Patent ID: 12241881

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed illustrative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments of the present invention. Though the device itself is also particularly designed to facilitate implementation of diatomaceous earth in cumulative sampling, which yields some particular parts of the design, the present invention may be embodied in many alternate forms as well and should not be construed in any way as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments of the invention.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” specify the presence of stated features, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a cumulative sampling device which is configured to compact fine particulate matter that is mesh bagged for sampling. The device is usable in multiple flow regimes and has a higher likelihood for statistic correlation and increased physical durability.

“Cumulative sampling” is the concept of measuring the sum of contaminants over time across a sampling area. This typically occurs where some form of flow is present to transport contaminants through the sampling area or water column. The concept of cumulative sampling holds advantages over more standard grab sampling methods which rely on periodic samples of a water column often to trace contaminants through “point sourcing” or estimate if a contaminant is reaching a regulated total maximum daily load (TMDL). Grab sampling is prone to higher spatial and temporal variability, is more costly, requires more personal or time for sampling site visits, and methods do not consider contaminants attached to sediments or particulate matter.

FIG.1illustrates an assembled sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, including (A) a first perspective view, (B) a front elevational view, (C) a top plan view, (D) a rear elevational view, and (E) a second perspective view thereof. The sampling device100includes a sampling device housing or canister110having a plurality of openings112. The housing110has a circular cylindrical shape but may have different shapes in other embodiments. The elongated tubular body of the housing110has a longitudinal axis and a hollow interior enclosed at a top longitudinal end and a bottom longitudinal end of the body. The body includes a plurality of body openings112on one half lateral side of the body and no body openings on an opposite half lateral side of the body.

In the embodiment shown, the housing110has three sets of three holes112on one half lateral side of the housing or body110. There are no holes on the opposite half of the housing110. The body openings112on the one half lateral side of the body comprise lateral rows of body openings112which are longitudinal spaced along the longitudinal axis. Each set has a lateral row of three laterally spaced holes112which are spaced by about 60 degrees. The three holes112include one in the middle and two to the side at about 60° from the middle hole (e.g., 60°±5% or 57° to 63°). The holes112may be 0.75 inches. This 0.75 inch diameter may be selected for the use with fine particulate matter such as DE with the mesh size used in the embodiment shown inFIG.6, where the total surface area of bored holes on the cannister and the volume of particulate matter to be used within that cannister may depend on the length and width of the cannister. The diameter of these holes may be smaller in other embodiments so long as the desired contaminant is not prohibited from entering the device, since it is the intention of the device to allow contaminants to enter the particulate matter to then be sampled from the particulate matter. The diameter of these holes may also be larger in other embodiments where those other embodiments use a different sized mesh or number of bags or otherwise a particulate matter with a larger median pore size than DE (Celite®545). For any embodiment, the angles of the holes and mesh size are not dependent on cannister length and width. The holes in the middle of the cannister may be longitudinally aligned or not aligned. The angular spacing for the holes may be about 45° instead. In other embodiments, the number, spacing, alignment, and arrangement of the holes112may change.

The housing110may be enclosed by a first end cap130and a second end cap140. In some embodiments, the first end cap130may be an upstream end cap or a top end cap and the second end cap140may be a downstream end cap or a bottom end cap. The second end cap140may be an affixed end cap fixedly attached to the housing110and the first end cap130may be a removable end cap removably connected to the housing110. In another example, both end caps130,140are removable. The housing110and end caps130,140may be constructed of an inert plastic material such as, for example, polyethylene, polyurethane, or Teflon®.

FIG.2illustrates the assembled sampling device100ofFIG.1, including (A) a front elevational view showing a particulate matter bag200in broken lines inside a sampling device housing110, a top plan view, and a bottom plan view thereof. A particulate matter210is disposed inside the bag200. The bag200is shown having a bottom portion or downstream portion202pressed against the bottom end cap or downstream end cap (second end cap)140and a top or upper portion or upstream portion204spaced from the top end cap or upstream end cap (first end cap)130. A top or upstream lateral row of holes212, which are closest to the top longitudinal end or top end cap130of all the holes112, are disposed above the top or upper portion204or upstream of the upstream portion204. The upper portion204is disposed at least partially below the top body openings or holes212. The other holes112are below or downstream of the top or upstream portion204of the bag200. These top holes or upstream holes allow water to enter and press on the bag200of particulate matter210toward the bottom or downstream portion202against the bottom end cap or downstream end cap140at the bottom longitudinal end.FIG.2shows the top or upstream lateral row of holes212entirely above or upstream of the top or upstream lateral row of holes212. In other embodiments, the top or upstream lateral row of holes212may be only partially above or upstream of the top or upstream portion204of the bag200(i.e., only some of the top or upstream lateral row of holes212are above or upstream, or only a portion of each of the top or upstream lateral row of holes212, or a mix of both).

FIG.3Ais an exploded view of the sampling device100ofFIG.2.FIG.3Bis an exploded view of the bag200of particulate matter210in the sampling device ofFIG.2. One or more mesh bags are disposed in the interior of the housing or body110and configured to contain the particulate matter210inside an innermost mesh bag310. The innermost mesh bag310is contained inside one or more outer mesh bags320in a nested configuration when two or more mesh bags are disposed in the interior of the body110.

In this embodiment, the particulate matter bag200includes two mesh bags310,320nested or double-bagged to contain the particulate matter210. The mesh bags310,320may have the same mesh size (200 Mesh Size or 75 μm). In other embodiments, the mesh bags may have a different mesh size or have different mesh sizes and there may be more than two nested mesh bags. The mesh bags may be constructed of an inert material such as, for example, nylon or polypropylene. The particulate matter210may include fine particulate matter or sediment such as diatomaceous earth (e.g., sterilized DE commonly referred to as Celite®545). The DE particulate matter may have a median pore size of 12 μm.

The sampling device100is configured for cumulative sampling or screening of water quality by capturing contaminants over time in a volume of fine particulate material held within the device. The exterior of the particulate matter in the device may also become covered with a biofilm, where biological contaminants may accumulate. Generally, contaminants may be directly deposited into the particulate matter by continuous flow of the fluid in which the sampling device is submerged. They may also be deposited as the sampling device is submerged where a gradient may occur as the fluid is initially absorbed into the spaces between or within the volume of particulate matter inside the device, by introduced hydrostatic pressure forcing the fluid with contaminants into the device, and/or by absorptive properties of the particulate matter held in the device (especially when using diatomaceous earth). The sampling device100may capture contaminants from the body of water which are absorbed into spaces between particles of the DE particulate matter210or within a volume of the DE particulate matter210or both. The volume of particulate matter in the sampling device, which captures contaminants deposited by flow or other means, may be encased by one or more sediment bags (e.g., two cinched nylon bags). In one embodiment, the bags are 8.5×11 inches each when flat, each with mesh size 200 (or 0.75-micron porosity). An estimated volume of 150 cubic inches of particulate matter may be used in the sampling device. The device can potentially be deployed in any natural water source in naturally occurring conditions in a liquid state or similar fluid and conditions.

For use in the environment under multiple flow regimes, one end cap (the affixed end cap140) may be glued onto the PVC cannister and the other left removable (the removable end cap130) in order to retrieve the double-bagged particulate matter from the cannister after the desired period of time. This device may be used for short periods of time, one or several days, or up to a month. It could be used for a possibly longer duration so long as the particulate matter does not reach a maximum saturation of the desired contaminant. For use in natural conditions or in a stream, the device may be attached to a mounting apparatus. Mil-spec550paracord may be used to tie a bowline knot through two holes on the cannister, to fasten the device to a weight in order to keep the device submerged. The weight may also be tied to surface vegetation. In one embodiment, the PVC cannister has three sets of holes on one half of the cannister face to allow for flow entry and/or fluid absorbance. There are no holes on the opposite half of the cannister. The sampling device is placed in a body of water with the one half lateral side of the body with the body openings above the opposite half lateral side of the body with no body openings. The cannister may be ideally placed lengthwise in any instance of use, such that the face of the holes are parallel to the flow direction. The parallel orientation may be used for higher flows or current of greater than about 15 cfs. If it is turned such that holes are perpendicular, this should not significantly affect results, but may likely require increased mounting weight if used in a stream or fluid flow. The perpendicular orientation may be used for lower flows of less than about 15 cfs, unless implemented in major river systems or ocean setting where mooring to a buoy is required. This too should not significantly affect results—placing the device in perpendicular orientation to the streambed or ocean floor should entail facing the normal direction of the bored side of the device opposing to incoming flow or current as best possible. When used in a stream, the device should be placed in or immediately adjacent to the thalweg. Where higher flows are observed above base flow, the device may be submerged adjacent to the thalweg of the stream or in swirling pools. Scenarios where distribution of cumulative contaminants and spatial variance are a subject of study may warrant the placement of multiple devices in multiple areas in the stream cross-section of study, to be sampled at time intervals as desired.

For analysis after use, it is possible for this device to be sampled for a number of captured contaminants especially if diatomaceous earth is used. This analysis depends on the user's intent. The particulate matter may be analyzed with any procedure for the desired contaminant as it would apply to sediment or saturated sediment material. Saturated particulate samples retrieved from the cannister may also be tested with a similar method to turbid stormwater. To use this method with the device, the submerged specific weight (Ts) of the particulate is determined by dividing dry weight of material by the weight of displaced water, which can be measured as the average of 30 trials pouring water over a known weight of dry particulate inside a tared graduated cylinder until the 100 ml level is reached each trial. With1rsknown, an aliquot of saturated particulate of a desired mass can be scraped from the outermost layer of the particulate column retrieved from the device after environmental use. This aliquot may be placed into a tared graduated flask to weigh out the desired mass as it is removed from the particulate column by scraping approximately 1-5 mm deep using a small sterile scalpel. Multiple samples can be tested. Darker coloration along the exterior may be observed along with development of a biofilm. An aliquot sample may be placed in a flask, where DI (deionized) water may then be added until reaching total volume of 100 ml. The initial dilution factor can then be calculated by the equation 1−[1/γs]+[100/Aliquot Weight (g)], and further diluted as desired by the user or analyst. For use in membrane filtration forE. coli, or similar method for sampling a biological contaminant that may be attached to particulate matter, any diluted flask may be shaken for 45 seconds and allowed to settle after any dilution. For use with membrane filtration to enumerate colonies (EPA method 1604), some particulate matter may still be present on the filter.

Other possible uses for the sampling device beyond cumulative sampling include contamination profiling especially when paired with grab sampling methods, in order to determine both a cumulative and periodic profile of contamination. This device may also be used to diagnose point-source vs non-point-source contamination. In stagnant water, if the particulate matter in this device was to be “spiked” with nutrient material, this device could potentially be used to attract biological contaminants such asE. colias they selectively attach to the particulate matter or could estimate nutrient loads based on biological growth responses or other nutrient-dependent factors when compared to a non-spiked control.

In sum, the cumulative sampling device may use a certain type of nylon mesh, specifically with a fine mesh size of 75 microns in some embodiments. It use particulate matter of any particle size but may be optimized for fine particles which other devices cannot use. Some embodiments of the device are specifically designed for use with diatomaceous earth. No induced flow is required to use this device. If implemented to sample the water column, pore sampling devices may not provide accurate samples of the column itself due to spatial and temporal variability from induced flow from a pump, which is also more costly to operate. The current device has lower cost than pore-water sampling devices and provides a truly cumulative sample as opposed to periodic pumping of a pore sampler which may introduce more temporal variability. Although it is possible to deploy the cumulative sampling device or a smaller scale of it into a well or groundwater aquifer for sampling and then retrieve the entire device to test sediment, possibly at lower cost than using pore-water sampling devices in the same well, the primary use of this device is to sample surface water. There is generally more human contact with surface water than ground water along with increased risk of the presence of disease, pathogens, and viruses. Specific embodiments of the device include the use of a bored PVC cannister, use of double bagging, use of finer nylon mesh (200 mesh size or 75 micron), use of fine particle sizes, and novel use of diatomaceous earth, such as sterilized diatomaceous earth (Celite®545) as particulate matter.

The present device for particulate-based cumulative sampling is a significant advancement following previous research which used nylon stocking fabric filled with sediment (construction sand) in certain conditions to sample for contamination such as fecal bacteria contamination. This device is the first to observe statistical correlations with frequent grab sampling. Specific embodiments are optimized for using 700 g of sterilized diatomaceous earth as particulate matter (Celite®545). It has potential application in use for reliable success monitoring of streams, in addition to accomplishing other benefits of particulate based cumulative sampling with improved functionality. Diatomaceous earth has highly absorptive properties and particle porosity that were used to help capture contamination. Although diatomaceous earth is optimal, any particulate matter can be used. Future technological developments may allow for compatibility with remote sensors, or remote deployment and retrieval for analysis of this device.

This device has unique capabilities in sampling for biological contaminants such as fecal-indicator bacteria, over both pore sampling devices and prior sediment bag art. Especially when using diatomaceous earth, both particle pore absorption and the cultivation of a biofilm at the periphery of the particulate column allows for improved cumulative sampling of fecal-indicator bacteria. Diatomaceous earth is unique in the fact that each particle contains a pore channel and allows for water passage both in and between particles, whereas pore sampling is only defined as sampling water in the space between particles. Use of diatomaceous earth is likely not compatible with current pore-water sampling devices due to fine size and risk of particle loss, and possible difficulties as a granular filler.

The cumulative sampling device is usable in multiple flow regimes, with small particle sizes, higher likelihood for statistic correlation, and increased physical durability. Testing has demonstrated the observance of statistical correlation from frequent samples (e.g., high Spearman's Rho in sampling data sets with the device for nonlinear statistical correlations with frequent grab sampling methods).

Measurements of sampling results from this device provided the first known observed statistical correlation with fecal-indicator bacteria in nature between a sediment sample and frequent samples of the stream water column, which is not obtained with any previous sediment-bag or pore-sampling devices.

Regarding the orientation of the canister, it is difficult to achieve the perpendicular orientation. To clarify, that orientation is not necessary to use the sampler in low flow. One study was performed mainly to see if there would be significant magnitude of difference with an adjacent sampling device with parallel orientation to flow (in low flow conditions—which were almost ponded). There was not significant difference. Higher velocities, as those experienced in urban streams, may not allow for perpendicular orientation. In general, the sampling device100may be placed in a body of water with the top longitudinal end or top end cap130above the bottom longitudinal end or bottom end cap140, or with the top longitudinal end of top end cap130upstream of the bottom longitudinal end or bottom end cap140.

FIG.4is an overhead view of a sampling device in streamflow.FIG.5is a side view of the sampling device ofFIG.4in streamflow. In this embodiment, the sampling device100is generally disposed longitudinally parallel to the streamflow. The top end cap130is upstream of the bottom end cap140. The top end cap130may be elevated above the bottom end cap140.

The bag200of particulate matter210is downstream of the top or upstream lateral row of holes212, which are closest to the top longitudinal end or top end cap130of all the holes112. The other holes112are below or downstream of the top or upstream portion204of the bag200. These top holes or upstream holes212allow water to enter and press on the bag200of particulate matter210toward the bottom or downstream portion against the bottom end cap or downstream end cap140at the bottom longitudinal end. The sampling device100may be tied from the most upstream set of holes212, by the free-form black line412representing paracord, to a socket in a concrete weight represented by the rectangular shape410.

In both illustrations, an additional paracord is tied to the socket in the concrete block and goes from the water onto the shore of the stream. This is for additional safety to avoid losing the apparatus in cases of extreme flow, and allows the apparatus to be tied onto surface vegetation, rocks, or whatever the user of the device may wish to tie the concrete block to.

To avoid unnecessary variation in the methods of use, it can be considered best-practice to use the sampler in parallel orientation to the stream-bed and flow, for any speed of flow. This orientation is also easiest for the device to be mounted to a weight.

Regarding the placement of the sampler100, in the desirable parallel orientation, it may be considered ideal in any case that it be placed beneath the “thalweg” (center of visible flow lines) in the cross-section of the stream being sampled. If the sampler observes that the current is too strong to allow for safe placement, or otherwise the thalweg's central flow velocity is too great for the weight they are using to mount to the sampler, then it is ideal to place the sampler with that weight immediately adjacent to the thalweg. If in a generally straight section of stream, if the thalweg is distributed more towards one side of the stream, then the sampler should place the device in the side toward which it is distributed. In a stream section with side pools, if it cannot be placed in a thalweg, then it may be placed in those pools where any observed swirling is ideal. When being placed adjacent to the thalweg in a curve, it may be considered ideal to place the device in the outside portion of the curve so the sampler is not skewed by sediment deposition on the inside of the curve. Some sampling personnel may desire to sample on the inside of a stream curve, if it is their desire to capture potential bacteria or other contaminants which may be dislodged in the process of sediment deposition. If doing so, one should watch the device to ensure it is not sedimented into the stream bed or that the holes do not become clogged, especially in streams with finer particulate matter than gravel. Placing a sampler on two sides of a stream curve in that scenario can also allow for a more integrative comparative analysis, where sampling on the outside curve can ensure at least one sampler does not become clogged or sedimented if sampling in larger streams.

FIG.6is a side view of the sampling device100, in context of a deep navigable waterbody or ocean setting such that a navigational or subsurface buoy610may be common. An example monitoring apparatus is shown as may be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The cumulative sampling device100is tied to a float620from the uppermost set of holes next to top end cap130, with the sampling device100disposed latitudinally perpendicular to general current direction of the waterbody in the location of the buoy610. The device100is further tied with rope or mooring line material630, from the uppermost set of holes most adjacent to cap130, with line material extending behind the device, and then to a fastener640on the weighted mooring line650of the buoy610which may contain other sampling devices. A non-flexible rod660is also shown to create spacing between the device100and weighted buoy line650, other devices, or other mooring lines as to not interfere with the bored surface exposure to the surrounding fluid.

The following describes an example of retrieving and analyzing the collected contaminant samples from the sampling device. After the sampling device100is removed from the body of water, the removable end cap103is removed, and the bagged particulate matter210is taken out of the device. The one or more mesh bags310,320enclosing the particulate matter are removed to expose the particulate matter210that generally has been compacted. A first flask may be used for initial dilution of the bagged particulate matter and a second flask may be used for 100-ml dilution to be poured over the bagged particulate matter. A scalpel or scraping device is used to remove samples from the surface of the bagged particulate matter. For example, the sterilized bags (e.g., 75 micron mesh) containing the particulate matter is cut around an annular circle to fit over a glass piece that clamps on the top of the bagged particular matter. One may either clean the cut mesh circle in a bleach bath when finished or, more desirably, use alcohol or denatured alcohol instead, since the alcohol will not degrade the nylon the way that bleach would.

FIGS.7A-7Bshow an example of a process for analyzing a contaminant sample from a sampling device, then allowing for further analysis and enumeration of the contaminant by other methods, including membrane filtration or polymerase chain reaction test (FIG.7A) and Aquagenex Compartment Bag Test and/or Total Coliform Most Probable Number (FIG.7B).

In step710ofFIG.7A, the operator wears gloves and removes the bagged particulate matter from the sampling device. The operator may edge the column of particulate matter out of the mesh bag(s), remove it completely if possible, and set it on a sterile surface such as a sterile Ziploc bag. In step720, the operator may use a scalpel or a sterile scraping tool to scrap approximately 20 g or more of surface particulate matter onto a weigh plate or scale and record the weight. In step730, the operator places the weighed particulate matter into the first flask (or sediment flask) and fill it with Di water to the 100 ml mark. In step740, the operator shakes the first flask extremely vigorously for about 45 seconds to mix the weighed particulate matter with the first amount of DI water to form a first solution in the first flask. In step750, the operator allows the solution in the first flask to settle in place. Meanwhile, the operator may open the bag sediment factor spreadsheet and enter the weighed value of the particulate matter recorded earlier. The result is the current dilution factor of the solution that was just created based on saturated sediment weight. This first dilution factor of the first solution is calculated based on the weighed value of the particulate matter and a weight of the DI water in the first flask

In step760, the operator calculates the desired dilution, based on the following:A=initial sediment dilution factor (use the spreadsheet and enter the sediment weight that was recorded; the factor is then usually around 5).(A)*(B)=nb C, where C equals the desired dilution (i.e., for 1:100, then C is 100). Solve for B.D=100/B, where D is the volume (ml) of suspended solution in the sediment flask that will be pipetted out and be mixed in the second flask with the DI water (E).E=100−D, where E is the volume (ml) of DI water to dilute. The operator tares the second flask and measures this value as closely as possible.The second flask (from E) that was filled with DI and to which the turbid solution was pipetted, is now diluted at the desired dilution factor, C.

The above describes transferring an amount of the first solution from the first flask to a second flask calculated based on the first dilution factor and mixing the transferred first solution with a second amount of DI water to form a second solution in the second flask. In step770, the operator immediately takes the second flask to the membrane filtration area and sets it down, and prepares for membrane filtration of the second solution for contaminants. Using a rubber band, the operator places the 750 micron nylon circle over the filter apparatus. One or two circles may be used as long as the number is consistent or constant. The operator picks the second flask back up and shakes it extremely vigorously, for instance, for about 45 seconds.

If the operator believes the mesh will catch most of the particulate matter, or if there is little particulate matter, the operator may pour the contents immediately and gradually over the filter apparatus until the entire second flask is empty. This is preferable. On the other hand, if the operator does not believe the mesh will catch most of the particulate matter, the operator may add another sterile mesh circle and then pour it while still turbid. The operator may continue using 2 mesh circles per test. If the operator does not believe having two mesh circles will catch most of the particulate matter, the operator may pour the contents carefully over two of them and try to avoid getting fine sediment onto the apparatus. After pouring the contents, the operator may pipette any remainder. The operator may adhere to the process for all of them, but the second or the first is more preferable. Subsequently, the operator may rinse the nylon mesh circles, clean in alcohol or bleach, dry them.

As an alternative to step770,FIG.7Bshows steps780to795. In step780after step760, in a process directed to field test forE coli, the user shakes the flask again, including any residual particulate matter pipetted with supernatant. In step785, the user folds a 90 mm diameter 10 micron piece of sterile filter paper into a conical form and placing it on top of a WhirlPak® ThioBag®. In step790, the user pours the 100 ml second flask solution over the filter paper into the WhirlPak ThioBag®. In step795, the user discards filter paper and conducts methodology for Aquagenex Compartment Bag Test forE. coliand/or Total Coliform Most Probable Number.

Embodiments of the invention can be manifest in the form of methods and apparatuses for practicing those methods.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, percent, ratio, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about,” whether or not the term “about” is present. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain embodiments of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from embodiments of the invention encompassed by the following claims.

In this specification including any claims, the term “each” may be used to refer to one or more specified characteristics of a plurality of previously recited elements or steps. When used with the open-ended term “comprising,” the recitation of the term “each” does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or steps. Thus, it will be understood that an apparatus may have additional, unrecited elements and a method may have additional, unrecited steps, where the additional, unrecited elements or steps do not have the one or more specified characteristics.

It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the invention.

Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety or alternatively to provide the disclosure for which they were specifically relied upon.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.”

The embodiments covered by the claims in this application are limited to embodiments that (1) are enabled by this specification and (2) correspond to statutory subject matter. Non-enabled embodiments and embodiments that correspond to non-statutory subject matter are explicitly disclaimed even if they fall within the scope of the claims.