阅读说明：本技术 用于电光组合件的穿透密封件 (Penetration seal for electro-optic assemblies ) 是由 D·J·卡缅加 A·R·海因策尔曼 J·C·劳拉 X·牛 于 2018-06-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种电光组合件包含第一衬底和第二衬底。主密封件安置在所述第一衬底与所述第二衬底之间。所述主密封件、所述第一衬底和所述第二衬底限定内腔。填充端口延伸穿过所述主密封件。辅助密封件安置成接近所述主密封件的一侧。所述主密封件和所述辅助密封件限定通道。密封塞安置在所述通道内。(An electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate. A primary seal is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The primary seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an internal cavity. A fill port extends through the main seal. A secondary seal is disposed proximate a side of the primary seal. The primary seal and the secondary seal define a channel. A sealing plug is disposed within the passage.)

1. An electro-optic assembly, comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate opposite to the first substrate;

a seal disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an interior cavity;

a first opening having a first cross-section defined by the first substrate;

a second opening having a second cross-section defined by the second substrate, wherein the first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication with the inner cavity.

2. The electro-optic assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plug disposed within and extending between the first and second openings.

3. The electro-optic assembly as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug comprises a sealing plug material; wherein the sealing plug material comprises an initial fluid material.

4. The electro-optic assembly as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing plug material is capable of hardening to form a solid plug.

5. The electro-optic assembly of at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising an encapsulant material; wherein the sealing material is positioned to cover the exposed portion of the plug.

6. The electro-optic assembly as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug comprises a penetrating plug; and wherein the plug extends through the first and second openings and a portion of the lumen.

7. The electro-optic assembly of claim 6, wherein the plug comprises a first end and a second end, and a shaft extending therebetween; and

wherein the first end includes a head configured to have a cross-section greater than at least one of the first and second cross-sections of the first and second openings.

8. The electro-optic assembly of at least one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the plug comprises a rivet.

9. The electro-optic assembly of at least one of claims 6-8, further comprising an encapsulant material; wherein the sealing material is disposed to cover the exposed portion of the head and the second end of the plug.

10. The electro-optic assembly of at least one of claims 6-9, wherein the encapsulant material is initially deformable.

11. The electro-optic assembly of at least one of claims 6-10, wherein the second end of the plug is deformable.

12. An electro-optic assembly, comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate opposite to the first substrate;

a primary seal disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the primary seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an interior cavity;

a fill port extending through the main seal;

a secondary seal disposed proximate a side of the primary seal, wherein the primary seal and the secondary seal define a channel adjacent the fill port; and

a plug disposed within the channel.

13. The electro-optic assembly of claim 12, wherein the plug is an initiation fluid material.

14. An electro-optic assembly, comprising:

a first substrate;

a second substrate opposite to the first substrate;

a seal disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an interior cavity;

a first opening extending through the seal between the first substrate and the second substrate;

a second opening extending through one of the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication with the internal cavity and together define a channel; and

a plug disposed within the channel.

15. The electro-optic assembly of claim 14, wherein the plug is an initiation fluid material.

16. The electro-optic assembly of claim 14, wherein an end of the first opening is at least partially disposed in the seal; and

wherein an end of the second opening is at least partially disposed in the seal.

17. The electro-optic assembly of claim 14, wherein an end of the first opening is disposed within the seal; and

wherein an end of the second opening is disposed within the seal.

18. The electro-optic assembly of claim 14, wherein the first opening is opposite the second opening.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to electro-optic assemblies, and more particularly to a penetration seal for small electro-optic assemblies.

Background

Conventional methods of sealing the electro-optic assembly can cause the substrate to be pressurized and sometimes bent, which generally places unnecessary stress on the electro-optic assembly. Having the insertion material enter a single port of a cavity containing an incompressible electro-optic medium can result in poor insertion and leakage in the electro-optic assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electro-optic assembly may comprise: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a seal disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an interior cavity; a first opening having a first cross-section defined by the first substrate; a second opening having a second cross-section defined by the second substrate, wherein the first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication with the inner cavity. The electro-optic assembly may further include a plug disposed within and extending between the first and second openings. The plug may comprise a sealing plug material; the sealing plug material may comprise an initial fluid material. The sealing plug material can harden to form a solid plug. The electro-optic assembly may further comprise an encapsulant material; the sealing material may be positioned to cover the exposed portion of the plug. The plug may comprise a penetrating plug; and the plug may extend through the first and second openings and a portion of the lumen. The plug may include a first end and a second end, and a shaft extending therebetween; and the first end may include a head configured to have a cross-section greater than at least one of the first and second cross-sections of the first and second openings. The plug may comprise a rivet. The electro-optic assembly may further comprise an encapsulant material; the sealing material may be positioned to cover the exposed portion of the head and the second end of the plug. The sealing material may be initially deformable. The second end of the plug is deformable.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electro-optic assembly may comprise: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a primary seal disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the primary seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate defining an internal cavity; a fill port extending through the main seal; a secondary seal disposed proximate a side of the primary seal, the primary seal and the secondary seal defining a channel adjacent the fill port; and a plug disposed within the channel. The plug may be the initial fluid material.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of fabricating an electro-optic assembly includes forming a first substrate and a second substrate. A primary seal may be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to define an internal cavity. The fill port may be formed by the main seal. The secondary seal may be positioned proximate the primary seal to form a channel adjacent the fill port. The channel includes an inlet and an outlet. The fluid plug may flow through the channel. The fluid may be adapted to solidify and seal the lumen.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The primary seal may be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The primary seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an internal cavity. A fill port extends through the main seal. The secondary seal may be disposed proximate to one side of the primary seal. The primary seal and the secondary seal define a channel adjacent the fill port. The sealing plug may be seated in the passage.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of fabricating an electro-optic assembly includes forming a first substrate and a second substrate. The primary seal may be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate, the second substrate, and the primary seal define an internal cavity. A first fill port may be formed between the first substrate and the second substrate through the primary seal. The second fill port can be formed through one of the first substrate and the second substrate. The first and second fill ports are in fluid communication with the internal cavity and together define a channel. The fluid plug may flow through the channel.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The primary seal may be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The primary seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an internal cavity. The first opening extends through the primary seal between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second opening extends through one of the first substrate and the second substrate. The first and second openings are in fluid communication with the internal cavity and together define a channel. The sealing plug may be seated in the passage. One end of the first and second openings may be positioned to at least partially open into the main seal. One end of the first and second openings may be disposed entirely within the main seal. The first opening and the second opening may be opposite to each other.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of fabricating an electro-optic assembly includes forming a first substrate and a second substrate. The primary seal may be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate, the second substrate, and the primary seal define an internal cavity. The first fill port can be formed through the first substrate. The second fill port can be formed through the second substrate. The first and second fill ports are in fluid communication with the internal cavity and together define a channel. The fluid plug may flow through the channel.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The primary seal may be disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The primary seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate define an internal cavity. The first substrate defines a first opening. The second substrate defines a second opening. The first and second openings are in fluid communication with the internal cavity and together define a channel. The sealing plug may be seated in the passage.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the appended specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an electro-optic assembly of the present disclosure with the primary seal exploded from the electro-optic assembly;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 1 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a side view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 1 prior to coupling with a secondary seal;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 1 after coupling with a secondary seal;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial front elevational view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 1 taken at area IV;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an electro-optic assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a side view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 5 prior to installation of the sealing plug;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 5 after installation of the sealing plug;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial front view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 5 taken at region VIII;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an electro-optic assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11A is a side view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 9 prior to installation of the sealing plug;

FIG. 11B is a side view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 9 after installation of the sealing plug;

FIG. 12 is a partial front perspective view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 9 taken at area XII;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 13 after installation of a penetration seal plug;

FIG. 14 is a partial front perspective view of another embodiment of the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 9 taken at area XII;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an embodiment of a penetrating seal inserted into the electro-optic assembly of FIG. 13, taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 14; and is

Fig. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of a penetrating seal installed in the electro-optic assembly of fig. 13, taken along line XV-XV of fig. 14.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1-16, reference numeral 10 generally designates an electro-optic assembly including a first substrate 12 and a second substrate 14. The primary seal 16 may be disposed between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14, and may extend around a perimeter of each of the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14. The primary seal 16, the first substrate 12, and the second substrate 14 may define an internal cavity 18.

The electro-optic assembly 10 may generally be configured for a variety of uses. The electro-optic assembly 10 may be used in small imager devices, head-up displays, vehicle rearview devices, and the like. The electro-optic assembly 10 may contain an electro-optic medium 30, which electro-optic medium 30 may be affected by a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium 30 and may therefore darken or lighten. An electro-optic medium 30 may be disposed within the interior cavity 18. As previously described, the internal cavity 18 may be generally defined between the primary seal 16 and the first and second substrates 12, 14.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1-4, the fill port 20 may extend through the primary seal 16 into the internal cavity 18. In some embodiments, the fill port 20 may be used to fill the inner cavity 18 with the electro-optic medium 30. After the electro-optic medium 30 has been inserted into the interior cavity 18, the fill port 20 may then be plugged or otherwise closed by installing a sealing plug 28.

In some embodiments, the secondary seal 22 may be disposed proximate a portion of the outer sidewall 24 of the primary seal 16. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1-4, the secondary seal 22 may be spaced apart from, but extend substantially parallel to, a portion of the outer sidewall 24 of the primary seal 16. As a result, a passage 26 may be formed between the secondary seal 22 and the primary seal 16. After the electro-optic medium 30 has been supplied to the interior cavity 18, a sealing plug 28 may be inserted into the passage 26 to hermetically seal the fill port 20, thereby sealing the electro-optic medium 30 within the interior cavity 18. In some embodiments, the sealing plug 28 may initially contain fluid-like properties that allow the sealing plug 28 to flow into the passage 26 before curing, thereby becoming a solid plug and thereby sealing the interior cavity 18. In some embodiments, the sealing plug 28 may be a rigid rivet-like structure.

Referring to fig. 4, in some embodiments, the sealing plug 28 may flow into the passage 26 in the direction of arrow a. In this case, the first opening 32 may constitute an inlet for the sealing plug 28 and the second opening 34 may constitute an outlet. However, the sealing plug 28 may also flow into the passage 26 through the other side of the passage 26 in the direction opposite to arrow a. In this case, the second opening 34 would constitute an inlet for the sealing plug 28 and the first opening 32 would constitute an outlet. In some embodiments, the sealing plug 28 may extend at least from the first opening 32 to the second opening 34. The sealing plug 28 may extend at least partially into the fill port 20. Regardless of which opening (first opening 32 or second opening 34) serves as the inlet and which opening serves as the outlet, the inlet and outlet may be immediately adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, the flow of the sealing plug 28 may be directed into the first opening 32 in the direction of arrow a and into the second opening 34 in a direction opposite to arrow a. The sealing plug 28 may flow into the channel 26 and may then solidify, thereby creating a solid plug that seats in the channel 26, thereby sealing the electro-optic medium 30 into the interior cavity 18.

Referring now to fig. 5-8, in some embodiments, the electro-optic assembly 10 may include a first fill port 40 extending through the primary seal 16 between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14. The second fill port 42 may extend through one of the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 and may be in fluid communication with the first fill port 40. The first and second fill ports 40, 42 may be in fluid communication with the internal cavity 18 and may together define a passage 44 through which the sealing plug 28 may flow to fill the passage 44. As with the previous embodiment, the material of the sealing plug 28 may initially contain fluid-like properties such that the sealing plug 28 may flow through the passage 26 and then solidify, thereby causing the sealing plug 28 to become substantially solid, thereby sealing the interior cavity 18. It will be appreciated that in this case, the longitudinal extents of the first and second fill ports 40, 42 extend generally orthogonally to one another. However, in some embodiments, the first and second fill ports 40, 42 may extend at various angles relative to one another. It should also be understood that the second fill port 42 may be positioned in either of the first substrate 12 or the second substrate 14. In either instance, the first filling port 40 may be in fluid communication with the second filling port 42 such that applying the sealing plug 28 into the first filling port 40 and from the first filling port 40 into the second filling port 42 may create the sealed interior cavity 18. Alternatively, the sealing plug 28 may be inserted into the second fill port 42 such that the sealing plug 28 flows from the second fill port 42 into the first fill port 40.

Referring now to fig. 9-16, in some embodiments, the first substrate 12 may define a first opening 60 and the second substrate may define a second opening 62. The first opening 60 may be opposite the second opening 62. The first and second openings 60, 62 may be in fluid communication with the inner cavity 18. The first and second openings 60, 62 may be disposed near the periphery of the first and second substrates 12, 14 and may be adjacent to the main seal 16.

In some embodiments, one end of the first and second openings 60, 62 may be positioned to at least partially open into the main seal 16. In some embodiments, one end of the first and second openings may be disposed entirely within the main seal 16.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 9-12, the first opening 60 and the second opening 62 may define a passage 64, and the sealing plug 28 may be seated in the passage 64. As in the previous embodiment, the sealing plug 28 may be initially a fluid material, which allows the sealing plug 28 to flow into the passage 64 through one of the first and second openings 60, 62. In some embodiments, the sealing plug 28 may exit through an opening (second opening 62 or first opening 60) opposite the opening in the inflow channel 64. In some embodiments, the sealing plug 28 may be introduced into both the first opening 60 and the second opening 62. After flowing through the passage 64, the sealing plug 28 may cure, thereby sealing the interior cavity 18.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 13-16, a penetrating seal 84 may be inserted into one of the first and second openings 60, 62. The penetrating seal 84 may extend from the first opening 60, through a portion of the internal cavity 18, and through at least a portion of the second opening 62. In some embodiments, the penetrating seal 84 may include a shaft portion 89 having a first end 88 with a head portion 86 and a second end 90. In some embodiments, the head portion 86 of the penetrating seal 84 may be one of disc-shaped and ring-shaped, but other shapes and configurations are possible. The head portion 86 of the penetration seal 84 may have a cross-section, and the first and second openings 60, 62 may each have a cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the head portion 86 penetrating the seal 84 may be greater than at least one of the cross-sections of the first and second openings 60, 62. In some embodiments, the head portion 86 of the penetrating seal 84 may be configured to be large enough to prevent the head portion from entering the first opening 60 or the second opening 62. The penetrating seal 84 may be configured to allow the head portion 86 to be substantially flush against an outer surface of one of the first and second substrates 12, 14, thereby surrounding the first or second opening 60, 62, respectively, when the shaft portion 89 of the penetrating seal 84 is inserted into one of the first and second openings 60, 62. In some embodiments, the first and second openings may be generally cylindrical, and the shaft portion 89 that penetrates the seal 84 may extend coaxially through the first and second openings 60, 62.

In some embodiments, penetration seal 84 may comprise a rivet or rivet-like structure, as shown in fig. 15 and 16. The penetrating seal 84 may be inserted into one of the first opening 60 and the second opening 62 until the head portion 86 abuts the outer surface of the first substrate 12 or the second substrate 14, thereby surrounding the first opening 60 or the second opening 62 into which the penetrating seal 84 is inserted, as shown in fig. 15. In some embodiments, once the penetrating seal 84 has been inserted into the electro-optic device, the second end 90 of the penetrating seal 84 may extend from the first opening 60 or the second opening 62 opposite the opening into which the penetrating seal 84 is inserted. The penetrating seal 84 may be configured to allow the second end 90 to flatten and widen as the penetrating seal 84 is compressed longitudinally, thereby causing the second end 90 to lie substantially flush against an outer surface of the first substrate 12 or the second substrate 14. The flattening and widening of the second end 90 may serve to seal the inner cavity 18, as shown in fig. 16.

In some embodiments, the penetrating seal 84 may comprise a cylinder, a cylindrical cone, a barbell, or any other shape that may extend through and seal the first and second openings 60, 62. The penetrating seal 84 may be configured to press into at least one of the first opening 60 and the second opening 62.

In some embodiments, the penetration seal 84 may be a plastic or other material that is partially deformable under at least some conditions. In some embodiments, the penetrating seal 84 may partially deform under some conditions, while will retain its shape without deforming under other conditions. The penetrating seal 84 may be a material that is sufficiently deformable to allow it to be compressed and pushed into and through the first and second openings 60, 62. Upon insertion into one of the first and second openings 60, 62, the penetrating seal 84 may return to its original shape, thereby sealing the internal cavity 18. In some embodiments, the penetration seal 84 may be deformed at certain temperatures or for a certain period of time and then may be cured, thereby creating a solid plug. In some embodiments, the penetration seal 84 may be a material that is initially deformable and may cure after proper positioning, such as epoxy.

In some embodiments, the penetration seal 84 may comprise a metal. The penetration seal 84 may comprise a deformable metal. In some embodiments, the penetrating seal 84 may comprise a metal that does not react with the electro-optic medium 30, such as silver or gold. In some embodiments, the penetrating seal 84 may be a metal that may react with the electro-optic medium 30 and may be coated with a metal that does not react with the electro-optic medium 30, such as silver-plated copper. The use of a coated metal may allow for the use of a less expensive metal for the transfix seal 84, thus minimizing the use of more expensive metals, and still preventing undesirable interaction between the electro-optic medium 30 and the material of the transfix seal 84.

In some embodiments, a second sealing material 92 may be disposed to cover the exposed portion of the penetrating seal 84, as shown in fig. 16. In some embodiments, a second sealing material 92 may be disposed to cover the head portion 86 of the penetrating seal 84. In some embodiments, a second sealing material 92 may encase head portion 86 and second end 90 of penetrating seal 84. In some embodiments, the second sealing material 92 may encapsulate all exposed portions of the penetrating seal 84. The second sealing material 92 may be an initially flexible or fluid-like material. In some embodiments, the second sealing material 92 may be cured after placement at a desired location. In some embodiments, a second sealing material may be placed in a desired location, then cured to form a solid seal.

The second sealing material 92 may comprise any material capable of sealing through the seal 84 and the perimeter of at least one of the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 14 to prevent leakage of the electro-optic medium 30 from the interior cavity 18. The second encapsulant material 92 may include, for example, a UV curable or thermally curable epoxy or epoxy resin, an acrylate or acrylate resin, polyisobutylene. The second sealing material 92 may include a mixture of liquid epoxy resin and liquid polyamide resin or dicyandiamide.

It should also be understood that the components of each electro-optic assembly 10 may be aligned during manufacture such that one continuous channel may be provided through several electro-optic assemblies 10 at the same time. Thus, the sealing plugs 28 can flow simultaneously through several adjacent electro-optic assemblies 10. It should be understood that for each of the embodiments disclosed above, a portion of the sealing plug 28 may expand into the interior cavity 18. However, in some applications, the expansion may produce an even better seal. It will also be understood that for each of the embodiments disclosed herein, like reference numerals generally refer to like or similar features of each embodiment.

It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: coupled, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two (electrical or mechanical) components to each other, directly or indirectly. Such engagement may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved by two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intermediate members integrally formed as a unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such engagement may be permanent in nature, or removable or releasable in nature.

It is further noted that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or components of the system may be constructed of any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and may take on any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

The presently shown embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components for a penetrating plug of an electro-optic assembly. The apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless otherwise specified, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device that is closer to the intended viewer of the device, while the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device that is farther from the intended viewer of the device. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element with "comprising …" does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

It is understood that any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.