阅读说明：本技术 乘客氧气面罩下降区域扩展器 (Passenger oxygen mask descent region expander ) 是由 G·克劳斯 D·德根哈特 J·S·布兰德斯 于 2019-12-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于乘客氧气面罩的延伸机构,包括具有限定通道的引导块,所述限定通道引导伸缩延伸臂机构的旋转。在旋转之后,旋转套筒闩锁释放内部伸缩臂,该内部伸缩臂延伸拉动标志以便乘客抓住和释放氧气面罩。当延伸臂机构完全延伸时,拉动标志释放机构释放拉动标志。组合的弹簧偏压元件在收起时将拉动标志保持固定就位,并且在完全展开时缩回拉动标志保持销。(An extension mechanism for a passenger oxygen mask includes a guide block having a defined channel that guides rotation of a telescoping extension arm mechanism. After rotation, the rotating sleeve latch releases an inner telescoping arm that extends a pull flag for the passenger to grasp and release the oxygen mask. When the extension arm mechanism is fully extended, the pull flag release mechanism releases the pull flag. The combined spring biasing element holds the pull flag fixed in place when stowed and retracts the pull flag retaining pin when fully deployed.)

1. An oxygen mask extension system comprising:

an extension arm comprising one or more rotation pins disposed on a surface of the extension arm;

a guide block defining an extension axis and one or more rotation channels configured to engage corresponding rotation pins and guide rotation of the extension arm as the extension arm travels linearly within the extension axis;

a telescopic arm disposed within the extension arm; and

an extension release mechanism configured to release the telescoping arm when the extension arm has rotated to a final position.

2. The oxygen mask extension system of claim 1, wherein the extension release mechanism comprises:

an inner sleeve defining one or more retaining pin holes configured to retain a retaining pin or support;

an outer sleeve defining one or more pin engagement surfaces and one or more pin relief channels;

wherein:

the outer sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve such that the one or more pins engage surfaces such that corresponding retaining pins or supports retain the telescoping arm in a compressed configuration; and

the outer sleeve is configured to rotate such that at some point of rotation, one or more pin release channels align with the retaining pin or support to release the telescoping arm to the extended configuration.

3. The oxygen mask extension system of claim 1, further comprising a pull tag release mechanism comprising:

a body defining a pull tag ring recess and a pin retention channel; and

a pull flag retaining pin configured to engage the pin retaining channel,

wherein the pull tag release mechanism is configured to engage a distal portion of the telescoping arm.

4. The oxygen mask extension system of claim 3, further comprising:

an extension arm spring; and

the pin releases the spring and the pin is,

wherein:

the extension arm spring is configured to bias the pull tag retaining pin into engagement with the pull tag ring recess in a compressed configuration; and

the pin release spring is configured to bias the pull tag retaining pin out of engagement with the pull tag ring recess in the extended configuration.

5. The oxygen mask extension system of claim 1, wherein:

the telescoping arm includes a slotted proximal portion; and

the extension arm includes a limiting distal portion,

wherein the slotted proximal portion and the restraining distal portion are configured to engage in an extended configuration.

6. The oxygen mask extension system of claim 5, wherein the extension release mechanism comprises:

an inner sleeve defining one or more retaining pin holes configured to retain a retaining pin or support;

an outer sleeve defining one or more pin engagement surfaces and one or more pin relief channels;

wherein:

the outer sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve such that the one or more pin engagement surfaces cause corresponding retaining pins or supports to retain the telescoping arm in a compressed configuration by abutting the slotted proximal portion; and

the outer sleeve is configured to rotate such that at some point of rotation, one or more pin release channels align with the retaining pin or support to release the telescoping arm to the extended configuration.

7. The oxygen mask extension system of claim 6, further comprising a rotation spring configured to engage the guide block and the outer sleeve, wherein the rotation spring applies a force to linearly travel the extension arm within the extension axis and the rotation spring applies a rotational force to the outer sleeve to disengage the retaining pin or support.

8. A method of placing an oxygen mask within reach of a passenger, comprising:

linearly extending an oxygen mask extension arm while rotating the oxygen mask extension arm via a guide block defining an extension axis and one or more rotation channels;

extending the telescoping arm after the oxygen mask extension arm is rotated to a final position; and

releasing one of the oxygen mask or a pull flag connected to the oxygen mask.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising rotating an outer sleeve about an inner sleeve to disengage one or more retaining pins or supports to release the telescoping arm.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein rotating the outer sleeve comprises rotating the outer sleeve with a rotation spring secured to the guide block to apply a rotational force to the outer sleeve as the oxygen mask extension arm rotates.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising retracting a pull tag retaining pin from a pull tag ring recess to release the oxygen mask or pull tag.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein retracting the pull tag retaining pin comprises releasing compression of an extension spring while extending the telescoping arm and while applying a force to push the pull tag retaining pin out of the pull tag ring recess via a pin release spring.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising stopping the extension of the telescoping arm by abutting a slotted proximal portion of the telescoping arm against a limiting distal portion of the oxygen mask extension arm.

14. An aircraft, comprising:

an oxygen mask extension system, comprising:

an extension arm comprising one or more rotation pins disposed on a surface of the extension arm;

a guide block defining an extension axis and one or more rotation channels configured to engage corresponding rotation pins and guide rotation of the extension arm as the extension arm travels linearly within the extension axis;

a telescopic arm disposed within the extension arm; and

an extension release mechanism configured to release the telescoping arm when the extension arm has rotated to a final position.

15. The aircraft of claim 14, wherein the extended release mechanism comprises:

an inner sleeve defining one or more retaining pin holes configured to retain a retaining pin or support;

an outer sleeve defining one or more pin engagement surfaces and one or more pin relief channels;

wherein:

the outer sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve such that the one or more pins engage surfaces such that corresponding retaining pins or supports retain the telescoping arm in a compressed configuration; and

the outer sleeve is configured to rotate such that at some point of rotation, one or more pin release channels align with the retaining pin or support to release the telescoping arm to the extended configuration.

16. The aircraft of claim 14, further comprising a pull tag release mechanism comprising:

a body defining a pull tag ring recess and a pin retention channel; and

a pull flag retaining pin configured to engage the pin retaining channel,

wherein the pull tag release mechanism is configured to engage a distal portion of the telescoping arm.

17. The aircraft of claim 16, further comprising:

an extension arm spring; and

the pin releases the spring and the pin is,

wherein:

the extension arm spring is configured to bias the pull tag retaining pin into engagement with the pull tag ring recess in a compressed configuration; and

the pin release spring is configured to bias the pull tag retaining pin out of engagement with the pull tag ring recess in the extended configuration.

18. The aircraft of claim 14, wherein:

the telescoping arm includes a slotted proximal portion; and

the extension arm includes a limiting distal portion,

wherein the slotted proximal portion and the restraining distal portion are configured to engage in an extended configuration.

19. The aircraft of claim 18, wherein the extended release mechanism comprises:

an inner sleeve defining one or more retaining pin holes configured to retain a retaining pin or support;

an outer sleeve defining one or more pin engagement surfaces and one or more pin relief channels;

wherein:

the outer sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve such that the one or more pin engagement surfaces cause corresponding retaining pins or supports to retain the telescoping arm in a compressed configuration by abutting the slotted proximal portion; and

the outer sleeve is configured to rotate such that at a certain point of rotation, the one or more pin release channels align with the retaining pin or support to release the telescoping arm to the extended configuration.

20. The aerial vehicle of claim 19 further comprising a rotational spring configured to engage the guide block and the outer sleeve, wherein the rotational spring applies a force to linearly travel the extension arm within the extension axis and the rotational spring applies a rotational force to the outer sleeve to disengage the retaining pin or bearing.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a passenger oxygen mask descent region expander.

Background

The space available in passenger aircraft is at a premium. Increasing passenger capacity and more efficiently utilizing overhead space pressure means that in some cases passengers are removed overhead equipment including passenger oxygen masks. Passengers need to have access to the oxygen mask in an emergency, but there is no facility to add the oxygen mask closer to the passengers to make them easier to reach.

It would be advantageous if there were a mechanism to place the passenger oxygen mask within reach of the passenger even when the passenger is not sitting near the overhead oxygen mask cabin, and also to avoid any potential obstructions.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein relate to an extension mechanism for a passenger oxygen mask. A guide block having a defined channel guides rotation of the extension arm mechanism. After rotation, the rotating sleeve latch releases the inner telescoping arm which extends the pull flag for the passenger grip and releases the oxygen mask.

In another aspect, the pull flag release mechanism releases the pull flag when the extension arm mechanism is fully extended. The combined spring biasing element holds the pull flag fixed in place when stowed and retracts the pull flag retaining pin when fully extended.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein and, together with the general description, serve to explain the principles.

Drawings

Many advantages of embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an environmental view of a passenger oxygen mask cabin including an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extender;

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotating extension arm according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extender in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extender in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extender in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extender in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extender in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary sleeve latch according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary sleeve latch according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a pull tag release mechanism according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a pull-tag release mechanism according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;

FIG. 8A illustrates a top detail cut-away view of an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extension arm in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein; and

fig. 8B illustrates a top detail cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extension arm in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methods set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments of the present inventive concept, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present inventive concept. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features may not have been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the disclosure. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As used herein, letters following a reference number are intended to denote embodiments of features or elements that may be similar to, but not necessarily identical to, previously described elements or features having the same reference number (e.g., 1a, 1 b). Such shorthand notation is used merely for convenience and should not be construed to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein in any way except as specifically stated to the contrary.

Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" means an inclusive or and not an exclusive or. For example, condition a or B is satisfied by any one of the following: a is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), a is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both a and B are true (or present).

Furthermore, "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components of embodiments of the inventive concept. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concept, and "a" and "an" are intended to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Finally, as used herein, any reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments of the disclosed inventive concept may include one or more of the features explicitly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of two or more such features, in combination with any other features that may not be explicitly described or inherently present in the present disclosure.

In general, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein relate to a passenger oxygen mask extension system having a guide block to guide rotation of an extension arm mechanism. After rotation, the extension arm mechanism telescopes outward to place the pull flag within reach of the passenger to grasp and release the oxygen mask. The pull flag may be retained by a spring biased pull flag release pin that disengages only when the telescoping extension arm mechanism reaches maximum extension.

Referring to fig. 1, an environmental view of a passenger oxygen mask cabin including an exemplary embodiment of a passenger oxygen mask extender is shown. In at least one embodiment, an in-cabin passenger oxygen mask system 100 according to the present disclosure provides passenger access to an oxygen mask 102 even when the passenger is seated away from the in-cabin passenger oxygen mask system 100. Extension arm 104 with pull sign release mechanism 106 is configured to rotate and extend from the cabin passenger oxygen mask system 100 via extension release mechanism 108 and deployment spring 110. When the cabin passenger oxygen mask system 100 is deployed, the extension arm 104 is pushed out and rotated to an extended position via the deployment spring 110 and guide block, as described more fully herein.

Referring to fig. 2, a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotating extension arm 200 according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein is shown. A guide block 202 disposed in or connected to the housing or structure of the in-cabin passenger oxygen mask system defines an extension shaft 204 along an axis to allow the extension arm 200 traveling within the extension shaft 204 to extend outside of the housing or structure of the in-cabin passenger oxygen mask system. The guide block 202 also defines one or more rotation channels 206 configured to engage one or more corresponding rotation pins 208 disposed on the extension arm 200.

In at least one embodiment, an actuation mechanism, such as a spring, urges the extension arm 200 along the extension axis 204. As the extension arm 200 moves linearly within the extension shaft 204, the rotation pin 208 moves within the rotation channel 206 to control the rotation of the extension arm 200 and correlate it with the linear extension, thereby defining the range and timing of rotation when the cabin passenger oxygen mask system is deployed.

In at least one embodiment, the rotation channels 206 each define a final rotation portion 207 disposed at a terminal end of the corresponding rotation channel 206 such that the rotation pin 208 engages the corresponding final rotation portion 207 in the fully stowed state. The force of the spring pushing the extension arm 200 is absorbed by the guide block 202 through the terminal rotation portion 207. When the cover of the oxygen mask system is opened, the extension arm 200 rotates slightly as defined by the path of the terminal rotation portion 207, then the extension arm 200 is ejected according to the linear path 209 of the corresponding rotation channel 206, and then a larger final rotation begins as the rotation pin 208 engages the final rotation portion 211 of the rotation channel 206. The cover may include a pin to prevent the extension arm 200 from rotating in the terminal rotation portion 207 when the cover is closed, so that the guide block 202 absorbs the spring force.

Referring to fig. 3A-3E, perspective views of exemplary embodiments of passenger oxygen mask extenders in various stages of deployment are shown in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the on-board passenger oxygen mask system 300 releases an oxygen mask extender comprising an extension arm 304 and a pull flag release mechanism 306 during a first stage of deployment (e.g., fig. 3A). The oxygen mask extender is moved linearly by an actuator drive such as a spring 308. When moved linearly, the oxygen mask extender is again rotated to a final orientation by the stored energy of the spring 308 and a guide block configured to guide the rotation of the oxygen mask extender.

In at least one embodiment, during a second phase of deployment (e.g., in fig. 3B), the extension release mechanism 310 releases the telescoping arm 316. In at least one embodiment, the telescoping arm 316 positions the pull flag 314 coupled to the extendable oxygen mask 302 within reach of the occupant. In at least one alternative embodiment, the telescoping arm 316 is directly coupled to the extendable oxygen mask 302.

In at least one embodiment, as described more fully herein, when the oxygen mask extender is rotated to a final position, the extension release mechanism 310 is actuated by the force exerted by the spring 308.

In at least one embodiment, during the third stage of deployment (e.g., in fig. 3C), the telescoping arm 316 reaches maximum extension and the pull flag release mechanism 306 is actuated by pulling the flag retaining ring 319 to lower the pull flag 314 while the specially adapted pull flag release clip 318 remains disposed on the telescoping arm 316 by tension. Alternatively, the release mechanism 306 may release the extendable oxygen mask 302 directly.

When the user pulls the pull flag 314 with sufficient force to release the pull flag release clip 318, the pull flag 314 descends (as shown in FIG. 3E) into proximity with the corresponding occupant. The passenger may then pull the pull flag 314 or the extendable oxygen mask 302 to release the oxygen mask clip 312, if present. The oxygen mask clip 312 may be used to secure the extendable oxygen mask 302 to the extension arm 304 at a point closer to the pivot point than the pull flag release mechanism 306 to reduce the total stress on the pivot point, the spring 308, and the extension release mechanism 310 due to the weight of the extendable oxygen mask 302.

In at least one embodiment, the pull tag release clip 318 may be configured to release from the pull tag release mechanism 306 with sufficient force applied to the pull tag 314 even if the pull tag release mechanism 306 is unable to release the pull tag release clip 318 when fully extended.

Referring to fig. 4, a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary sleeve latch according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein is shown. In at least one embodiment, an extension arm 400 including a telescoping arm member (not shown) is connected to a structure 402 of the cabin passenger oxygen mask system by a spring 404 and a rotary sleeve latch extension release mechanism that includes an outer sleeve 408 and an inner sleeve 406 having an end stop portion (see fig. 5) secured to the spring 404 and to the extension arm 400. The support 410 secured to the outer sleeve 408 may reduce friction between the inner and outer sleeves 406, 408. When the extension arm 400 extends linearly away from the structure 402 and is rotated by a rotation mechanism (such as the exemplary guide block described herein), the spring 404 causes the outer sleeve 408 to rotate relative to the inner sleeve 406 and disengage from one or more pins or bearings configured to hold the telescoping arm. The telescopic arm is thereby released to extend linearly.

Referring to fig. 5, a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary sleeve latch according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein is shown. In at least one embodiment, outer sleeve 500 defines one or more retaining pin engagement surfaces 502 configured to prevent disengagement of one or more retaining pins or supports that limit linear movement of a corresponding telescoping arm to retain the telescoping arm in a configuration with a compressed linear actuator, such as a spring. The outer sleeve 500 also defines one or more retaining pin release channels 504 that allow the respective retaining pins to release the respective telescoping arms as the outer sleeve 500 is rotated about the inner sleeve 506.

In at least one embodiment, the inner sleeve 506 defines a plurality of retaining pin holes 508 that define the position of the retaining pins relative to the retaining pin engagement surface 502 and the retaining pin relief channel 504. In at least one embodiment, the inner sleeve 506 comprises a portion of the extension arm in which the telescoping arm is disposed within the extension arm. In at least one embodiment, the inner sleeve includes an end stop portion 510, such as a collar, configured to abut the outer sleeve 500. Outer sleeve 500 will generally absorb the force of the spring urging outer sleeve 500 against end stop portion 510.

Referring to FIG. 6, a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a pull tag release mechanism 604 according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein is shown. The extension arm 600 (or a telescoping arm portion of the extension arm 600) includes an actuator (e.g., a spring 602) configured to oppose the abutment surface of the pull tag release mechanism 604. In at least one embodiment, the spring 602 (or other suitable linear actuator) stores the energy required to linearly displace the pull flag release mechanism 604.

In at least one embodiment, the pull tag release mechanism 604 defines a pin retention channel 606 and a pull tag ring recess 608. The pull flag is held in place by a pull flag retaining pin within the pin retaining channel 606. When fully extended, the pull tag retaining pin is displaced within the pin retaining channel sufficient to release the pull tag ring from the pull tag ring recess 608. In at least one embodiment, the pull sign clip is held in place around the pull sign release mechanism 604 or extension arm by tension. When the pull tag ring is released and the pull tag is pulled by the passenger with sufficient force to overcome the tension of the pull tag clip, the pull tag clip is released, possibly together with the corresponding oxygen mask.

Referring to FIG. 7, a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a pull tag release mechanism 702 is shown in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The extension arm 700 (or a telescoping arm portion of the extension arm 700) includes a pull tag release mechanism 702 that is secured to the extension arm 700 or a distal portion of the telescoping arm, such as by glue, friction, or mechanical fasteners 704. An actuator (e.g., extension arm spring 706) may pull against a proximal surface of the flag retention pin 708. When the extension arm spring 706 is compressed, the force of the extension arm spring 706 pushes the pull flag retaining pin 708 forward within the pin retaining channel defined by the pull flag release mechanism 702 to secure the pull flag ring within the pull flag ring recess defined by the pull flag release mechanism 702.

In at least one embodiment, the pin release spring 710 or actuator is configured to apply a force opposite the extension arm spring 706. The pin release spring 710 is configured to apply a force to the pull sign retaining pin 708 such that when the extension arm 700 is fully extended, the combined force of the extension arm spring 706 and the pin release spring 710 work to disengage the pull sign pin 708 from the pull sign ring recess, thereby releasing the corresponding pull sign clip.

Referring to fig. 8A-8B, detailed top cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of passenger oxygen mask extenders according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein are shown. The passenger oxygen mask extender includes an extension arm 800 and a telescoping arm 802 disposed within the extension arm 800. In at least one embodiment, extension arm 800 includes a limited distal portion and telescoping arm 802 includes a slotted proximal portion such that when fully extended, the slotted proximal portion abuts the limited distal portion to stop telescoping arm 802. Further, the slotted proximal portion may be engaged by a rotating sleeve latch that includes an outer sleeve 804, an inner sleeve 806, and a plurality of latch supports 808. In the compressed configuration (as shown in fig. 8A), the outer sleeve 804 provides a surface to abut the plurality of latch supports 808 and protrude through openings in the inner sleeve 806. The protruding latch supports abut the slotted proximal portion to keep the extension actuator (e.g., extension spring 810) compressed. The energy required to extend the telescoping arm 802 is thereby retained internally, absorbed by the outer sleeve 804 or the inner sleeve 806, or both, of the rotating sleeve latch in the compressed state; no pneumatic or electrical components are required to extend the telescoping arm 802.

As the outer sleeve 804 is rotated, the latch support may be pushed out by the slotted proximal portion and the telescoping arm 802 is extended by the extension spring 810 (as shown in fig. 8B). At maximum extension, the slotted proximal portion of the telescoping arm 802 abuts against the limiting distal portion (crimp displacement) of the extension arm 800. When fully extended, the force applied by the extension arm spring 810 to the pull flag release mechanism 812 disposed in the distal portion of the telescoping arm 802 is reduced sufficiently that the pin release spring 814 pushes against the pull flag retaining pin 816 to disengage the pull flag retaining pin 816 from the pull flag ring recess defined by the distal portion of the pull flag release mechanism 812 and allow the pull flag to fall so that a passenger can grasp the pull flag and thereby pull down the oxygen mask.

It is believed that the inventive concepts disclosed herein and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description of the embodiments of the disclosed inventive concepts, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the broad scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein or without sacrificing all of their material advantages; and various features from the various embodiments may be combined to yield yet further embodiments. The forms herein before described being merely illustrative of the embodiments thereof, it is the intention of the appended claims to encompass and include such changes. Furthermore, any feature disclosed in relation to any single embodiment may be incorporated into any other embodiment.