Abstract:
A cap for coupling to a medical adapter may include a housing with a closed top end and an open bottom end with legs that extend from the housing away from the bottom end. Members may extend from an inner surface of the legs to engage and secure the cap to a medical adapter or an insert configured to mate with a medical adapter. A cap may include angular ridges between a cap housing and an insert to permit rotation of the cap in single direction and prevent removal of the cap from a medical adapter. A cap may include hinged legs to permit the cap to be secured to a medical adapter by rotating the legs toward each other until a portion of a collar on each leg may be matingly joined around the medical adapter.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to products, packages, or systems employing ports for conducting, for example, fluid through the product, package, or system. More particularly, the disclosure relates to tamper-proof caps for medical products, packages, or systems that have ports. 
         [0002]    Products, packages, and systems used to retain and transmit medical fluids often comprise an access port for conducting fluid. For example, a port may be incorporated into an I.V. bag, a bottle, or a Y-site device installed along a fluid pathway. Through the port, a medical fluid may be introduced or withdrawn from the product, package, or system. Likewise, the port can present an opportunity for the medical fluid to become diluted, altered, or contaminated. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Restricted access, through a port, to medical fluid is desired to prevent inadvertent contamination or spread of infection to the fluid. Unauthorized altering or adulteration is a serious threat to recipients of medical fluid that may change as a result of fluid infusion through the port. The unauthorized withdrawal of a portion of the medical fluid may also result in the recipient receiving an incorrect dosage of medical fluid. Additionally, toxic medical fluids, such as compounds used in chemotherapy, may be harmful to a person who comes into contact with the substance. 
         [0004]    An aspect of the present disclosure provides a tamper-resistant cap for a medical adapter, the cap comprising: a housing having (i) an closed top end, (ii) an opposing open bottom end, and (iii) a side wall between the top end and the bottom end, the housing defining an axis extending between the top end and the bottom end; a plurality of legs that extend from the housing away from the bottom end; a member extending radially from an inner surface of at least one leg, wherein the member comprises a ramp surface, an engagement surface extending transversely to the ramp surface, and an apex area that transitions between the ramp surface and the engagement surface; wherein each leg is configured to flex radially in relation to the axis of the housing. 
         [0005]    In some instances, a cross-sectional width between each radially-extending member is less than a cross-sectional width of an outer surface of a port. In some implementations, the legs combine to define an opening. In certain instances of the present disclosure, the housing comprises a first cross-sectional width at the bottom end that is greater than a second cross-sectional width at the top end. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the side wall is tapered from the bottom end to the top end. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the side wall comprises a plurality of ribs disposed from the bottom end to the top end. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a portion of each leg adjacent to the member defines a collar segment extending laterally from the leg. In some embodiments, each collar segment defines an arc. In some instances, each collar segment of the leg is configured to mate together to form a collar when the plurality of legs are pivoted toward the bottom end such that the collar is co-axial with the housing. In some implementations, each collar segment comprises one of at least a latch and a strike configured to couple each collar segment together. Some embodiments provide each leg is pivotable about a hinge. In some embodiments, the hinge is a living hinge. 
         [0007]    An aspect of the present disclosure provides a tamper-resistant cap comprising: a housing having (i) an closed top end, (ii) an opposing open bottom end, and (iii) a side wall between the top end and the bottom end, the housing defining an axis extending between the top end and the bottom end; a plurality of legs that extend from the housing away from the bottom end, wherein the housing and at least one leg define at least one window; a tab extending from a bottom of each window toward the top end; and a member extending radially from an inner surface of each tab, wherein each member comprises a ramp surface, an engagement surface extending transversely to the ramp surface, and an apex area that transitions between the ramp surface and the engagement surface. 
         [0008]    According to certain implementations of the present disclosure, the legs combine to define an opening. In some instances, a portion of the outer surface of the side wall is tapered toward the top end. In certain instances of the present disclosure, the housing comprises a first cross-sectional width at the bottom end that is greater than a second cross-sectional width at the top end. 
         [0009]    Some embodiments provide an insert configured to mate within the housing between an inner surface of the top end and the engagement surface of each member, the insert comprising: a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end defines a cavity; wherein the inner surface of the top end and the second end are configured such that (i) the insert is configured to move a distance between the top end and each engagement surface, and (ii) the housing and insert engage to rotate together in one direction and disengage from each other when rotated in an opposite direction. 
         [0010]    In some instances, an inner surface of the cavity comprises a thread. In some instances, the inner surface of the top end and the second end together comprise a ratchet and pawl. In some implementations, the cavity comprises a protrusion extending toward the first end. Some embodiments provide the first end further comprises a radial flange. 
         [0011]    Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0012]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the subject technology and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this description, illustrate aspects of the subject technology and, together with the specification, serve to explain principles of the subject technology. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a tamper-resistant cap in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a sectional view of the tamper-resistant cap of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a tamper-resistant cap coupled with a port in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a tamper-resistant cap in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a sectional view of the tamper-resistant cap of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate front perspective views of an embodiment of a tamper-resistant cap in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional view of the tamper-resistant cap of  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a tamper-resistant cap in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of the tamper-resistant cap of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a tamper-resistant cap in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  illustrates a sectional view of a housing for the tamper-resistant cap of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  illustrates a front perspective view of an insert for the tamper-resistant cap of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  illustrates a sectional view of the tamper-resistant cap of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    In the following detailed description, specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the subject technology. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology. 
         [0028]    A phrase such as “an aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “an aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as “an embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such “an embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as “a configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “a configuration” may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. 
         [0029]    The present disclosure relates to a tamper-resistant cap for use with products, packages, or systems employing an access port.  FIG. 1  illustrates a tamper-resistant cap configured to be coupled to a port  900  having an exterior threads or a ridge  902 . The tamper-resistant cap comprises a housing  100  having a closed top end  102  and an opposing open bottom end  104 . A side wall  106  extends between the top end  102  and the bottom end  104 , and is disposed circumferentially about an axis  108  extending between the top end  102  and the bottom end  104 . In some embodiments, one or more apertures are disposed through the top end  102 . A plurality of legs  110  extend from the housing  100  away from the bottom end  104 , each leg  110  capable of flexing with respect to the axis  108 . A space, defined between adjoining legs  110  and bounded at one end by the bottom end  104 , allows each leg to flex independently of an adjoining leg  110 . An inner surface of at least one leg  110  includes a member  112 . Each member  112  extends radially inward from the inner surface of the leg  110  toward the axis  108 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a plurality of legs  110  each comprise a member  112  extending toward the axis  108 . Each member  112  comprises a ramp surface  114  and an engagement surface  116  extending toward the axis  108 . The ramp surface  114  and the engagement surface  116  are oriented transversely to each other. An apex area  116  is disposed at the interface between the ramp surface  114  and the engagement surface  116 . In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional width between the apex areas  116  of opposing radially-extending members  112  is less than the cross-sectional width of an exterior thread or ridge  902  of the port  904 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the tamper-resistant cap may be coupled to a port  900  by first aligning the housing  100  with the port  900  such that the axis  108  is coaxial with the opening  904  of the port  900  and the legs  110  extend from the housing  100  toward the port  900 . When the tamper-resistant cap is moved towards the port  900 , the ramp surfaces  114  contact an exterior thread or ridge  902  on the port  900 . Additional movement of the tamper-resistant cap toward the port  900  causes the legs  110  to flex radially away from the axis  108 . Once the legs  110  extend radially away from the axis  108 , the tamper-resistant cap may be moved further onto the port  900  such that the apex area  118  passes over the exterior ridge or thread. After the apex area  118  passes over the exterior ridge or thread, the engagement surface  116  allows the legs to at least partially return toward the axis  108 . In a preferred embodiment, the engagement surface  116  engages the exterior thread or ridge  902  of the port  900  but does not cause the legs to flex radially outward from the axis  108  when the tamper-resistant cap is moved in an opposite direct, away from the port  900 . 
         [0032]    Referring to the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-5 , a tamper-resistant cap comprises a housing  200  having a closed top end  202 , an opposing open bottom end  204 , and a sidewall  206  extending between the top end  202  and bottom end  204 . The sidewall  206  is disposed circumferentially about an axis  208  extending between the top end  202  and the bottom end  204 . The exterior surface of the housing has a first cross-sectional width at the bottom end  204  and a second cross-sectional width at the top end  202 . In a preferred embodiment, the first cross-sectional width is greater than the second cross-sectional width. In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the sidewall  206  includes a transition step  207  between the bottom end  204  and the top end  202 . A plurality of ribs  222  are disposed on the sidewall  206  and extend from the bottom end  204  to the top end  202 . The ribs  222  extend over the transition step  207  and are tapered from the first cross-sectional width at the bottom end  204  to the second cross-sectional width at the top end  202 . In some embodiments, the exterior is sidewall  206  is tapered between the bottom end  204  the top end  202 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a plurality of legs  210  extend from the housing  200  away from the bottom end  204 . A member  212  is disposed on an inner surface of at least one leg  210 . Each member  212  extends radially inward from the leg  210  toward the axis  208 . Each member  212  comprises a ramp surface  214  and an engagement surface  216  extending toward the axis  208 . An apex area  218  is disposed at the interface between the ramp surface  214  and the engagement surface  216 . In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional width between the apex areas  216  of opposing radially-extending members  212  is less than the cross-sectional width of the exterior thread or ridge  902  of the port  900 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the housing  200  and legs  210  define a space between each of the legs  210 , thereby allowing each leg  210  to flex independently of the adjoining leg  210 . In a preferred embodiment, the space defined by the housing  200  and legs  210  is an opening  220 . The opening  220  allows the tamper-resistant cap to be coupled to a port on a device having an irregular area immediately adjacent to the port. For example, the opening  220  allows the tamper-resistant to be coupled to a Y-site (not shown) having a first branch and a second branch. When the tamper-resistant cap is coupled to a port on the first branch of a Y-site, the second branch extends through the opening  220 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 6A-7  illustrate a tamper-resistant cap comprises a housing  300  having a closed top end  302 , an opposing open bottom end  304 , and a sidewall  306  extending between the top end  302  and bottom end  304 . The sidewall  306  is disposed circumferentially about an axis  308  extending between the top end  302  and the bottom end  304 . 
         [0036]    A plurality of legs  310  extend from the top end  302  of the housing  300  toward the bottom end  304 . Each leg is pivotably coupled at the top end  302  by a hinge  330 . The hinge  330  allows each leg to pivot toward and away from the bottom end  304  along a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the axis  308 , such that each leg can extend outward as depicted in  FIG. 6B . In some embodiments, the hinge  330  is a thin flexible living hinge between each leg  310  and the top end  302 . 
         [0037]    A portion of each leg  310  adjacent to the member  312  defines a collar segment  324  extending laterally from the leg  310 . Each collar segment  324  is shaped as an arc whereby a collar is formed when each leg  310  having a collar segment  324  is pivoted toward the axis  308 . The collar portions  324  are configured to mate together to form a collar around the axis  308  of the housing  300 . In some embodiments, the collar segments  324  mate together using a latch  326  and a strike  328  between each collar segment  324 . In a preferred embodiment, a mating surface of each collar segment  324  comprises one of at least a latch  326  and a strike  328 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a member  312  is disposed on an inner surface of each leg  310 . Each member  312  extends radially inward from the leg  310  toward the axis  308 . Each member  312  comprises an engagement surface  316  extending toward the axis  308 , and an apex area  316 . In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional width between the apex areas  316  of opposing radially-extending members  312  is less than the exterior thread or ridge  902  of the port  900 . 
         [0039]    The tamper-resistant cap of  FIGS. 6A-7  can be coupled to a port  900  by first aligning the bottom end  304  of the housing  300  with the port  900  such that the axis  308  is coaxial with the opening  904  of the port  900 . The legs  310  may then be pivoted toward the bottom end  304  until a collar segment  324  is adjacent to an outer surface of the port  900 , and the engagement surface  316  is adjacent to an exterior thread or ridge  902  of the port  900 . Each collar segment  324  may then be coupled together by engaging each latch  326  and strike  328  combination. Once the collar segments are  324  are engaged, the engagement surface  316  abuts the exterior thread or ridge  902  of the port  900  but does not cause the legs to flex away from the axis  308  when the tamper-resistant cap is moved in an opposite direct, away from the port  900 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-9 , a tamper-resistant cap comprises a housing  400  having a closed top end  402 , an opposing open bottom end  404 , and a sidewall  406  extending between the top end  402  and bottom end  404 . The sidewall  406  is disposed circumferentially about an axis  408  extending between the top end  402  and the bottom end  404 . The exterior surface of the housing has a first cross-sectional width at the bottom end  404  and a second cross-sectional width at the top end  402 . In a preferred embodiment, the first cross-sectional width is greater than the second cross-sectional width. In some embodiments, a portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall  406 , between the first cross-sectional width at the bottom end  404  and the second cross-sectional width at the top end  402 , includes a transition step  407 . 
         [0041]    A plurality of legs  410  extend from the housing  400  away from the bottom end  404 . In some embodiments, a window  432  is defined by the housing  400  and at least one leg  410 . A tab  434  extends from an edge of each window, towards the top end  402 . Preferably, the tab  434  extends from an edge of the window opposite the top end  402 . A member  412  is disposed on an inner surface of each tab  434 . Each member  412  extends radially inward from the tab  434  toward the axis  408 . Each member  412  comprises a ramp surface  414  and an engagement surface  416  extending toward the axis  408 . An apex area  416  is disposed at the interface between the ramp surface  414  and the engagement surface  416 . In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional width between the apex areas  416  of opposing radially-extending members  412  is less than the cross-sectional width of the exterior thread or ridge  902  of the port  900 . 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, an opening  420  is defined by the housing  400  and legs  410  between each of the legs  410 . The opening  420  allows the tamper-resistant cap to be coupled to a port on a device having an irregular area immediately adjacent to the port. For example, the opening  420  allows the tamper-resistant to be coupled to a Y-site (not shown) having a first branch and a second branch. When the tamper-resistant cap is coupled to a port on the first branch of a Y-site, the second branch extends through the opening  420 . 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, a plurality of ribs are disposed on the sidewall  406  and extend from the bottom end  404  to the top end  402 . The ribs extend over the transition step  407  and are tapered from the first cross-sectional width at the bottom end  404  to the second cross-sectional width at the top end  402 . In some embodiments, the exterior sidewall  406  is tapered between the bottom end  404  the top end  402 . 
         [0044]    The tamper-resistant cap may be coupled to a port  900  by first aligning the housing  400  with the port  900  such that the axis  408  is aligned and coaxial with the opening  904  of the port  900  and the legs  410  extending from the housing  400  toward the port  900 . When the tamper-resistant cap is moved towards the port  900 , the ramp surfaces  414  contact an exterior thread or ridge  902  on the port  900 . Additional movement of the tamper-resistant cap toward the exterior thread or ridge  902  causes the tabs  434  to flex radially away from the axis  408 . Once the tabs  434  extend radially away from the axis  408 , the tamper-resistant cap may be moved further onto the port  900  such that the apex area under  418  passes over the exterior thread or ridge  902 . After the apex area  418  passes over the exterior ridge or thread, the engagement surface  416  allows the legs to at least partially return toward the axis  408 . In a preferred embodiment, the engagement surface  416  engages the exterior thread or ridge  902  of the port  900  but does not cause the legs to flex radially outward from the axis  408  when the tamper-resistant cap is moved in an opposite direct, away from the port  900 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 10-13  illustrate a tamper-resistant cap comprising a housing  500  and an insert  550 . The housing  500  has a closed top end  502 , an opposing open bottom end  504 , and a sidewall  506  extending between the top end  502  and bottom end  504 . The sidewall  506  is disposed circumferentially about an axis  508  extending between the top end  502  and the bottom end  504 . A plurality of legs  510  extend from the housing  500  away from the bottom end  504 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the housing  500  and legs  510  define a space between each of the legs  510 , thereby allowing each leg  510  to flex independently of the adjoining leg  510 . A member  512  is disposed on an inner surface of each leg  510 . Each member  512  extends radially inward from the leg  510  toward the axis  508 . Each member  512  comprises a ramp surface  514  and an engagement surface  516  extending toward the axis  508 . An apex area  518  is disposed at the interface between the ramp surface  514  and the engagement surface  516 . The inside surface of the top end  502  of the housing  500  comprises a circumferential series of angular ridges  536 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  illustrates an insert  550  having a first end  552  and an opposing second end  554 . The insert  550  defines a flange  556 , disposed at the first end  552  and extending radially away from the insert  550 . In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional width between the apex areas  518  of opposing members  512  is less than the cross-sectional width of the flange  556 . 
         [0048]    The insert  550  further defines a cavity through the first end  552  extending partially toward the inside surface of the second end  554 . In some embodiments, an inside surface of the cavity comprises a threaded surface  558 . In some embodiments, a protrusion  560  extends from the inside surface of the second end  554  toward the first end  552 . In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion  560  extends past a plane defined by the first end  552 . The outside surface of the second end  552  comprises a circumferential series of angular ridges  538 . The angular ridges  538  of the second end  552  are oriented in an opposite direction to the angular ridges  536  of the top end  502 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the housing  500  and insert  550  are coupled together by aligning the legs  510  of housing  500  with the second end  554  of the insert  550 . When the housing  500  is moved towards and over the insert  550 , the ramp surfaces  514  contact the flange  556  and cause the legs  510  to flex radially away from the axis  508 . Once the legs  510  extend radially away from the axis  508 , the housing  500  may be moved further over the insert  550  such that the apex area  518  passes over the flange  556 , allowing the legs  510  to at least partially return toward the axis  508 . The insert  550  is retained within the legs  510  of the housing  500 , between the inside surface of the top end  502  and the engagement surface  516 . 
         [0050]    Because the distance between the first end  552  and the second end  554  of the insert  550  is less than the distance between the inside surface of the top end  502  and the engagement surface  516 , the insert  550  can move a distance between the inside surface of the top end  502  and the engagement surface  516 . 
         [0051]    When the top end  502  of the housing  500  is moved toward the second end  554  of the insert  550 , the angular ridges  536  of the housing  500  engage with the angular ridges  538  of the insert  550  thereby allowing the housing  500  and insert  550  to rotate together in a first direction. When the housing  500  is moved away from the second end  554 , or the rotated in a second, opposite direction, the angular ridges  536  of the housing  500  disengage from the angular ridges  538  of the insert  550 . In some embodiments, the tamper-resistant cap is coupled to a port  900  by first affixing the insert  550  to the port  900 . In a preferred embodiment, the insert  550  is coupled to the port  900  using the threads  558  such that the protrusion  560  extends into the port  900 . Next, the housing  500  is coupled to the insert  550 , whereby the combined housing  500  and insert  550  may engage to rotate in a first direction, but disengage when turned in a second, opposite, direction. In some embodiments, the housing  500  and insert  550  are first coupled together. Next, the threads  558  of the insert  550  are aligned with a port  900 . The housing  500  is then moved towards the insert  550  such that the angular ridges  536  and  538  engage each other and allow the housing  500  and insert  550  to be rotated in a first direction, thereby coupling the housing  500  and insert  550  to the port  900 . 
         [0052]    The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. While the subject technology has been particularly described with reference to the various figures and configurations, it should be understood that these are for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the subject technology. 
         [0053]    There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the subject technology. 
         [0054]    As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
         [0055]    Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. 
         [0056]    A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description. 
         [0057]    While certain aspects and embodiments of the subject technology have been described, these have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject technology. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the subject technology.