WATER DISPENSING SYSTEM AND RECIRCULATION SYSTEM FOR SAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of prior-filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/677,004, filed Jul. 30, 2024. The entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a water dispensing system, and particularly to a recirculation system for a water dispensing system with a refrigeration system, such as a water cooler.

BACKGROUND

Water coolers dispense liquid (e.g., water) to a container or a bubbler. Typically, the water cooler dispenses water from a facility's potable water supply system.

SUMMARY

In one independent aspect, a water dispensing system includes an inlet for receiving water from a water supply; a water dispense point; a heat exchanger for removing heat from the water before it is dispensed; a reservoir for storing water received from the water supply before it is dispensed from the water dispense point; and a recirculation system for driving water stored in the reservoir through the heat exchanger and returning the water to the reservoir.

In some aspects, the heat exchanger is positioned upstream of the reservoir, the water flowing through the heat exchanger before entering the reservoir.

In some aspects, the heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the reservoir, the water flowing through the heat exchanger after leaving the reservoir.

In some aspects, the heat exchanger is positioned within the reservoir, the water flowing through the heat exchanger as the water enters the reservoir.

In some aspects, the heat exchanger is positioned within the reservoir, the water flowing through the heat exchanger as the water exits the reservoir.

In some aspects, the heat exchanger is formed as a coil wrapped along a surface of the reservoir, the heat exchanger transferring heat directly from the reservoir.

In some aspects, the water dispense point is one of a plurality of water dispense points, wherein the water may be directed to each of the plurality of water dispense points.

In some aspects, the water dispensing system further includes a filter, wherein the recirculation system drives water stored in the reservoir through the filter.

In another independent aspect, a recirculation system is provided for a fluid dispensing system. The fluid dispensing system includes a heat exchanger for removing heat from fluid, a reservoir for storing fluid, and at least one fluid dispense point. The recirculation system includes an auxiliary circuit in fluid communication with the reservoir; and an auxiliary pump for drawing fluid from the reservoir, through the auxiliary circuit, and back to the reservoir.

In some aspects, the fluid flowing through the auxiliary circuit is directed from the reservoir, through the heat exchanger, and back to the reservoir.

In some aspects, the heat exchanger is positioned within the reservoir, the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger as the fluid re-enters the reservoir.

In some aspects, the heat exchanger is positioned within the reservoir, the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger as the fluid exits the reservoir.

In some aspects, the heat exchanger formed as a coil wrapped along a surface of the reservoir, the heat exchanger transferring heat directly from the reservoir.

In some aspects, the fluid dispense point is one of a plurality of fluid dispense points, wherein the fluid may be directed to each of the plurality of fluid dispense points.

In some aspects, the auxiliary pump is selectively activated based on an elapsed time that fluid has been stored in the reservoir.

In some aspects, the auxiliary pump is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of fluid stored in the reservoir.

In some aspects, the recirculation system further includes a valve, actuation of the valve selectively directing fluid toward the fluid dispense point or the auxiliary circuit.

In some aspects, the recirculation system further includes a filter positioned in the auxiliary circuit, wherein the auxiliary pump draws fluid from the reservoir, through the filter, and back to the reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooler.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger, reservoir and recirculation system for a cooler according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being 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. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, supporting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect.

As shown in FIG. 1, a water dispensing system may include a single water dispensing fixture (e.g., a drinking cooler 10) having a fluid dispense point 14 (e.g., a spout, a bubbler, etc.) and a basin 18 including a drain 22. In some embodiments, a water dispensing system may include multiple fixtures that receive water from a common reservoir. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooler 10 also includes an actuator 26 (e.g., a user-operated push button, a valve or solenoid, etc.) for driving water from the dispense point 14. Although the water dispensing fixture is illustrated as a drinking cooler, it is understood that the aspects described herein are also applicable to other types of water dispensing fixtures (e.g., bottle fillers, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 2, the water dispensing fixture includes a heat exchanger 50 for cooling the water to be dispensed, and a reservoir 62 for storing the water prior to being dispensed. An inlet line 66 receives fluid from a water supply, and an outlet line 68 conveys the fluid to the dispense point 14 (FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet line 66 is in communication with and provides water to the heat exchanger 50 to be cooled. After heat is removed from the water, the water is conveyed to the reservoir 62 for storage. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 62 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 62 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, a pump may drive water from the reservoir to the dispense point.

In addition, a recirculation system 70 is provided. The recirculation system includes an auxiliary circuit 74 and an auxiliary pump 78. The auxiliary pump 78 can be selectively activated to draw water from the reservoir 62 through the auxiliary circuit 74 and return the water to the reservoir 62, thereby accelerating cooling of the water stored in the reservoir 62. The cooler therefore incorporates the stages of cooling the water; storing the water; optionally recirculating the water; and dispensing the water. In some embodiments, the recirculation system 70 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 78 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator 26 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 78 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 62.

In some embodiments, the reservoir 62 may have an internal structure (e.g., one or more baffles-not shown) to control the mixing of water within the reservoir 62. For example, the internal structure may inhibit water entering the reservoir 62 from mixing with the water already in the reservoir 62 in order to ensure that the coldest water is dispensed first. In addition, the reservoir 62 may be vented to atmosphere in order to prevent damage to any portion of the system (e.g., dispensing components, water storage components, etc.) in case a pressure within the reservoir 62 rises above a predetermined threshold.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a recirculation system 170. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a heat exchanger 150 is positioned downstream of a reservoir 162. Stated another way, an inlet line 166 receives water from a water supply and conveys the water directly to the reservoir 162. As water is drawn from the reservoir 162, the water passes through the heat exchanger 150 and is cooled. If the water is to be dispensed, the water then passes to the dispense point 14 (FIG. 1). Otherwise, the water is recirculated to the reservoir 162. The system therefore incorporates the stages of storing the water; optionally recirculating the water; and cooling the water as it is dispensed. In some embodiments, the recirculation system 170 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, an auxiliary pump 178 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 178 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 162. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 162 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 162 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, a pump may drive water from the reservoir to the dispense point.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate other embodiments of a recirculation system. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a heat exchanger 250 is positioned within a reservoir 262. Positioning the heat exchanger 250 in the reservoir provides a compact system and utilizes water in the reservoir 262 as a thermal mass/heat sink. In FIG. 4, an inlet line 266 receives fluid from a water supply and conveys the water into the heat exchanger 250 to cool the water. The water is then conveyed into the reservoir 262. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 262 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 262 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, a pump may drive water from the reservoir to the dispense point.

In addition, a recirculation system 270 includes an auxiliary circuit 274 and an auxiliary pump 278. The auxiliary pump 278 can be selectively activated to draw water from the reservoir 262 through the auxiliary circuit 274 and return the water to the heat exchanger 250, thereby accelerating cooling of the water stored in the reservoir 262. The system therefore incorporates the stages of cooling the water; storing the water; optionally recirculating the water; and dispensing the water. In some embodiments, the recirculation system 270 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 278 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 278 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 262.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, an inlet line 366 receives fluid from a water supply and conveys the water into a reservoir 362. As water is drawn from the reservoir 362, the water passes through the heat exchanger 350 and is cooled. If the water is to be dispensed, the water then passes to the dispense point 14 (FIG. 1). Otherwise, the water is recirculated to the reservoir 362 via an auxiliary pump 378. In some embodiments, a recirculation system 370 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. The system therefore incorporates the stages of storing the water; optionally recirculating the water; and cooling the water as it is dispensed. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 378 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 378 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 362. A valve (e.g., a check valve, solenoid valve, etc.-not shown) may be positioned downstream of the heat exchanger 350 and may be selectively actuated to control flow of water to the dispense point 14 or back to the reservoir 362.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 illustrate other embodiments of a recirculation system 570. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the reservoir 462 is integrated with a heat exchanger 450. For example, the heat exchanger 450 may be provided as one or more coiled tubes that extend along a surface of the reservoir 462 (e.g., wrapped around an outer surface of the reservoir 462-FIG. 6B). The heat exchanger 450 may be integrated into the structure of the reservoir 462 in another manner. Cold water stored in the reservoir 462 and/or the reservoir structure itself may provide a heat sink to reduce the average temperature of the water entering the reservoir 462 relative to the temperature of water being dispensed.

In FIG. 6A, an inlet line 466 receives fluid from a water supply and conveys the water into the reservoir 462 and heat exchanger 450. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 462 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 462 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, a pump may drive water from the reservoir to the dispense point.

In addition, a recirculation system 470 includes an auxiliary circuit 474 and an auxiliary pump 478. The auxiliary pump 478 can be selectively activated to draw water from the reservoir 462 through the auxiliary circuit 474 and return the water to the heat exchanger 450, thereby accelerating cooling of the water stored in the reservoir 462. In some embodiments, the recirculation system 470 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 478 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 478 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 462.

FIG. 6B shows a similar system in which the heat exchanger 450 is formed as a helical coil that is wrapped around an outer surface of the reservoir 462. As shown in FIG. 6B, an inlet line 466 receives water from the water supply and conveys the water into the heat exchanger 450 to cool the water. The water is then conveyed to the reservoir 462. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 462 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 462 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, a pump may drive water from the reservoir to the dispense point.

In addition, the auxiliary pump 478 can be selectively activated to draw water from the reservoir 462 through the auxiliary circuit 474 and return the water to the heat exchanger 450, thereby accelerating cooling of the water stored in the reservoir 462. A valve 482 (e.g., a check valve or a solenoid valve) may be positioned between the auxiliary pump 478 and the inlet line that conveys water to the heat exchanger 450. The system therefore incorporates the stages of cooling the water; storing the water; optionally recirculating the water; and dispensing the water.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, an inlet line 566 receives fluid from a water supply and conveys the water into a reservoir 562. A thermal gradient within the water stored in the reservoir 562 causes cool water at the top of the reservoir 562 to move toward the bottom of the reservoir 562, thereby accelerating cool down of the stored water. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is drawn from the reservoir 562 and passes to the dispense point 14 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a recirculation system 570 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate other embodiments of a recirculation system (e.g., as part of a distributed water dispensing system having a heat exchanger and multiple dispensing points). In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the reservoir 662 acts as a heat exchanger (e.g., the heat exchanger is integrated into the structure of the reservoir). However, it is understood that the embodiment could incorporate any one of the heat exchanger configurations of FIGS. 2-7. As shown in FIG. 8, an inlet line receives fluid from a water supply and conveys the water into the reservoir 662. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 662 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 662 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, a pump may drive fluid from the reservoir to the dispense point.

In addition, a recirculation system 670 includes an auxiliary circuit 674 and an auxiliary pump 678. The auxiliary pump 678 can be selectively activated to draw water from the reservoir 662 through the auxiliary circuit 674 and return the water to the reservoir 662, thereby accelerating cooling of the water stored in the reservoir 662.

The auxiliary circuit 674 may include one or more routings that circulate chilled potable water past multiple dispense points (e.g., dispense points associated with a water bubbler, bottle filler, etc.) The routings may substantially minimize non-refrigerated or lukewarm water contained in the pipes or tubes between the refrigeration system and the dispense points.

In some embodiments, the recirculation system 670 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 678 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator 26 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 678 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 662. One or more valves may be operable to control the flow of water to each of the dispense points or through the auxiliary circuit 674.

As shown in FIG. 9, an inlet line receives fluid from a water supply and conveys the water into a reservoir 762. In addition, a recirculation system 770 includes an auxiliary circuit 774 and an auxiliary pump 778. The auxiliary pump 778 can be selectively activated to draw water from the reservoir 762 through the auxiliary circuit 774 and return the water to the reservoir 762, thereby accelerating cooling of the water stored in the reservoir 762. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense points 14. In some embodiments, the reservoir 762 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 762 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In other embodiments, a pump may drive water from the reservoir to the dispense points. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 750 is downstream of the reservoir 762. As water is drawn from the reservoir 762, the water passes through the heat exchanger 750 and is cooled. If the water is to be dispensed, the water then passes to the dispensing points 14. Otherwise, the water is recirculated to the reservoir 762. In some embodiments, the recirculation system 770 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 778 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator 26 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 778 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 762. One or more valves may be operable to control the flow of water to each of the dispense points 14 or through the auxiliary circuit 774.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a recirculation system 870. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, a heat exchanger 850 is positioned downstream of a reservoir 862. Stated another way, an inlet line 866 receives water from a water supply and conveys the water through a primary filter 864 to a reservoir 862. As water is drawn from the reservoir 862, the water passes through the heat exchanger 850 and is cooled. If the water is to be dispensed, the water then passes to the dispense point 14 (FIG. 1). Otherwise, the water is recirculated to the reservoir 862. The recirculated water passes through a secondary filter 872 before passing back into the reservoir 862. The system therefore incorporates the stages of storing the water; optionally recirculating and further filtering the water; and cooling the water as it is dispensed.

In some embodiments, the recirculation system 870 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, an auxiliary pump 878 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 878 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 862. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 862 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 862 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, a pump may drive water from the reservoir to the dispense point. In some situations, the secondary filter may further remove any impurities that may accumulate in the water stored within the reservoir 862.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a recirculation system 970. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, a heat exchanger 950 is positioned downstream of a reservoir 962. An inlet line 966 receives water from a water supply and conveys the water directly to a reservoir 962. As water is drawn from the reservoir 962, the water passes through the heat exchanger 950 and is cooled. If the water is to be dispensed, the water then passes to the dispense point 14 (FIG. 1). Otherwise, the water is recirculated to the reservoir 962. The recirculated water passes through a filter 972 before passing back into the reservoir 962. The system therefore incorporates the stages of storing the water; optionally recirculating and filtering the water; and cooling the water as it is dispensed. Among other things, positioning the filter in the recirculation circuit may reduce the overall head loss/pressure drop in the system, thereby increasing the flow rate at the dispense point.

In some embodiments, the recirculation system 970 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, an auxiliary pump 978 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 978 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 962. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 962 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the water supply), and the pressure in the reservoir 962 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, the pump 978 may drive water from the reservoir to the dispense point.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a recirculation system 1070. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, a heat exchanger 1050 is positioned downstream of a reservoir 1062. An inlet line 1066 receives water from a water supply and conveys the water through an auxiliary pump 1078 and filter 1072 into the reservoir 1062. As water is drawn from the reservoir 1062, the water passes through the heat exchanger 1050 and is cooled. If the water is to be dispensed, the water then passes to the dispense point 14 (FIG. 1). Otherwise, the water is recirculated to the reservoir 1062 via the auxiliary pump 1078. The recirculated water passes through a filter 1072 before passing back into the reservoir 1062. The system therefore incorporates the stages of storing the water; optionally recirculating and filtering the water; and cooling the water as it is dispensed. Among other things, positioning the filter in the recirculation circuit may reduce the overall head loss/pressure drop in the system, thereby increasing the flow rate at the dispense point.

In some embodiments, the recirculation system 1070 can recirculate between 0.1 gallons per hour and 100 gallons per hour. In some embodiments, an auxiliary pump 1078 is selectively activated based on an elapsed time since the last activation of the actuator. In some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 1078 is selectively activated based on a sensed temperature of water stored in the reservoir 1062. When the actuator 26 (FIG. 1) is activated, water is driven to the water dispense point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 1062 is pressurized (e.g., by the pressure of the fluid received from the pump 1078), and the pressure in the reservoir 1062 causes water to be conveyed to the water dispense point 14 while the actuator 26 is activated. In some embodiments, the pump also drives water from the reservoir to the dispense point.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the recirculation system 1070 may conduct a routine purge of the water stored in the reservoir 1062. For example, the recirculation system 1070, after a pre-selected amount of time, may turn on the auxiliary pump 1078 in order to expel the water currently in the reservoir 1062. After expelling the water from the reservoir 1062, the recirculation system 1070 may then refill itself through utilization of the auxiliary pump 1078 and an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir 1062. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments, the auxiliary pump 1078 may be cycled on and off as part of a standard maintenance procedure. For example, switching the auxiliary pump 1078 between the on and off position may assist in determining if there are any diagnostic issues with the recirculation system 1070. Additionally, the cycling of the auxiliary pump 1078 between the active and not-active settings may be performed without any water in the system. In doing so, the auxiliary pump 1078 may by utilized to purge the recirculation system 1070 of any unwanted air that may be present.

The embodiment(s) described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present disclosure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. Features described and illustrated with respect to certain embodiments may also be implemented in other embodiments. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the disclosure may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. As such, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications to the elements and their configuration and/or arrangement exist within the spirit and scope of one or more independent aspects as described.