Patent ID: 12222487

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to an apparatus for securely holding a substrate, such as a microscope slide. Suitable devices, systems, and/or methods for holding a substrate may include those described in one or more of the following U.S. patents and published applications, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. Pat. No. 9,857,580; 2017/0315340; 2017/0363850; 2017/0322407; 2017/0261735; 2018/0003939; 2018/0003940.

Securing Block

FIGS.1A-1Bshow a securing block100. The securing block100includes a main body102with a stopper104and a ramp106, both of which extend from the same side of the main body102. The securing block100can be configured and/or oriented to cause a substrate to travel vertically, downwardly, horizontally, orthogonally, or combinations thereof. Therefore, the securing block100can be inverted, rotated, or adjusted in any desired manner to cause the substrate to travel in at least one desired direction. In one embodiment, the securing block100provides a controlled references surface for a substrate during imaging, processing, holding, or the like. In one embodiment, the securing block100provides a flat substrate surface during imaging, processing, holding, or the like when a substrate has a non-flat (e.g., curved, twisted, warped, or the like) surface.

In one embodiment, the main body102can be a single piece. In one embodiment, the main body102can be multiple pieces, including at least two pieces. When the main body102is at least two pieces, a first piece includes the stopper104and a second piece includes the ramp106.

In one embodiment, the main body102includes at least one hole (not shown) to accept at least one fastener108for attachment to a frame or a secure bar. In one embodiment, the securing block100includes at least one height adjuster (not shown), such as a shim, to adjust the height of the securing block100relative to the frame or the secure bar.

In one embodiment, the stopper104can be any appropriate shape, including, but not limited to, triangular, hemispherical, parabolic, trapezoidal, rectangular, cubical, or the like. In one embodiment, the ramp106can be any appropriate shape, including, but not limited to, triangular, hemispherical, parabolic, trapezoidal, or the like.

Secure Bar

FIGS.2A-2Dshow a secure bar200. The secure bar200includes a bracket202and a strut204. The strut204includes a proximal end including a first securing block100and a distal end212including a second securing block100. In one embodiment, the bracket202and the strut204are a single piece. In one embodiment, the bracket202and the strut204are separate pieces. When the bracket202and the strut204are separate pieces, the bracket202and the strut204can be attached, adjoined, or adhered to each other by screws, dowels, rods, rivets, at least one dovetail joint, at least one tongue-and-groove joint, an adhesive, an epoxy, at least one magnet, or by any other appropriate manner in which to attach, adjoin, or adhere two or more pieces.

In one embodiment, the bracket202can include at least one bearing208to permit rotation of the bracket202relative to a substrate (not shown) or at least one other component, including, without limitation, the strut204or a frame (not shown). In one embodiment, the bracket202can include two or more bearings208.

In one embodiment, the bracket202includes a projection206extending outwardly from the bracket202. In one embodiment, the bracket202includes two projections206extending outwardly, in the same direction, from the bracket202. In one embodiment, the bracket202includes a flange214extending outwardly from the bracket202in the same direction as the projection206.

In one embodiment, the secure bar200can include at least one flexure216, such as one or more flexible materials, a cut-out (e.g., a track, a groove, a notch, or the like), a material less stiff than the other material composing the strut204, or the like. The at least one flexure216allows for movement of the securing block100via the proximal end or the distal end212of the secure bar200to move along a given axis (for example, the z-axis) relative to the other end of the secure bar200. The at least one flexure216can extend at least partially through a top face of the strut204, can extend at least partially through a bottom face of the strut204, can extend at least partially through a side face of the strut204, or can extend entirely across the strut204. The segment including the at least one flexure216can also include a clasp210to set the position, angle, location, or the like along the given axis (for example, the z-axis) of the segment including the securing block100and the at least one flexure216once the desired position, angle, location, or the like has been determined. The clasp210can include, but is not limited to, screws, dowels, rods, and rivets. The clasp210can also be used to adjust position, angle, location, or the like of the segment including the at least one flexure216. In one embodiment, the distal end212of the strut204can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like), such as by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving, relative to, and/or independently of, the proximal end of the strut204. The distal end212can also include at least one securing block100. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the strut204can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like), such as by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving, relative to, and/or independently of, the distal end212of the strut204. The proximal end can also include at least one securing block100.

FIGS.3A-3Bshow a secure bar300. The secure bar300is similar to the secure bar200, except that secure bar300includes a projection306at a distal end of a bracket302. The secure bar300includes the bracket302and a strut304. The strut304includes a proximal end including a first securing block100and a distal end310including a second securing block100. In one embodiment, the bracket302and the strut304are a single piece. In one embodiment, the bracket302and the strut304are separate pieces. When the bracket302and the strut304are separate pieces, the bracket302and the strut304can be attached, adjoined, or adhered to each other by screws, dowels, rods, at least one dovetail joint, at least one tongue-and-groove joint, an adhesive, an epoxy, at least one magnet, or by any other appropriate manner in which to attach, adjoin, or adhere two or more pieces.

In one embodiment, the bracket302can include at least one bearing308to permit rotation of the bracket302relative to a substrate (not shown) or at least one other component, including, without limitation, the strut304or a frame (not shown).

In one embodiment, the bracket302includes a projection306extending outwardly from the bracket302. In one embodiment, the bracket302includes two projections306extending outwardly, in the same direction, from the bracket302.

In one embodiment, the secure bar300can include at least one flexure312, such as one or more flexible materials, a cut-out (e.g., a track, a groove, a notch, or the like), a material less stiff than the other material composing the strut304, or the like. The at least one flexure312allows for movement of the securing block100via the proximal end or the distal end310of the secure bar300to move along a given axis (for example, the z-axis) relative to the other end of the secure bar300. The at least one flexure312can extend at least partially through a top face of the strut304, can extend at least partially through a bottom face of the strut304, can extend at least partially through a side face of the strut304, or can extend entirely across the strut304. The segment including the at least one flexure312can also include a clasp to set the position, angle, location, or the like along the given axis (for example, the z-axis) of the segment including the securing block100and the at least one flexure312once the desired position, angle, location, or the like has been determined. The clasp can include, but is not limited to, screws, dowels, rods, and rivets. The clasp can also be used to adjust position, angle, location, or the like of the segment including the at least one flexure312. In one embodiment, the distal end310of the strut304can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like), such as by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving, relative to, and/or independently of, the proximal end of the strut304. The distal end310can also include at least one securing block100. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the strut304can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like), such as by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving, relative to, and/or independently of, the distal end310of the strut304. The proximal end can also include at least one securing block100.

Holder

FIGS.4A-4Cshow a holder400. The holder400includes a frame402and the secure bar200. Frame402includes a first arm404and a second arm406. The secure bar200can move, rotate, or translate freely and independently of the frame402, such as having an open position (i.e., to permit the insertion of a substrate) and a closed position (i.e., to permit the secure holding of the substrate). The holder400includes a cavity412which is formed by the secure bar200and the frame402, and which is sized and shaped to fit and accept a substrate403. The first and second arms404,406are joined at proximal ends. In one embodiment, the first arm404is longer than the second arm406. In one embodiment, the second arm406is longer than the first arm404. In one embodiment, the first and second arms404,406are equal in length. In one embodiment, the frame402is a single piece. In one embodiment, the frame402is at least two pieces, such that the first arm404is part of or fully forms a first piece and the second arm406is part of or fully forms a second piece.

It should be noted that the movement, rotation, or translation of the secure bar200,300from the open position to closed position (and vice versa) causes the entirety of the secure bar200,300to move, rotate, or translate. However, the movement, rotation, or translation of the secure bar200,300is different than the movement or adjustment of the at least one securing block via the proximal or distal ends along a given axis. Therefore, adjustment of at least one securing block100along a given axis is such that at least one securing block100can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving the segment of the secure bar200,300or the frame402,502on which the at least one securing block100is located relative to, and/or independently of, other segments of the secure bar200,300or the frame402,502. In other words, for example, the entirety of the secure bar200,300can have a first motion for opening and closing, and then a segment of the secure bar200,300can have a second motion for adjusting the at least one securing block100located on or at that segment.

The secure bar200is proximal to the distal end of the first arm404. In one embodiment, the first arm404is connected to the strut204of the secure bar200. In one embodiment, the first arm404is connected to the bracket202of the secure bar200. In one embodiment, the first arm404is connected to at least one bearing208of the secure bar200.

In one embodiment, an inner surface of the first arm404includes a platform410at least partially located between the proximal and distal ends. The platform410can support the substrate403.

The second arm406includes at least two securing blocks100. In one embodiment, each of the securing blocks100of the second arm406are directly across the cavity412from the corresponding securing blocks100of the secure arm200. In one embodiment, at least one of the securing blocks100is not directly across the cavity412from the corresponding securing block100of the secure bar200. In one embodiment, the distal end of second arm406includes a pedestal408extending towards the secure bar200. The pedestal408can support the substrate (not shown).

The secure bar200has an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the secure bar200of the holder400is moved from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa, by a motor (not shown, seeFIGS.6A-6D). The motor (not shown) is adjoined to or connected to the at least one projection206and/or the flange214. In one embodiment, the motor (not shown) is adjoined to or connected to the at least one projection206and/or the flange214by a coupling (not shown). In one embodiment, the motor (not shown) is directly adjoined to or connected to the at least one projection206and/or the flange214.

In one embodiment, at least one securing block100is adjustable along a given axis (for example, the z-axis), while the other securing blocks100are stationary, excluding adjusting the height relative to the frame402or the secure bar200. In one embodiment, all of the securing blocks100are adjustable along a given axis (for example, the z-axis).

In one embodiment, at least one of the first or second arms404,406of the frame402includes at least one flexure (not shown), such as one or more flexible materials, a cut-out (e.g., a track, a groove, a notch, or the like), a material less stiff than the other material composing the frame, or the like. For example, the second arm can include the at least one flexure (not shown) to allow for movement of the securing block100via the proximal end or the distal end of the second arm406(depending on the location of the at least one flexure within the second arm406, for example) to move along a given axis (for example, the z-axis) relative to the other end of the second arm406. The at least one flexure (not shown) can extend at least partially through a top face of the second arm406, can extend at least partially through a bottom face of the second arm406, can extend at least partially through a side face of the second arm406, or can extend entirely across the second arm406. The segment including the at least one flexure (not shown) can also include a clasp (not shown) to set the position, angle, location, or the like along the given axis (for example, the z-axis) of the segment including the securing block100and the at least one flexure (not shown) once the desired position, angle, location, or the like has been determined. The clasp (not shown) can include, but is not limited to, screws, dowels, rods, and rivets. The clasp (not shown) can also be used to adjust position, angle, location, or the like of the segment including the at least one flexure (not shown). In one embodiment, the distal end of the second arm406can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like), such as by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving, relative to, and/or independently of, the proximal end of the second arm406. The distal end can also include at least one securing block100. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the second arm406can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like), such as by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving, relative to, and/or independently of, the distal end of the second arm406. The proximal end can also include at least one securing block100.

In one embodiment, all of the securing blocks100have the same configuration and design. In one embodiment, at least one of the securing blocks100has a configuration and/or design different than the other securing blocks100.

FIGS.5A-5Cshow a holder500. The holder500is similar to the holder400, except that the holder500includes the secure bar300. The holder500includes a frame502and the secure bar300. The frame502includes a first arm504and a second arm506. The secure bar300can move, rotate, or translate freely and independently of the frame502. The holder500includes a cavity514which is formed by the secure bar300and the frame502, and which is sized and shaped to fit and accept a substrate (not shown). The first and second arms504,506are joined at proximal ends. In one embodiment, the first arm504is longer than the second arm506. In one embodiment, the second arm506is longer than the first arm504. In one embodiment, the first and second arms504,506are equal in length. In one embodiment, the frame502is a single piece. In one embodiment, the frame502is at least two pieces, such that the first arm504is part of or fully forms a first piece and the second arm506is part of or fully forms a second piece.

The secure bar300is proximal to the distal end of the first arm504. In one embodiment, the first arm504is connected to the strut304of the secure bar300. In one embodiment, the first arm504is connected to the bracket302of the secure bar300. In one embodiment, the first arm504is connected to at least one bearing208of the secure bar300.

In one embodiment, an inner surface of the first arm504includes a platform510at least partially located between the proximal and distal ends. The platform510can support the substrate (not shown).

The second arm504includes at least two securing blocks100. In one embodiment, each of the securing blocks100of the second arm506are directly across the cavity514from the corresponding securing blocks100of the secure bar300. In one embodiment, at least one of the securing blocks100is not directly across the cavity514from the corresponding securing block100of the secure bar300. In one embodiment, the distal end of second arm506includes a pedestal508extending towards the secure bar300. The pedestal508can support the substrate (not shown).

The secure bar300can also include a spring512to pre-load the secure bar300and/or at least one bearing308of the secure bar300. In one embodiment, the spring512is connected to the first arm504. In one embodiment, the spring512is connected to another element, such as a mount (not shown, seeFIGS.7A-7B). In one embodiment, the spring512is connected to the first arm504and the mount (not shown, seeFIGS.7A-7B).

In one embodiment, though the distal end310is adjustable, the other securing blocks100are stationary, excluding adjusting the height relative to the frame502or the secure bar300.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first or second arms504,506of the frame502includes at least one flexure (not shown), such as one or more flexible materials, a cut-out (e.g., a track, a groove, a notch, or the like), a material less stiff than the other material composing the frame, or the like. For example, the second arm can include the at least one flexure (not shown) to allow for movement of the securing block100via the proximal end or the distal end of the second arm506(depending on the location of the at least one flexure within the second arm506, for example) to move along a given axis (for example, the z-axis) relative to the other end of the second arm506. The at least one flexure (not shown) can extend at least partially through a top face of the second arm506, can extend at least partially through a bottom face of the second arm506, can extend at least partially through a side face of the second arm506, or can extend entirely across the second arm506. The segment including the at least one flexure (not shown) can also include a clasp (not shown) to set the position, angle, location, or the like along the given axis (for example, the z-axis) of the segment including the securing block100and the at least one flexure (not shown) once the desired position, angle, location, or the like has been determined. The clasp (not shown) can include, but is not limited to, screws, dowels, rods, and rivets. The clasp (not shown) can also be used to adjust position, angle, location, or the like of the segment including the at least one flexure (not shown). In one embodiment, the distal end of the second arm506can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like), such as by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving, relative to, and/or independently of, the proximal end of the second arm506. The distal end can also include at least one securing block100. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the second arm506can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position, location, or the like), such as by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, or moving, relative to, and/or independently of, the distal end of the second arm506. The proximal end can also include at least one securing block100.

In one embodiment, all of the securing blocks100have the same configuration and design. In one embodiment, at least one of the securing blocks100has a configuration and/or design different than the other securing blocks100.

FIGS.6A-6Dshow a holder600. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.6A-6D, the holder600includes two holders400,500. In one embodiment, the holder600includes two holders, both of which are the holder400. In one embodiment, the holder600includes two holders, both of which are the holder500.

The holder600includes a motor602and a coupling608. Though the motor602and the coupling608are shown inFIGS.6A-6Dfor the holder600, the motor602and the coupling608can be used in any embodiment of any holder discussed herein or any equivalent thereof.

In one embodiment, the holder600includes a slider604and a connector606. The slider604is adjoined or connected to the secure bar200. The connector606can be adjoined to a mount (not shown). A portion of the slider604can be fit within a track or groove of the connector606, thereby permitting movement of the slider604along a single or given plane, such that the secure bar200can translate between the open and closed positions via the motor602and the coupling608. Though the slider604and the connector606are shown inFIGS.6A-6Dfor the holder600, the slider604and the connector606can be used in any embodiment of any holder discussed herein or any equivalent thereof.

In one embodiment, a leaf spring (not shown) can be used in place of both the slider604and the connector606.

In one embodiment, the holder600can be attached to a secondary device700, such as a scanner or an imaging microscope or a fluorescence microscope, for imaging and/or processing by a mount702(i.e. a screw, a nail, a peg, a pin, a nut and bolt, a dowel, a staple, a rivet, or the like), by an adhesive, by welding, by clips, by detents, by tongue and groove joint, or the like. The holder600and/or the mount702can include at least one hole to accommodate an attachment mechanism for proper, secure attachment to the secondary device. Though the mount702is shown inFIGS.7A-7Bfor the holder600, the mount702can be used in any embodiment of any holder discussed herein or any equivalent thereof. In one embodiment, the holder600can be attached to a secondary device for imaging and/or processing by the attachment mechanism (i.e. a screw, a nail, a peg, a pin, a nut and bolt, a dowel, a staple, a rivet, or the like), by an adhesive, by welding, by clips, by detents, by tongue and groove joint, or the like. The holder600can include at least one hole to accommodate the attachment mechanism for proper, secure attachment to the secondary device. Though the attachment mechanism is discussed for the holder600, the attachment mechanism can be used in any embodiment of any holder discussed herein or any equivalent thereof.

In one embodiment, the mount702can be adjusted, such as by the attachment mechanisms, to be planar (i.e., parallel to or coplanar with) with an imaging plane (for example, a x-y plane).

Method

For the sake of convenience, the methods are described with reference to a slide as an example substrate and with the holder400. But the methods described below are not intended to be so limited in their scope of application. The methods, in practice, may be used with any kind of substrate (for example, without limitation, a well plate) and with any embodiment of holder, secure bar, or securing block.

In one embodiment, a reference slide is inserted into the holder400. The reference slide can be placed onto the platform410and the pedestal408or can be placed in direct contact at least two of the securing blocks100. The secure bar200is in the open position. The secure bar200is moved into the closed position. The ramps106of the respective securing blocks100lift the reference slide up and the stoppers104of the respective securing blocks100set the maximum lift distance for the reference slide and constrain the reference slide. When the secure bar200is set in the closed position, the force exerted on the reference slide by the securing blocks100inhibits translational movement of the reference slide relative to the holder400. The securing block100at the distal end212of the secure bar200can be adjusted to account for any warpage or deformations in the reference slide, thereby making the reference slide planar or substantially planar with an imaging plane (for example, the x-y plane). Once the reference slide is secured, such that the planarity of the reference slide is confirmed or observed in any appropriate manner, the secure bar is moved into the open position to release the forces on the slide. The ramps of the respective securing blocks guide the slide down. The reference slide is then removed from the holder and an experimental slide (i.e., a slide include a sample to be imaged) is inserted to restart the process.

In one embodiment, the method discussed above excludes a reference slide and is done on a slide-by-slide basis (i.e., inserted, secure bar closed, securing block adjusted, etc.). In one embodiment, the method discussed above excludes a reference slide and is done for the first experimental slide with the adjustment to the securing block100being retained for all subsequent experimental slides.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, 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 will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements (including steps), these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed below could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Additionally, though “first” and “second” are used, the terms are not intended to limit various features/elements to only one or two. Rather, three (i.e., third), four (i.e., fourth), or more may be included or used where appropriate or desirous to do so.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” means various components can be co-jointly employed in the methods and articles (e.g., compositions and apparatuses including device and methods). For example, the term “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth in the claims.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the systems and methods described herein. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented by way of examples for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive of or to limit this disclosure to the precise forms described. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments are shown and described in order to best explain the principles of this disclosure and practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize this disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of this disclosure be defined by the following claims and their equivalents: