Patent Publication Number: US-2023160676-A1

Title: Gage assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/282,756, filed Nov. 24, 2021, the disclosure of this prior application is considered part of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to check fixtures and gages configured to check various features of a product, such as gage assemblies, subassemblies, and components thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Check fixtures are commonly used to check high volume production parts or products for dimensional accuracy and consistency by inserting the part or product into the fixture and locating touch points against surfaces of the part or product. While known check fixtures have proven to be acceptable for various applications, such gage assemblies, subassemblies and components thereof are nevertheless susceptible to improvements that may enhance their overall performance and cost. Therefore, a need exists for gage assemblies, subassemblies, and components thereof that advance the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a gage assembly that includes a base having an arm that is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The gage assembly also includes a clamp that is fixed to the base. The clamp includes a handle configured to move between a first position and a second position. The clamp also includes a clamp extension configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The arm and the clamp extension are configured to move in response to movement of the handle. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, movement of the handle from the first position to the second position corresponds with movement of the clamp extension from the closed position to the open position. Also, in some examples, movement of the handle from the first position to the second position corresponds with movement of the arm from the closed position to the open position. The arm and the clamp extension, in some implementations, are in the closed position when the handle is the first position. In some implementations, the arm and the clamp extension are in the open position when the handle is the second position. 
     In some examples, movement of the handle toward the second position corresponds with simultaneous movement of the clamp extension toward the open position and movement of the arm toward the open position. Movement of the handle between the first position and the second position may correspond with movement of the clamp extension and of the arm between the open position and the closed position, such that when the handle is in the first position the arm and the clamp extension are in the open position and when the handle is in the second position the arm and the clamp extension are in the closed position. 
     In some examples, the clamp is a vertical hold down clamp. In another example, the gage assembly the clamp is a horizontal hold down clamp. In another example, the clamp is a vertical manual toggle clamp. In yet another example, the clamp is a horizontal manual toggle clamp. 
     The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, advantages, purposes, and features will be apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is perspective view of one example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of the gage assembly shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the gage assembly shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom view of the gage assembly shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective environmental view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  6    is another perspective environmental view of multiple gage assemblies shown in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective environmental view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  8    is another perspective environment view of the gage assembly shown in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  9 C  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  9 D  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  9 E  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  9 F  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  9 G  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  9 H  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  9 I  is a perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  10    is perspective view of another example of a gage assembly; 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of a base of the gage assembly shown in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of the base of the gage assembly shown in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a bottom view of the base of the gage assembly shown in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective environmental view the gage assembly shown in  FIG.  1    and another example of the gage assembly; and 
         FIGS.  15 - 18    are perspective environmental views of the example of multiple gage assemblies shown in  FIG.  1    in operation. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the examples shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the gage assembly  20  includes a base  22  having an arm  24 . In some examples, the arm  24  is movably coupled to the base  22  and configured to move between an open position and a closed position. More specifically, the base  22  may be a generally rectangular block and is comprised of steel, aluminum, wood, or the like to provide a sturdy and stable foundation for the operation of the gage assembly  20 . However, various other shapes of bases  22  have been contemplated, as described in more detail below. In the example shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the base  22  has a recessed portion  26  configured to allow the arm  24  to receive and support the arm. The recessed portion  26  has a depth equal to the thickness of the arm  24 , so that when the arm  24  is in the closed position the top surface of the base  22  is generally aligned with the top surface of the arm  24  thereby proving a smooth continuous surface. 
     In moving the arm to the open position, such as to allow a part or product to be removed or inserted, the arm  24  may rotate relative to the base  22 . For example, such as shown in  FIG.  1   , the base  22  may include a pin, such as a bolt  28 , which is configured to couple the arm  24  to the remainder of the base  22 . The pin may couple the arm  24  and the base  22  and provide a pivot point for the arm  24  to move between the open position and the closed position. For example, a threaded portion of the bolt  28  may engage a threaded opening in the base  22  and the arm  24  may rotates relative to the base  22  about an unthreaded portion of the bolt  28 , which spans across the recessed portion  26  of the base  22 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the arm  24  may pivot about the bolt  28  upward away from the recessed portion  26  of the base  22  toward the open position. In the example shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , a space is present between the proximal end of the arm  24  and the base  22  to allow for movement of the proximal end of the arm upon rotation of the arm  24  about the bolt  28  within the recessed portion  26  of the base  22 . It is also contemplated that the base  22  may include a lockout feature  30 . The lockout feature  30  may be spring loaded and configured to lock the arm  24  in the desired position, such as in the open position, the closed position, or there between, and prevent undesired movement thereof. The lockout feature  30  may be coupled directly to the bolt  28  or may be a separate component configured to secure the arm  24  in the desired position. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , an underside of the base  22  may include one or more apertures configured to have one or more screws or dowels that are conjured to pass through the apertures. The screws and/or dowels may be configured to be attached to another surface such as a checking table, stand, cart, or the like to secure the base  22  and prevent undesired movement. The base  22  may also include a bolt aperture configured to allow the bolt  28  to be disposed there through. In the example shown, the arm  24  is a generally rectangular prism and extends past the base  22 , such that the arm  24  may be configured to be coupled to the product and/or an additional clamping system that secures the product, as shown in  FIG.  5   . The arm  24  may include any number of apertures as desired to allow for this attachment or attachment to other portions of the gage assembly  20 . 
     Referring still to the example shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , a clamp  40  is fixed to a platform portion of the base  22  adjacent to the recessed portion  26 . The clamp  40  may include a tap portion  42  which is configured to be fixed to the base  22  and extend upwards therefrom. In one example, the tap is secured to the base  22  by fasteners disposed through the tap and into the top surface of the platform portion of the base  22 . In some examples, the tap portion  42  includes four fasteners disposed there through and into the platform portion of the base  22 . Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG.  1   , one pair of the fasteners may be separated by a second recessed portion  44  in the base  22 , such that one pair of fasteners is disposed on one side of the recessed portion  26  and the other pair of fasteners is disposed on the opposite side of the recessed portion  26 . In the example shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the second recessed portion  44  extends from the proximal end of the first recessed portion  26  in the same horizontal direction as the first recessed portion  26 . However, the second recessed portion  44  has a smaller lateral width relative to the first recessed portion  26 , such that the tap portion  42  can be fixed to the surfaces adjacent to and on opposing lateral sides of the second recessed portion  44 . However, in some configurations, such as described below, the second recessed portion is not present on the base. Additionally, various other configurations of the recessed portion are contemplated based on the size and shape of the desired clamp to be fixed to the base. 
     In the example shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the tap is movably coupled to a clamp extension  46  which extends perpendicularly from the tap. The clamp extension  46  is configured to move between an open position and a closed position and the clamp extension  46  has a length which extends parallel to and is spaced from the arm  24  when the clamp extension  46  is in the closed position. When the clamp extension  46  is in the open position, the clamp extension  46  rotates about the tap portion  42  such that the clamp extension  46  rotates in a similar manner and direction as described above with respect to the arm  24  of the base  22 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the clap extension rotates about an axis that is parallel to the rotational axis of the arm  24 . In some examples, movement of the clamp extension  46  actuates movement of the arm  24  such that the clamp extension  46  rotates between the open position and the closed position in conjunction with the rotation of the arm  24  between the open position and the closed position. However, it is also contemplated that the clamp extension  46  may move independently between the open position and the closed position, i.e. without actuating any movement of the arm  24 . 
     The clamp extension  46  and tap may be comprised of metal such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or another strong material to secure the clamp  40  and the base  22  and also secure the product to be checked. The clamp extension  46  may also include a proximal swing portion  48  and a distal swing portion  50 , where the proximal swing portion  48  is fixed to the tap such that the proximal swing portion  48  is rotatable between the closed position and the open position but is unable to be adjusted or otherwise move linearly. The distal swing portion  50  is releasable secured to the proximal swing portion and longitudinally movable relative to the proximal swing portion in the direction between the proximal end of the arm  24  and the distal end of the arm  24 , such that the distal swing portion is configured to be secured at a plurality of locations along the proximal swing portion to lengthen or shorten the overall length of the clamp extension  46 . In the example shown, the proximal swing portion  48  and the distal swing portion  50  may be a coupled using a screw  52  extended, such that the proximal swing portion  48  is coupled to the tap and the proximal swing portion  48  and the distal swing portion  50  are coupled to one another with a screw there between. The screw may be loosened such that the distal swing portion  50  may be linearly moved fore and aft in order to shorten or lengthen the length of the clamp extension  46 . Once the clamp extension  46  is at the desired length, the screw may once again be tightened such that the first portion and the second portion are not moveable relative to one another. The clamp extension  46  allows for customizable length of the clamp extension  46  such that a variety of parts may be checked by a single base  22  and arm  24  combination. The distal swing portion  50  may also include channels disposed on opposite sides of the distal swing portion  50  and configured to engage the proximal swing portion  48  and allow the movement between lengths. 
     The clamp extension  46  also includes a clamp engager  54  that is coupled at the distal end of the distal swing portion  50  and extends downward, perpendicular to the length of the clamp extension  46 . In the example shown, the distal swing portion  50  includes an aperture disposed near the distal end such that the clamp engager  54  may be disposed there through. Moreover, in the example shown, the clamp engager  54  has a pin portion  56  extending through the aperture and towards the arm  24  and a flexible portion disposed at the distal end of the pin portion  56 . The pin portion  56  extends towards the arm  24  from the distal swing portion  50 . In one example, the pin portion  56  may be threaded, such as a bolt or screw, which allows the length of the pin portion  56  to be easily adjusted by a user. However, other examples and configurations have fixed length pin portions  56 . Moreover, the flexible portion is disposed about the distal end of the pin may be comprised of a rubber, polymer, or other soft material, which can engage one or more of the arm  24  and/or the part or product to be checked and lock the arm  24  in the closed position and/or secure the part or product between the flexible portion and another component without damage or indentation of the arm  24  and/or the part or product to be checked. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the gage assembly  20  also includes a handle  58  coupled to the clamp extension  46 . The handle  58  is shaped and sized to allow a user to engage the handle  58  with one hand and to move the handle  58  between a first position, corresponding with the one or more of the arm  24  of the base  22  or the clamp extension  46  being in the closed position, and a second position, corresponding with one or more of the arm  24  of the base  22  or the clamp extension  46  being in the open position. When the handle  58  is in the first position, the arm  24 , the clamp extension  46 , and the product to be checked, if present, are locked in place such that undesired movement is not permitted and all necessary checks can be performed on the product. When the handle  58  is moved to the second position, the product is able to be placed into the gage assembly  20  or removed from the gage assembly  20 . The handle  58  and the angle between the handle  58  and the clamp extension  46  allows for easy movement between the two positions by a user. The handle  58  may also have a rubber exterior to prevent wear and to provide comfort for the user. In some examples the exterior of the handle  58  may include at least one protrusion circumferentially disposed about the handle  58 . In the example shown in  FIG.  1   , the exterior of the handle  58  has a plurality of protrusions extending along its length. However, various other configurations and amount of protrusions have been contemplated. Additionally, the exterior of the handle  58  may include an identifying color such as red or orange to identify the gage assembly  20  as a component of safety and quality equipment. 
     In one example, the handle  58 , the clamp extension  46  and the tap  42  comprise a manual vertical clamp, such as a manual toggle vertical clamp from Brauer®, however, various other clamp configurations of clamps have been contemplated including but not limited to the clamp types described elsewhere herein and/or a manual toggle horizontal clamp, a push-pull toggle clamps, a toggle latch, a toggle hook clamp, a locking clamp, a bull back toggle clamp, swing cam clamps, cam clamps, toggle pliers, automotive location clamps, and the like. In one example, the clamp  40  is a horizontal hold down clamp. In another example, the clamp  40  is a vertical manual toggle clamp. In another example, the clamp  40  is a horizontal manual toggle clamp. In another example, the clamp  40  is a vertical hold down clamp 
     In one example, the movement of the handle  58  between the first and second position corresponds with only the clamp extension  46  moving between open and closed position, or may correspond with both the clamp extension  46  and the arm  24  of the base  22  moving between an open position and a closed position. Moreover, it is contemplated that the arm  24  of the base  22  may be coupled to other locating or checking components which are further described below, such that movement of the handle  58  between the first and second position corresponds with the clamp extension  46 , the arm  24  of the base  22 , and one or more locating component moving between a closed position and an open position. 
     As described above, and as shown in  FIGS.  5 - 8   , the base  22  and/or the arm  24  may be coupled to other locators or clamping elements, as desired. In the example shown in  FIG.  5   , the arm  24  of the base  22  is coupled to a checking feature, such as a template base  60 . The template base  60  is designed to clear the surface of the product to be checked and is one checking mechanism that may be used with the gage assembly  20 . The checking feature may also or alternatively include one or a combination of a locator, a positioning pin, a feeler, or the like. In one example the template base  60  may include coupling apertures  62 , such that fasteners may be disposed through the arm  24  and through the template base  60  to couple the same. The fasteners may be any type, including, but not limited to, screws, nails, nuts, bolts, washers, anchors, and rivets. Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the template base  60  may include a checking aperture  64 . In the example shown the checking aperture  64  has a position pin  66 , also known as a true position stab pin. When the product to be checked is locked in place by the clamp  40 , the position pin  66  may be pushed down by a user to determine if a hole in the part is in the right location and within the correct tolerance. If the position pin  66  can be pushed through the hole, then the hole is accurately sized and positioned on part or product, and if the position pin  66  does not fit in the hole of the part, then the hole is not accurately sized or positioned, such that the part or product may need to be discarded or re-worked and re-checked to pass accurately receive the position pin. Once the position pin  66  is disengaged by the user the position pin  66  may be spring biased such that the positon pin automatically returns to the original position. The spring biasing allows the position pin  66  to be completely and quickly removed from the hole, such that the position pin  66  does not get stuck when trying to remove the checked part from the gage assembly  20 . Other locators may include feelers, as described further below, which can check surface heights and/or hole sizes by including one side of the feeler being sized at the lower tolerance and an opposite side being sized at the upper tolerance to determine whether the surfaces or holes to be checked are within the correct tolerance. 
     Referring now to the example shown in  FIG.  6   , it is contemplated that multiple gage assemblies  20  may work in conjunction with one another to secure a single product to be checked. In the example shown in  FIG.  6   , two gage assemblies  20  work in conjunction with one another to secure a single product to be checked. However, it is contemplated that one, two, three, four, five, or more gage assemblies  20  may be present for securing and checking a single product. 
     Referring now to the example shown in  FIG.  7   , the gage assembly  20  has the base  22 , arm  24 , and clamp  40 , which is similar to the base  22 , arm  24 , and clamp  40  described above; however, the clamp  40  is arranged as a horizontal clamp such that the tap  42  is fixed to the base  22  near the proximal end of the arm  24 , but instead of the clamp  40  being in line with the arm  24 , the clamp  40  is fixed adjacent to the arm  24  on one side of the recessed portion  26 . As such, the clamp extension  46  extends perpendicularly to the arm  24  for the clamp engager  54  to engage and secure the arm  24 . Various other base  22 , arm  24 , and clamp  40  arrangements are described in more detail below. 
     With respect to the example shown in  FIG.  8   , it is contemplated that the gage assembly  20  may be coupled to a plurality of template bases  60 . In the example shown, the base  22  is coupled to at least one template base which includes fixing apertures and position pins and corresponding apertures. Additionally, the distal end of the arm is coupled to another template base which includes a plurality of no-go/go gages  68  which test a surface to determine whether the surface is in the correct tolerance range. As such, a plurality of template bases  60  and checking features can work in conjunction with a single gage assembly  20 . 
     Referring now to the example shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 I , the base  22 , arm  24 , and clamp  40  may be of various sizes and shapes and arranged in various ways to accommodate different sizes and shapes of products to be checked. For example, the base  22  in  FIG.  9 A  includes an arm  24  with its distal end extending from the base  22  at a length beyond the recessed portion  26  of the base  22 , providing a longer arm  24 . Additionally, as shown in the example illustrated in  FIG.  9 A , the tap of the clamp  40  is a horizontal clamp is disposed on a right side of the base  22  from the arm  24 , instead of adjacent the proximal end as shown in previous figures and as described above. The handle  58  is then moved from the first position to the second position in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the arm  24  from the proximal end to the distal end. Additionally, the right side of the base  22 , which includes the tap, has a wider surface that the opposite side, which does not include the tap, such that the recessed portion in is offset and the base  22  is not symmetrical. Referring now to the example shown in  FIG.  9 B , while the clamp  40  is fixed similarly as described above with respect to the example shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the arm  24  includes a longer length, such as as shown in  FIG.  9 A . Also, as shown in  FIG.  9 C , the base  22  is generally a mirror image of the base  22  shown in  FIG.  9 A , such that it includes the longer arm  24  as described above, however, the tap of the horizontal clamp is coupled to the base  22  on the left side, such that the left side of the base  22  has a wider surface on the asymmetrical base  22 . 
     Referring now to the examples shown in  FIGS.  9 D- 9 F , which are similar to the bases  22  described with respect to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , respectively, however, the arm  24  is shorter than the arm  24  in the examples shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  and the arm  24  has a wider lateral width. As such, when the tap is coupled to one side of the base, the side which is coupled to the tap (i.e. the right side in  FIG.  9 D  and the left side in  FIG.  9 F ) has a similar lateral width as the width of the arm  24 . Finally, with respect to the examples shown in  FIGS.  9 G- 9 I , which are again similar to the bases  22  described with respect to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , respectively, however, the arm  24  is even shorter and wider than the arms  24  described with respect to  FIGS.  9 D- 9 F . It is also contemplated that various other length and width combinations of bases  22  have been considered as the size and shape of the base  22  and arm  24  is customizable depending on the size and shape of the part or product to be checked and the number of other gage assemblies on the fixture. Moreover, the position of the clamp  40  relative to the arm  24  and base  22  is also customizable depending on the size and shape of the part or product to be checked. 
     Referring now to the example shown in  FIGS.  10 - 13   , the gage assembly  20  may be similar as described above with respect to the example shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , including but not limited to the base  22  and movable arm  24  and clamp  40  features as described above. However, in the example shown in  FIGS.  10 - 14   , the clamp  40 , the handle  58 , the clamp extension  46 , and the tap portion  42  comprise a manual vertical clamp such as a manual hold down vertical clamp from Destaco®; however, various other configurations of clamps  40  have been contemplated including but not limited to those listed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 8   , a horizontal manual hold down clamp, manual swing clamps, manual latch clamps, pull-action latch clamps, straight line action clamps, variable stoke clamps, squeeze action clamps and the like. Moreover, it is also contemplated that any of the base  22  configurations described in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 I  could include the clamp  40  as shown in  FIGS.  10 - 14    instead. Additionally, various other base  22 , arm  24 , and clamp  40  configurations have been contemplated including but not limited to the addition of multiple clamps  40  on a single base  22 . 
     Referring now to the example shown in  FIG.  14   , a single product may be checked by a combination or different gage assemblies, such as the a gage assembly  20  as described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 4    and a gage assembly  120  as described above with respect to  FIGS.  10 - 13   . Further, multiple gage assemblies  20  may work in conjunction with a single or multiple gage assemblies  120  to check a single product, as desired. 
     In one example, the base  22  does not include an arm  24  and the movement of the handle  58  between the first position and the second position corresponds with only the clamp extension  46  moving between the closed position and the open position in conjunction with movement of the handle  58 . Additionally, various other locating or clamping components may also be coupled the base  22  which may move in conjunction with the clamp extension  46  and/or may remain fixed to the base  22  as desired. 
     In operation, referring to  FIGS.  15 - 18   , first the user engages the handle  58  and pulls the handle  58  from the first position to the second position which in turn moves the clamp extension  46  from the closed position to the open position and the arm  24  from the closed position to the open position (see  FIG.  15   ). Once the arm  24  including the template base  60  is in the open position, the product to be checked can be placed on the locators or otherwise in the desired position to be checked. Once the product to be checked is in the desired position, the user engages the handle  58  and moves the handle  58  from the second position to the first position which in turn moves the clamp extension  46  from the open position to the closed position and the arm  24  from the open position to the closed position. Moving the handle  58  back to the second position engages the clamp engager  54  disposed at the end of the clamp extension  46  with the product to be checked securing the part in place, as shown in  FIG.  16   . Once the product to be checked is secure, any checks can be completed such as a position pin as described above, or a surface feeler check which a user checks whether the surface of the part is within the correct tolerances with a surface feeler tool, as shown in  FIG.  17   . Once the desired checks are completed the user may engage the handle  58  and pull the handle  58  from the first position to the second position which in turn moves the clamp extension  46  from the closed position to the open position and the arm  24  from the closed position to the open position. Once the arm  24  is in the open position, the product that was checked can be removed from the locators or otherwise removed from the gage assembly  20 . Another product to be checked may then be placed in the locator or in the desired position to be checked and the process can be repeated as needed. Once checking is completed, the user may move the handle  58  back to the first position which in turn moves the clamp extension  46  from the open position to the closed position and the arm  24  including the template base from the open position to the closed position until the gage assembly  20  is needed again. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature; may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components; and may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated. 
     Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” or “having” or variations in form thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 
     It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in this specification are examples of aspects of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law. The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 
     The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by implementations of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. 
     Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law. The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.