 11  depicts the section cut line of a spray bottle  200  for the views depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12C .  FIG. 12A  depicts a first embodiment of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent situated in a conventional spray bottle. The apparatus  100  is depicted inside a filled spray bottle with the trigger sprayer screwed on. This is the state of a deployed apparatus that&#39;s either in the process of generating the sterilizing agent, finished generating the sterilizing agent and ready for use, or (minus the liquid) is what the apparatus  100  looks like once used up. The apparatus  100  is substantially submerged under the water line  300 . There is enough room within the bottle for the apparatus  100  to be inside the bottle but still allow the straw from the trigger sprayer to pass by adjacent to the apparatus  100  to gain access to the bottom of the bottle for a full drain of liquid product within the bottle. 
       FIG. 12B  depicts a second embodiment of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent situated in a spray bottle. In the second embodiment there is an interior shaft pathway  150  down the center of the apparatus so that the entire apparatus can be preloaded on the trigger sprayer straw  111 . The pathway  150  may run through packets  120  and  121 . Alternatively, pathway  150  may be formed from a solid material and packets  120  and  121  may be inserted around the pathway  150 . 
       FIG. 13  is a close-up side view of the portion the embodiment of  FIG. 12B  labeled “Detail B.” In this embodiment, the straw protrudes out the cartridge bottom  107  so that the straw can pull in liquid from the bottom of the bottle. In this embodiment, the packet  121  may be inserted by placing the trigger on the filled bottle if the apparatus is attached to a straw of the trigger. Once removed from an empty bottle the apparatus may then be simply pulled off the straw and recycled. Another new apparatus is then slipped onto the straw for the next batch for sterilizing agent to be produced. 
       FIG. 12C  depicts a third embodiment of a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent situated in a spray bottle. At least one clip  151  may be employed to secure the apparatus  100  to the straw. The clip  151  may be an integrated component of the straw. In other embodiments, the clip  151  is a separate component that attaches to the straw and the apparatus  100 . 
       FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C  depict a pH indicator cap as part of a tube housing a pouch for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. When the bottle is filled with water and the apparatus  400  is screwed down, a color change may occur on the PH indicator  413  situated on cap  412 . For example, the color may change from red to green. The color change gives the user a visual indication that the dwell time required for a full reaction between the reactant and initiating agent has happened and the product is ready to use. In some embodiments, the cap  412  may be removed and recycled with the apparatus  400  so that a conventional trigger sprayer top can be applied to the bottle. 
       FIG. 15  depicts a pH indicator tethered to a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent and  FIG. 16  depicts a pH indicator tethered to a tube housing a packet for generating a sterilizing agent situated within a spray bottle, according to some embodiments. A tether  501  may be attached to the tube  102 . The tether  501  includes a pH indicator  500  at end opposite of the tube  102 . The tether  501  may be made of an abosrbent material such that the liquid within the spray bottle would wick up to the indicator  500 . When a level of sterilizing agent producing a desired pH is reached inside the bottle the pH indicator  500  is configured to change color to indicate the sterilizing agent is ready for use. The pH indicator  500  may be composed of sufficiently thin material so that the trigger top of the bottle can be screwed down successfully and the wicking material of the tether  501  is still is able get past the threads of the bottle. Once the bottle is empty and the apparatus is ready to remove, a user can grab the tether  501  and pull the apparatus out. 
       FIG. 17  depicts labeled dimensions of a conventional spray bottle relative to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed apparatus. The dimensions indicate comparative distances. In some embodiments, the width of the apparatus D 1  is a smaller distance compared to the width of the spray bottle neck D 2  to allow for insertion and removal of the apparatus. Distance D 3  must be sufficiently long to accommodate the trigger mechanism above the apparatus. Apparatus length D 4  must be less than or equal to distance D 5 , the distance from fill line  300  to the bottom of the spray bottle, so that, regardless of the end of the apparatus inserted into the bottle, the reactant packet is submerged in the initiating agent, for example water. The apparatus length D 4  must also be long enough to insure that the apparatus does not fall within the bottle and become stuck. 
     The disclosed apparatus may be used to generate sterilizing agents for a variety of uses. In some embodiments, chlorine dioxide is generated for use as a sterilizing agent. The generated chlorine dioxide mixes with the surrounding water to for a sprayable cleaning solution. The structure of the apparatus allows for easy removal from a spray bottle and subsequent recycling. 
       FIGS. 18-25  depict a capsule  600  for housing a packet  121  for generating a sterilizing agent, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the capsule  600  includes two components joined together along a seam  610 , for example top component  620  and bottom component  630 . The two components may be separated to allow insertion of a packet  121 . In some embodiments, the capsule  600  is composed of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the capsule  600  is sized and shaped to fit within the neck of a spray bottle, or other similarly ported vessel. 
     Components  620  and  630  include at least one hole  640 . Each hole  640  is configured to allow liquid or humid air to enter the capsule  600 . In some embodiments, the holes  640  of component  620  and  630  are aligned when the components are secured together. In some embodiments, holes  640  are situated along a longitudinal axis of the capsule  600 . 
     The capsule  600  (containing a packet  121 ) may be inserted into a spray bottle, either before or after the bottle is filled with water. Water may then enter the capsule  600  via the holes  640 . The water will then react with the reactant in the packet  121 . The resulting product will exist the capsule  600  via the holes  640  and mix with the surrounding water. 
     Alternatively, the capsule  600  (containing a packet  121 ) may be placed on a dry surface. Humid air may then enter the capsule  600  via the holes  640 . In such embodiments, the packet  121  may be composed of an outer material that is permeable to humid air. The humid air will then react with the reactant in the packet  121 . The resulting product will exist the capsule  600  via the holes  640  and mix with the surrounding environment. 
       FIG. 25  is a section view of the capsule  600  of  FIG. 18 . The section view depicts the slide rails  632  used to secure the capsule  600  in a locked position. The slide rails  632  are discussed in further detail below with regards to  FIGS. 27 and 28 . Aligned holes  640  can also be seen at the top and bottom of the section view. 
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a packet  121  being loaded into an open capsule  600 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the capsule  600  is sized to allow for expansion of the packet  121  within the capsule  600 . In some embodiments, the capsule  600  is cylindrically shaped. Packet  121  may include a reactant as described above. 
     When closed, the holes  640  of the capsule  600  allows for the entry of liquid or humid air to activate the reactant within the packet  121 . Once activated, the packet  121  may swell. In some embodiments, the capsule  600  is sized such that the packet  121  will swell enough that the swollen packet  121  provides sufficient pressure against the inside of the closed capsule  600  to reinforce the interlocked slide rails  632 , further securing the capsule  600  in a closed position. 
       FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of a detent  634  of a rail  632  for locking the capsule  600 , according to some embodiments.  FIG. 28  is an enlarged view of a notch  644  of a channel  642  for locking the capsule  600 , according to some embodiments. 
     Top component  620  may include two slide rails  632 . Each rail  632  may be situated on opposing edges of component  620 . Each rail  632  fits into a corresponding channel  642  on the lower component  630  of the capsule  600 . The detent  634  is configured to provide pressure and friction as a rail  632  slides into a channel  642 . The lower component  620  with channel  642  may be composed of a plastic material that provides sufficient flexibility to allow detent  634  to push along the channel  642  until the detent  634  hits the notch  644 . 
     Once the top component  620  slides through the channel  642  the detent  634  on each rail  632  will pop into the corresponding notch  644  of each channel  642 , semi-permanently securing the two components together with a friction fit. In other words, the connection of the detent  634  and notch  644  is not a permanent snap feature. Upon application of a sufficient force, the components may be separated to open the capsule  600  and the packet  121  may be removed and/or replaced. 
     While principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, embodiments, and substitution of equivalents all fall within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.