Abstract:
A filter cartridge assembly includes a fitting with a lid and a throat. The lid includes a handle and spring. The handle is configured to receive torque and linear force and translate these forces to the lid. The spring has a first and second catch disposed opposite ends. The spring is configured to mate with and fully reside within a lid groove in response to the first catch being drawn towards the second catch. The spring is configured to partially extend annularly outwardly from the lid groove in response to the first catch and the second catch being allowed to return to a biased position. The throat receives the lid and a throat groove disposed about the throat is configured to receive the extended portion of the spring partially extending from the lid groove. The lid is captured in response to the spring mating with the throat groove.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This patent disclosure relates generally to a closure system and, more particularly, to a quick twist disconnect closure for a filter housing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Liquid filter drains are known for draining filter housings of accumulated contaminants. In internal combustion engines, for example, filters are used to remove contaminants from oil, fuel, hydraulic fluids and other such fluids. In a particular example, a fuel line filter is used to separate out water and debris. 
         [0003]    In order to properly maintain the engine or power source, the various filters are periodically checked and replaced as the filter medium becomes saturated with debris. Conventional filters require tools such as one or a pair of wrenches to disassemble the filter housing from the fluid line or mounting. Such tools may be easily lost or stolen from job sites and must also be maintained. 
         [0004]    US Publication No. 2007/0221561A1 (hereinafter “the &#39;561 publication”), entitled “Liquid Filtration System,” purports to describe a tool-less system for checking and replacing a filter. However, the end cap of the pressure vessel that houses the filter of the &#39;561 publication does not provide even support about the perimeter of the end cap. In addition, the end cap must be turned about 90° in order to assemble or disassemble the pressure vessel. While this may be acceptable in the open pitcher envisioned by the authors of the &#39;561 publication, it may be less desirous in the power source compartment of a large earthmoving machine or other such vehicle or device. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved closure system to address the problems described above and/or problems posed by other conventional approaches. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present disclosure, wherein aspects of an improved liquid filter drain are provided. 
         [0007]    In one aspect, the disclosure describes a fitting includes a lid and a receiver. The lid includes a circular body, a handle, an annular lid groove, and an annular spring. The circular body is defined by a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter. The handle is disposed upon the first surface and is configured to receive torque and linear force and translate the torque and linear force to the circular body. The annular lid groove is disposed about the perimeter. The annular spring has a spring body, a first catch disposed at a first end of the spring body, and a second catch disposed at a second end of the spring body. The spring body is configured to mate with the annular lid groove. The spring body is configured to fully reside within the annular lid groove in response to the first catch being drawn towards the second catch. The spring body is configured to partially extend annularly outwardly from the annular lid groove in response to the first catch and the second catch being allowed to return to a biased position. The receiver includes a throat and a throat groove. The throat is defined by a cylindrical surface configured to mate with the perimeter of the circular body. The throat groove is disposed about the throat. The throat groove is configured to receive the extended portion of the spring body partially extending from the annular lid groove. The lid is captured in the receiver in response to the spring body mating with the throat groove. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, the disclosure describes a filter cartridge assembly to filter a fluid. The filter cartridge assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter medium disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet and a fitting. The fitting includes a lid and a receiver. The lid includes a circular body, a handle, an annular lid groove, and an annular spring. The circular body is defined by a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter. The handle is disposed upon the first surface and is configured to receive torque and linear force and translate the torque and linear force to the circular body. The annular lid groove is disposed about the perimeter. The annular spring has a spring body, a first catch disposed at a first end of the spring body, and a second catch disposed at a second end of the spring body. The spring body is configured to mate with the annular lid groove. The spring body is configured to fully reside within the annular lid groove in response to the first catch being drawn towards the second catch. The spring body is configured to partially extend annularly outwardly from the annular lid groove in response to the first catch and the second catch being allowed to return to a biased position. The receiver includes a throat and a throat groove. The throat is defined by a cylindrical surface configured to mate with the perimeter of the circular body. The throat groove is disposed about the throat. The throat groove is configured to receive the extended portion of the spring body partially extending from the annular lid groove. The lid is captured in the receiver in response to the spring body mating with the throat groove. 
         [0009]    In yet another aspect, the disclosure describes a machine having a filter cartridge assembly to filter a fluid. The filter cartridge assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter medium disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet and a fitting. The fitting includes a lid and a receiver. The lid includes a circular body, a handle, an annular lid groove, and an annular spring. The circular body is defined by a first surface, a second surface, and a perimeter. The handle is disposed upon the first surface and is configured to receive torque and linear force and translate the torque and linear force to the circular body. The annular lid groove is disposed about the perimeter. The annular spring has a spring body, a first catch disposed at a first end of the spring body, and a second catch disposed at a second end of the spring body. The spring body is configured to mate with the annular lid groove. The spring body is configured to fully reside within the annular lid groove in response to the first catch being drawn towards the second catch. The spring body is configured to partially extend annularly outwardly from the annular lid groove in response to the first catch and the second catch being allowed to return to a biased position. The receiver includes a throat and a throat groove. The throat is defined by a cylindrical surface configured to mate with the perimeter of the circular body. The throat groove is disposed about the throat. The throat groove is configured to receive the extended portion of the spring body partially extending from the annular lid groove. The lid is captured in the receiver in response to the spring body mating with the throat groove. 
         [0010]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain aspects of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0011]    In this respect, before explaining at least one example in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed device and method is capable of aspects in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0012]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the various aspects. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the various aspects. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary machine, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a filter cartridge assembly, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the filter cartridge assembly, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly showing the flow of fluid therethrough, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional perspective view of the filter cartridge assembly, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lid, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a lip, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the filter cassette secured to a lid, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a detailed cross sectional view of a portion of the filter cartridge assembly, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly, according to another aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the lip, according to another aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the lid, according to another aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a partial exploded view of the filter cartridge assembly, according to yet another aspect of the disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly, according to yet another aspect of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary machine  10  having various systems and components that cooperate to accomplish a task. The machine  10  may embody a fixed or mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, power generation, or another industry known in the art. For example, the machine  10  may be an earth moving machine such as an excavator (shown in  FIG. 1 ), a dozer, a loader, a backhoe, a motor grader, a dump truck, or another earth moving machine. The machine  10  may include an implement system  12  configured to move a work tool  14 , a drive system  16  for propelling the machine  10 , a power source  18 . 
         [0028]    In a particular example, the power source  18  includes an engine configured to combust a fuel such as diesel and this fuel is filtered at a filter cartridge assembly  20 . As fuel passes through the filter cartridge assembly  20 , contaminants such as water, debris, and the like are filtered out and collect in the filter cartridge assembly  20 . Periodically, the filter cartridge assembly  20  is inspected to determine if a filter medium (described further herein) disposed within the filter cartridge assembly  20  should be replaced. For example, if sufficient debris has collected on the filter medium, the filter medium may be replaced. As described herein, it is an advantage of embodiments of the filter cartridge assembly  20  that the filter cartridge assembly  20  is easier and less time consuming to inspect and replace the filter medium than conventional filter cartridges. It is another advantage of embodiments of the filter cartridge assembly  20  that the filter medium may be inspected and replace without directly contacting the filter medium. These and other advantages are described herein. Of note, while particular example is made throughout of filtering fuel, the various embodiments are not limited to filtering fuel, but rather, include any suitable filtering application. Examples of suitable filtering applications include hydraulic, lubricant, air, or other such filtration systems. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the filter cartridge assembly with a lid  22  in a closed conformation, according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the filter cartridge assembly  20  includes a housing  30 , fuel inlet  32 , fuel outlet  34 , and the lid  22 . In general, the housing  30  and/or lid  22  may include any suitable material such as, for example, metals, plastics, elastomers, and the like. In a particular example, the housing  30  and/or lid  22  is primarily a resin or polymer formed into a cylindrical shell and incorporating elastomeric seals. In another particular example, the housing  30  is primarily sheet metal formed into a cylindrical shell and incorporating elastomeric seals. In yet another particular example, the housing  30  is a cast metal shell to which machined surfaces are subsequently milled and/or elastomeric seals are later added. 
         [0030]    The lid  22  includes a circular body  36  and a handle  38  disposed on the circular body  36 . The handle  38  is configured to receive torque and linear force and translate the torque and linear force to the circular body  36 . For example, a user or technician may grasp the handle  38 , turn the handle  38  relative to the housing  30 , and draw the lid  22  from the housing  30  in response to a fitting  40  being released. While the various elements of the fitting  40  are further described herein, a few elements that are visible in  FIG. 2  include a first catch  42  disposed or captured in a lid notch  44  and a second catch  46  disposed or captured in a lip notch  48 . The lip notch  48  is disposed on a lip  50  of the housing  30 . In order to release the fitting  40 , the handle  38  is rotated relative to the housing  30  so that the first catch  42  is drawn towards the second catch  46 . In the particular example shown, the handle  38  is rotated counterclockwise. Of note, the first catch  42  and the second catch  46  are initially separated by less than 15° of rotation and the fitting  40  is configured to release prior to the first catch  42  and the second catch  46  being in alignment. As such, the lid  22  may be released from the housing  30  with less than 15° of rotation. In some particular examples, the lid  22  may be released from the housing  30  with about 5°, 7°, 10°, 12° of rotation or the like. Again, the workings of the fitting  40  are further described herein. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the filter cartridge assembly  20 , according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the filter cartridge assembly  20  includes a filter cassette  60  and adapter  62 . The filter cassette  60  includes a filter media  64 , spiral roving  66 , top cap  68 , and bottom cap  70 . The filter media  64  includes any suitable medium for filtering particulate or other contaminants from a fluid such as air, water, coolant, oil, fuel, and the like. Examples of suitable filtering medium include pleated cellulose stock, felted polymers, open cell foamed polymers, spun fibers, and the like. In a particular example, the filter media  64  is a matted cellulose fiber stock that is pleated and disposed about a center tube  72  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The spiral roving  66  is configured to retain separation between adjacent ones of the pleats. The spiral roving  66  may be affixed to the filter media  64  via an adhesive. 
         [0032]    The top cap  68  covers the top end of the filter media  64  to reduce or prevent a flow of fluid from bypassing the filter media  64 . The top cap  68  includes a retention clip  74  that is configured to engage a filter mounting post  76 . The filter mounting post  76  extends down from the lid  22 . In a particular example, the filter mounting post  76  extends axially from the center of the lid  22 . As described herein, the retention clip  74  and filter mounting post  76  may be permanently or releaseably affixed to one another and, in this manner, the handle  38  provides the user with the ability to remove the filter media  64  without directly coming into contact with the filter media  64 . The top cap also includes a sloping face  78 . This sloping face  78  increases the volume available for an incoming flow of fluid to disperse about the filter media  64 . In this manner, flow velocity can be maintained about the filter media  64 . 
         [0033]    The bottom cap  70  covers the bottom end of the filter media  64  in a manner similar to the top cap  68 . The adapter  62  is configured to provide a conduit to convey a flow of the filtered fluid from the filter media  64  to the fuel outlet  34 . In a particular example, the adapter  62  includes a filter seal  80  configured to reduce or prevent intermixing of filtered fluid with unfiltered fluid. In a particular example, the filter seal  80  includes an O-ring to form a seal between the adapter  62  and the bottom cap  70 . The adapter  62  may also include a housing seal  82  configured to reduce or prevent leakage from the housing  30 . In a particular example, the housing seal  82  includes an O-ring to form a seal between the adapter  62  and the housing  30 . 
         [0034]    Also shown in  FIG. 3 , the lid  22  includes an annular spring  88  disposed in a lid groove  90  disposed about a perimeter of the lid  22 . The first catch  42  and second catch  46  are disposed at opposite ends of the annular spring  88 . In response to the first catch  42  being drawn towards the second catch  46 , the diameter of the annular spring  88  is reduced and the annular spring  88  is drawn into the lid groove  90 . The annular spring  88  is biased to a diameter in which at least a portion of the annular spring  88  extends out from the lid groove  90 . When the lid  22  is placed in a throat  92  of the housing  30 , a throat groove  94  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) is configured to receive the portion of the annular spring  88  that extends out from the lid groove  90 . As such, if the diameter of the annular spring  88  is reduced or compressed via the application of torque upon the annular spring  88  then, in response to reducing the torque to a level below that of a bias strength of the annular spring  88 , the annular spring  88  is configured to return to a diameter in which at least a portion of the annular spring  88  extends out from the lid groove  90  and locks the lid  22  into the throat  92 . 
         [0035]    The lid  22  further includes a lid seal  96  disposed about the perimeter of the lid  22 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the lid seal  96  is disposed relatively below the annular spring  88 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the lid seal  96  is configured to form a seal between the perimeter of the lid  22  and an inside surface of the housing  30 . Of note, while the lid  22  is shown relatively above the housing  30 , other examples of the lid  22  and/or fitting  40  need not be disposed at a top portion of the filter cartridge assembly  20 , but rather, may be disposed at a bottom, lower, middle, and/or upper portion of the filter cartridge assembly  20  or any other suitable container. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are cross sectional views of the filter cartridge assembly  20  showing the flow of fluid therethrough, according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a series of flow lines  100  illustrates the flow of the fuel. The fuel enters via the fuel inlet  32  and passes into a distribution zone  102  of the filter cartridge assembly  20 . The distribution zone  102  includes a toroid or ‘donut’ shaped volume that may be better understood from the perspective cross sectional view in  FIG. 5 . The distribution zone  102  is generated by the sloping face  78  that covers the cut portion of the filter media  64  and facilitates an even and low-restriction flow of the fuel about an upper portion of the filter cassette  60 . This distribution of the flow of fuel about the upper portion of the filter cassette  60  facilitates improved flow around and down the filter cassette  60  and reduces low-flow areas which improves the filter performance of the filter cartridge assembly  20 . 
         [0037]    Also shown in  FIG. 4  is that the lid seal  96  includes a lid groove  104  that provides a seat for an O-ring  106 . The lid seal  96  is configured to form a seal between the perimeter of the lid  22  and the cylindrical inner surface of the throat  92 . More particularly, the O-ring  106  forms a radial seal between the lid groove  104  and the throat  92 . It is an advantage of this lid seal  96  that the radial sealing action does not rely upon a downward compressive force to maintain the seal. As such, no load is placed on the fitting to maintain the lid seal  96 . In a similar manner, the filter seal  80  is depicted as a radial seal between the adapter  62  and the center tube  72 . In contrast, the housing seal  82  is depicted as a surface mount seal. In order to translate compressive force down from the fitting  40  to the housing seal  82  and/or secure the filter cassette  60  within the housing  30 , the adapter  62  includes a filter flange  108  and a housing flange  110 . The relative position of the filter flange  108  and housing flange  110  on the adapter  62  determines the compressive force translated to the housing seal  82 . However, due to the relatively small diameter of the housing seal  82  in comparison to the lid seal  96 , relatively little pressure is sufficient to maintain the housing seal  82 . An advantage of the housing seal  82  shown in  FIG. 4  is that manufacturing of the housing  30  is simplified. In another example of filter cartridge assembly  20  shown in  FIG. 9 , the housing seal  82  is a radial-type seal. 
         [0038]    Returning to  FIG. 4 , an interface seal  112  is shown that is formed between the top cap  68  and the filter mounting post  76 . The interface seal  112  includes a plurality of angled mating surfaces that provides a secure and positive fit between the top cap  68  and the filter mounting post  76 . To further secure the filter cassette  60  to the lid  22 , the filter mounting post  76  includes an annular ridge  114  that is configured to engage a retention clip catch  116 . In order to facilitate removal of the filter cassette  60  from the lid  22 , the filter mounting post  76  may include a vent  118  to provide an inlet for air. In this manner, a partial vacuum locking the filter cassette  60  to the lid  22  may be avoided. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective views of the lid  22  and lip  50 , according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 6 , in the biased position, the annular spring  88  protrudes from the lid groove  90 . In addition, the O-ring  106  is retained in the lid groove  104 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the lip  50  includes a recess  98  to facilitate rotation of the first catch  42  along the lip  50 . That is, first catch  42  may protrude and the recess facilitates this. In other examples, the first catch  42  may fully seat within the lid notch  44  and lip  50  may not include the recess  98 . Of note, because the annular spring  88  is retained within the throat groove  94  along substantially the entire circumference of the lid  22 , the fitting  40  is relatively more secure and/or robust than fittings that are not fully supported. 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the filter cassette  60  secured to the lid  22 , according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 8 , by securing the lid  22  to the filter cassette  60 , filter media  64  is easily inspected or replaced without touching the filter media. Instead, the user may grasp the handle  38  to inspect or replace the filter cassette  60 . Also shown in  FIG. 8 , the top cap  68  includes a plurality of the retention clip catches  116  that are arranged about the top cap  68  to engage the annular ridge  114  of the filter mounting post  76 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  is a detailed cross sectional view of a portion of the filter cartridge assembly  20 , according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the housing  30  includes an outlet flange  120  to provide an elongated cylindrical housing sealing surface  122 . The housing seal  82  is formed via the interaction of an O-ring  124  disposed between the housing sealing surface  122  and a housing seal groove  126  disposed about the adapter  62 . Also shown in  FIG. 9 , the filter seal  80  is formed via the interaction between an O-ring  128  disposed between a filter sealing surface  130  and a filter sealing groove  132 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly  20 , according to another aspect of the disclosure. The example of the filter cartridge assembly  20  shown in  FIG. 10  is similar to the example shown in  FIGS. 1-9  and particularly  FIG. 4  and thus, for the sake of brevity, those elements already discussed herein will not be described again. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the annular spring  88  is biased to reside partially within the lid groove  90 . In this biased conformation, the annular spring  88  is configured to secure the lid  22  to the housing  30  by virtue of a portion of the annular spring being within the lid groove  90  and a portion of the annular spring  88  residing within the throat groove  94 . 
         [0043]    Now also referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , to release the lid  22  from the housing  30 , the handle  38  is turned to increase the radius of the annular spring  88  and urge the annular spring  88  to fully reside within the throat groove  94 . In this manner, the lid  22  may be withdrawn from the housing  30 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 13  is a partial exploded view of the filter cartridge assembly  20 , according to yet another aspect of the disclosure. The example of the filter cartridge assembly  20  shown in  FIG. 13  is similar to the example shown in  FIGS. 1-12  and particularly  FIG. 10  and thus, for the sake of brevity, those elements already discussed herein will not be described again. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the lid  22  includes the inlet  32  or the outlet  34 . Also shown in  FIG. 13 , the fitting  40  includes a release ring  140  that is secured to the lid  22  via a retaining ring  142  that is configured to lock into a retaining groove  144 . The release ring  140  includes a release ring notch  146  shown in  FIG. 14 . Also shown in  FIG. 14 , by rotating the release ring  140  relative to the lid  22 , the radius of the annular spring  88  is enlarged such that the annular spring  88  fully resides within the lid groove  90  and the lid  22  may be removed from the housing  30 . In the biased conformation, the annular spring  88  secures the lid  22  to the housing in a manner already discussed. 
         [0045]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly, according to yet another aspect of the disclosure. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0046]    The present disclosure may be applicable to any machine including a fluid filter cartridge assembly. Aspects of the disclosed filter cartridge assembly may promote ease of use, greater ability to inspect and replace filters, operational flexibility, and performance of fluid filter housing assemblies in general and fuel systems in particular. 
         [0047]    Applicants discovered that a conventional filter housing fitting did not provide sufficient ease of use to encourage proper inspection and replacement of filter cartridges. Applicants further discovered that conventional filter housings required tools to tighten fitting and that a tool-less inspection and replacement of filter cassettes reduced the time and expense of inspecting and replacing filter cartridges. Applicants further yet discovered that the filter cassettes of conventional filter housings were difficult to remove without directly handling the filter cassette. 
         [0048]    According to an aspect of the disclosure shown in  FIG. 2 , the handle  38  provides an easy and convenient torqueing and pulling surface for the user to withdraw the filter cassette  60  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Returning to  FIG. 2 , the first catch  42  and second catch  46  are easily brought towards one another and release of the lid  22  from the housing  30  with a rotation of less than 15°. 
         [0049]    According to an aspect of the disclosure shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the distribution zone  102  generated by the sloping face  78  facilitates an even and low-restriction flow of the fuel about an upper portion of the filter cassette  60 . This distribution of the flow of fuel about the upper portion of the filter cassette  60  facilitates improved flow around and down the filter cassette  60  and reduces low-flow areas which improves the filter performance of the filter cartridge assembly  20 . 
         [0050]    Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure enable ease of use to encourage proper inspection and replacement of filter cartridges, a tool-less inspection and replacement of filter cassettes reduced the time and expense of inspecting and replacing filter cartridges, replacement of filter cassettes without direct contact with the filter cassette, operational flexibility, and performance of fluid filter housing assemblies in general and fuel systems in particular. 
         [0051]    It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated. 
         [0052]    Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
         [0053]    Throughout the disclosure, like reference numbers refer to similar elements herein, unless otherwise specified. The many features and advantages of the various aspects are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages that fall within the true spirit and scope of the aspects. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the aspects to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the various aspects.