Patent ID: 12222308

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing a glass-based electrochemical sensor for chemical and biochemical sensing systems including, but in no way limited to, an air quality sensor for mobile consumer electronic applications. Smaller devices enable incorporation in IOT applications like smart phones, wearables, automobiles, home security monitoring, and appliances, to name a few. Miniaturization of these devices makes use of glass as a material an attractive option due to its chemical durability, dimensional tolerances, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) match to silicon, temperature stability, and low gas permeability.

Conventional methods of sensor device assembly and fabrication are expensive due to the requirements for precision and complexity of the electrode fabrication and device assembly process. Specifically, precision alignment of metalized vias present a number of challenges. The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing process for sensors that enables simpler electrode and device fabrication by eliminating precision alignment of metalized layers, which allows for flexibility in the types of electrodes that can be fabricated. This disclosure lends itself to ease of device fabrication and also provides repeatable and reliable electrical connections, thus increasing the yield of the manufacturing process. In particular, this method may consist of first assembling the different structural components of the sensor and electrochemically metallizing through the apertures of the assembled device. For example, bottom up plating may be used to metalize the vias of the glass electrochemical sensor. The process described below allows for reliable electrical connections throughout the sensor and increased density of conducting material and electrode material in the sensor versus the use of a seed-layer deposition process or similar paste metallizing processes. In some examples, this process also allows for the use of multiple electrode materials within a single sensor. Seed-layer based metallization may suffer from several drawbacks including the need to apply a uniform seed layer in high-aspect ratio vias, complicated process control to prevent seams and voids in the metallized layer, complex and expensive electrolyte chemistry, etc.

FIG.1illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a glass-based electrochemical sensor100in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.1, a sensor100may include a sensor body105, a conducting material110, electrodes115, an electrolyte120, and an access hole125. The sensor100may be configured to be used for sensing a variety of analytes. For example, sensor100may be an electrochemical sensor that may measure the resistance of the analyte. The sensor100and sensor body105may include at least one of Pyrex®, quartz, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, alkali-aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali-borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-aluminoborosilicate glass, or fused silica glass.

Conducting material110may have seamless electrical connections across the entire sensor100and sensor body105. The metallization process of conducting material110allows for higher density throughout the sensor body105. As the density of conducting material105increases, the sensitivity of the sensor may also increase. The conductive material110may be made up of any appropriate conductive material including, but in no way limited to, stainless steel, copper, gold, aluminum, silver, platinum, tin, lead, an alloy, a metal oxide a conductive polymer, or a combination thereof.

Multiple electrodes115may be present and each electrode115may act differently. For example, electrodes115may act as a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, reference electrode, and the like. At a counter electrode, an equal and opposite reaction occurs, such that if the sensing electrode is oxidized, the counter electrode is reduced. Electrodes115may be composed of any appropriately sensitive conductive material including, but in no way limited to, platinum, silver, gold, copper, an alloy, a metal oxide, a conductive polymer, or a combination thereof. An external circuit (not shown) may maintain the voltage or current across the sensor100and the electrodes115.

Electrolyte120fills the cavity within the sensor body105and is in contact with both electrodes115. The electrolyte120allows the transfer of electrons between electrodes115. Although shown in a rectangular shape, the cavity may be configured in any shape.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a conventional method200used for forming an electrochemical sensor. As illustrated inFIG.2, method200may include four stages a, b, c, and d. Traditionally, the method includes making holes in each component layer separately, metalizing the holes in each component layer separately, adding the electrodes where appropriate, and bonding the aligned metalized layers together.

As shown in stage a, the conventional method200starts with three layers205,210, and215. These three layers may be glass layers. In stage b, holes220have been formed in each layer205,210, and215separately. In stage c, the holes220formed in stage b are individually metalized with a conducting material225by layer, and electrodes230are added to the first layer205. Stages a, b, and c take place prior to assembling the layers205,210, and215.

As shown in stage d, the three layers205,210, and215have been bonded together to form the final sensor235. Challenges may arise when assembling the sensor235in stage d, in particular the conducting material225must be precisely aligned and in proper contact between each layer to allow proper sensor operation. The traditional alignment process may become very complex in order to provide precise alignment. The process complexity increases as the size of the sensor decreases. As the size of sensors continue to decrease there exists a need for a less complex method of forming sensors. In contrast to the conventional method200illustrated inFIG.2, the present disclosure provides a system and method for reducing complexity and increasing yield in forming sensors illustrated inFIG.3.

FIG.3illustrates an example of a method300for formation of a glass electrochemical sensor in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, there are four steps shown in method300. In other examples, there may be more or less steps to the process by combining or dividing steps. This method300of forming a sensor will be explained in greater detail with respect to a glass electrochemical sensor, however, the method300may be applied to a variety of sensors.

As illustrated inFIG.3, step a includes two glass layers305and310. Two or more glass layers may make up the sensor. Glass layer305may also be referred to herein as a glass substrate. Glass layer310may also be referred to herein as a glass sensor component. Apertures315and320may be formed in glass substrate305, and aperture315may be formed in glass sensor component310. Apertures315and320may be formed on each side of the access hole325. Apertures315may be formed on the outside or periphery of a sensor and may be referred to herein as outer contact apertures. Apertures320may be formed around the center of a sensor and may be referred to herein as electrode apertures. The electrode apertures320may be located between the access hole325and an outer contact aperture315. Access hole325may be located in the center of the sensor. In some cases apertures315and320and access hole325may be a through glass via (TGV).

According to this exemplary method, precision laser technologies are used to form high throughput compatible TGVs, also called “vias” herein, and larger structural glass cavities with tight dimensional tolerances in glass wafers. The vias can be formed by the methods taught in, for example, International Pat. App. No. PCT/US2014/070459; U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,278,886; and 9,321,680, which references are incorporated herein by reference for all that they disclose. The vias can be formed to extend through a layer of glass, from one surface to another. The formation of vias that extend from a first surface of a layer of glass to another surface of a layer of glass enable the embedding of conductors to facilitate conductivity with appropriate electrodes within the cavity while providing electrical leads to a surface outside the cavity. The exemplary process enables miniaturization of the components, reducing their cost and facilitating their adoption into mobile or IoT applications.

As shown inFIG.3, step b includes aligning layers305and310and then bonding the two layers305and310together to form the sensor body330. Alignment of the layers may apply to the alignment of outer contact apertures315in both the glass substrate305and glass sensor component310. High precision alignment may not be needed in process300. The bonding of layers may be temporary or permanent. A cavity335is formed when the layers305and310are bonded together. The cavity may be accessed by access hole325. Once the sensor body330is assembled, the process may continue to fill the apertures315and320.

As illustrated inFIG.3, step c includes filling and metalizing the apertures315and320with conducting material340. As oriented in the drawings, the top of the sensor body330corresponds to the top of the page. Conducting material340may fill the outer contact aperture315to form an outer contact TGV, may fill the electrode apertures320to form electrode vias, and may be deposited along the top of the sensor body330from the electrode vias to the outer contact TGV. Because the apertures315and320of the sensor body330are metalized post assembly the electrical contact of the conducting material340is seamless and thus provide reliable transfer of electrons. The process of metalizing the apertures315and320may occur by bottom up plating.

Bottom up plating is an electrochemical redox reaction to electrodeposit metal that may take place in an electrochemical cell. For example, an electrochemical cell for bottom up plating may contain a power supply, a substrate electrode, an electrolyte, a counter electrode, and a deposition cell. A voltage or current may be applied across the electrodes allowing a half reaction to occur at each electrode. One half reaction is a reduction reaction and one is an oxidation reaction. If the voltage or current is great enough, an element of the electrolyte solution may displace an element on the electrode. In some examples, a substrate electrode may be stainless steel, indium tin oxide, nickel, or other metallic elements.

In this disclosure, two exemplary methods of bottom up plating will be described. The first method may be referred to as inverted bottom up plating. In this configuration, the sensor body330may be inverted or upside down such that the top of the sensor is in contact with the substrate electrode and only the outer contact aperture315is filled with the electrolyte. The second method may be referred to as standard bottom up plating. In this configuration, the sensor body330is placed right side up on the substrate electrode such that the bottom layer310is in contact with the substrate electrode and the apertures315and320, access hole325, and cavity335are filled with the electrolyte.

Once a voltage or current is applied to the cell, portions of the sensor body330filled with electrolyte may be metalized with conducting material340starting at the contact area with the substrate electrode. Time, voltage or current, and electrolyte may be changed to control the rate of the reaction and degree of metallization in the sensor. A contact layer of conducting material340may extend on the top of the sensor body330from the outer contact aperture315to the electrode apertures340.

As shown inFIG.3, step d includes deposition of electrodes345. Electrodes345may be electrochemically deposited on the sensor body330adjacent the electrode apertures320. Standard bottom up plating may be used to deposit electrodes345after the apertures315and320have been metalized. Voltage or current from the cell may transfer through the conducting material340to the electrolyte in contact with the electrode vias. As discussed above time, voltage or current, and electrolyte may be changed to control the rate of the reaction and degree of electrode deposited on the sensor. In some aspects, electrodes may be different compositions by using a split substrate electrode with one portion conducting while another portion is insulating. Electrolytes may be exchanged resulting in different electrode compositions.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a method400for formation of a glass electrochemical sensor in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, there are five steps shown in method400. In other examples, there may be more or less steps to the process by combining or dividing steps. This method400of forming a sensor will be explained in greater detail with respect to a glass electrochemical sensor, however, the method400may be applied to a variety of sensors. Method400may be a portion of method300.

As illustrated inFIG.4, step a includes a sensor body430with outer contact apertures415, electrode apertures420, access hole425, and cavity435. The outer contact apertures415are shown as filled with conducting material440. This metalized pattern in the sensor body may be a result of inverted bottom up plating. The method shown is configured to metalized the electrode apertures420.

As shown inFIG.4, step b includes depositing a contact layer450that may be made up of conducting material450. Contact layer450may be deposited on to the top of the sensor body430from the outer contact via to the electrode apertures420. The deposition of contact layer450may be carried out with thin film deposition as well as other well-known deposition techniques.

As illustrated inFIG.4, step c includes coving the top of the sensor body430with a masking layer455. Masking layer455may be deposited on both sides of the access hole425. Thus, allowing electrolyte to enter the cavity435through access hole425.

As shown inFIG.4, step d includes metalizing the electrode apertures420to form electrode vias of conducting material440. Electrode apertures420may be electrochemically metalized using bottom up plating. In this case, the voltage or current across the cell is transferred through the conducting material440to the electrolyte filled within the electrode apertures420. In some examples, the conducting material440of the electrode via may be different than the conducting material440of outer contact TGV. As illustrated inFIG.4, step e includes removing masking layer455after the electrode vias are formed.

FIG.5illustrates an example of a method500for formation of a glass electrochemical sensor in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, there are two steps shown in method500. In other examples, there may be more or less steps to the process by combining or dividing steps. This method500of forming a sensor will be explained in greater detail with respect to a glass electrochemical sensor, however, the method500may be applied to a variety of sensors. Method500may be a portion of method300.

As illustrated inFIG.5, step a includes a sensor body530with outer contact apertures515, electrode apertures520, access hole525, and cavity535. The electrode apertures520are shown filled with conducting material540-a. The outer contact apertures515are shown as filled with conducting material540-b. In some cases, conducting materials540-aand540-bmay be different. This metalized pattern in the sensor body may be a result of inverted bottom up plating. In other cases, conducting materials540-aand540-bmay be the same. This metalized pattern in the sensor body may be a result of standard bottom up plating. The conducting materials540may be made up of stainless steel, copper, gold, aluminum, silver, platinum, tin, lead, an alloy, a metal oxide, a conductive polymer, or a combination thereof. The method shown is configured to connect the metalized vias electrically with a contact layer550.

As shown inFIG.5, step b includes depositing a contact layer550that may be made up of the conducting material540. Contact layer550may be deposited on to the top of the sensor body530from the outer contact via515to the electrode vias520. The deposition of contact layer550may be carried out with thin film deposition as well as other well-known deposition techniques.

FIG.6illustrates an example of a method600for formation of electrodes in a glass electrochemical sensor in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, there are three steps shown in method600. In other examples, there may be more or fewer steps to the process by combining or dividing steps. This method600of forming a sensor will be explained in greater detail with respect to a glass electrochemical sensor, however, the method600may be applied to a variety of sensors. Method600may be a portion of method300and may be used in combination with method400or500.

As illustrated inFIG.6, step a includes a sensor body630with outer contact apertures615, electrode apertures620, access hole625, cavity635, contact layer655, and electrodes645. The outer contact TGV615, electrode vias620, and contact layer650are shown filled with conducting material640. In step a, electrochemical deposition of a single layer of discontinuous electrodes645-aand645-bmay occur. Electrodes645may be electrochemically deposited on the sensor body630adjacent the electrode vias620. Standard bottom up plating may be used to deposit electrodes645after the apertures615and620have been metalized. Voltage or current from the cell may transfer through the conducting material640to the electrolyte in contact with the electrode vias. As discussed above, time, voltage or current, and electrolyte composition may be changed to control the rate of the reaction and degree of electrode deposited on the sensor. In some aspects, electrodes645-aand645-bmay be different compositions by using a split substrate electrode with one portion conducting while another portion is insulating. Electrolytes may be exchanged, resulting in different electrode compositions. Electrodes645may be composed of any appropriately sensitive conducting material including, but in no way limited to, platinum, silver, gold, copper, an alloy, a metal oxide, a conductive polymer or a combination thereof.

As shown inFIG.6, step b includes further electrochemical deposition of multiple layers of continuous electrodes645-aand645-bacross electrode vias620. In some examples, continuous electrodes645may act as a macro electrode and may all be electrically connected to the electrode vias620, contact layer650, and outer contact TGV615. As illustrated inFIG.6, step c includes removing masking layer655after electrode deposition is complete.

FIG.7illustrates an example of a method700for formation of electrodes in a glass electrochemical sensor in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, there are two steps shown in the exemplary method700. In other examples, there may be more or fewer steps to the process by combining or dividing steps. This method700of forming a sensor will be explained in greater detail with respect to a glass electrochemical sensor, however, the method700may be applied to a variety of sensors. Method700may be a portion of method300and may be used in combination with method400,500, or600.

As illustrated inFIG.7, step a includes a sensor body730with outer contact apertures715, electrode apertures720, access hole725, cavity735, and contact layer755. The outer contact TGV715, electrode vias720, and contact layer750are shown filled with conducting material740. Specifically, conducting material740may partially fill the electrode apertures720. This may be the result of time and/or voltage or current controlled plating or the result of etching filled electrode apertures720.

As shown inFIG.7, step b may include electrochemical deposition of discontinuous electrodes745-aand745-b. Electrodes745may be electrochemically deposited on the sensor body730within the empty space of partially filled electrode apertures720. Standard bottom up plating may be used to deposit electrodes745after the apertures715and720have been metalized. Voltage or current from the cell may transfer through the conducting material740to the electrolyte in contact with the electrode vias. As discussed above time, voltage or current, and electrolyte may be changed to control the rate of the reaction and degree of electrode deposited on the sensor. In some aspects, electrodes745-aand745-bmay be different compositions by using a split substrate electrode with one portion conducting while another portion is insulating. Electrolytes may be exchange resulting in different electrode compositions. Electrodes645may be composed of any appropriate depositable conductor including, but in no way limited to, platinum, silver, gold, copper, an alloy, a metal oxide, a conductive polymer or a combination thereof. In some examples, electrodes645may act as microelectrodes. Microelectrodes may have a high signal to noise ratio (SNR), which may increase the sensitivity of the sensor.

FIG.8illustrates a top view of an example glass electrochemical sensor800with four electrodes815in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Sensor800will be explained in greater detail with respect to a glass electrochemical sensor, however, the configuration may be applied to a variety of sensors. Sensor800may be formed by methods300,400,500,600,700, or some combination thereof.

Sensor800may include an electrode plate805, electrode TGVs810, electrode units815, access hole820, outer contact TGVs825, and contact layer830. An electrode plate805may include one or more electrode units815. In some examples, each electrode unit815may be made up of the different materials. In other examples, some electrode units815may have the same materials while other units are made of different materials. Different materials allow different analytes to be sensed. Each electrode unit815may include an array of electrode TGVs810. Contact layer830provides electrical connection between the electrode unit815and the outer contact TGV825. Although not shown, each electrode unit815may have a contact layer to electrically connect to each respective outer contact via825. The electrode TGVs810may be electrically connected to an external circuitry while being chemically isolated from the circuitry. Access hole820allows an electrolyte to enter and fill a cavity of the sensor800. The volume of the electrolyte may be controlled by controlling the geometry of the electrode plate805.

FIG.9illustrates an example method900for wafer-level processing and formation of a three-layer stack glass electrochemical sensor in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The methods of forming the sensor described inFIGS.3to7may apply to sensors of two or more component layers. The methods300,400,500,600, and700of forming a sensor described above may be applied to wafer level processing.FIG.9is an example method using three layers, but may be applied to more or less layers.

Method900may include a top glass layer905, which may represent a glass substrate, a middle glass layer910, bottom glass layer915, and a bonded glass sensor stack920. In some examples, the bonding may be accomplished using an adhesive if the chemistry is chemically compatible, glass frit, or by laser sealing. Once bonded, the stack920may undergo the methods300,400,500,600, and700of forming a sensor described above inFIGS.3,4,5,6, and7. As a result of these methods, the top glass layer905in the stack920will contain multiple electrode vias and possibly electrode units as shown inFIG.8. The middle glass layer910can contain a number of through orifices configured to define a cavity within the electrochemical sensor. Once metalized, each of the assembled glass-based electrical sensors can be cut or punched out from the stack920and electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) or other processing interface, and then for use in an electronic device. Example electronic devices include, but are in no way limited to, smart phones, wearables, automobiles, home security monitoring, TSA monitoring devices, emissions sensors, cabin air quality sensors, indoor air quality sensors, and standard appliances, to name a few.

FIG.10illustrates an example of TGV placement layout on a wafer in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.FIG.10illustrates a wafer layout1000, having 6102 die level layouts1005per wafer1020. Each die level layout1005may be one sensor with one or more electrode units as shown inFIG.8. As is illustrated inFIG.10, the present exemplary system and method enable the rapid production of a high volume of glass-based electrochemical sensors. Specifically, one advantage of using glass wafers with laser processing to form the TGVs is the ability to apply wafer-level processing to the manufacturing process, thereby reducing cost and increasing manufacturability capabilities.

FIG.11shows a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method1100for the formation of a glass electrochemical sensor100in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1100may be performed on a glass electrochemical sensor.

At block1105a plurality of apertures may be formed in a glass substrate. The operations of block1105may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.1and3.

At block1110a sensor body may be formed including the glass substrate and at least one glass sensor component. The operations of block1110may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.3and9.

At block1115the outer contact aperture in the sensor body may be filled with a first conducting material to form an outer contact TGV. The operations of block1115may be performed post assembly of the sensor body according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.1and3through5.

At block1120an electrode may be formed on the glass substrate adjacent at least one of the apertures of the plurality of apertures. The operations of block1120may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.1,3,6and7.

FIG.12shows a block diagram of an example computer system1200suitable for implementing the present exemplary glass electrochemical sensor1260. The depicted computer system1200may be one example of a device described above, such as a smart phone, a wearable, an automobile, a home security monitoring system, or another appliance. While described in detail with a number of components, the present exemplary glass electrochemical sensor1260can be incorporated into any number of computing systems including all, some, or none of the elements detailed inFIG.12. Particularly, the present glass electrochemical sensor1260can be connected to a system on a chip (SOC) device wherein the functionality of the sensor is associated with the other components on the chip, rather than through a bus or other system.

As shown inFIG.12, the computer system1200includes a bus1202which interconnects major subsystems of computer system1200, such as a central processor1204, a system memory1206(typically RAM, but which may also include ROM, flash RAM, or the like), an input/output controller1208, an external audio device, such as a speaker system1210via an audio output interface1212, an external device, such as a disk, card, or chip unit1232operative to receive a disk, memory card, or a chip1234; a display screen1214via display adapter1216; serial ports1218and mouse1220; a keyboard1222(interfaced with a keyboard controller1224); multiple USB devices1226(interfaced with a USB controller1228); a storage interface1230; a host bus adapter (HBA) interface card1236A operative to connect with a Fibre Channel network1238; a host bus adapter (HBA) interface card1236B operative to connect to a SCSI bus1240; and an optical disk drive1242operative to receive an optical disk1244. Also included are a mouse1246(or other point-and-click device, coupled to bus1202via serial port1218), a modem1248(coupled to bus1202via serial port1220), and a network interface1250(coupled directly to bus1202).

Bus1202allows data communication between central processor1204and system memory1206, which may include read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory (neither shown), and random access memory (RAM) (not shown), as previously noted. The RAM is generally the main memory into which the operating system and application programs are loaded. The ROM or flash memory can contain, among other code, the Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which controls basic hardware operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices. Applications resident with computer system1200are generally stored on and accessed via a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as a hard disk drive (e.g., fixed disk1252), an optical drive (e.g., optical drive1242), or other storage medium. Additionally, applications can be in the form of electronic signals modulated in accordance with the application and data communication technology when accessed via network modem1248or interface1250.

Storage interface1230, as with the other storage interfaces of computer system1200, can connect to a standard computer readable medium for storage and/or retrieval of information, such as a fixed disk drive1252. Fixed disk drive1252may be a part of computer system1200or may be separate and accessed through other interface systems. Modem1248may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a telephone link or to the Internet via an internet service provider (ISP). Network interface1250may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct network link to the Internet via a POP (point of presence). Network interface1250may provide such connection using wireless techniques, including digital cellular telephone connection, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digital satellite data connection or the like.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the electrochemical sensor1260may be integrated into the computer system1200. When the electrochemical sensor detects a chemical or a programmed level of a chemical, a signal may be transmitted through the bus to the central processor1204, which may then access instructions on the system memory1206, that dictate what subsequent action is taken by the central processor1204, if any.

Many other devices or subsystems (not shown) may be connected in a similar manner (e.g., document scanners, digital cameras and so on). Conversely, all of the devices shown inFIG.12need not be present to practice the present systems and methods. The devices and subsystems can be interconnected in different ways from that shown inFIG.12. The operation of at least some of the computer system1200such as that shown inFIG.12is readily known in the art and is not discussed in detail in this application. Code to implement the present disclosure can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as one or more of system memory1206; a disk, memory card, or chip1234; a fixed disk1252; or optical disk1244. The operating system provided on computer system1200may be MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2 ®, UNIX®, Linux®, or another known operating system.

It should be appreciated that some components, features, and/or configurations may be described in only one embodiment, but these same components, features, and/or configurations may be applied or used in or with many other embodiments and should be considered applicable to the other embodiments, unless stated otherwise or unless such a component, feature, and/or configuration is technically impossible to use with the other embodiment. Thus, the components, features, and/or configurations of the various embodiments may be combined in any manner and such combinations are expressly contemplated and disclosed by this statement.

The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used in this document shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “this term means,” “this term is defined as,” “for the purposes of this disclosure this term shall mean,” etc.).

References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described in this document. Thus, the appended claims should be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the meaning of the claim terms.

Spatial or directional terms, such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the described subject matter may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.

Articles such as “the,” “a,” and “an” may connote the singular or plural. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (or other similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to be exclusive—e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y).

The term “and/or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x and/or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and/or” or “or” are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, terms used in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, and including should be construed to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood to be modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

All disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

All disclosed numerical values are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that may be formed by such values. For example, a stated numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction) and provide support for claims that recite the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5) or any individual value within that range (e.g., 15.2).

The flowchart and block diagrams in the flow diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and products according to various embodiments of the present embodiments.

It should be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The techniques described in this document may be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programs may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of the non-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

The operations presented in this document are not inherently related to any particular apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may also be used with programs in accordance with the teachings in this document, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatuses to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems will be apparent to those of skill in the art, along with equivalent variations. In addition, the present disclosure is not described with reference to any particular programming language. It is appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the present disclosure as described in this document, and any references to specific languages are provided for disclosure of enablement and best mode of the present exemplary system and method.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.