Integration of proximity sensor with magnetostrictive torque sensor
阅读说明:本技术 接近传感器与磁致伸缩扭矩传感器的集成 (Integration of proximity sensor with magnetostrictive torque sensor ) 是由 丹·托·卢 拉姆·亚瑟·坎贝尔 布莱恩·F·霍华德 佩卡·塔帕尼·西皮拉 大卫·福克纳 莱 于 2019-02-07 设计创作,主要内容包括:本发明提供了一种间隙补偿扭矩感测系统及其使用方法。系统可包括与控制器通信的磁致伸缩扭矩传感器和至少一个接近传感器。接近传感器可基本上刚性地联接到扭矩传感器的传感器头,包含在传感器头内或使用托架或其他联接机构邻近传感器头安装。扭矩传感器可感测穿过目标的磁通量,并且接近传感器可测量其自身和目标之间的间隙。控制器可从由扭矩传感器感测的磁通量来估计施加到目标的扭矩。可通过间隙测量来修改所估计的扭矩以补偿由于间隙的变化引起的目标的磁特性的变化。这样,可提高扭矩测量的准确度。(The invention provides a backlash compensation torque sensing system and a method of using the same. The system may include a magnetostrictive torque sensor and at least one proximity sensor in communication with the controller. The proximity sensor may be substantially rigidly coupled to a sensor head of the torque sensor, contained within or mounted adjacent to the sensor head using a bracket or other coupling mechanism. The torque sensor may sense a magnetic flux passing through the target, and the proximity sensor may measure a gap between itself and the target. The controller may estimate the torque applied to the target from the magnetic flux sensed by the torque sensor. The estimated torque may be modified by the gap measurement to compensate for changes in the magnetic properties of the target due to changes in the gap. In this way, the accuracy of the torque measurement can be improved.)
1. A magnetostrictive sensing system comprising:
a magnetostrictive sensor comprising a sensor head extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the sensor head comprising,
a drive pole having a drive coil coupled thereto, the drive coil configured to generate a first magnetic flux in response to a drive current, an
At least one sense pole having a sense coil coupled thereto, the sense coil configured to output a first signal based at least on a measurement of a second magnetic flux resulting from interaction of the first magnetic flux with a target; and
at least one proximity sensor positioned within the sensor head and secured to the distal end of the sensor head, the at least one proximity sensor being distal to the drive and sense poles and configured to output a second signal based on a gap between the distal end of the sensor head and the target.
2. The sensing system of claim 1, comprising a controller in electrical communication with the sensor head and configured to:
receiving the first signal and the second signal; and
adjusting the first signal using the second signal to determine a backlash compensation force applied to the target.
3. The sensing system of claim 2, wherein the force is a torque.
4. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one proximity sensor is positioned such that the first magnetic flux generated by the drive coil and the second magnetic flux measured by the sense coil are each substantially unaltered by the proximity sensor.
5. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one proximity sensor comprises at least one of a laser proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radar proximity sensor, a microwave proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor.
6. The sensing system of claim 1, comprising at least two proximity sensors arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the drive pole, wherein the second signal is a combination of signals generated by the at least two proximity sensors.
7. The sensing system of claim 6, wherein the second signal is an average of signals generated by the at least two proximity sensors.
8. The sensing system of claim 6, wherein each of the at least two proximity sensors is a sensor comprising at least one of a laser proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radar proximity sensor, a microwave proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor, wherein the first proximity sensor is different from the second proximity sensor.
9. The sensing system of claim 7, wherein the at least two proximity sensors are positioned between the drive pole and the sense pole or between two sense poles.
10. A magnetostrictive sensing system comprising:
a magnetostrictive sensor comprising a sensor head extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the sensor head comprising,
a drive pole having a drive coil coupled thereto, the drive coil configured to generate a magnetic flux in response to a drive current, an
At least one sense pole having a sense coil coupled thereto, the sense coil configured to output a first signal based at least on a second magnetic flux resulting from interaction of the first magnetic flux with a target; and
at least one proximity sensor positioned outside of and substantially rigidly coupled to the sensor head, the at least one proximity sensor configured to output a second signal based on a gap between the distal end of the sensor head and the target.
11. The sensing system of claim 10, further comprising a cradle configured to receive the sensor head and the at least one proximity sensor for substantially rigidly coupling the at least one proximity sensor to the sensor head.
12. The sensing system of claim 10, comprising a controller in electrical communication with the sensor head and configured to:
receiving the first signal and the second signal; and
adjusting the first signal using the second signal to determine a backlash compensation force applied to the target.
13. The sensing system of claim 12, wherein the force is a torque.
14. The sensing system of claim 10, wherein the at least one proximity sensor is positioned such that the first magnetic flux generated by the drive coil and the second magnetic flux measured by the sense coil are each substantially unaltered by the proximity sensor.
15. The sensing system of claim 10, wherein said at least one proximity sensor is a sensor comprising at least one of a laser proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radar proximity sensor, a microwave proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor.
16. The sensing system of claim 10, comprising at least two proximity sensors arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the drive pole, wherein the second signal is a combination of signals generated by the at least two proximity sensors.
17. The sensing system of claim 16, wherein the second signal is an average of signals generated by the at least two proximity sensors.
18. The sensing system of claim 16, wherein each of the at least two proximity sensors is a sensor comprising at least one of a laser proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radar proximity sensor, a microwave proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor, wherein the first proximity sensor is different from the second proximity sensor.
19. The sensing system of claim 16, wherein the at least two proximity sensors are positioned between the drive pole and the sense pole.
Background
Sensors may be used in a variety of industries to monitor equipment. For example, a torque sensor may be used to monitor a rotating machine component (e.g., a shaft) and output a signal indicative of the torque applied to the monitored component. By comparing the measured torque to design specifications, it may be determined whether the monitored component is operating within these specifications.
Magnetostrictive sensors are a type of sensor that uses a magnetic field to measure mechanical stress (e.g., torque). For example, a magnetostrictive torque sensor may generate a magnetic flux that penetrates the shaft, and it may measure the magnetic flux upon interaction with the shaft. The intensity of the measured magnetic flux may vary due to variations in the torque applied to the shaft. Accordingly, the magnetostrictive sensor may output a signal indicative of the torque applied to the shaft based on the magnetic flux measurement.
Disclosure of Invention
While the magnetic flux measured by the magnetostrictive torque sensor may depend on the torque applied to the monitored component (such as a shaft), it may also depend on the distance or gap separating the magnetostrictive torque sensor from the monitored component. Thus, the torque measurements of the monitored components may also be sensitive to changes in this clearance (e.g., due to vibration), and they may be offset from the actual torque on the shaft. For example, non-ideal environments can introduce vibrations, causing variations in the gap, which can affect the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement. Accordingly, systems and methods for gap compensation for magnetostrictive sensors (such as torque sensors) are provided.
In one embodiment, a magnetostrictive sensing system is provided and may include a magnetostrictive sensor and at least one proximity sensor. The magnetostrictive sensor may include a sensor head extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The sensor head may include a drive pole and at least one sense pole. The drive pole may have a drive coil coupled thereto that is configured to generate a first magnetic flux in response to a drive current. The at least one sense pole may have a sense coil coupled thereto that is configured to output a first signal based at least on a second magnetic flux resulting from interaction of the first magnetic flux with the target. The at least one proximity sensor may be positioned within the sensor head and may be secured to the distal end of the sensor head. The at least one proximity sensor may be remote from the drive and sense poles, and it may be configured to output a second signal based on a gap between a distal end of the sensor head and the target.
In certain embodiments, the sensing system can include a controller in electrical communication with the sensor head. The controller may be configured to receive the first signal and the second signal and adjust the first signal to determine a gap compensation force applied to the target.
In another embodiment, the force may be a torque.
In another embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor may be positioned such that a first magnetic flux generated by the drive coil and a second magnetic flux measured by the sense coil are each substantially unchanged by the proximity sensor.
In another embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor may comprise at least one of a laser proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radar proximity sensor, a microwave proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor.
In another embodiment, the sensing system may comprise at least two proximity sensors arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the drive pole. The second signal may be a combination of signals generated by the at least two proximity sensors. For example, the second signal may be an average of the signals generated by the at least two proximity sensors.
In another embodiment, each of the at least two proximity sensors may be a sensor including at least one of a laser proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radar proximity sensor, a microwave proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor, wherein the first proximity sensor may be different from the second proximity sensor.
In another embodiment, the at least two proximity sensors may be positioned between the drive pole and the sense pole or between two sense poles.
In another embodiment, a magnetostrictive sensing system is provided and may include a magnetostrictive sensor and at least one proximity sensor. The magnetostrictive sensor may include a sensor head extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The sensor head may include a drive pole and at least one sense pole. The drive pole may have a drive coil coupled thereto that is configured to generate a magnetic flux in response to a drive current. The at least one sense pole may have a sense coil coupled thereto that is configured to output a first signal based at least on a second magnetic flux resulting from interaction of the first magnetic flux with the target. The at least one proximity sensor may be positioned outside of the sensor head, and it may be substantially rigidly coupled to the sensor head. The at least one proximity sensor may be configured to output a second signal based on a gap between the distal end of the sensor head and the target.
In certain embodiments, the sensing system may include a carriage configured to receive the sensor head and the at least one proximity sensor. The carriage may substantially rigidly couple the at least one proximity sensor to the sensor head.
In another embodiment, the sensing system can include a controller in electrical communication with the sensor head. The controller may be configured to receive the first signal and the second signal, determine a force applied to the target based on the first signal, determine a gap based on the second signal, and adjust the force determined from the first signal based on the gap determined from the second signal.
In another embodiment, the force may be a torque.
In another embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor may be positioned such that a first magnetic flux generated by the drive coil and a second magnetic flux measured by the sense coil are each substantially unchanged by the proximity sensor.
In another embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor includes at least one of a laser proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radar proximity sensor, a microwave proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor.
In another embodiment, the sensing system may comprise at least two proximity sensors arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the drive pole. The second signal may be a combination of signals generated by the at least two proximity sensors. For example, the second signal may be an average of the signals generated by the at least two proximity sensors.
In another embodiment, each of the at least two proximity sensors may be a sensor including at least one of a laser proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radar proximity sensor, a microwave proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor, wherein the first proximity sensor is different from the second proximity sensor.
In another embodiment, the at least two proximity sensors may be positioned between the drive pole and the sense pole.
Drawings
These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an operating environment including a lash compensation torque sensing system having a magnetostrictive torque sensor and at least one proximity sensor;
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the lash compensation torque sensing system of FIG. 1 including a magnetostrictive torque sensor in communication with at least one proximity sensor mounted within a housing of the magnetostrictive torque sensor;
FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a core of the magnetostrictive torque sensor of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing of the magnetostrictive torque sensor of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4B is a transparent top view of the distal end of the housing of FIG. 4A, showing a proximity sensor mounted to an inner surface of the distal end of the housing;
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the lash compensation torque sensing system of FIG. 1 including a magnetostrictive torque sensor in communication with at least one proximity sensor coupled to the magnetostrictive torque sensor outside of its housing;
FIG. 6A is a top view of a carriage configured to receive a magnetostrictive sensor and the at least one proximity sensor; and is
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a holder of the cradle of FIG. 6A, the holder configured to receive a proximity sensor;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an operating environment including the lash compensation torque sensing system of FIG. 5 having a magnetostrictive torque sensor rigidly coupled to a proximity sensor by a bracket and positioned relative to a target; and is
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for measuring torque and proximity of a target.
It should be noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims.
Detailed Description
Torque is a torsional force that tends to cause an object to rotate. For example, a machine component such as a shaft may be rotated by applying a torque. To ensure that the level of torque applied to the shaft is not too high, a torque sensor may be used to measure the torque applied to the shaft. Some torque sensors may be configured to measure torque without contacting the shaft, and may be referred to as contactless torque sensors. One type of contactless torque sensor, known as a magnetostrictive torque sensor, may use magnetic signals to measure the torque applied to a shaft. However, magnetostrictive torque sensors can be highly sensitive to changes in the gap distance between themselves and the shaft. These gap distance variations can introduce errors into the torque measurement if the gap distance varies while the torque measurement is being made, which can occur due to vibration. To improve the quality of the torque measurement, the change in the gap distance may be measured and used to adjust the torque measurement to reduce errors due to the change in the gap distance. Accordingly, an improved lash compensation measurement is provided for use with magnetostrictive torque sensors to improve the accuracy of torque measurements.
Embodiments of sensing systems and corresponding methods for measuring torque of rotating machine components are discussed herein. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to measure other forces applied to rotating or stationary machine components without limitation.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an operating environment 100 including a lash compensation torque sensing system 102 and a target 104. The lash compensation torque sensing system 102 may be a magnetostrictive torque sensing system that includes a sensor head 106, a torque sensor 110, a proximity sensor (e.g., 112 or 112'), and a controller 114. The torque sensor 110 may be positioned within the sensor head 106 and may be configured to generate one or more first signals 110s representative of a torque applied to a selected portion of the target 104. In certain embodiments, a proximity sensor may also be positioned within the sensor head 106 (e.g., the proximity sensor 112). In other embodiments, the proximity sensor may be located outside of the sensor head 106 (e.g., the proximity sensor 112'). In either case, each of the proximity sensors 112, 112 'can be substantially rigidly coupled to the sensor head 106, and each can be configured to generate a respective second signal (e.g., 112s') indicative of a gap (e.g., G) between the distal end 106d of the sensor head 106 and the selected portion of the target 104.
In use, the sensor head 106 may be positioned adjacent the target 104 for obtaining torque measurements. Similarly, a proximity sensor 112 or 112' may be positioned adjacent the target 104 for obtaining clearance measurements. The controller 114 may be configured to receive the first signal 110s and the second signal 112s or 112 s'. The controller 114 may also be configured to determine a torque applied to the target 104 that is adjusted to compensate for the change in the gap G. For example, the controller 114 may be configured to adjust the first signal 110s using the second signal 112s or 112s' and calculate the lash compensation torque from the adjusted first signal 110 s. In this way, the torque measurement may be compensated for variations in the gap G (e.g., due to vibration of the target 104), thereby improving the accuracy of the torque measurement.
In certain embodiments, the sensor head 106 may be coupled to a frame or other stationary fixture (not shown) to position the sensor head 106 at a desired orientation and/or position relative to the target 104. In further embodiments, when the proximity sensor is positioned outside of the sensor head 106 (e.g., the proximity sensor 112'), it may be substantially rigidly coupled to the sensor head 106 via a bracket or other coupling mechanism (not shown). In other embodiments, torque measurements and clearance measurements may be taken from the target 104 while the target 104 is rotating (e.g., about the longitudinal axis a) or while the target is stationary. Other embodiments are within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a clearance compensation torque sensing system 200 that includes a
The
The
A power source 242 (e.g., an electrical outlet, generator, battery, etc.) may provide power to the
A drive current 244 may pass through the
The
As described above, the
The position of the
To address these considerations,
The
The
The
The
The
Fig. 3 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor including a core 300 having a cross-axis bracket 302 having a cross-axis bracket portion 304. The four bases 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d of the cross-axle bracket 302 may extend radially outward from the cross-bracket portion 304 in a plane. The four base portions 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d may be substantially orthogonal to each other around the cross brace portion 304. Each of the four bases 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d may extend from the cross-cradle portion 304 in any configuration and length that enables each to operate as described herein. In some embodiments, cross-axis gantry 302 may have any number of members, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more members extending radially from cross-gantry portion 304. The bases 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d may be angularly spaced apart at an angle in the range of about 10 degrees to 135 degrees (e.g., 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees, 135 degrees, or any combination thereof). As shown in fig. 3, the bases 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d may be angularly spaced apart by approximately 90 degrees. Additional embodiments of the core 300 and torque sensor are discussed in U.S. patent 9,618,408, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Fig. 4A-4B illustrate placement of
When two or
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a lash compensation
As shown in fig. 6A-6B, the
Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an operating
Fig. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method 800 for measuring a force (e.g., torque) and proximity of an object (e.g., 222) using any of the torque sensing systems discussed herein. The method 800 is described below in conjunction with the lash compensation torque sensing system 200 of FIG. 2. However, the method 800 is not limited to use with the lash compensation torque sensing system 200, and it may be used with any magnetostrictive torque sensor. In certain aspects, embodiments of method 800 may include more or fewer operations than shown in fig. 8, and may be performed in a different order than shown in fig. 8.
In operation 802, a force sensing system (e.g., the lash compensation torque sensing system 200) may be positioned adjacent to a target (e.g., 222). For example, the lash compensation torque sensing system 200 may be secured to the
In operation 804, at least one
By way of non-limiting example, exemplary technical effects of the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein include improved magnetostrictive torque measurements. Integration of one or more proximity sensors with a magnetostrictive torque sensing system may reduce errors in magnetostrictive torque measurements of a target material due to changes in a gap separating the magnetostrictive torque sensing system from the target material. The clearance measurement obtained by the proximity sensor may be used to compensate for the torque measurement obtained by the magnetostrictive torque sensor. This clearance compensation may allow the magnetostrictive torque sensor to operate in non-ideal environments where vibrations may cause clearance variations and thereby maintain sensitivity and accuracy. Two or more different proximity sensors may also be used to acquire the gap measurement. These clearance measurements may be combined to improve the accuracy of the clearance measurements used to compensate the torque measurements, thereby improving the accuracy of the torque measurements.
The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog electronic circuitry, digital electronic circuitry, and/or computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, or in combinations of them. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device, or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. A computer program (also known as a program, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.
The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).
Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data (e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks). Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.
To provide for interaction with a user, the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide for interaction with the user. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.
The techniques described herein may be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and/or various combinations thereof. At a minimum, however, a module should not be construed as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium (i.e., the module itself is not software). Indeed, a "module" will be interpreted to always include at least some physical, non-transitory hardware, such as a processor or a portion of a computer. Two different modules may share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules may use the same processor and network interface). The modules described herein may be combined, integrated, separated, and/or duplicated to support various applications. In addition, functions described herein as being performed at a particular module may be performed at one or more other modules and/or by one or more other devices in place of, or in addition to, functions performed at the particular module. Further, modules may be implemented across multiple devices and/or other components, locally or remotely with respect to each other. Additionally, modules may be moved from one device and added to another device, and/or may be included in both devices.
The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., a data server), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network ("LAN") and a wide area network ("WAN"), such as the Internet.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about", "about" and "substantially", should not be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.
Certain exemplary embodiments are described to provide an overview of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in the present disclosure, similarly-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus, each feature of each similarly-named component is not necessarily fully set forth within a particular embodiment.
Based on the above embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, the application is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.