Abstract:
A luminaire is disclosed having a lighting element mount which can have a base and one or more wings acting has heat dissipation fins. A lighting element (e.g. a PCB populated with LEDs) can be mounted (e.g. directly) to the base of the lighting element mount to conduct heat away from the lighting element. The lighting element mount can be incorporated into the luminaire so as to associate the lighting elements with apertures in the luminaire, thus allowing the lighting elements to be protrude to the bottom of the luminaire while the wings extend rearward of the luminaire and both the base and the wings of the lighting element mount are exposed to ambient air.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure is directed generally to a luminaire having lighting elements mounted to heat sinks for removing heat from the lighting elements. The present disclosure finds particular application to use of LEDs and placement of one or more printed circuit boards (“PCB”) comprising light emitting diodes (“LED”) on the heat sinks to remove heat from the PCB. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    There is a need for a luminaire of the type described herein. More particularly, LEDs can be driven to provide light more efficiently than other light sources such as incandescent or fluorescent lighting. This efficiency stems from the ability to provide the same lumens for less power consumption. This efficient also stems from the longevity of LEDs, which can last 10,000 to 20,000 hours before failure. However, it is believed that both of these efficiencies are deteriorated by exposing the LEDs to excess heat. The configuration of the luminaire of the present disclosure removes heat from the LEDs and any associated PCB to maximize efficiencies of the LEDs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    A luminaire is disclosed comprising a housing containing a driver, a wing extending from the housing and defining an aperture, a lighting element mount, the lighting element mount comprising a face defining two opposing edges, and a wing extending from each opposing edge, the luminaire further comprising a lighting element mounted to the face of the lighting element mount, the lighting element mount associated with the wing such that the lighting element is aligned over the wing apertures. The housing may define one or more slots and the wing having one or more tabs associated with the one or more slots of the housing. The wing may have a flat mounting plate in which the apertures are defined, and a lens flange extending downward from the mounting plate, the lens flange then directed inward toward the housing such that the mounting plate and the lens flange together define a channel open toward the housing, and a lens residing in the channel. The face and wings of the lighting element mount may define a U-shape. The lighting element may be thermally connected to the lighting element mount face and the wings of the lighting element mount may be exposed to ambient air to facilitate heat dissipation. A mounting tab may extend from the end of the lighting element mount face, the mounting tab being secured to the wing adjacent to the aperture. The lighting element may comprise one or more LEDs. The lighting element may comprise a PCB populated with one or more LEDs. Two lighting element mounts may be secured to the wing. 
         [0004]    The present disclosure discloses a luminaire comprising a housing having a base, a first leg extending from one edge of the base and a second leg extending from an opposing edge of the base, the housing defining a U-shape, a first wing extending from the housing and defining a first aperture, a first lighting element mount, the first lighting element mount comprising a face defining two opposing edges, and a wing extending from each opposing edge, a first lighting element mounted to the face of the first lighting element mount, the first lighting element mount associated with the first wing such that the lighting element is aligned over first the wing apertures, the luminaire further comprising a second wing extending from the housing on a side opposing the first wing, the second wing defining a second aperture, a second lighting element mount, the second lighting element mount comprising a face defining two opposing edges, and a wing extending from each opposing edge, a second lighting element mounted to the face of the second lighting element mount, the second lighting element mount associated with the second wing such that the lighting element is aligned over second the wing apertures, the luminaire further comprising a driver for delivering power to the first and second lighting elements, the driver located in the U-shaped housing. The housing defining a plurality of slots and the first wing having one or more tabs associated with one or more of the plurality of slots of the housing, the second wing having one or more tabs associated one or more of the plurality of slots of the housing. The first wing having a flat mounting plate in which the first aperture is defined, and a lens flange extending downward from the mounting plate, the lens flange then directed inward toward the housing such that the mounting plate and the lens flange together define a channel open toward the housing, and a lens residing in the channel. The face and wings of the first lighting element mount defining a U-shape. The first lighting element thermally connected to the first lighting element mount face and the wings of the first lighting element mount exposed to ambient air to facilitate heat dissipation. A mounting tab extending from the end of the first lighting element mount face, the mounting tab secured to the first wing adjacent to the aperture. The first lighting element comprises one or more LEDs. The first lighting element comprises a PCB populated with one or more LEDs. 
         [0005]    The present disclosure further discloses a luminaire comprising a housing containing a driver, a mounting plate defining an aperture, a lighting element mount, the lighting element mount comprising a face defining two opposing edges, a wing extending from each opposing edge, and a mounting tab extending from the end of the first lighting element mount face, the luminaire further comprising a lighting element mounted to the face of the lighting element mount, and the mounting tab secured to the mounting plate adjacent to the aperture such that the lighting element is aligned over the wing apertures. The face and wings of the first lighting element mount may define a U-shape. The lighting element may be thermally connected to the first lighting element mount face and the wings of the first lighting element mount may be exposed to ambient air to facilitate heat dissipation. The lighting element may comprise one or more LEDs. The lighting element may comprise a PCB populated with one or more LEDs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be more fully understood from the following description when read together with the accompanying drawings, which are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as limiting. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a top-side perspective view of a luminaire in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  is a bottom-side perspective view of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A  taken at  3 B- 3 B; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  is a partially exploded view of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a housing of the luminaire of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a wing of the luminaire of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lighting element mount of the luminaire of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7A  is a bottom-side perspective view of one embodiment of design features of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7B  is a top-side perspective view of design features of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7C  is a bottom view of the design features of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7D  is a top view of the design features of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7E  is a left-side view of the design features of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A , the right-side view being the same; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 7F  is a front view of the design features of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A , the rear view being the same. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    The embodiments depicted in the drawing are merely illustrative. Variations of the embodiments shown in the drawings, including embodiments described herein, but not depicted in the drawings, may be envisioned and practiced within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure provide a luminaire  100  and elements thereof. The figures depict a luminaire  100 , in accordance with the present disclosure, having a housing  102  extending along a longitudinal axis  104  and a first housing wing  106   a  extending from one side of the housing  102  and a second housing wing  106   b  extending from an opposing side of the housing  102 . Each housing wing  106  comprises lighting elements  108  mounted to lighting element mounts  110  and an optional insulator  112  over the lighting elements  108 . A lens  114  is secured to each housing wing  106  to protect the lighting elements  108  and or to manage the direction or diffusion of the light emitted from the lighting elements  108 . A housing cover  116  is secured to the bottom of the housing  102  and a pair of end covers  118   a ,  118   b  are secured to opposing longitudinal ends of the housing  102  to enclose a driver  120  within the housing  102 . The driver  120  provides and manages power to the lighting elements  108  to control their illumination. 
         [0023]    As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the housing  102  defines an inverted U-shape having a base  102   a  at the top with a first leg  102   b  and a second leg  102   c  extending downward from opposing lateral sides of the base to a distal end  102   d . In the depicted preferred embodiment, the first and second legs  102   b ,  102   c  each extend perpendicular to the base  102   a . The first and second legs  102   b ,  102   c  each comprise a series of slots  102   e  running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the luminaire  100  near the distal end of the first and second legs  102   b ,  102   c . Alternatively, a single slot running the length covered by the combined slots  102   e  to provide a similar function, as will be understood in light of the function of the slot as described below. A lens flange  102   f  extends outward from the distal end  102   d  of each leg to hold the corresponding lens  114 , as shown and described herein. In the depicted preferred embodiment the lens flange  102   f  extends perpendicular to the corresponding first or second leg  102   b ,  102   c . Although each of the base  102   a  and the first and second legs  102   b ,  102   c  are depicted as straight, other embodiments are contemplated as facilitating the functionality described herein. In the depicted embodiment, the housing  102  runs the entire length of the luminaire  102 , but other configurations are contemplated. 
         [0024]    The driver  120  is depicted as secured to the base  102   a  of the housing. This keeps the driver  120  as far from the lighting elements  108  as possible in order to distance the heat generated by the driver  120  from the lighting elements  108 . However, the driver  120  can be located in other locations, including external of the housing  102  and/or the luminaire  100  generally. The driver  120  can be any commercially available driver appropriate for providing power to the chosen lighting elements  108  as necessary to provide the desired output of lumens. The driver  120  can optionally be thermally insulated from the housing  102 . 
         [0025]    The first wing  106   a  and second wing  106   b  are identical to one another in construction, but rotated to be mirror images of one another in the final assembled configuration, as depicted in the figures. The configuration of the first wing  106   a  will therefore be described, with the understanding that the second wing  106   b  is of identical (although depicted as mirror) construction. Although the identical construction of the first and second wings  106   a ,  106   b  reduces the total number of different parts needed for construction of the luminaire  100 , many of the benefits of the luminaire  100  described herein can be obtained by providing first and second wings  106   a ,  106   b  having constructions different from one another. 
         [0026]    As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the first wing  106   a  comprises a mounting plate  106   c  that is flat in the depicted embodiment defines a plane as well as four apertures  106   d . The apertures  106   d  define elongated rectangles to match the outer perimeter of the lighting elements  108  described below, but other configurations are contemplated to match the perimeter of the lighting elements and allow light to pass through the apertures  106   d . A series of tabs  106   e  extend from the longitudinal edge of the mounting plate  106   c  that is positioned proximate to the housing  102 . The tabs  106   e  extend upward, perpendicular to the plane defined by the mounting plate  106   c . The tabs  106   e  reside in the housing slots  102   e  as depicted with the upwardly extending portion of the tabs  106   e  rest against the inside of the housing leg  102   a  to hold the wing  106   a  to the housing  102 . In the depicted embodiment, the first wing  106   a  comprises the same number of tabs  106   e  as the housing comprises slots  102   e  on the associated one of the first and second housing legs  102   a ,  102   b . The tabs  106   e  extend a short distance from the longitudinal edge of the mounting plate  106   c , but a sufficient distance such that once the wing  106   a  is assembled with the housing  102 , as described above, the tabs  106   e  will extend sufficiently beyond the slots  102   e  to hold the wing  106   a  to the housing  102 . 
         [0027]    A lens flange  106   f  extends downward from the distal edge of the mounting plate  106   c , perpendicular thereto and then inward toward the housing  102  such that the mounting plate  106   c  and the lens flange  106   f  together define a channel. When the wing  102   a  is mounted to the housing, this channel is open toward the housing  102  such that the wing lens flange  106   f  and the housing lens flange  102   f  together form a frame to hold the lens  114  as shown for example, in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The lens  114  may be inserted between the wing  106   a  and the housing  102  after the wing tabs  106   e  have been inserted into the housing tabs  102   e  and the wing  106   a  is being rotated downward toward the housing. One manner of assembling the wing  106   a  to the housing  102  comprises: (a) rotating the mounting plate  106   c  to be at an angle to the associated one of the first and second housing legs  102   a ,  102   b , (b) locating the wing tabs  106   e  in the slots  102   e  of the associated one of the first and second housing legs  102   a ,  102   b , (c) inserting the wing tabs  106   e  into the slots  102   e , (d) until the base of the wing tabs  106   e  reach the slots  102   e  and then rotating the wing mounting plate  106   c  toward perpendicular with the associated one of the first and second housing legs  102   a ,  102   b  while continuing to insert the wing tabs  106   e , (e) inserting the lens  114  into the wing  106   a , and (f) continuing to rotate the wing mounting plate  106   c  until the lens  114  contacts the housing  102  to stop rotation and downward pull of gravity causes the wing  106   a  to rest in the housing  102  as depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The lens  114  will then rest on the housing lens flange  102   f  and the wing lens flange  106   f . Additional securing structure may be added to further secure the wings  106   a ,  106   b  to the housing  102 . In the optional embodiment in which the lens  114  is not employed, the tabs  106   e  inserted in slots  106   e  are sufficient to hold the wings  106   a ,  106   b  to the housing  102 . 
         [0028]    The lighting element mount  110  is comprised of a face  110   a  and two wings  110   b  extending from either lateral edge of the face  110   a  to define an elongated U-shape with the face  110   a  as a base of the U and the wings  110   b  as the legs of the U. Each wing  110   b  defines a cutout  110   c  approximately mid-way along its length. The cutout  110   c  may be removed (i.e. filled in) or of different size and/or shape. The face  110   a  receives the lighting element  108 . In the depicted embodiment, the lighting element  108  is a flat printed circuit board (“PCB”) populated with LEDs and the face  110   a  of the lighting element mount  110  is planar to receive the flat PCB. The PCB is mounted to the face  110   a  in any known manner to provide for thermal conduction between the PCB and the face  110   a  so that the lighting element mount  110  will act as a heat sink for the heat generated by the LEDs of the lighting element  108 . The PCB can be mounted directly to the lighting element mount  110  to provide heat conducting contact there between and maximize heat flow from the PCBs. Heat conducting compounds or structures may optionally be inserted between the lighting element mount  110  and the PCB to increase contact, and thus heat transfer, there between. Other shapes of alternative lighting elements  108 , including non-flat PCBs, are contemplated and may be accommodated by a corresponding, non-flat face  110   a.    
         [0029]    The wings  110   b  act as heat dissipation fins to increase the surface area of the lighting element mounts  108  and to project away from the wing to take advantage of upward heat currents and to elevate into ambient air currents to increase convection and radiation. The height and length of fins required to provide a sufficiently rate of heat dissipate will depend on the LEDs and the power provided to them and will be readily calculable by those skilled in the art. 
         [0030]    The lighting element mounts  110  comprise a mounting tab  110   d  extending from the face  110  at each longitudinal end. The mounting tabs  110   d  extend beyond the extremities of the wing apertures  106   d  so the LEDs of the PCB are located in the wing aperture  106   d  and the mounting tabs  110   d  extend beyond the wing aperture  106   d  to hold the lighting element mount  110  from falling through the wing aperture  106   d . In the depicted embodiment, the wing aperture  106   d  approximates the size of the PCB so that the PCB approximately fills the wing aperture  106   d  and projects through the wing aperture  106   d . In the depicted embodiment, the light emitted by the LEDs is not redirected by reflectors or optics. It is contemplated that reflectors or optics may be used with the luminaire  100  to provide a particular light distribution. The lighting element mount  110  is preferably mounted to the associated wing  106   a ,  106   b  by securing the mounting tab  110   d  to the wing mounting plate  106   b  by any known means, such as welding or the like, or screws or the like, etc. The connection between the mounting tab  110   d  and the wing mounting plate  106   b  also causes the entire wing  106   a ,  106   b  to act as a heat sink and dissipate heat from the PCBs. Alternatively, the width of the lighting element mount face  110   a  may be wider than the associated wing aperture  106   d  so that portions of the lighting element mount face  110   a  rest on the lateral sides of the wing aperture  106  to transmit heat to the wing  106   a ,  106   b . The wings  106   a ,  106   b  are depicted as having four apertures  106   d , each associated with a separate lighting element mount  110 , which is each associated with a single lighting element  108  (depicted as a PCB). Other configurations are contemplated, without departing from this disclosure, such as doubling the length of the lighting element mounts  110  to accommodate two PCBs each, doubling the width of the lighting element mounts  110  to accommodate two PCBs each, or making a single lighting element mount  110  to cover all four wing apertures  106   d  and accommodate all four PCBs. 
         [0031]    Optionally, a dielectric paper  112  covers the PCB, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Other dielectrics or no dielectric are also contemplated. 
         [0032]    In the depicted embodiment, the luminaire  100  is configured to have two rows of lighting elements  108 , and associated lighting element mounts  110 , in each wing  106 . Each row is comprised of two lighting element mounts  110  and associated lighting elements  108 . The luminaire can be comprises of one such row of lighting elements  108 , and associated lighting element mounts  110 , in a smaller wing or the same size wing. The luminaire could also be comprised of three, four or more rows of lighting elements  108 , and associated lighting element mounts  110 , as needed to provide the appropriate number of lighting elements  108  to allow the luminaire to provide the desired lumens. Additional rows of lighting elements  108  and associated lighting element mounts  110  could be fit into the existing wing  106  or by widening the mounting plate  106   c  to accommodate additional apertures  106   d , lighting elements  108  and lighting element mounts  110 . Additionally, each row can be comprised of one lighting element  108  and one lighting element mount  110 , the two lighting elements  108  and associated lighting element mounts  110  shown, or more than two lighting elements  108  and associated lighting element mounts  110 . Further, each lighting element mount  110  can be associated with more than one lighting element  108 . For example, the lighting element mount  110  could run the entire length of the row in the depicted embodiment and be associated with the two lighting elements  108  shown. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the lighting elements  108  may be assembled with the lighting element mounts  110  as subassemblies, with the dielectric  112  if used. In this manner, these subassemblies may be ready for installation in a luminaire  100  or variations thereof having greater or fewer rows of lighting elements  108 . 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, one or more of the lighting elements  108  may be assembled with the lighting element mounts  110 , with the dielectric  112  if used, and mounted to the wing  106  as subassemblies. In this manner, these subassemblies may be ready for installation to a ready housing  102 . 
         [0035]    Optionally, the luminaire  100  comprises one lens  114  in each wing  106   a ,  106   b , as best depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The lens  114  may be simply to protect the lighting elements  108  or may also impart direction to the light rays emitted from the lighting element  108  to provide a desired light distribution. As described above, the lens  114  may be inserted above the housing lens flange  102   f  and the wing lens flange  106   f  during assembly of the wing  106   a ,  106   b  to the housing  102 . Alternatively, the lens  114  may be slide into location after the wing  106  is assembled to the housing  102 . 
         [0036]    The housing cover  116  comprises a base  116   a  and two legs  116   b  extending from opposing sides of the base  116   a  to define U-shape. A mounting flange  116   c  extends from each end of the base  116   a  and beyond the legs  116   b . The base  116   a  and legs  116   b  are approximately the same length as the housing  102 . The housing cover base  116   a  is approximately the width of the housing base  102   a  such inserting the housing cover legs  116   b  into the bottom of the housing will cause the housing cover legs  116   b  to encounter the housing first and second legs  102   a ,  102   b . Preferably, the housing cover legs  116   b  encounter the wing tabs  106   e  that protrude through the housing slots  102   e  and deflect the housing cover legs  116   b  inward, causing enough of a force fit to temporarily hold the housing cover  116  to the housing  102 . 
         [0037]    Each end cover  118   a ,  118   b  comprises a central plate  118   c  and a pair of wing plates  118   d  extending from opposing sides of the central plate  118   c . The central plate  118   c  covers the end of the housing  102  and the wing plates  118   d  cover the area created by the wing  106  and the lens  114 . The end covers  118   a  and  118   b  are applied to opposing ends of the housing  102  and secured thereto by any known means. Tab and prong connectors  122  are shown at the housing base  102   a  and wing mounting plates  106   c . A holding flange  118   e  extends longitudinally inward from the bottom of the end cover central plate  118   c  and the end cover wing plates  118   d . The holding flange  118   e  of the two end covers  118   a ,  118   b  hold the wings  106  secure and, preferably, stationary, and prevent the housing covers  116  from falling out of the housing  102 . 
         [0038]    As best depicted in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  3 A and  3 B, the rear of the wings  106   a ,  106   b  are not enclosed by a housing or other structure. This leaves the lighting element mount wings  110  as well as the rear of the lighting element mount face  110   a  directly exposed to ambient air. This provides a significant amount of surface area for dissipation and radiation. Moreover, the rear of the lighting element mount face  110   a  is immediately proximate to the lighting elements  108 , which are the major heat sources in the case of LEDs. This provides a direct and prompt route for the heat to be pulled from the lighting elements  108  and expelled from the luminaire  100 . If no lens  114  is used, then the front face of the lighting elements  108  are also directly exposed to ambient air, further contributing to the cooling of the lighting elements  108 . 
         [0039]    It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art how to run electrical wiring to the driver  120  and from the driver to the one or more lighting elements  108 . 
         [0040]    Any one or more of the housing  102 , wings  106 , lighting element mount  110 , end cover  118  and/or housing cover  116  is preferably constructed of sheet metal formed by known methods. Alternatively, any one or more of the housing  102 , wings  106 , lighting element mount  110 , end cover  118  and/or housing cover  116  can formed from any other known material or method including cast metal or molded polymers. 
         [0041]    While the luminaire  100  depicted in the figures is generally applicable to any application that would benefit from indoor or outdoor area lighting, it is well-suited, in one example, for application to high bay applications such as warehouses and the like. The luminaire  100  can be mounted directly to a structure, such as a ceiling, or hung from the structure using standard mounting hardware according to standard methods. In the depicted configuration, the luminaire  100  is preferably mounted by securing the housing  102  to the structure rather than the wings  106   a ,  106   b  because downward gravity on the wings  106   a ,  106   b  assists in the attachment of the wings  106   a ,  106   b  to the housing  102 , as described above. However, the wings  106   a ,  106   b  could be secured to the structure, in addition to or exclusive of the housing  102 , if the wings  106   a ,  106   b  were secured to the housing  102  in a different manner or in additional manners to the manner described above. 
         [0042]    While the preferred embodiment uses light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) as light sources, other light sources may be used in addition to LEDs or instead of LEDs within the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example only, other light sources such as plasma light sources may be used. Further, the term “LEDs” is intended to refer to all types of light emitting diodes including organic light emitting diodes or “OLEDs”. The LEDs of this exemplary embodiment can be of any kind, color (e.g., emitting any color or white light or mixture of colors and white light as the intended lighting arrangement requires) and luminance capacity or intensity, preferably in the visible spectrum. Color selection can be made as the intended lighting arrangement requires. In accordance with the present disclosure, LEDs can comprise any semiconductor configuration and material or combination (alloy) that produce the intended array of color or colors. The LEDs can have a refractive optic built-in with the LED or placed over the LED, or no refractive optic; and can alternatively, or also, have a surrounding reflector, e.g., that re-directs low-angle and mid-angle LED light outwardly. In one suitable embodiment, the LEDs are white LEDs each comprising a gallium nitride (GaN)-based light emitting semiconductor device coupled to a coating containing one or more phosphors. The GaN-based semiconductor device can emit light in the blue and/or ultraviolet range, and excites the phosphor coating to produce longer wavelength light. The combined light output can approximate a white light output. For example, a GaN-based semiconductor device generating blue light can be combined with a yellow phosphor to produce white light. Alternatively, a GaN-based semiconductor device generating ultraviolet light can be combined with red, green, and blue phosphors in a ratio and arrangement that produces white light (or another desired color). In yet another suitable embodiment, colored LEDs are used, such are phosphide-based semiconductor devices emitting red or green light, in which case the LED assembly produces light of the corresponding color. In still yet another suitable embodiment, the LED light board may include red, green, and blue LEDs distributed on the printed circuit board in a selected pattern to produce light of a selected color using a red-green-blue (RGB) color composition arrangement. In this latter exemplary embodiment, the LED light board can be configured to emit a selectable color by selective operation of the red, green, and blue LEDs at selected optical intensities. Clusters of different kinds and colors of LED is also contemplated to obtain the benefits of blending their output. 
         [0043]    While certain embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the methods, systems, and apparatus of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, while aspects and embodiments herein have been described in the context of certain applications, the present disclosure is not limited to such. 
         [0044]    Accordingly, the embodiments described herein, and as claimed in the attached claims, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative of the present disclosure and not restrictive.