Patent ID: 12191050

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and/or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

A conventional coaxial cable has a center conductor, a dielectric insulator with a single aluminum foil cover, one braided shield layer surrounding the foil covered dielectric insulator, and a plastic insulating jacket covering the braided shield. Additionally, “tri-shield” and “quad-shield” versions of conventional coaxial cable are being increasingly used due to their improved performance.

Referring toFIG.1, cable connectors2and3enable the exchange of data signals between a broadband network or multichannel data network5, and various devices within a home, building, venue or other environment6. For example, the environment's devices can include: (a) a point of entry (“PoE”) filter8operatively coupled to an outdoor cable junction device10; (b) one or more signal splitters within a service panel12which distributes the data service to interface ports14of various rooms or parts of the environment6; (c) a modem16which modulates radio frequency (“RF”) signals to generate digital signals to operate a wireless router18; (d) an Internet accessible device, such as a mobile phone or computer20, wirelessly coupled to the wireless router18; and (e) a set-top unit22coupled to a television (“TV”)24. In one embodiment, the set-top unit22, typically supplied by the data provider (e.g., the cable TV company), includes a TV tuner and a digital adapter for High Definition TV.

In one distribution method, the data service provider operates a headend facility or headend system26coupled to a plurality of optical node facilities or node systems, such as node system28. The data service provider operates the node systems as well as the headend system26. The headend system26multiplexes the TV channels, producing light beam pulses which travel through optical fiber trunklines. The optical fiber trunklines extend to optical node facilities in local communities, such as node system28. The node system28translates the light pulse signals to RF electrical signals.

In one embodiment, a drop line coaxial cable (coaxial drop cable) or weather-protected or weatherized coaxial cable110is connected to the headend facility26or node facility28of the service provider. In the example shown, the weatherized coaxial cable110is routed to a standing structure, such as utility pole31.

A splitter or entry junction device33is mounted to, or hung from, the utility pole31. In the illustrated example, the entry junction device33includes an input data port or input tap for receiving a hardline connector or pin-type connector3. The entry junction box device33also includes a plurality of output data ports within its weatherized housing. It should be appreciated that such a junction device can include any suitable number of input data ports and output data ports.

The end of the weatherized coaxial cable35is attached to a hardline connector or pin-type connector3, which has a protruding pin insertable into a female interface data port of the junction device33. The ends of the weatherized coaxial cables37and39are each attached to one of the connectors2described below. In this way, the connectors2and3electrically couple the cables35,37and39to the junction device33.

In one embodiment, the pin-type connector3has a male shape which is insertable into the applicable female input tap or female input data port of the junction device33. The two female output ports of the junction device33are female-shaped in that they define a central hole configured to receive, and connect to, the inner conductors of the connectors2.

In one embodiment, each input tap or input data port of the entry junction device33has an internally threaded wall configured to be threadably engaged with one of the pin-type connectors3. The network5is operable to distribute signals through the weatherized coaxial cable35to the junction device33, and then through the pin-type connector3. The junction device33splits the signals to the pin-type connectors2, weatherized by an entry box enclosure, to transmit the signals through the cables37and39, down to the distribution box32described below.

In another distribution method, the data service provider operates a series of satellites. The service provider installs an outdoor antenna or satellite dish at the environment6. The data service provider connects a coaxial cable to the satellite dish. The coaxial cable distributes the RF signals or channels of data into the environment6.

In one embodiment, the multichannel data network5includes a telecommunications, cable/satellite TV (“CATV”) network operable to process and distribute different RF signals or channels of signals for a variety of services, including, but not limited to, TV, Internet and voice communication by phone. For TV service, each unique radio frequency or channel is associated with a different TV channel. The set-top unit22converts the radio frequencies to a digital format for delivery to the TV. Through the data network5, the service provider can distribute a variety of types of data, including, but not limited to, TV programs including on-demand videos, Internet service including wireless or WiFi Internet service, voice data distributed through digital phone service or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service, Internet Protocol TV (“IPTV”) data streams, multimedia content, audio data, music, radio and other types of data.

In one embodiment, the multichannel data network5is operatively coupled to a multimedia home entertainment network serving the environment6. In one example, such multimedia home entertainment network is the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (“MoCA”) network. The MoCA network increases the freedom of access to the data network5at various rooms and locations within the environment6. The MoCA network, in one embodiment, operates on cables110within the environment6at frequencies in the range 1125 MHz to 1675 MHz. MoCA compatible devices can form a private network inside the environment6.

In one embodiment, the MoCA network includes a plurality of network-connected devices, including, but not limited to: (a) passive devices, such as the PoE filter8, internal filters, diplexers, traps, line conditioners and signal splitters; and (b) active devices, such as amplifiers. The PoE filter8provides security against the unauthorized leakage of a user's signal or network service to an unauthorized party or non-serviced environment. Other devices, such as line conditioners, are operable to adjust the incoming signals for better quality of service. For example, if the signal levels sent to the set-top box22do not meet designated flatness requirements, a line conditioner can adjust the signal level to meet such requirement.

In one embodiment, the modem16includes a monitoring module. The monitoring module continuously or periodically monitors the signals within the MoCA network. Based on this monitoring, the modem16can report data or information back to the headend system26. Depending upon the embodiment, the reported information can relate to network problems, device problems, service usage or other events.

At different points in the network5, cables110can be located indoors, outdoors, underground, within conduits, above ground mounted to poles, on the sides of buildings and within enclosures of various types and configurations. Cables110can also be mounted to, or installed within, mobile environments, such as land, air and sea vehicles.

As described above, the data service provider uses coaxial cables110(FIGS.1,3A-3E) to distribute the data to the environment6(FIG.1). The environment6has an array of coaxial cables110at different locations. The connectors2are attachable to the coaxial cables110. The cables110, through use of the connectors2, are connectable to various communication interfaces within the environment6, such as the female interface ports14illustrated inFIGS.1-2. In the examples shown, female interface ports14are incorporated into: (a) a signal splitter within an outdoor cable service or distribution box32which distributes data service to multiple homes or environments6close to each other; (b) a signal splitter within the outdoor cable junction box or cable junction device10which distributes the data service into the environment6; (c) the set-top unit22; (d) the TV24; (e) wall-mounted jacks, such as a wall plate; and (f) the router18.

In one embodiment, each of the female interface ports14includes a stud or jack, such as the cylindrical stud34illustrated inFIG.2. The stud34has: (a) an inner, cylindrical wall36defining a central hole configured to receive an electrical contact, wire, pin, conductor (not shown) positioned within the central hole; (b) a conductive, threaded outer surface38; (c) a conical conductive region41having conductive contact sections43and45; and (d) a dielectric or insulation material47.

In some embodiments, stud34is shaped and sized to be compatible with the F-type coaxial connection standard. It should be understood that, depending upon the embodiment, stud34could have a smooth outer surface. The stud34can be operatively coupled to, or incorporated into, a device40which can include, for example, a cable splitter of a distribution box32, outdoor cable junction box10or service panel12; a set-top unit22; a TV24; a wall plate; a modem16; a router18; or the junction device33.

During installation, the installer couples a cable110to an interface port14by screwing or pushing the connector2onto the female interface port34. Once installed, the connector2receives the female interface port34. The connector2establishes an electrical connection between the cable110and the electrical contact of the female interface port34. The connector2, shown inFIGS.1and4, electrically grounds the braided shield layer118of the coaxial cable110. The outer jacket122has a protective characteristic, guarding the cable's internal components from damage. The outer jacket122also has an electrical insulation characteristic.

Referring toFIG.3A, in one embodiment, an installer or preparer prepares a terminal end56of the cable110so that it can be mechanically connected to the connector2(seeFIG.1). To do so, the preparer removes or strips away portions of the outer jacket122, outer conductive foil layer120, braided shield layer118, inner foil layer116, and dielectric insulator114so as to expose the side walls of the outer jacket122, outer conductive foil layer120, braided shield layer118, foil layer48and insulator114in a stepped or staggered fashion as shown inFIG.3D. In the examples shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the prepared end56has a two step-shaped configuration. InFIG.3D, the prepared end56has a four step-shaped configuration, where: (1) the center conductor112extends beyond the end of the insulator114and inner foil layer116; (2) the insulator114and inner foil layer116both extend beyond an end of braided shield layer118; and (3) the braided shield layer118extends beyond an end of the outer conductive foil layer120; and (4) the outer conductive foil layer120extends beyond the outer jacket122. At this point, the cable110is ready to be connected to the connector2.

Depending upon the embodiment, the components of the cable110can be constructed of various materials which have some degree of elasticity or flexibility. The elasticity enables the cable110to flex or bend in accordance with broadband communications standards, installation methods or installation equipment. Also, the radial thicknesses of the cable110, outer jacket122, outer conductive foil layer120, braided shield layer118, inner foil layer116can vary based upon parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards or installation equipment.

With reference toFIG.4, a cable jumper or cable assembly64includes a combination of the connector2and the cable110attached to the connector2. In this embodiment, the connector2includes a connector body or connector housing66and a fastener or coupler68, such as a threaded nut, which is rotatably coupled to the connector housing66. The cable assembly64has, in one embodiment, connectors2on both of its ends70. In some embodiments, the cable assembly64may have a connector2on one end and either no connector or a different connector at the other end. Preassembled cable jumpers or cable assemblies64can facilitate the installation of cables110for various purposes. The cable connector2may provide a reliable electrical ground, a secure axial connection, and a watertight seal across leakage-prone interfaces of the coaxial cable connector. The cable connector2may include an outer conductor (or braided layer) engager or post, a housing or body, and a coupler or threaded nut to engage an interface port. The outer conductor (or braided layer) engager of the connector2may includes an aperture (not shown) for receiving the outer braided conductor of a prepared coaxial cable, i.e., an end which has been stripped of its outer jacket similar to that shown inFIGS.3A,3B,3D, and a plurality of resilient fingers projecting axially away from the interface port. The body (not shown) of the connector2receives and engages resilient fingers (not shown) of the outer conductor (or braided layer) engager to align the body with the outer conductor (or braided layer) engager in a pre-installed state.

According to the disclosure, the aforementioned connectors2may be configured as coaxial cable connector2. When the connector2is installed on an interface port14(seeFIGS.1-2), a forward end or portion is proximal to, or toward, the interface port14, and a rearward end or portion is distal, or away, from the interface port14.

Referring back toFIGS.3A-3C, an exemplary coaxial tri-shield drop cable110according to the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the tri-shield drop cable110includes a center conductor112, a dielectric insulator114, an inner conductive foil layer116, braided shield layer118surrounding the inner conductive foil layer116, an outer conductive foil layer120, which may be bonded to an outer plastic insulating jacket122wherein the outer conductive foil layer is also sealed using a sealant to prevent external moisture from passing through the outer conductive foil layer towards the braided shield layer118.

The center conductor102may be a 18AWG Copper Conductor. The dielectric insulator14may be a PVC Dielectric. As shown inFIGS.3A-3E, the dielectric insulator114coaxially surrounds the center conductor112. An inner conductive foil layer116coaxially surrounds the dielectric insulator114. A braided shield layer118coaxially surrounds the inner conductive foil layer116. An outer conductive foil layer120coaxially surrounds the braided shield layer118. As later described herein, the outer conductive foil layer120may be sealed against external moisture by using a sealant136in an overlapping region127(FIG.6B) such that the outer conductive foil layer120is configured to prevent external moisture from passing the outer conductive foil layer towards the braided shield layer118and the other internal components of the coaxial cable110msuch as the center conductor112, the dielectric insulator114, the inner conductive foil layer116. It is understood that the center conductor112, the dielectric insulator114, the inner conductive foil layer116, the braided shield layer118, the outer conductive foil layer120, and the outer jacket122are elongated members that extend along the length of the coaxial cable110.

The outer jacket122coaxially surrounds the outer conductive foil layer120that has been sealed using the sealant136as further described herein. The outer jacket122generally includes a protective characteristic, guarding the cable's internal components from damage. The outer jacket122may also has an electrical insulation characteristic. The outer jacket122may constructed of a suitable, flexible material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or rubber. The outer jacket122may optionally have a lead-free formulation including black-colored PVC and a sunlight resistant additive or sunlight resistant chemical structure. However, the outer jacket122may be scratched or punctured due to environmental debris, animals, or other external forces thereby creating an undesirable opening (not shown) in the outer jacket122. As a result of such an undesirable opening at the outer jacket122, external moisture from the environment may pass through the opening created in the outer jacket122.

Known coaxial cables of the prior art are configured such that the external moisture could cause undesirable corrosion to the internal components of the coaxial cable110, such as the center conductor112, the dielectric insulator114, the inner conductive foil layer116, the braided shield layer118. However, the coaxial cable of the present disclosure provides a sealed outer conductive foil layer120as described herein.

As previously noted, the outer conductive foil layer120may be bonded to the outer jacket122wherein the outer conductive foil layer120coaxially surrounds the braided shield layer118. In order to prevent external moisture from passing the outer conductive foil layer120(towards the braided shield layer118, inner conductive foil layer116, the dielectric insulator114and the center conductor112), the outer conductive foil layer120may be sealed using a sealant136that is provided along the length of first lateral region128as shown inFIG.6A. As shown inFIGS.6A-6B, the first lateral region128of the outer conductive foil layer120overlaps with a mating region130of the outer conductive foil layer120to define the overlapping region127(shown inFIG.6B). Accordingly, the sealant136may be disposed between the first lateral region128of the outer conductive foil layer120and the mating region130in the overlapping region127(FIG.6B) to provide a sealed joint129between the first lateral region128of the outer conductive foil layer120and a second lateral region130of the outer conductive foil layer120. As shown inFIG.6B, the sealed joint129(of the outer conductive foil layer) is disposed in the overlapping region127. The sealed joint129includes the first lateral region128, the second lateral region130and the sealant136disposed between the first lateral region128and the second lateral region130.

With respect to the present disclosure, it is understood that a coaxial cable according to the present disclosure may further include an inner braided shield layer117may be disposed adjacent to the braided shield layer118wherein the braided shield layer surrounds the inner braided shield layer117. (SeeFIG.9). As shown, the inner braided shield layer117may be configured to coaxially surround the inner conductive foil portion116. The additional shielding layer of the inner braided shield layer117may provide extra insulation between signals internal on the coax and over the air signals, thus allowing the cable to provide a stronger signal over a longer run, which can be important for high definition (HD) and ultra-high definition (UHD), or 4K, television. The foil layers/portins116,120provide high frequency shielding, while the braided shield layer118(and the optional inner braided shield layer117) provide low frequency shielding and adds strength to the cable.

While the outer conductive foil layer120may be bonded to the outer jacket as shown inFIG.2, it is also understood that the outer conductive foil layer120may alternatively be disposed between the braided shield layer118and the outer jacket122wherein the outer conductive foil layer120is not bonded to the outer jacket122. When the outer conductive foil layer120is not bonded to the outer jacket, floodant755may optionally be implemented as well—as further described herein. Regardless of whether the outer conductive foil layer120is bonded to the outer jacket122, it is understood that the outer conductive foil layer120defines a longitudinal seam126as shown inFIG.6. Referring toFIG.6A, where the outer conductive foil layer120is bonded to the outer jacket122, the longitudinal seam126is defined in the region where a first lateral region128of the outer conductive foil layer120meets with a second lateral region130or mating region130of the outer conductive foil layer120as shown. Due to the nature of use of this type of coaxial cable110(such as outdoor aerial application where one end of the drop cable110is attached to a telephone pole while the other end is attached to a customer's building or an underground cable that is exposed to environmental moisture), moisture from the external environment (rain, water, humidity, etc.) may seep through the longitudinal seam126and towards the braided layer118, the dielectric insulator114, and/or the center conductor112as previously indicated, thereby negatively affecting the performance of the cable110. These negative effects can result from electrical shorting of conductor paths in the coaxial cable110and/or from corrosion of the internal components of the coaxial cable110, such as, for example, the braided layer118, inner foil layer, and/or the center conductor112.

Absent the sealant136and the sealed joint129in the outer conductive foil layer120(shown inFIGS.6A-6B), the moisture from the external environment (rain, water, humidity, etc.) may seep through the longitudinal seam126and towards the braided layer118, the dielectric insulator114, and/or the center conductor112. Also, absent the sealant136and the sealed joint129in the outer conductive foil layer120(shown inFIGS.6A-6B), the longitudinal seam126(shown inFIG.8A) may create a longitudinal pathway132for moisture to also travel down the length of the cable110and seep past the outer conductive foil layer120(towards the braided layer118and other internal components of the cable110). Therefore, the present disclosure provides for a sealed outer conductive foil layer120wherein a sealant136is provided to join the first lateral region128of the outer conductive foil layer120to the second lateral region130of the outer conductive foil layer120as shown inFIG.6B.

The foregoing arrangement, therefore, prevents moisture from the external environment from seeping through the outer conductive foil layer120and into contact with the braided layer118, inner foil layer116, dielectric insulator114, and/or center conductor112. It is understood that the sealant136may be formed from a polymeric material or the like, and is configured to adhere the first lateral region128of the outer conductive foil layer120to the second lateral region130of the outer conductive foil layer120thereby forming the sealed joint129so as to block any moisture from seeping past the outer conductive foil layer120towards the braided layer118, inner foil layer116, dielectric insulator114and/or center conductor112.

Referring now toFIGS.7, and8, the tri-shield coaxial drop cable110may also optionally include a non-flowing floodant755between the second elongated, conductive foil layer120and the interior surface123(seeFIG.3A) of the outer jacket122at a plurality of floodant areas760along a length of the cable110so as to circumferentially seal the space between the outer conductive foil layer120and the interior surface123of the outer jacket122at the plurality of floodant areas760. According to various aspects of the disclosure, the non-flowing floodant755may be a non-flowing, Amorphous Polypropylene flooding compound such as Amorphous Polypropylene Drop (APD).

As shown inFIGS.7and8, the optional non-flowing floodant755may be applied in a segmented manner such that the coaxial drop cable110includes areas760along its length that include the applied floodant755and areas762(FIG.7) along its length that do not include floodant. If the outer jacket122develops an opening caused by rodent chew, abrasions, or other methods or causes, moisture can enter into the coaxial drop cable110. However, the areas760that include the applied floodant755will limit the flowing or wicking of water to the area762without floodant between two consecutive areas760that include the applied floodant755. Thus, the flowing or wicking of water to the connectors/equipment at ends of the cable is prevented by the floodant755at the two consecutive areas760that include the applied floodant755, thereby preventing damage due to corrosion and/or shorting out of the coaxial circuit. On the other hand, the areas762that do not include the floodant755provide regions of the coaxial drop cable110where an installer can prepare and/or terminate the coaxial drop cable110for connection without the mess normally associated with the use of a cable having floodant along substantially its entire length.

As shown inFIG.7, the outer surface764of the outer jacket122may include markings766that identify locations along the length of the coaxial drop cable110wherein the floodant755(FIG.8) is located. For example, the markings766may include circumferential bands or stripes, longitudinal dashes, letters, numbers, shapes, X's, or any other markings that are aligned with the areas760that include the applied floodant755. The markings766allow an installer to visually see where the coaxial drop cable is clear of floodant to allow for clean preparation and connectorization without a messy residue of floodant. Alternatively, an outer jacket of the coaxial cable (not shown) may have markings that are aligned with the areas that do not include the floodant (not shown), while the areas with the floodant are unmarked.

Referring now toFIG.3C, the coaxial cable110may alternatively or additionally include a non-flowing floodant755′ between the outer conductive foil layer120and the elongated outer conductor (or braided layer) (or braided shield)118. Of course, the floodant755′ can penetrate the openings of the screen, mesh, or braid structure of the braided layer118so as to circumferentially seal the space between the inner conductive foil layer116and the outer conductive foil layer120. The non-flowing floodants755,755′ may be the same or different non-flowing, Amorphous Polypropylene flooding compounds.

It should be appreciated that, the present disclosure is directed to any type of coaxial cable, such as but not limited to a tri-shield coaxial cable110and/or a quad-shield coaxial cable110(SeeFIG.9) and other coaxial cables. In other embodiments, the cable110may instead be an underground coaxial cable or any other cable or wiring. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the art would understand that sooner or later all underground conduit or cable fills with water, even direct burial grade cable. Thus, it may be desirable to provide underground coaxial cable with a sealed outer conductive foil layer120and optionally having a non-flowing floodant755applied in a segmented manner such that the underground coaxial cable110includes areas along its length that include the applied floodant755and areas along its length that do not include floodant. Similarly, any other cable or wiring that includes a jacket that may develop an opening due rodent chew, abrasions, or other methods or causes may be provided with a sealed outer conductive foil layer118(having a sealed joint129as described above and as shown inFIG.6B). As indicated, the coaxial cable110according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure may, but not necessarily further include, a non-flowing floodant755applied in a segmented manner as previously described.

In the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that the inner conductor112or center conductor112is operable to carry data signals to and from a data network. Depending upon the embodiment, the inner conductor112can be a strand, a solid wire, or a hollow, tubular wire. As previously noted, the inner conductor112may be a conductive material suitable for data transmission, such as a metal or alloy including copper, including, but not limited, to copper-clad aluminum (“CCA”), copper-clad steel (“CCS”) or silver-coated copper-clad steel (“SCCCS”).

Also, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the elongated dielectric insulator114, may have a tubular shape. The elongated dielectric insulator114may be radially flexible, and the elongated dielectric insulator114may also be axially flexible along the longitudinal axis200(seeFIG.3A). Depending upon the embodiment, the elongated dielectric insulator114can be a suitable polymer, such as polyethylene (“PE”) or a fluoropolymer, in solid or foam form.

Also, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the braided layer118and/or the inner braided layer117(117shown inFIG.9) may each include a conductive RF shield or electromagnetic radiation shield. For example, each the braided layer118may include a conductive screen, mesh, or braid or otherwise has a perforated configuration defining a matrix, grid or array of openings. In one such embodiment, the braided layer118may have an aluminum material or a suitable combination of aluminum and polyester. When the inner conductor112and external electronic devices generate magnetic fields, the braided layer118, which are grounded by a connector (not shown), cancels all, substantially all, or a suitable amount of the potentially interfering magnetic fields. Therefore, there may be less, or an insignificant, disruption of the data signals running through inner conductor112. Also, there may be less, or an insignificant, disruption of the operation of external electronic devices near the cable110.

With respect to the present disclosure, it is also understood that the inner and outer conductive foil layers116,120may be tubular conductors that provide additional shielding of the magnetic fields. The inner and outer conductive foil layers116,120may be a flexible foil tape or laminate. The inner conductive foil layer116may be flexible foil tape or laminate adhered to the elongated dielectric insulator114, thus assuming the tubular shape of the insulator204. As noted, the outer conductive foil layer120of the present disclosure contemplates that the foil layer120may optionally be bonded to the inner surface123of the outer jacket122. The outer conductive foil layer120may include a flexible foil tape or laminate adhered to the inner surface123of the outer jacket122, thus assuming the tubular shape of the outer jacket122.

With respect to the present disclosure, the combination of the inner and outer conductive foil layers116,120and the braided layer118(and the optional inner braided layer117inFIG.9) can suitably block undesirable radiation or signal noise from leaving the cable110. The moisture resistant feature of the sealed joint129in the outer conductive foil layer118of the coaxial cable110together with the arrangement of the aforementioned layers can result in an reduced disruption of data communications through the cable110as well as an additional decrease in interference with external devices, such as nearby cables and components of other operating electronic devices.

Also, with respect to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the components of the cable110can be constructed of various materials which have some degree of elasticity or flexibility. The elasticity enables the cable110to flex or bend in accordance with broadband communications standards, installation methods or installation equipment. Also, the radial thicknesses of the cable110, the inner conductor112, the insulator114, the inner and outer conductive foil layers116,120, the braided layer118, and the jacket122can vary based upon parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards or installation equipment.

Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.