Patent ID: 12256888

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cordless or battery-powered surface cleaning apparatus having an improved runtime is described below. The battery-powered surface cleaning apparatus, also referred to herein as the “apparatus” or the “floor cleaner” has at least one cleaning system for cleaning a surface, such as floor surfaces like carpet, rugs, wood, tile, and the like, or above-floor surfaces like countertops, furniture, and the like. The battery powers at least one electrical component of the cleaning system. In an exemplary embodiment, the floor cleaner is configured to enter a power conservation mode during periods of inactivity. As will be appreciated from the description herein, the power conservation mode has myriad use applications, but is generally used to increase the active cleaning time available before having to recharge the battery. As but one example, the power conservation mode can reduce power to or shut off at least one electrical component of the floor cleaning during a period of inactivity, i.e. when a user is not actively cleaning. At least some aspects of the power conservation mode described herein function through the various elements thereof, as described below, to reduce the rate of temperature rise of the battery, thus allowing for more efficient use of the available power in the battery.

FIGS.1-2show a surface cleaning apparatus10, also referred to herein as floor cleaner10, provided with various features and improvements, including a battery40powering the floor cleaner10and having a power conservation mode to reduce power consumption and preserve battery runtime. Although various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in connection with a cordless or battery-powered surface cleaning apparatus, it is fully contemplated that one or more embodiments may apply to a corded surface cleaning apparatus in order to reduce power consumption from an electrical grid or external power source during periods of inactivity.

The floor cleaner10can be a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum cleaning system. The functional systems of the exemplary vacuum cleaner10can be arranged into any desired configuration including as an upright or stick vacuum as shown, a portable cleaner adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas, or a canister cleaner having a hose or other conduit forming a portion of the working air conduit between a nozzle and a suction source.

The floor cleaner10includes a housing18adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The various cleaning systems and components thereof can be supported by the housing18. The floor cleaner10of the illustrated embodiment includes a main unit12, a wand14and a surface cleaning head16, which may collectively form the housing18.

The floor cleaner10may be is convertible between different modes of operation to efficiently clean different surface types and hard-to-reach areas. The main unit12and wand14may collectively form an upright assembly coupled with the cleaning head16. In another embodiment, instead of a wand14, the upright assembly can include an upright body coupled with the cleaning head16, and the main unit12is detachable from the upright body.

The floor cleaner10has a handle19coupled with the housing18and adapted to be gripped by a user to move the housing18over the surface to be cleaned. As shown inFIGS.1-2, the handle19is part of the main unit12for convenient gripping in the different modes of operation for the convertible floor cleaner10.

The floor cleaner10can include one or more cleaning systems. In one embodiment, the floor cleaner10has a vacuum collection system, also referred to herein as a recovery system, for creating a partial vacuum to suck up debris (which may include dirt, dust, soil, hair, and other debris) from a surface to be cleaned and collecting the removed debris in a space provided on the floor cleaner10for later disposal. In some cases, the collection or recovery system is also configured to remove and collect liquid from the surface to be cleaned. Other cleaning systems include, but are not limited to a cleaning fluid delivery system, i.e. a liquid delivery system and/or a steam delivery system.

The vacuum collection system can include a recovery pathway20, a suction inlet22to the recovery pathway20, a suction source24in fluid communication with the suction inlet22for generating a debris- and/or liquid-laden working fluid stream, and a debris removal assembly26for removing and collecting debris (which can be solid, liquid, or a combination thereof) from the working fluid stream for later disposal. The suction source24can comprise a vacuum motor28. In addition to the aforementioned components, the vacuum collection system may include one or more filters, upstream or downstream of the suction source24, to separate debris from the working airstream.

The debris removal assembly26can include a collection container30for separating and collecting debris from the working airstream for later disposal. A separator32can be formed in a portion of the collection container30for separating entrained debris from the working air stream, and comprises a filter assembly provided downstream of the suction inlet22and upstream of the suction source24. Alternatively, the debris removal assembly26can include a cyclonic or centrifugal separator, a flexible and air-permeable filter bag, or other air filtering means.

The cleaning head16can comprise a base adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned, e.g. a surface-engaging and/or floor-traversing base, and can include a suction nozzle that defines the suction inlet22. The cleaning head16can house one or more floor cleaning implements or agitators, such as a brushroll34. The brushroll34can be provided within or adjacent to the suction inlet22to agitate the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction inlet22. Other examples of floor cleaning implements include, but are not limited to dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, a stationary brush, and/or a cleaning pad. A brush motor36(FIG.3) may be operably coupled with the brushroll34via a transmission arrangement, which can include one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof.

The vacuum cleaner10can include a main controller38operably coupled with the various systems and components of the vacuum cleaner10. In one embodiment the main controller38can comprise a printed circuit board (“PCB”). As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “PCB” includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide operational control to the vacuum cleaner10. The PCB includes, for example, a processing unit (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device) and a memory (e.g., a read-only memory (“ROM”), a random access memory (“RAM”), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), a flash memory, or another suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory device). The processing unit is connected to the memory and executes instructions (e.g., software) that is capable of being stored in the RAM (e.g., during execution), the ROM (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc. Additionally or alternatively, the memory is included in the processing unit (e.g., as part of a microcontroller). Software stored in memory includes, for example, firmware, program data, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The processing unit is configured to retrieve from memory and execute, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein. The PCB can also include, among other things, a plurality of additional passive and active components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, integrated circuits, and amplifiers. These components are arranged and connected to provide a plurality of electrical functions to the PCB including, among other things, signal conditioning or voltage regulation. For descriptive purposes, a PCB and the electrical components populated on the PCB are collectively referred to as a controller. Thus, the main PCB and the electrical components populated on the main PCB may be referred to as main controller38.

The vacuum cleaner10is “cordless” and has a battery40electrically connected to at least one electrical component thereof. In one embodiment, the battery is rechargeable. A cord (not shown) may be used to connect the battery to an external power source for charging the battery and/or for connecting the battery to powered components in the vacuum cleaner10.

In one embodiment, the battery40is a battery pack, and is preferably rechargeable. In one example, the rechargeable battery pack is a lithium ion battery. The battery pack40includes a casing42and one or more batteries44enclosed within the casing42. The battery pack40may include a separate battery controller46, alternatively referred to herein as battery PCB, that controls charging and discharging of the battery pack40and can communicate with the main controller38. The battery PCB46is also enclosed with the casing42.

The vacuum cleaner10can include at least one user interface56through which a user can interact with the vacuum cleaner10. The user interface56can enable operation and control of the apparatus10from the user's end, and can also provide feedback information from the vacuum cleaner10to the user. The user interface56can be electrically coupled with electrical components, including, but not limited to, circuitry electrically connected to various components of the vacuum collection system of the vacuum cleaner10. The user interface56may be located on the handle19, or elsewhere on the vacuum cleaner10.

In one embodiment, the user interface56includes at least one input control58, such as, but not limited to, a button, trigger, toggle, key, switch, or the like, to affect and control operation of the vacuum cleaner10. In one embodiment, the input control58is a power control that controls the supply of power to one or more electrical components of the vacuum cleaner10. Other examples of input controls include a mode button that cycles the vacuum cleaner10between different cleaning modes. The user interface56can include at least one indicator, such as, but not limited to, a battery level indicator or a suction level indicator. The user interface56can include a display52, a speaker54, or both (FIG.3).

FIG.3is a schematic view of various functional systems of the vacuum cleaner10. The battery40can supply power to the vacuum motor28, the brush motor36, the main controller38, and/or the user interface56. In other embodiments, the battery40can supply power to at least one other electronic component, including, but not limited to a pump48, a headlight50, or any combination thereof.

The vacuum cleaner10can comprise a power conservation mode to preserve battery life during periods of inactivity. Inactivity of the vacuum cleaner10can be defined as no movement of the vacuum cleaner10within a predetermined period of time, the vacuum cleaner10being in an inactive position or orientation for a predetermined period of time, no user interaction with the vacuum cleaner10within a predetermined period of time or any combination thereof. Inactivity may be defined as no movement of or user interaction with the vacuum cleaner10for at least 5 seconds, alternatively at least 10 seconds, alternatively at least 15 seconds, alternatively at least 20 seconds, alternatively at least 25 seconds, alternatively at least 30 seconds. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the vacuum cleaner10can use a different modality to define inactivity in order to preserve battery life in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the vacuum cleaner10can comprise a sensing unit60configured to detect inactivity by sensing at least one of: movement of the vacuum cleaner10, position or orientation of the vacuum cleaner10, or user interaction with the vacuum cleaner. The controller38can be configured to reduce power consumption when inactivity is detected by the sensing unit60. When activity of the vacuum cleaner10is detected by the sensing unit60, the vacuum cleaner10may operate in an active mode in which one or more electrical components are fully powered.

In one embodiment, the sensing unit60comprises a movement sensing unit60configured to detect inactivity by detecting movement of the vacuum cleaner10, and the controller38can be configured to reduce power consumption when no movement of the vacuum cleaner10is detected by the movement sensing unit60. When movement of the vacuum cleaner10is detected by the movement sensing unit60, the vacuum cleaner10may operate in an active mode in which one or more electrical components are fully powered.

The movement sensing unit60can comprise one or more sensors or sensing components, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a motion activated switch, a wheel motion sensor, a detent switch, an accelerometer, or any combination thereof. The movement sensing unit60, or a sensor or sensing component thereof, can be electrically-powered by the battery40in some embodiments.

According to one or more embodiments, the vacuum cleaner10, or similar surface cleaning apparatus, may include a wireless module having at least one wireless radio for wirelessly connecting to a network through a wireless access point or router. In such embodiments, the movement sensing unit60may include inputs or sensors to detect movement, or lack thereof, of the vacuum cleaner10using signal strength of a wireless signal (e.g., Wi-FI signal) received by the wireless radio. For example, the movement sensing unit60may employ received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values to indicate movement of the vacuum cleaner10. A steady or stable signal strength measurement of the wireless signal may be indicative of lack of movement or inactivity of the vacuum cleaner, whereas a fluctuating or varying signal strength may be indicative of activity.

The movement sensing unit60can be disposed on the housing18of the vacuum cleaner10in a location to detect movement of the vacuum cleaner10. The one or more sensors or sensing components may be located, for example, on the main unit12, the wand14, or on the cleaning head16. For example, in the case of a wheel motion sensor, the movement sensing unit60can be disposed at least partially on a wheel of the cleaning head16. In the case of an accelerometer, the movement sensing unit60can be disposed at least partially on the main unit12and/or the wand14.

The movement sensing unit60may be configured output a signal, which can include power, resistance, current, or a voltage signal, for example, that is relayed to the main controller38, and which can be used as an input to selectively reduce power consumption.

In one embodiment, the sensing unit60can comprise a position or orientation sensing unit60configured to detect inactivity by detecting an inactive position or orientation of the vacuum cleaner10, e.g. a position or orientation in which the vacuum cleaner10is not actively cleaning. One non-limiting example of an inactive position or orientation is the upright assembly (e.g., the main unit12and wand14) in a vertical or upright position relative to the cleaning head16(seeFIG.1). The position or orientation sensing unit60can comprise one or more sensors or sensing components, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a motion activated switch, a detent switch, an accelerometer, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the sensing unit60can comprise a user interaction sensing unit60configured to detect inactivity by detecting a lack of user interaction with the vacuum cleaner10, for example by detecting when a user is or is not physically touching the vacuum cleaner10. One non-limiting example of a user interaction is the user gripping the handle19and/or pressing the input control58, which may be, but is not limited to, a button, trigger, toggle, key, switch, or the like (FIG.1). The user interaction sensing unit60can comprise one or more sensors or sensing components, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a capacitive sensor, a trigger microswitch, or any combination thereof.

In one aspect of the disclosure, during inactivity, the vacuum cleaner10enters a power conservation mode in which the main controller38executes one or more operations to reduce power consumption and preserve battery runtime. Reducing power consumption in the power reduction mode may comprise turning off at least one electrical component of the vacuum cleaner10, or reducing power supplied to at least one electrical component of the vacuum cleaner. For example, in one embodiment, the vacuum motor28may be turned off when no activity of the vacuum cleaner10is detected by the sensing unit60. In another embodiment, the vacuum motor28may be switched to a low power mode, i.e. for reduced suction power at the inlet22, when no activity of the vacuum cleaner10is detected by the sensing unit60. In an additional embodiment, power may be reduced to, or removed from, one or more other electrical components of the vacuum cleaner10, such as brush motor36, pump48, headlight50, or sensing unit60. In one or more embodiments, reducing power to these other electrical components may be in addition to, or instead of, reducing power to the vacuum motor28.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the vacuum cleaner10can have multiple different power conservation modes. The main controller38may use one or more variables to determine which power conservation mode to execute. In one embodiment, the power conservation mode executed is based on, at least in part, a length of time of inactivity, i.e. how long the vacuum cleaner10has been inactive. The time to return to an active mode may vary between different power conservation modes.

A method62of controlling a surface cleaning apparatus, such as the vacuum cleaner10, is shown inFIG.4. The sequence of steps discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way as it is understood that the steps may proceed in a different logical order, additional or intervening steps may be included, or described steps may be divided into multiple steps, without detracting from the present disclosure.

The method62begins with the vacuum cleaner10in an active mode (step S1), in which the vacuum cleaner10is actively cleaning. During active cleaning, a user is moving the vacuum cleaner10over a surface to be cleaned, one or more electrical components of the vacuum cleaner are powered by the battery40. For example, in the active mode, the vacuum motor28may operate at an RPM>0 and/or the brush motor36may operate at an RPM>0.

If, during active cleaning, the battery charge level drops below a threshold value V (step S2), the vacuum cleaner10powers off (step S3). One non-limiting example of a threshold value is 10% charge. In such a case, if the battery charge level drops below 10% during active cleaning, the vacuum cleaner10powers off and all electrical components of the vacuum cleaner are turned off. During an inactive or power saving mode of the vacuum cleaner10, if the battery charge level drops below 10%, the vacuum cleaner10may also power off and turn any active electrical components of the vacuum cleaner off.

Step S3may include providing a user notification representing that the vacuum cleaner10is powering off. For example, the display52can show a visual notification representing that is vacuum cleaner10is powering off and/or the speaker54can output an audible notification representing that is vacuum cleaner10is powering off.

When inactivity of the vacuum cleaner10is detected (step S4), the vacuum cleaner10can enter an inactive mode. Whether or not the vacuum cleaner10is inactive may be judged based, for example, on movement of the vacuum cleaner10(or lack thereof), the position or orientation of the vacuum cleaner10, and/or user interaction with the vacuum cleaner10(or lack thereof), for example detected by the sensing unit60. Inactivity may be defined as a lack of detectable movement, lack of detectable user interaction, and/or the vacuum cleaner10being in an inactive position or orientation for a predefined period of time (e.g. 1-30 seconds, alternatively 10 seconds, alternatively 5 seconds). Therefore, when the sensing unit60detects inactivity, the controller38may execute a power conservation mode.

In embodiments where the vacuum cleaner10has multiple power conservation modes, the elapsed inactive time, i.e. how long the vacuum cleaner10has been inactive is used by the controller38to determine which power conservation mode to execute. Therefore, when the sensing unit60does not detect activity, the controller38may start an inactivity counter (step S5), which can comprise a clock or timer, and which counts inactivity time as counter value t. When inactivity of the vacuum cleaner10is detected, the counter value t may increase from an initial value of zero.

The elapsed inactive time is monitored in step S6. If the counter value t is less than a first reference value T1, the main controller38executes a first power conservation mode (step S7). In one non-limiting example, the first reference value T1 is 30 seconds.

In the first power conservation mode, power is reduced to the vacuum motor28and/or the brush motor36. In one embodiment, the vacuum motor28and the brush motor36are both turned off in the first power conservation mode. According to one or more embodiments, the speaker54may output a simulated vacuum noise in the first power conservation mode. The controller38, the user interface56, and the sensing unit60may remain active, e.g. fully powered, in the first power conservation mode. Other electrical components may remain awake but placed in a low-power state. In another embodiment of the first power conservation mode, all electrical components of the vacuum cleaner10are turned off, except for the controller38and the sensing unit60.

If the counter value t equals or exceeds the first reference value T1, and is less than a second reference value T2, the main controller38may execute a second power conservation mode (step S8). In one non-limiting example, the second reference value T2 is 120 seconds.

In the second power conservation mode, all electrical components of the vacuum cleaner10may be turned off, or may remain turned off, except for the controller38and the sensing unit60. According to one or more embodiments, the user interface56, and in particular a display or LED indicator of the user interface56, may also remain active in the second power conservation mode.

If the counter value t equals or exceeds the second reference value T2, the vacuum cleaner10completely powers off (step S3), including the user interface56. The counter value t exceeding the second reference value T2 may indicate that a user has stopped cleaning altogether, and so the vacuum cleaner10is powered off to cease all power draw on the battery40.

The method may include providing a user notification representing that the vacuum cleaner10is in an inactive mode. For example, the user interface56can output a visual and/or audible notification representing that the vacuum cleaner10is in the first power conservation mode if a time during which the vacuum cleaner is inactive is less than the first reference value T1. The user interface56can output a visual and/or audible notification representing that the vacuum cleaner10is in the second power conservation mode if a time during which the vacuum cleaner is inactive equals or exceeds the first reference value T1 but is less than the second reference value T2. The method may further include providing a user notification representing that the vacuum cleaner10is powering off if a time during which the vacuum cleaner is inactive equals or exceeds the second reference value T2.

During method62, if activity of the vacuum cleaner10is detected, the vacuum cleaner can re-enter the active mode. There may be delay in returning to the active mode depending on the current power conservation mode. For example, in switching to the active mode from the first power conservation mode, there may be relatively quick (less than 1 second) ramp up of the main power functions to be resumed. In switching to the active mode from the second power conservation mode, there may be a longer (greater than 1 second) ramp up of the main power functions to be resumed.

Whether or not the vacuum cleaner10is active may be judged based, for example, based on input from the sensing unit60. Therefore, when the sensing unit60detects activity, the controller38may switch to the active mode, and may stop the inactivity counter, and resets the counter value t to zero.

The method62may include providing a user notification representing that the vacuum cleaner10is re-entering the active mode. For example, the display52can show a visual notification representing that is vacuum cleaner10is actively cleaning. Audible feedback is also provided by the activation of the vacuum and/or brush motors28,36.

For a surface cleaning apparatus having a fluid delivery system including pump48, the pump48may operate at a flow a rate of >0 ml/min in the active mode, at 0 ml/min in the first power conservation mode, and at 0 ml/min in the second power conservation mode.

For a surface cleaning apparatus including headlight50, the headlight may be illuminated in a first state in the active mode, in a second state in the first power conservation mode, and may be turned off completely in the second power conservation mode. In one example of the first state, the headlight may be illuminated at a first brightness level and/or may be illuminated in a steady state (e.g. in a continuously on state). In one example of the second state, the headlight may dim to a second, lower brightness level and/or be illuminated in a non-steady state (e.g. in a blinking or breathing pattern).

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, switching between the active and inactive modes is automatic, e.g. does not require pressing the power control58or other user-controllable actuator, and may be controlled based on detected inactivity and/or activity of the vacuum cleaner10.

In addition to reducing power consumption and preserving battery runtime, the method62also allows heat on the battery40to dissipate when the vacuum cleaner10is in an inactive mode. This can prevent overheating of the battery40, and can delay or avoid a shut-off due to hitting the thermal limit of the battery40.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, other power conservation modes may be executed by the main controller38at step S7and/or S8. Table 1 below lists some examples of power conservation modes for the vacuum cleaner10. For each example, “Mode 1” may be executed in step S7and “Mode 2” may be executed in step S8.

TABLE 1Vacuum MotorBrush MotorPumpExample 1Mode 1ON/LOWON/LOWN/AMode 2OFFOFFN/AExample 2Mode 1ON/LOWON/HIGHN/AMode 2OFFOFFN/AExample 3Mode 1ON/LOWON/HIGHN/AMode 2ON/LOWON/LOWN/AExample 4Mode 1ON/HIGHON/HIGHOFFMode 2OFFOFFOFFExample 5Mode 1ON/LOWON/LOWOFFMode 2OFFOFFOFF

Although the figures have thus far shown aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure in the context of a cleaning apparatus comprising a stick-type, convertible vacuum cleaner, it is recognized that numerous variations are possible whereby the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure be configured for incorporation into virtually any type of cordless surface cleaning apparatus. According to the present disclosure, the surface cleaning apparatus can be any apparatus capable of cleaning, treating, or disinfecting a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus can include, but is not limited to any of the following: a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, an autonomous floor cleaner, an unattended spot-cleaning apparatus or deep cleaner, an upright deep cleaner or extractor, a handheld extractor, a vacuum cleaner, a sweeper, a mop, a steamer, an ultraviolet radiation disinfecting device, a treatment dispensing device, and combinations thereof.

FIG.5show a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or wet/dry multi-surface cleaner70that is cordless or battery-powered according to any of the aspects and embodiments described herein. The floor cleaner70can be used to clean hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood and soft floor surfaces such as area rugs and carpet. The floor cleaner70has a fluid delivery system including a supply tank72for storing cleaning fluid and dispenser (not shown) delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a recovery system for removing spent cleaning fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris in an onboard recovery tank74. The floor cleaner70includes an upright handle assembly or body76and a cleaning foot or base78mounted to or coupled with the upright body76and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The various cleaning systems and components thereof can be supported by either or both the base78and the upright body76. A non-limiting example of a wet/dry multi-surface cleaner is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,160,431, issued Nov. 2, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG.6shows a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of a portable extraction cleaner80that is cordless or battery-powered according to any of the aspects and embodiments described herein. The portable extraction cleaner80comprises a hand-carried body82and has a fluid delivery system carried on the body82and including a supply tank84for storing cleaning fluid and dispenser86delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The portable extraction cleaner80also has a recovery system carried on the body82for removing spent cleaning fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris in a recovery tank88onboard the body82. A non-limiting example of a portable extraction cleaner is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,229,338, issued Jan. 25, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG.7shows a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of a handheld vacuum cleaner90that is cordless or battery-powered according to any of the aspects and embodiments described herein. The handheld vacuum cleaner90comprises a hand-carried body92and has a vacuum collection system for creating a partial vacuum to suck up debris from a surface to be cleaned and collecting the removed debris in a space on the body92for later disposal. The vacuum collection system includes a recovery pathway, a suction inlet94, a suction source (not shown) in fluid communication with the suction inlet94for generating a debris-laden working air stream, and the collection container96for separating and collecting debris from the working air stream for later disposal. A non-limiting example of a handheld vacuum cleaner is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,561,290, issued Feb. 18, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.