Patent ID: 12230908

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, compact connector designs may be provided that have reduced board pitch (e.g., 1.80 mm, 1.50 mm, 1.27 mm, etc.), but are still capable of accommodating large electrical conductors (e.g., 1.4 mm, 1.1 mm, 0.9 mm, etc.). In this manner, PCB footprint may be reduced (e.g., by 50% when a staggered connector configuration is used), while adequate current carrying capacity may be maintained (e.g., 2 A, 3 A, 4 A, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more other advantages may be achieved, such as ruggedness (e.g., vibration endurance), error proofing, configuration flexibility, ease of manufacturing, ease of assembly, and/or lowered costs.

FIG.1Ashows an illustrative connector100, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the connector100includes a cable interface110and a board interface120. The cable interface110may be configured receive one or more wires of an electrical cable. For instance, the cable interface105may include an opening115into which an electrical terminal may be inserted, where the terminal may be crimped onto a wire of an electrical cable. The board interface120may be configured to make electrical connections with one or more traces of a PCB. For instance, the board interface120may include a contact pin125configured to be soldered onto a PCB using any suitable technique such as surface mount device (SMD), pin-in-paste (PiP), etc.

FIG.1Bis an exploded view of the illustrative connector100shown inFIG.1A, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the connector100includes a receptacle130and a header140. The illustrative cable interface110and the illustrative board interface120shown inFIG.1Amay be located, respectively, at the receptacle130and the header140.

In some embodiments, the receptacle130and the header140may be configured to mate with each other. Once mated, one or more electrical terminals of the receptacle130(e.g., a terminal132inserted into the opening115) may be electrically connected to one or more corresponding contact pins of the header140(e.g., the contact pin125). In some embodiments, the terminal132may be crimped onto a wire of an electrical cable, and the contact pin125may be soldered onto a PCB. Thus, when the receptacle130and the header140are mated with each other, an electrical connection may be made between the wire and a conductive trace of the PCB.

In the example shown inFIG.1B, the header140includes a cavity142configured to receive the receptacle130. The contact pin125may be held in the header140such that, when the receptacle130is inserted into the cavity142, a mating end of the contact pin125forms an electrical connection with a mating end of the terminal132. Additionally, or alternatively, the header140may include one or more features (e.g., hold-down144) configured to secure the header140to a PCB.

In the example shown inFIG.1B, the receptacle130includes a connector position assurance (CPA) feature134and a terminal positional assurance (TPA) feature136. In some embodiments, the CPA feature134may be in one of at least two configurations, such as a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration. When the receptacle130is not mated with any header, the CPA feature134may be in a disengaged configuration, and may be prevented from moving into the engaged configuration. When the receptacle130is mated with a header (e.g., the header140), the CPA feature134may be allowed to move into the engaged configuration, where the CPA feature134may prevent the receptacle130and the header140from being unmated (e.g., due to vibration in an operating environment). In some embodiments, the TPA feature136may be engaged to prevent one or more terminals (e.g., the terminal132) from being dislocated within the receptacle130(e.g., due to vibration in an operating environment). Additionally, or alternatively, the TPA feature136may be used to ensure that an electrical connection is made only when a terminal is in a desired position.

FIG.2Ashows an illustrative electrical terminal200, in accordance with some embodiments. The terminal200may be used in any suitable connector, such as the illustrative connector100shown inFIGS.1A-B. For instance, the terminal200may be used as the illustrative terminal132shown inFIG.1B.

In the example ofFIG.2A, the terminal200includes a crimping end210and a mating end220. The crimping end210may be configured to be crimped onto a wire of an electrical cable. For instance, the crimping end210may include one or more barrels (e.g.,212aand212b) configured to be crimped onto an insulated portion of the electrical cable, and/or one or more barrels (e.g.,214aand214b) configured to be crimped onto a stripped portion of the electrical cable, where insulation has been stripped away and the conductive wire is exposed.FIG.2Bshows the illustrative barrels212a,212b,214a, and214bofFIG.2Ain a crimped configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the barrels212aand212bmay be offset from each other, so that when crimped, the barrels212aand212bmay hold the insulation portion of the cable at different locations along a length of the cable, which may improve retention. Additionally, or alternatively, the barrels214aand214bmay be elongated along a length of the terminal200to provide a larger contact region (and hence improved electrical connection) between the terminal200and the wire onto which the terminal200is crimped. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that one or more of these techniques may be used to improve vibration endurance (e.g., in an automotive application).

In the example ofFIG.2A, the mating end220includes a contact beam222configured to mate with a corresponding contact pin (e.g., the illustrative contact pin125shown inFIGS.1A-B). For instance, the contact beam222may be a box-shaped beam configured to receive the contact pin125. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the use of a box-shaped beam, as other mating contact configurations may also be suitable.

In the example ofFIG.2A, the terminal200includes an intermediate portion230between the crimping end210and the mating end220. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion230may include a locking feature232configured to engage with one or more features of the receptacle130, for example, to retain the terminal200at a desired position within the receptacle130. For instance, the locking feature232may be biased outwardly from a center line of the terminal200, and may fit into a corresponding recess in the receptacle130to prevent the terminal200from being dislocated (e.g., due to vibration in an operating environment).

Additionally, or alternatively, the intermediate portion230may include a blocking feature234configured to engage with a TPA feature (e.g., the illustrative TPA feature136shown inFIG.1B). For example, as explained below in connection withFIG.4C, when a TPA feature is in an engaged configuration, a protrusion of the TPA feature may come into contact with the blocking feature234, thereby preventing the terminal200from being dislocated.

The inventors have recognized and appreciated that it may be desirable to provide different connector configurations for use in different applications. For instance, it may be desirable to provide connectors that have different configurations (e.g., top vs. side latch, staggered vs. side-to-side, single vs. double row, etc.) but are capable of receiving terminals of a same design (e.g., the illustrative terminal200shown inFIG.2A). This may simplify manufacturing and/or installation. Furthermore, cost of tooling to make a terminal may be high relative to cost of the terminal itself, and overall costs may be reduced by amortizing the tooling cost over a larger number of terminals. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a terminal design that may be used in many different connector configurations. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the use of a universal terminal design.

FIGS.3A-Fshow, respectively, illustrative connectors300A-F, in accordance with some embodiments. For instance, each of the connectors300A-F may be configured for use with terminals having the illustrative design shown inFIG.2A.

In the example shown inFIG.3A, the connector300A includes a receptacle having two terminals302A and304A, and a header having two pins312A and314A. The terminals302A and304A may be disposed in a staggered configuration. For instance, the terminal302A may be offset from the terminal304A both horizontally and vertically, and likewise for the pins312A and314A. In this manner, a horizontal distance between the pins312A and314A may be reduced while maintaining an overall distance between the pins312A and314A (square root of sum of square of horizontal distance and square of vertical distance). Thus, a board pitch may be reduced while still allowing the use of sufficiently large conductors for carrying high currents.

In this disclosure, a “vertical” direction may be a direction that is orthogonal to a PCB onto which a connector is mounted, and a “horizontal” direction may be a direction that is parallel to the PCB. Moreover, a first feature of the connector may be said to be “above” (respectively, “below”) a second feature of the connector if the first feature is vertically offset from the second feature and is further from (respectively, closer to) the PCB than the second feature. Likewise, a “top” of the connector may be facing away from the PCB, and a “bottom” of the connector may be facing towards the PCB.

Returning to the example ofFIG.3A, the receptacle of the connector300A includes a latch322A (mostly obscured in this view), and the header of the connector300A includes an opening324A configured to engage the latch322A. The latch322A and the opening324A may be located at a top of the connector300A, and may engage each other when the receptacle is mated with the header. When engaged, the latch322A and the opening324A may prevent the receptacle and the header from becoming unmated (e.g., due to vibration in an operating environment).

In the example shown inFIG.3B, the connector300B is similar to the illustrative connector300A shown inFIG.3A, except a latch322B (mostly obscured in this view) and a corresponding opening324B may be disposed at a side of the connector300B, instead of a top of the connector300B. Such a side latch may be used in an application where vertical space is limited, and/or there is limited access from above.

In the example shown inFIG.3C, the connector300C is similar to the illustrative connector300A shown inFIG.3A, except terminals302C and304C are in a side-to-side configuration, instead of a staggered configuration, and likewise for pins312C and314C. For instance, the terminals302C and304C may be in a same horizontal row, and likewise for the pins312C and314C. Such a side-to-side configuration may be used in an application where vertical space is limited. Moreover, using different configurations in a same environment may reduce a likelihood of mating connectors that are not intended to be mated together.

In the example shown inFIG.3D, the connector300D is similar to the illustrative connector300B shown inFIG.3B, except terminals302D and304D are in a side-to-side configuration, instead of a staggered configuration, and likewise for pins312D and314D. For instance, the terminals302D and304D may be in a same horizontal row, and likewise for the pins312D and314D.

In the example shown inFIG.3E, the connector300E is similar to the illustrative connector300A shown inFIG.3A, except a mating direction between a header302E and a receptacle304E of the connector300E is vertical, as opposed to horizontal.

In the example shown inFIG.3F, the connector300F has two horizontal rows of terminals and two horizontal rows of corresponding contact pins. For instance, there may be a top row302F and a bottom row304F. In this example, terminals in the top row302F may be oriented such that one or more engagement features (e.g., the illustrative locking feature232and the illustrative blocking feature234shown inFIG.2A) may face upward, so as to engage a top TPA feature, whereas terminals in the bottom row304F may be oriented such that one or more engagement features (e.g., the illustrative locking feature232and the illustrative blocking feature234shown inFIG.2A) may face downward, so as to engage a bottom TPA feature. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular orientation of terminals, nor to the use of any TPA feature.

FIGS.4A-Cshow cross-sectional views of the illustrative receptacle130shown inFIG.1B, in accordance with some embodiments. In the example ofFIG.4A, a housing402of the receptacle130includes elongated cavities404and406configured to receive terminals132and138, respectively. The terminal position assurance (TPA) feature136is shown inFIG.4Ain a disengaged configuration, providing sufficient clearance in the cavities404and406to allow insertion of the terminals132and138.

In the example ofFIG.4B, the terminals132and138are fully inserted into the cavities404and406, respectively. The TPA feature136may then be engaged to hold the terminals132and138in their respective positions in the housing402. For instance, in the example ofFIG.4C, the TPA feature136is pushed into the housing402to engage the terminals132and138.

In some embodiments, the TPA feature136may include one or more protrusions configured to engage, respectively, one or more terminals inserted into the housing402. For instance, in the example ofFIG.4C, the TPA feature136includes a protrusion408configured to fit into a recess412formed in the terminal138, as well as a protrusion410configured to fit into a recess414formed in the terminal132. The protrusions408and410may be of different heights. For instance, the protrusion410may be shorter than the protrusion408, because the terminal132may be disposed at a bottom row of the receptacle130, whereas the terminal138may be disposed at a top row.

In some embodiments, the terminal132may include a blocking feature416that is similar to the illustrative blocking feature234shown inFIG.2Aand discussed above. When the TPA feature136is pushed into the housing402, the protrusion410may be disposed adjacent the blocking feature416of the terminal132. In this engaged configuration, a movement of the terminal132in a withdrawal direction may cause the blocking feature416to come into contact with the protrusion410, thereby preventing of the terminal132from being withdrawn from the cavity404.

FIG.4Dshows a cross-sectional view of the illustrative connector100shown inFIG.1B, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the TPA feature136is in a disengaged configuration, and may block the header140from becoming fully mated with the receptacle130. For instance, as shown at416, the TPA feature136may, in the disengaged configuration, be vertically aligned with a lower edge of the header140, thereby blocking the header140. Once the TPA feature136is pushed upward to be in an engaged configuration, there may be sufficient clearance for the receptacle130to be inserted into the header140. In this manner, electrical connections may be made between terminals of the receptacle130and respective contact pins of the header140only when the TPA feature136is in an engaged position, which may ensure that the terminals of the receptacle are in desired positions when electrical connections are made.

FIGS.5A-Bshow further cross-sectional views of the illustrative receptacle130shown inFIG.1B, in accordance with some embodiments. The views shown inFIGS.5A-Bmay be orthogonal to the views shown inFIGS.4A-C. In the example ofFIG.5A, the TPA feature136is in a disengaged configuration. For instance, as shown at502A, the housing402may include two protrusions configured to engage with protrusions of the TPA136. In some embodiments, when the TPA feature136is in a disengaged configuration, only one of the two protrusions of the housing402(e.g., a lower protrusion) may be engaged with the TPA feature136. In this manner, the TPA feature136may be attached to the housing402, while leaving sufficient clearance for insertion of terminals (e.g., the illustrative terminals132and138).

In some embodiments, when the TPA feature136is in an engaged configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG.5B), both of the protrusions of the housing402may be engaged with the TPA feature136(e.g., as shown at502B). In this manner, protrusions of the TPA feature136(e.g., the illustrative protrusions408and410) may fit into corresponding recesses of inserted terminals (e.g., the illustrative terminals132and138) to retain the inserted terminals at their respective positions.

In some embodiments, the TPA feature136may include one or more recesses (e.g., a recess504) configured to receive a locking feature of a corresponding inserted terminal (e.g., the illustrative locking feature232shown inFIG.2A). For instance, in the example shown inFIG.5B, the locking feature may be vertically aligned with the recess504when the corresponding terminal is correctly inserted, and the recess504may fit over the locking feature when the TPA feature136is pushed up into the engaged position.

FIG.6Ashows a bottom view of the illustrative receptacle130shown inFIG.1B, partially cut away to show illustrative locking features of inserted terminals, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.6Bshows an enlarged view of an area602ofFIG.6A.

In the example shown inFIGS.6A-B, each of the housing402and the TPA feature136has one or more recesses configured to receive a locking feature of a inserted terminal. For instance, the housing402may have recesses (e.g., a recess606) configured to receive locking features of inserted terminals at a top row (e.g., a locking feature608T), whereas the TPA feature136may have recesses (e.g., a recess604) configured to receive locking features of inserted terminals at a bottom row (e.g., a locking feature608B).

The inventors have recognized and appreciated that spacing between terminals (and therefore board pitch) may be reduced by providing one or more recesses at the TPA feature136, as opposed to all recesses being provided at the housing402. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to having any recess at the TPA feature136to receive a locking feature of an inserted terminal, or to the use of any TPA feature at all.

FIG.7shows another cross-sectional view of the illustrative receptacle130shown inFIG.1B, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the protrusion410of the TPA feature136has a ramped top profile702configured to facilitate gliding of the terminal132into the cavity404. For instance, the ramped top profile702may prevent damage of the terminal132due to stubbing during insertion.

FIG.8shows another cross-sectional view of the illustrative receptacle130shown inFIG.1B, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the TPA feature136has a tapered side profile802configured to facilitate gliding of a terminal into a cavity adjacent the tapered side profile802. For instance, the tapered side profile802may prevent damage of the terminal due to stubbing during insertion.

FIG.9Ashows an illustrative connector900A, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the connector900A has a receptacle with a latch902A, as well as a header with an opening904A configured to engage the latch902A. The latch902A and the opening904A may engage each other when the receptacle is mated with the header. When engaged, the latch902A and the opening904A may prevent the receptacle and the header from becoming unmated (e.g., due to vibration in an operating environment).

In the example ofFIG.9A, the connector900A also includes a TPA feature906A, which may be similar to the illustrative TPA feature136in the example ofFIG.1B. For instance, the TPA feature906A may be configured to retain terminals inserted into the receptacle of the connector900A.

FIG.9Bshows an illustrative connector900B, in accordance with some embodiments. The connector900B may be similar to the illustrative connector900A shown inFIG.9A, although the connector900A may have a single row of terminals, whereas the connector900B may have two rows of terminals. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connector900B may have two TPA features, instead of one. For instance, a bottom TPA feature906B may be configured to engage with terminals in a bottom row, and a top TPA feature908B may be configured to engage with terminals in a top row.

In the example ofFIG.9B, the connector900B includes a receptacle with a latch902B and a header with an opening904B configured to engage the latch902B. The latch902B and the opening904B may engage each other when the receptacle is mated with the header. When engaged, the latch902B and the opening904B may prevent the receptacle and the header from becoming unmated (e.g., due to vibration in an operating environment). However, unlike the illustrative latch902A in the example ofFIG.9A, which is located at a receptacle housing, the latch902B in the example ofFIG.9Bis located at the top TPA feature908B.

The inventors have recognized and appreciated that molding operations may be simplified by having a latch at a top TPA feature (e.g., as in the example ofFIG.9B), instead of a receptacle housing (e.g., as in the example ofFIG.9A). For instance, a number of mold slides may be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular location for a latch, or to the use of any latch at all.

FIG.10shows illustrative header housings1002and1004, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the header housings1002and1004are configured to be attached to each other. For instance, the header housing1002may include a tongue1006and the header housing1004may include a similar tongue (obscured in this view), while the header housing1004may include a groove1008and the header housing1002may include a similar groove (obscured in this view). The tongue of the header housing1004and the groove of the header housing1002may be configured to sliding engage each other, thereby attaching the header housings1002and1004to each other. In this manner, a number of desired electrical connections may be provided by attaching two or more connectors together.

In the example ofFIG.10, the tongue of the header housing1004and the groove of the header housing1002form a dovetail joint, which may provide improved tensile strength. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the use of any particular technique for joining together multiple connectors, or to the used of joined connectors at all.

FIG.11Ashows an illustrative header1100, in accordance with some embodiments. The header1100may be used in any suitable connector, such as the illustrative connector100shown inFIGS.1A-B. For instance, the header1100may be used as the illustrative header140shown inFIG.1B.

In the example shown inFIG.11A, the header1100has a housing1105with a cavity1142configured to receive a receptacle (e.g., the illustrative receptacle130shown inFIG.1B). One or more contact pins, such as a contact pin1125, may be held in the housing1105such that, when a receptacle is inserted into the cavity1142, a mating end of the contact pin1125forms an electrical connection with a mating end of a terminal of the receptacle (e.g., the illustrative terminal132shown inFIG.1B).

In some embodiments, the header1100may include one or more features configured to secure the header1100to a PCB. In the example shown inFIG.11A, the header1100includes a hold-down1144configured to be fastened to the header1100and a PCB. For instance, each vertical edge of the hold-down1144may be configured to slide into a respective vertical groove formed in the housing1005, such as a groove1110. In this manner, once the hold-down1144is fastened to a PCB, the header1100may be prevented from moving laterally (e.g., x or y direction) relative to the PCB.

Additionally, or alternatively, as shown at1115, the hold-down1144may include one or more beams, such as a beam1120, configured to exert a spring force against the housing1105.FIG.11Bshows a cross-sectional view of the illustrative header1100ofFIG.11A, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the beam1120has an angled end portion configured to engage a ledge1130formed on a side wall of the housing, thereby exerting a downward spring force against the housing1105. Thus, once the hold-down1144is fastened to a PCB, the header1100may be prevented from moving vertically (e.g., z direction) relative to the PCB.

Although not visible inFIGS.11A-B, a hold-down similar to the hold-down1144may be fastened to an opposite side of the housing1105in a similar manner. Together, these hold-downs may hold the header1100in place despite vibration in an operating environment (e.g., in an automotive application). However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular design for a hold-down, or to the use of any hold-down at all.FIG.12Ashows an illustrative connector1200, in accordance with some embodiments. The connector1200may be similar to the illustrative connector100shown inFIG.1A, and may include a receptacle1230and a header1240configured to mate with each other.

In some embodiments, the connector1200may include a connector position assurance (CPA) feature configured to provide an indication of whether the receptacle1230and the header1240are properly mated with each other. For instance, in the example shown inFIG.12A, the connector1200includes a CPA feature1234that is movable between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration.

FIG.12Bshows a cross-sectional view of the illustrative connector1200ofFIG.12A, in accordance with some embodiments. In this view, the receptacle1230and the header1240are partially mated, and the CPA feature1234is in a disengaged configuration.

In some embodiments, the CPA feature1234may be attached to the receptacle1230. For instance, in the example shown inFIGS.12A-B, the CPA feature1234includes a first latch1235configured to engage with the receptacle1230. The first latch1235may be made of a resilient material, and may be configured to exert a spring force against the receptacle1230, thereby preventing the CPA feature1234from being detached from the receptacle1230. Additionally, or alternatively, an end portion of the first latch1235may have a protrusion configured to engage a corresponding protrusion1236formed on a housing of the receptacle1230, thereby preventing the CPA feature1234from being detached from the receptacle1230.

In some embodiments, when the receptacle1230is not fully mated with the header1240, the CPA feature1234may be prevented from moving into the engaged configuration. For instance, in the example shown inFIGS.12A-B, the CPA feature1234includes a second latch1237, and a protrusion1238is formed on the housing of the receptacle1230to stop the second latch1237, thereby preventing the CPA feature1234from moving into the engaged configuration.

In some embodiments, when the receptacle1230becomes fully mated with the header1240, the CPA feature1234may be allowed to move into the engaged configuration. For instance, in the example shown inFIGS.12A-B, the second latch1237may be made of a resilient material, and a protrusion1241may be formed on a housing of the header1240so that, as the receptacle1230is inserted into the header1240, the protrusion1241formed on the header1240causes the second latch1237to deflect away from the protrusion1238formed on the receptacle1230. Once the second latch1237clears the protrusion1238formed on the receptacle1230, the CPA feature1234may be pushed fully into the receptacle1230.

FIG.12Cshows the illustrative latch1237contacting the illustrative protrusion1241ofFIGS.12A-B, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the protrusion1241formed on the header1240has an angled surface1242configured to guide the latch1237. As the receptacle1230is inserted into the header1240along a mating direction D, an end portion of the second latch1237may glide along the angled surface1242, which may cause the second latch1237to deflect away from the protrusion1238formed on the receptacle1230. (InFIG.12C, the protrusion1238is obscured from view by the protrusion1241.)

FIG.12Dshows the illustrative latch1237being deflected by the illustrative protrusion1241ofFIGS.12A-B, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the second latch1237is just about to clear the protrusion1238formed on the receptacle1230. (InFIG.12C, the protrusion1238is obscured from view by the protrusion1241.) Once the second latch1237clears the protrusion1238, the second latch1237may enter a passageway1239, thereby allowing the CPA feature1234to be pushed fully into the receptacle1230.

FIG.12Eshows the illustrative CPA feature1234ofFIGS.12A-B, in an engaged configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. In this configuration, the CPA feature1234is pushed fully into the receptacle1230, and the end portion of the second latch1237may engage the protrusion1241formed on the header1240, thereby preventing the receptacle1230and the header1240from being unmated (e.g., due to vibration in an operating environment).

Techniques described herein may be used in connectors having configurations other than those described above. For example, techniques described herein may be used in mezzanine connectors or in backplane connectors.

Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, though advantages of the present invention are indicated, it should be appreciated that not every embodiment of the invention will include every described advantage. Some embodiments may not implement any features described as advantageous herein and in some instances. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first.” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.