Patent Abstract:
Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for utilizing effluent pipeline to generate energy. More particularly, embodiments disclose positioning a turbine within a bypass pipeline, wherein the bypass pipeline has a greater diameter than the effluent pipeline.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Provisional Application No. 62/012,671 filed on Jun. 16, 2014, which is fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for utilizing effluent pipelines to generate energy. More particularly, embodiments disclose diverting a fluid flow from an effluent pipeline to a bypass pipeline, wherein the bypass pipeline has a greater diameter than the effluent pipeline. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    Hydropower is a term that refers to the production of power via fluid flow through an effluent pipeline. Conventionally, to generate power from the flowing fluid, a turbine is positioned in the effluent pipeline to contact the flowing fluid. Blades of the turbine are rotated responsive to the flowing fluid to generate torque. Responsive to the turbine generating torque, energy associated with the flowing water may be converted into another form of energy, such as electrical energy. 
         [0006]    In conventional hydropower systems, the greater the torque created by the turbine, the greater amount of horsepower the turbine will generate. However, the torque of the turbine is limited to the speed of the flowing fluid and the diameter of the turbine&#39;s blades. Yet, the diameter of a conventional turbine may not be greater than the diameter of the effluent pipeline. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods to increase the torque generated by a turbine by increasing the diameter of the blades of the turbine. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Embodiments described herein disclose a bypass pipeline coupled to an effluent pipeline to generate energy, wherein the bypass pipeline has a greater diameter than the effluent pipeline. 
         [0009]    In embodiments, a turbine may be positioned within the bypass pipeline, wherein the blades of the turbine may have a greater diameter than would be possible if the turbine was positioned in the effluent pipeline. Utilizing a turbine with larger sized blades may lead to the turbine generating more torque, which may be converted into electrical energy. Therefore, by increasing the blades of the turbine, the turbine may create a maximum torque to generate a maximum wattage. 
         [0010]    In embodiments, a bypass control valve may be positioned at a divergent point in the effluent pipeline to control the flow of fluid through the effluent pipeline and the bypass pipeline. The bypass control valve may be configured to control the flow of fluid through the effluent pipeline and the bypass pipeline. By controlling the flow of fluid through the effluent pipeline and the bypass pipeline, the pipeline system may continuously generate power. In embodiments, while the pipeline system has a surplus of fluid, fluid may be directed through both the effluent pipeline and the bypass pipeline. Even in embodiments where fluid through the pipeline system is limited, the bypass control valve may direct more fluid to flow through the bypass pipeline. 
         [0011]    Embodiments disclosed herein may not use fluids additional to the fluid already flowing through the effluent pipeline. Therefore, embodiments may not require an additional fluid source to operate. Embodiments may thus be a commercially viable hydro-driven electric generation system. Other systems that have been developed are ineffective and inefficient due to the sizing limitations of the turbine. As such, conventional systems do not have the ability to produce enough electricity to warrant their expense. 
         [0012]    These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of a topology for an effluent to energy system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  depicts one embodiment of a front view of a turbine. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  depicts one embodiment of a side view of a turbine. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment of a top view of an internal turbine system 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  depicts a front view of internal turbine system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  depicts a method  600  for producing energy via an effluent to energy system. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments. 
         [0022]    Embodiments disclosed herein describe a pipeline system that is configured to direct a flow of fluid through a bypass pipeline to increase an amount of torque generated by a turbine. By increasing the amount of torque generated by the turbine, the horsepower and energy created by the turbine may correspondingly increase. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of a topology for an effluent to energy system  100 . Effluent to energy system  100  may include effluent pipeline  110  and bypass pipeline  120 . 
         [0024]    Effluent pipeline  110  may be a standard pipeline within an effluent discharge system, wherein effluent pipeline  110  is configured to transport fluid through effluent pipeline  110 . Effluent pipeline  110  may be comprised of varying materials and may be different shapes, wherein effluent pipeline  110  may have a first diameter. 
         [0025]    A first side  112  of effluent to energy system  100  may be coupled to effluent pipeline  110 . First side  112  may be an inlet port configured to receive fluid from a source, such as a waste management system. A second side  114  of effluent to energy system  100  may be coupled to effluent pipeline  110 , wherein second side  114  may be an outlet port configured to discharge the fluid. 
         [0026]    Effluent pipeline  110  may include a bypass control valve  116 . Bypass control valve  116  may be a device configured to control the flow rate of fluid through effluent pipeline  110  and/or bypass pipeline  120 . Additionally, bypass control valve  116  may divert fluid that conventionally flows through effluent pipeline  110  to flow through bypass pipeline  120 . Bypass control valve  116  may be a squeeze valve or any other device that regulates, directs, and/or controls the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Responsive to bypass control valve  116  being opened, the amount of fluid flowing through effluent pipeline  110  may be increased, while reducing the amount of fluid that may flow through bypass pipeline  120 . Responsive to bypass control valve  116  being closed, the amount of fluid flowing through effluent pipeline  110  may be reduced, while increasing the amount of fluid flowing through bypass pipeline  120 . In embodiments, bypass control valve  116  may control the flow rate of fluid flowing through bypass pipeline  120 . When bypass control valve  116  controls the flow of fluid, a differential pressure between a first side  122  of turbine  130  and a second side  124  of turbine  130  may remain substantially constant. 
         [0027]    Bypass pipeline  120  may be a pipeline that is configured to transport liquid from the first side  112  to the second side  114  of effluent to energy system  100 . Bypass pipeline  120  may be comprised of varying materials and may be different shapes, wherein bypass pipeline  120  may have a second diameter. The first diameter associated with the effluent pipeline  110  may be less than a diameter of at least a portion of the second diameter of bypass pipeline  120 . 
         [0028]    Bypass pipeline  120  may be a pipeline that provides an alternative route for fluids to flow from first side  112  of effluent to energy system  100  to second side  114  of effluent to energy system  100 . In embodiments, if fluids flow through bypass pipeline  120 , then that fluid may not flow through effluent pipeline  110 . 
         [0029]    A first side  122  of bypass pipeline  120  may be coupled to first side  112  of effluent pipeline  110 , wherein the first side  112  of effluent pipeline  110  may be positioned before fluid may flow through bypass control valve  116 . A second side  124  of bypass pipeline  120  may be coupled to second side  114  of effluent pipeline  110 , wherein the second side  114  of effluent pipeline may be positioned after a location where fluid flowed through bypass control valve  116  or through bypass pipeline  120 . 
         [0030]    Bypass pipeline  120  may include turbine  130 , drive shaft  132 , generator  134 , first flow measurement device  136 , second flow measurement device  138 , first differential pressure measurement device  140 , and second differential pressure measurement device  142 . 
         [0031]    Turbine  130  may be a mechanical device that is configured to generate energy responsive to fluid flowing through turbine  130 . Additionally, turbine  130  may be configured to generate energy based on the pressure differential between first side  122  and second side  124  of bypass pipeline  120 . Turbine  130  may include a plurality of blades, paddles, projections, etc. (referred to hereinafter collectively and individually as “blades”), wherein the blades may project outward from a body of the turbine  130  towards a perimeter, boundary, housing, etc. of bypass pipeline  120 . Thus, the diameter extending across the two of the plurality of blades may correspond to the second diameter associated with bypass pipeline  120 , wherein the diameter extending across the two blades may be greater than the first diameter associated with effluent pipeline  110 . 
         [0032]    Drive shaft  132  may be mechanically coupled to turbine  130  and generator  134 . Drive shaft  132  may be configured to transmit torque generated by turbine  130  to generator  134 . Drive shaft  132  may be configured to move, rotate, etc. responsive to turbine  130  rotating. 
         [0033]    Generator  134  may be a device configured to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generator  134  may be configured to receive mechanical energy in the form of torque from drive shaft  132 , and convert the torque into electrical energy. One skilled in the art will appreciate that on other embodiments, generator  134  may be an electric generator powered via mechanical energy, air compressor, a hydraulic pump powered via turbine  130 , etc. 
         [0034]    First flow measurement device  136  and second flow measurement device  138  may be hardware devices configured to measure a flow of fluid through bypass pipeline  120 . First flow measurement device  138  may be positioned on first side  122  of bypass pipeline  120 , and second flow measurement device  138  may be positioned on second side  124  of bypass pipeline  120 . First flow measurement device  136  and second flow measurement device  138  may include transmitters configured to communicate their respective measured fluid flow rate to bypass control valve  116 . 
         [0035]    First differential pressure measurement device  140  and second differential pressure measurement device  142  may be hardware devices configured to measure pressure across bypass pipeline  120 . First differential pressure measurement device  140  may be positioned on first side  122  of bypass pipeline  120 , and second differential pressure measurement device  142  may be positioned on second side  124  of bypass pipeline  120 . First differential pressure measurement device  140  and second differential pressure measurement device  142  may include transmitters configured to communicate their respective measured flow to bypass control valve  116 . 
         [0036]    Responsive to bypass control valve  116  receiving the flow measurement from first flow measurement device  136  and second flow measurement device  138  and/or pressure measurements from first differential pressure measurement device  140  and second differential pressure measurement device  142 , bypass control valve  116  may open and/or close to modify the flow of fluid through bypass pipeline  120  and effluent pipeline  110 . Therefore, bypass control valve  116  may control the flow rate of fluid across turbine  130 , such that the differential pressure between first side  122  of bypass pipeline  120  and second side  124  of bypass pipeline  120  remains substantially constant, wherein the substantially constant differential pressure may maximize the rotations per minute of turbine  130 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  depicts one embodiment of a front view of a turbine  200 , wherein turbine  200  may be turbine  130  utilized within effluent to energy system  100 . Turbine  200  may be an external, Pelton turbine, wherein at least a portion of turbine  200  is disposed above a fluid level flowing through bypass pipeline  120 . 
         [0038]    Turbine  200  may include blade  210 , waste gate  220 , worm drive  230 , worm gears  235 , ring gear  240 , drive gear  250 , and drive shaft  260 . 
         [0039]    Blade  210  may be a device configured to be mounted around the circumference rim of a drive wheel of turbine  200 , and be configured to rotate turbine  200 . Blade  210  may rotate turbine  200  responsive to fluid contacting blade  210  and/or the pressure differential on a first side of turbine  200  and a second side of turbine  200 . Blade  210  may include a first side, which couples blade  210  to the circumference rim of worm drive  230 . Blade  210  may extend from the circumference rim of the worm drive  230  towards the perimeter of bypass pipeline  120 , wherein a second end of blade  210  may be positioned adjacent to the perimeter of bypass pipeline  120 . Furthermore, the second end of blade  210  may be wider than the shaft of blade  210 , forming a paddle. The paddle may increase the surface area of the second end of blade  210 . Therefore, as fluid flows through bypass pipeline  120 , more fluid may contact blade  210 , which may increase the torque generated by turbine  200 . Although  FIG. 2  depicts turbine  200  with two blades, turbine  200  may include more blades  210 . 
         [0040]    Waste gate  220  may be an orifice, opening, hole, etc. positioned at the second end of blade  210 , wherein waste gate  220  may extend from the second end of blade  210  towards an axis of rotation of worm gear  235 . While fluid is flowing through bypass pipeline  120 , the fluid may flow through blade  210  via waste gate  220 . Waste gate  220  may be dynamic, such that it may be raised and/or lowered to control the flow rate of fluid through bypass pipeline  120 . 
         [0041]    Responsive to waste gate  220  being raised, the surface area of fluid contacting blade  210  may also increase, while the flow rate of fluid through bypass pipeline  120  may decrease. Responsive to waste gate  220  being lowered, the surface area of fluid contacting blade  210  may decrease, while the flow rate of fluid through bypass pipeline  120  may increase. In embodiments, waste gate  220  may be dynamically lowered or raised by a bypass control valve based on the pressure differential between the pressure on a first side of turbine  200  and a second side of turbine  200  to optimize the rotational speed of turbine  200 . 
         [0042]    Worm drive  230  may be coupled to a worm drive motor, and be configured to raise and lower waste gate  220 . Worm drive  230  may extend across bypass pipeline  120 , and through turbine  200 , wherein worm drive  230  may provide an axis of rotation from blades  210 . In embodiments, the worm drive motor may be configured to align with worm drive  230 . Responsive to the worm drive motor rotating worm drive  230 , worm gears  235  may rotate to raise and/or lower waste gate  220 . Worm drive  230  may be configured to raise and/or lower waste gate  220  responsive to receiving data from a bypass control valve, wherein waste gate  220  may be raised and/or lowered to control the flow rate of fluid through bypass pipeline  120  and/or control the pressure differential between a first side of turbine  200  and a second side of turbine  200 . 
         [0043]    Ring gear  240  may be a ring with teeth positioned adjacent to a second end of blade  210 . Accordingly, ring gear  240  may be positioned off-center from the center of a rotation of axis of turbine  200 , such that ring gear  240  may utilize the extended diameter of blade  210  to optimize the horsepower, rotations per minute, and torque generated by turbine  200 . Ring gear  240  may be configured to interface with drive gear  250  to rotate drive shaft  260 . Drive gear  250  may be mounted in the turbine housing with teeth configured to align with teeth of ring gear  240 . Drive gear  250  may be sized to optimize horse power and rotations per minute transferred to drive shaft  260 . 
         [0044]    Drive shaft  260  may be configured to transmit torque and rotation energy generated by turbine  200  to a generator. Drive shaft  260  may be coupled with ring gear  240  via drive gear  250 . In embodiments, drive shaft  260  may be positioned off-center from an axis of rotation of turbine  200  and perpendicular to blade  210  to maximize the torque transferred from turbine  200  to drive shaft  260 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  depicts one embodiment of a side view of a turbine  200 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , worm drive  230  may be coupled to blade  210  to rise and/or lower waste gate positioned within blade  210 . 
         [0046]    Furthermore, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , ring gear  240  may be positioned adjacent to the second end of blade  210 , such that ring gear  240  may be positioned to maximize the torque generated by turbine  200 . Drive shaft  260  and drive gear  250  may have an axis of rotation that is off-center with respect to the axis of rotation of turbine  200 , which may maximize the amount of torque transferred from turbine  200  to drive shaft  260  via drive gear  250 . Drive gear  250  may be configured to interface with ring gear  240  to rotate drive shaft  260  to power a generator. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment of a top view of an internal turbine system  400 , wherein internal turbine system  400  may be turbine  130  utilized within effluent to energy system  100 . Internal turbine system  400  may be configured to maximize the energy output from existing effluent pipelines where head pressures and flow rates are minimal. Internal turbine system  400  may be configured to be coupled to bypass pipeline  120 , and internal turbine system  400  may be submersed in the flow of fluid through bypass pipeline  120 . In embodiments, the distance from a first side wall of internal turbine system  400  to a second side wall of internal turbine system  400  may be a first diameter  450 . The first diameter  450  may be a distance that allows no flow disruption, such that internal turbine system  400  is continuously full of fluid to ensure optimum operational efficiency. 
         [0048]    Internal turbine system  400  may include inlet port  410 , outlet port  412 , turbine  420 , flow control system  430 , air snorkel system  440 , first flow measurement device  460 , second flow measurement device  462 , first differential pressure measurement device  464 , and second differential pressure measurement device  466 . 
         [0049]    Inlet port  410  may be positioned on a first side of internal turbine system  400 , wherein inlet port  410  may be configured to receive fluid flowing through bypass pipeline  120 . Inlet port  410  may be coupled to bypass pipeline via flanges  414 . Inlet port  410  may have an opening of a second diameter  452 . 
         [0050]    Outlet port  412  may be positioned on a second side of internal turbine system  400 , wherein outlet port  412  may be configured to dispense fluid into bypass pipeline  120 . Outlet port  412  may be coupled to bypass pipeline  120  via flanges  414 . The flow of fluid  416  may be configured to move from inlet port  410  to outlet port  412 . 
         [0051]    Turbine  420  may be an internal turbine configured to be submerged in the flow of fluid  416 . Turbine  420  may be configured to generate energy responsive to the flow of fluid  416  and/or the pressure differential between the first side of internal turbine system  400  and the second side of internal turbine system  400 . 
         [0052]    Turbine  420  may include blades  422 , shaft  424 , and generator  426 . In embodiments, the distance  454  between a first sidewall of internal turbine system  400  and turbine  420  may be equal to second diameter  452 , and the distance  454  between a second sidewall of internal turbine system  400  and turbine  420  may also be equal to the second diameter  452 . By limiting the internal diameter  450  of internal turbine system  400  respective to the second diameter  452  there may be no flow of fluid  416  disruption through internal turbine system  400 , while also maintaining internal turbine system  400  full of fluid. 
         [0053]    Blades  422  may be impellers, projections, paddles, etc. configured to rotate around shaft  424 . Blades  422  may be configured to rotate responsive to being in contact with the flow of fluid  416  through internal turbine system  400  and/or the pressure differential between the first side of internal turbine system  400  and the second side of internal turbine system  400 . As the flow of fluid  416  through internal turbine system  400  increases, the rotations per minute of blades  422  may also increase. In embodiments, the length of blades  422  may be a fourth diameter  456 . The fourth diameter  456  may be sized to be larger than the second diameter  452  and also effluent pipeline  110 . For example, the fourth diameter  456  may be may be three to ten times larger than the diameter of effluent pipeline and/or second diameter  452 . 
         [0054]    Shaft  424  may be a device configured to move, rotate, etc. responsive to blades  422  being rotated. Shaft  424  may mechanically couple blades  422  with generator  426 . Shaft  424  may be configured to transmit torque generated by blades  422  to generator  426 . 
         [0055]    Generator  426  may be a device configured to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generator  426  may be configured to receive mechanical energy in the form of torque from shaft  424 , and convert the torque into electrical energy. In embodiments, generator  426  may be cooled by the flow of fluid  416  through internal turbine system  400 , and generator  426  may be a fluid tight system that is pressured to maximize the cooling effect of the flow of fluid  416 , allowing for more efficient energy production. One skilled in the art will appreciate that generator  426  may be an electric generator powered via mechanical energy, air compressor, a hydraulic pump, etc. In embodiments, when generator  426  is air compressor, the compressed air generated by generator  426  may be a conduit allowing the compressed air to be stored in air storage unit  442 , wherein air storage unit  442  may be located remotely from bypass pipeline  120 . The compressed air within storage unit  442  may be configured to power an air motor  444 . 
         [0056]    Flow control system  430  may be configured to control the flow of fluid  416  through internal turbine system  400 . Specifically, flow control system  430  may be configured to control the angle of the flow of fluid  416  contacting blades  422  to maximize the rotational speed of blades  422 . In embodiments, responsive to the flow rate of the flow of fluid  416  and/or pressure differential between the first side of internal turbine system  400  and the second side of internal turbine system  400 , flow control system  430  may change the angle of the flow of fluid  416  contacting blades  422  to have a consistent and optimized rotational speed. Flow control system  430  may include louvers  432 , gear ring  434 , and motor  436 . 
         [0057]    Louvers  432  may be projections, partitions, etc. configured to direct the angle of flow of fluid  416  contacting blades  422 . Louvers  432  may be configured to be rotated to open and close via ring gear  434 . Ring gear  434  may have a length that extends past a second end of blades  422 . In embodiments, motor  436  may be a motor configured to move ring gear  434 . Louvers  432  may be rotated between a direction perpendicular to shaft  424  and a direction parallel to shaft  424  to change the angle that the flow of fluid  416  contacts blades  422 , wherein the angle at which the flow of fluid  416  contacts blades  422  may alter the rotational speed of blades  422 . In embodiments, each louver  432  may be configured to be rotated independently from other louvers  432 , or louvers  432  may be configured to be rotated in unison. 
         [0058]    First flow measurement device  460  and second flow measurement device  462  may be hardware devices configured to measure the flow of fluid  416  through internal turbine system  400 . First flow measurement device  460  may be positioned on first side of internal turbine system  400  between flow control system  430  and inlet port  410 . Second flow measurement device  462  may be positioned on a second side of internal turbine system  400  between flow control system  430  and outlet port  412 . 
         [0059]    First differential pressure measurement device  464  and second differential pressure measurement device  466  may be hardware devices configured to measure pressure. First differential pressure measurement device  464  may be positioned on first side of internal turbine system  400  between flow control system  430  and inlet port  410 . Second differential pressure measurement device  466  may be positioned on a second side of internal turbine system  400  between flow control system  430  and outlet port  412 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 5  depicts a front view of internal turbine system  400 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the distance between a boundary of gear ring  434  and turbine  420  may be the third diameter  454 , which may also be equal to the diameter of inlet port  410 . Furthermore as depicted in  FIG. 5 , turbine  420  may include a plurality of blades  422 , wherein turbine  420  may include a number of blades  422  that maximizes the torque and rotational speed of blades  422 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 6  depicts a method  600  for producing energy via an effluent to energy system. The operations of method  600  presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method  600  may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method  600  are illustrated in  FIG. 6  and described below is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0062]    At operation  610 , a turbine may be positioned within a bypass pipeline. The bypass pipeline may be a second, divergent pipeline that couples to an effluent pipeline at a first point and a second point. The blades of the turbine may have a diameter that is greater than the length of an effluent pipeline. 
         [0063]    At operation  620 , the flow of fluid and/or pressure differential across a bypass pipeline may be determined. The flow of fluid and/or pressure differential may be determined by flow measuring devices or pressure sensors positioned on different sides of the bypass pipeline. A first side of the bypass pipeline receives fluid from an effluent pipeline, and a second side of the bypass pipeline outlets the fluid into the effluent pipeline. 
         [0064]    At operation  630 , responsive to measuring the flow of fluid and/or the pressure across the bypass pipeline, a control valve may open or close to modify the flow of fluid through the bypass pipeline and the effluent pipeline. 
         [0065]    At operation  640 , the turbine positioned within the bypass pipeline may turn to generate energy. The turbine may generate energy by turning based on the flow of fluid and/or the pressure differential across the bypass pipeline. For example, by opening the control valve more fluid may flow through the bypass pipeline than when the control valve is opened. This may cause the turbine to turn more quickly to produce more energy. 
         [0066]    Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation. 
         [0067]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8