KNIFE PROCESSING SYSTEM

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/694,355, filed Sep. 13, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to processing systems, and in particular to knife processing systems.

BACKGROUND

Different tools and kitchen utensils are used for different purposes. For example, a knife is used to cut objects. Over time, tools and kitchen utensils become dull and do not satisfactory perform their functions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

FIG. 1 illustrates a knife processing system, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates components of a knife processing system, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate guide arms of knife guide structures of knife processing systems, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate views of knife guide assemblies of knife processing systems, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-W illustrate knife processing systems, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described herein are related to knife processing systems (e.g., knife sharpening and/or polishing system).

Different tools and kitchen utensils are used for different purposes. For example, a knife is used to cut objects. Over time, tools and kitchen utensils become dull and do not satisfactory perform their functions. A sharpener can be used to attempt to sharpen a tool or kitchen utensil, such as a knife.

Conventionally, knife sharpeners do not provide satisfactory results because they damage the blade edge of the knife and remove the finish on the knife. This can lead to a dull blade, causing a safety threat due to needing to apply more pressure to the knife to cut or slice materials.

Conventionally, knife sharpeners provide uneven sharpening by grinding the blade unevenly, leading to an inconsistent edge that affects performance.

Conventionally, knife sharpeners can remove too much metal from the blade of the knife, which reduces the knife's lifespan and weakens knife structure over time.

Conventionally, knife sharpeners do not accommodate multiple angles. Because different knives require different sharpening angles (e.g., Japanese knives have different angles from Western knives), using a knife sharpener that does not accommodate multiple angles may result in a poorly sharpened blade or damage to the knife.

Conventionally, electric knife sharpeners can generate heat that weakens or warps the blade if used too long, which compromises the performance and durability of both the knife and the knife sharpener.

Conventionally, manual knife sharpeners require skill and control to achieve a consistent result. Inexperienced users may struggle to maintain the correct angle and pressure, leading to a poorly sharpened knife or damage to the blade.

Conventionally, knife sharpeners are designed only for straight-edge knives and are unsuitable for curbed blades.

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide a knife processing system that overcomes shortcomings of conventional systems.

A knife processing system may include a motor, wheels, and one or more knife guide assemblies. The motor may be configured to rotate the wheels to process (e.g., sharpen, polish, etc.) a knife blade. The wheels may include a set of sharpening wheels and a set of polishing wheels. A first knife guide assembly may be associated with the set of sharpening wheels and a second knife guide assembly may be associated with the set of polishing wheels.

Each knife guide assembly may include a knife guide structure including a guide arm and a guide base. The guide arm forms an angled recess configured to receive a portion of a knife blade at one or more predetermined angles. In some embodiments, the guide arm is substantially perpendicular to the guide base. In some embodiments, the guide arm is secured to a substantially central portion of the guide base. In some embodiments, the guide base forms a plurality of threaded channels configured to receive threaded fasteners.

The knife guide assembly further includes a securing assembly including one or more metal plates and threaded fasteners configured to removably couple the knife guide structure to a support structure. In some embodiments, the one or more metal plates form one or more securing channels configured to receive at least one of the threaded fasteners.

The knife guide assembly further includes an adjusting rod rotatably coupled to the knife guide structure and configured to adjust a vertical position of the knife guide structure via rotation of the adjusting rod. In some embodiments, the adjusting rod is positioned substantially perpendicular to the plurality of threaded fasteners. In some embodiments, rotating the adjusting rod in a first direction moves the knife guide structure in a upward direction and rotating the adjusting rod in a second direction moves the knife guide structure in a downward direction.

In some embodiments, the guide arm of the first knife guide assembly is positioned between and extending above the set of sharpening wheels. In some embodiments, the angled recess of the first knife guide assembly is configured to create a convex edge on the knife blade via the set of sharpening wheels. In some embodiments, the guide arm of the second knife guide assembly is positioned between and extending above the set of polishing wheels. In some embodiments, the angled recess of the second knife guide assembly is configured to polish a knife via the set of polishing wheels. In some embodiments, the set of sharpening wheels are flap wheels. In some embodiments, the set of polishing wheels are fabric wheels.

In some embodiments, the knife processing system includes a housing that forms a vacuum interface configured to provide particles out of the housing.

In some embodiments, a knife processing system (e.g., knife sharpening system) includes a motor, wheels operatively coupled to the motor, a first knife guide structure, and a second knife guide structure. The wheels may include a set of sharpening wheels including a first sharpening wheel and a second sharpening wheel. The wheels may further include a set of polishing wheels including a first polishing wheel and a second polishing wheel. The first knife guide structure may be positioned between and extend above the set of sharpening wheels. The first knife guide structure may be configured to cause the set of sharpening wheels to create a convex edge (e.g., a strong edge that is curved, outwardly rounded, and/or gradually tapers from the spine to the edge to provide a strong, durable cutting surface with improved edge retention) on a knife blade responsive to the knife blade being placed within the first knife guide. The second knife guide structure may be positioned between and extend above the set of polishing wheels. The second knife guide structure may be configured to cause the set of polishing wheels to polish the knife responsive to the knife being placed within the second knife guide structure.

The knife processing system (e.g., knife sharpening system) of the present disclosure has advantages over conventional solutions. In some embodiments, the present disclosure may cause less damage to (e.g., not damage) the blade edge of the knife and/or cause less removal of (e.g., not remove) the finish on the knife than conventional systems. In some embodiments, the present disclosure may provide more even sharpening than conventional systems by grinding the blade substantially evenly (e.g., evenly) via the first and second knife guide structures. In some embodiments, the present disclosure may accommodate multiple angles of knife blades. In some embodiments, the present disclosure may generate less heat than conventional systems. This may cause less weakening and warping of (e.g., not weaken or warp) the blade than conventional systems. The present disclosure may perform sharpening and polishing the knife in less time than conventional systems. In some embodiments, the present disclosure may require less skill and control to achieve a consistent result compared to conventional systems. In some embodiments, the present disclosure may process (e.g., sharpen and/or polish) more types of knives (e.g., straight knives and curved-edge knives) compared to conventional systems.

Although some embodiments of the present disclosure describe a knife processing and/or a knife sharpening system used to process and/or sharpen knives, in some embodiments, the knife processing and/or knife sharpening system can be used to one or more of sharpen, polish, grind, hone, etc. knives and/or other components (e.g., metal components, tools, gardening tools, utensils, etc.).

FIGS. 1-2 illustrates knife processing systems 100, according to certain embodiments.

A knife processing system 100 may include a motor 104, wheels 150 (e.g., sharpening wheels 152, polishing wheels 154), and one or more knife guide assemblies 110.

In some embodiments, the motor 104 is an electric motor, a gas motor, a pneumatic motor, etc. The motor 104 is configured to rotate the wheels 150. In some embodiments, the motor 104 is configured to actuate the wheels 150 to rotate in a substantially clockwise direction.

The wheels 150 are operatively coupled to the motor 104. The wheels 150 may include a set of sharpening wheels 152 (e.g., two sharpening wheels, two substantially identical sharpening wheels, a pair of sharpening wheels) and a set of polishing wheels 154 (e.g., two polishing wheels, two substantially identical polishing wheels, a pair of polishing wheels).

The knife guide assemblies 110 may include a first knife guide assembly associated with the set of sharpening wheels and a second knife guide assembly associated with the set of polishing wheels.

A knife guide assembly 110 may include a knife guide structure 120, a securing assembly 130, and an adjusting rod 140.

The knife guide structure 120 may include a guide arm 122 (e.g., about ¼″ thick hardened steel) and a guide base 126 (e.g., about ¼″ thick metal plate). The guide arm 122 may form an angled recess 124 (e.g., triangle cutout, slot, etc.) configured to receive a portion of a knife blade at one or more predetermined angles (e.g., about 15-20 degrees). In some embodiments, the guide arm 122 is substantially perpendicular to the guide base 126. In some embodiments, the knife guide structure 120 includes threaded protrusions 128 that extend from the guide base 126 (e.g., welded to the guide base 126, pass through the guide base 126 and weld to the guide base 126) and are configured to pass through the one or more metal plates 136 to couple to the threaded fasteners 132. In some embodiments, the guide arm 122 is secured (e.g., welded, fastened) to a substantially central portion of a first side of the guide base 126. An adjusting rod securing portion 129 (e.g., long nut secured to the guide base 126, long nut secured to a metal plate that is secured to the guide base 126, a channel through one or more materials that are secured to the guide base 126) of the knife guide structure 120 may be secured to a respective substantially central portion of a second side of the guide base 126. The second side may be opposite the first side

In some embodiments, the guide arm 122 of the first knife guide assembly 110 is positioned between and extending above the set of sharpening wheels 152. In some embodiments, the angled recess 124 of the first knife guide assembly 110 is configured to create a convex edge on the knife blade via the set of sharpening wheels 152. In some embodiments, the set of sharpening wheels 152 are flap wheels.

In some embodiments, the guide arm 122 of the second knife guide assembly 110 is positioned between and extending above the set of polishing wheels 154. In some embodiments, the angled recess 124 of the second knife guide assembly 110 is configured to polish a knife via the set of polishing wheels 154 (e.g., subsequent to adding polishing compound to the polishing wheels 154 by rubbing the polishing compound on the polishing wheels 154 proximate the guide arm 122 while the polishing wheels are rotating). In some embodiments, the set of polishing wheels 154 are fabric wheels.

The securing assembly 130 is configured to removably couple the knife guide structure 120 to a support structure (e.g., housing). In some embodiments, the securing assembly 130 includes one or more metal plates 136 (e.g., about ¼″metal plate) and threaded fasteners 132. The threaded fasteners 132 are configured to removably couple the knife guide structure 120 to a support structure (e.g., housing). In some embodiments, the securing assembly 130 includes hollow protrusions 134 that extend from the one or more metal plates 136. Threaded protrusions 128 that extend from the guide base 126 are configured to pass through the hollow protrusions 134 to couple with the threaded fasteners 132.

The one or more metal plates 136 may be disposed on a first side of housing 160 (e.g., about ½″ thick aluminum) and the guide base 126 may be disposed on a second side of housing 160. The one or more metal plates 136 and the guide base 126 may secure the wheel cover 166 (e.g., responsive to the hollow protrusion 134 being placed over the threaded protrusion 128 and a threaded fastener 132 securing to the end of the threaded protrusion 128.

The adjusting rod 140 is rotatably coupled to the knife guide structure 120 and is configured to adjust a vertical position of the knife guide structure 120 via rotation of the adjusting rod 140. In some embodiments, the guide arm 122 extends from a first side of the guide base 126. The knife guide structure 120 includes an adjusting rod securing portion 129 that extends from a second side of the guide base 126 that is opposite the first side. The adjusting rod securing portion 129 forms a channel that is configured to receive the adjusting rod 140. In some embodiments, rotating the adjusting rod 140 in a first direction moves the knife guide structure 120 in a upward direction and rotating the adjusting rod 140 in a second direction moves the knife guide structure 120 in a downward direction.

In some embodiments, the knife processing system 100 further includes a housing 160 forming a vacuum interface configured to provide particles out of the housing. The wheels 150 may be partially enclosed within the housing 160. The knife guide assemblies 110 may be partially disposed in the housing 160.

The housing 160 may include a base 162, a motor cover 164, wheel covers 166, and front covers 168 (e.g., that forms securing channels 169). The motor cover 164 may be removably secured to the base 162 to enclose the motor 104. The wheel covers 166 may be removably secured to the base 162 to partially enclose the wheels 150 and a portion of the knife guide assembly 110. The front covers 168 may be removably secured to the wheel covers 166 (e.g., via the threaded fasteners 132) to partially enclose a portion of the knife guide assembly 110 (e.g., a portion of the adjusting rod 140, etc.).

In some embodiments, the knife processing system 100 of FIG. 1 is a knife sharpening system. The knife sharpening system may have a motor 104 operatively coupled to wheels 150. The wheels 150 may include a set of sharpening wheels 152 and a set of polishing wheels 154.

In some embodiments, the set of sharpening wheels 152 may have a first sharpening wheel 152 and a second sharpening wheel 152, which may be two wheels mounted to the right of the motor 104. In some embodiments, the sharpening wheels 152 may be flap wheels. A flap wheel is an abrasive tool made up of overlapping flaps of sandpaper or other abrasive materials arranged radially around a central hub, often used for grinding, finishing, and polishing surfaces. In some embodiments, each of the overlapping flaps may be a 240 grit zirconia (e.g., zirconium oxide) flap of sandpaper. The flap of sandpaper may be about 240 grit. In some embodiments, the flap of sandpaper may be about 200-300 grit. In some embodiments, the each of the overlapping flaps may be made of other ceramic materials (e.g., aluminum oxide (alumina), silicon carbide, silicon nitride, etc.) having a high hardness, wear resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and chemical environments.

In some embodiments, the two mounted sharpening wheels 152 may be separated to create a separation of about 0.25 - 1.25 inches. The first knife guide structure 120 may be positioned within the separation of the two sharpening wheels 152. In some embodiments, the first knife guide structure 120 may be substantially equidistant from an outer edge of each of the two mounted sharpening wheels 152 (e.g., in the middle of the two sharpening wheels 152).

In some embodiments, the first knife guide structure 120 may be adjusted (e.g., adjusted up or down) as needed. In some embodiments, a user may place a knife blade (e.g., the blade of a knife or other tool or utensil) in the first knife guide structure 120 and slide the knife blade through the first knife guide structure 120 one or more times. The knife may slide through the first knife guide structure 120 in this manner until a small burr (e.g., a small, rough edge or ridge of metal that forms on the opposite side of the knife blade being sharpened) appears. This may allow the knife blade to be held at a proper angle to achieve a convex edge while having the correct amount of pressure against the sharpening wheels 152. In some embodiments, the contact between the flap wheel and the knife blade may create a convex edge of the knife blade. The knife blade may then be flipped over and slid through the first knife guide structure 120 using the same method described above. In some embodiments, this process of sharpening the knife blade may result in a knife blade that is strong and sharp for about 10 days under typical use (e.g., the knife blade will not need to be sharpened again for about 10 days of consistent use). In some embodiments, the knife blade may be sharpened in about one minute.

In some embodiments, the set of polishing wheels 154 may have a first polishing wheel 154 and a second polishing wheel 154, which may be two mounted wheels on the left of the motor 104. In some embodiments, the polishing wheels 154 may be fabric wheels (e.g., a soft, fabric-based wheel made of layered cotton discs used for budding and polishing surfaces to achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish on metals, plastics, and other materials). In some embodiments, the polishing wheels 154 may be made of other similar fabrics, such as felt, leather, sisal, flannel, canvas, and the like. The two mounted polishing wheels 154 may be separated to create a separation of about 0.5 inches. The second knife guide structure 120 may be positioned within the separation of the two polishing wheels 154 (e.g., in the middle).

In some embodiments, the second knife guide structure 120 may be substantially similar to the first knife guide structure 120. The second knife guide structure 120 may be adjusted (e.g., adjusted up or down) as needed. In some embodiments, a user may place the knife blade in the second knife guide structure 120 and slide the knife through the second knife guide structure 120 one or more times. This may allow the knife blade to be held at a proper angle to achieve a convex edge while having the correct amount of pressure against the polishing wheel 154. This may be done after the knife blade has been sharpened on the set of sharpening wheels 152 using the first knife guide structure 120. This may also be done without first sharpening the knife blade.

In some embodiments, the knife processing system 100 (e.g., knife sharpening system) may include a housing 160 to enclose the motor 104 and part of the wheels 150.

Although some embodiments of the present disclosure describe a knife processing system 100 that may include particular components in particular arrangements and particular quantities, in some embodiments, a knife processing system 100 of the present disclosure could include less components, more components, different arrangements, and/or different quantities than those shown in the embodiments herein. For example, a knife processing system 100 may include sharpening wheels 152 and polishing wheels 154, just sharpening wheels 152, just polishing wheels 154, a single sharpening wheel 152, a single polishing wheel 154, a single sharpening wheel 152 and a single polishing wheel 154, a single sharpening wheel 152 and multiple polishing wheels 154, multiple sharpening wheels 152 and a single polishing wheel 154, etc. The housing 160 may include more or less components (e.g., covers, bases) than those shown herein. A knife guide structure 120 may be disposed between two wheels 150, a knife guide structure 120 may be disposed on the side of a single wheel 150, a knife guide structure 120 may be disposed on the side of multiple wheels 150, multiple knife guide structures 120 may be disposed around and/or between one or more wheels 150, etc. Each set of wheels 150 may have four threaded fasteners 132, more than four threaded fasteners 132, less than four threaded fasteners 132, etc. The threaded protrusions 128 may thread into the threaded fasteners 132 (e.g., outer threads of the threaded protrusions 128 couple with inner threads of the threaded fasteners 132), the threaded fasteners 132 may thread into the threaded protrusions 128 (e.g., inner threads of the threaded protrusions 128 couple with outer threads of the threaded fasteners 132), the threaded fasteners 132 and the threaded protrusions 128 may couple to each other in a non-threading manner, etc.

One or more features of one or more of FIGS. 1-5W may be combined. For example the vacuum interface of FIG. 5W may be included in any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5V.

FIG. 2 illustrates components of a knife processing system 100, according to certain embodiments. The knife processing system 100 includes a motor 104 disposed in housing 160. In some embodiments, the motor 104 is coupled to the wheels 150 via axles (e.g., the motor 104 is rotationally coupled to the sharpening wheels 152 via a first axle 105 and the motor 104 is rotationally coupled to the polishing wheels via a second axle 105, the motor 104 is rotationally coupled to the sharpening wheels 152 and the polishing wheels via the same axle 105). In some embodiments, the motor 104 rotates the sharpening wheels 152 and the polishing wheels simultaneously. In some embodiments, the motor 104 can selectively rotate the sharpening wheels 152 or the polishing wheels 154 (e.g., responsive to use input via a user interface 170). In some embodiments, a first motor rotates the sharpening wheels 152 and a second motor rotates the polishing wheels 154.

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate guide arms 122 of knife guide structures 120 of knife processing systems 100, according to certain embodiments. The knife guide structures 120 illustrate a portion of the guide arm 122 and do not show the guide base 126 or the portion of the knife guide structure 120 that couples with the adjusting rod 140.

The guide arm 122 (e.g., of the knife guide structure 120) may be a guide for a knife blade. The guide arm 122 may be adjusted vertically (e.g., up or down) between the sets of wheels 150. In some embodiments, the wheels 150 may spin away from the guide arm 122 (e.g., knife guide structure 120). The guide arm 122 may be a piece of metal that extends between the two wheels 150 of each set of wheels 150. The guide arm 122 may be substantially rectangular, with a hooked end. The hooked end may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and second portion meeting at a point to form a triangular space (e.g., angled recess 124) where the knife blade may be placed. The angled recess 124 (e.g., triangular space) may be below the top of the sets of wheels 150, such that the angled recess 124 is partially between the two wheels 150 of the sets of wheels 150 to cause the knife blade to be processed (e.g., sharpened, polished).

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate knife guide assemblies 110 of knife sharpening systems (e.g., knife guide systems 110 of one or more of FIGS. 1-2), according to certain embodiments. FIGS. 4A-B illustrate cross-sectional side views of a knife guide assembly 110. FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section taken through the threaded fasteners 132 that are in front of the adjusting rod 140. FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section taken through the adjusting rod 140. FIG. 4C illustrates a rear perspective view of a knife guide assembly 110.

In some embodiments, the knife guide assembly 110 includes a knife guide structure 120 and a securing assembly 130.

The knife guide structure 120 may include a guide arm 122 (forming an angled recess 124), guide base 126, threaded protrusions 128, and an adjusting rod securing portion 129.

The securing assembly 130 may include one or more metal plates 136, hollow protrusions 134, and threaded fasteners 132. In some embodiments, the securing assembly 130 further includes washers 138 configured to be disposed between the threaded fasteners 132 and the hollow protrusions 134.

FIGS. 5A-W illustrate a knife processing system 100, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-G illustrate use of the knife processing system 100. FIGS. 5H-U illustrate the operations to replace one or more of the wheels 150. The wheels 150 may be replaced about every four years (e.g., under normal use, threshold use, etc.). FIGS. 5V-W illustrate use of a particle collecting vacuum system in the knife processing system 100.

One or more of the operations illustrated in FIGS. 5A-W may not be used and/or one or more additional operations not shown in FIGS. 5A-W may be used.

FIG. 5A illustrates loosening the threaded fasteners 132 (knobs) to move the knife guide structure 120 up and down. In some embodiments, slightly loosening the four front knobs (of the threaded fasteners 132) and then adjusting the top knob (of the adjusting rod 140) to move the knife guide structure 120 up or down.

FIG. 5B illustrates the knife guide structure 120 moving very slowly (by rotating the adjusting rod 140) for precise adjustment. The knife guide structure 120 is moving through wheels 150 (e.g., flapper wheels).

FIG. 5C illustrates the knife guide structure 120 moving vertically. After moving the knife guide structure 120 vertically, the threaded fasteners 132 are tightened.

FIG. 5D illustrates to sharpen the knife blade, the motor 104 is turned on to rotate the wheels 150 and the knife blade is moved (e.g., slides) equally on each side until a bur appears (e.g., the knife blade is sharpened).

FIG. 5E illustrates the result of sharpening the knife blade may be a convex beveled edge.

FIG. 5F illustrates when the burr appears, the sharpening may be completed.

FIG. 5G illustrates to polish the knife blade, a polishing compound may be applied to the polishing wheels 154. Then multiple passes (e.g., about 20 passes, about 10-30 passes, about 5-35 passes) may be performed on each side of the knife blade (e.g., passing the knife blade over the polishing wheels 154).

FIG. 5H illustrates removing the threaded fasteners 132 (e.g., by rotating the threaded fasteners 132 until they are removed). Once the threaded fasteners 132 (and washers 138) are removed, the front cover 168 is removed from the base 162 and wheel cover 166.

FIG. 5I illustrates removing the front bolts (e.g., via a socket wrench) that are securing the wheel cover 166 to the base 162.

FIG. 5J illustrates removing the rear bolts (e.g., via a socket wrench) that are securing the wheel cover 166 to the base 162.

FIG. 5K illustrates lifting the wheel cover 166 from the base 162.

FIG. 5L illustrates the wheel cover 166 off of the base 162 which exposes the wheels 150.

FIG. 5M illustrates removing fasteners (e.g., knobs) from the motor cover 164 (e.g., main body cover).

FIG. 5N illustrates removing a portion of the motor cover 164 (a panel of the motor cover 164).

FIG. 5O illustrates the motor 104 and axle 105 (rod coupled to the wheels 150 from which the wheel cover 166 was removed) are partially exposed.

FIG. 5P illustrates securing the axle 105.

FIG. 5Q illustrates removing the external wheel bolt and washer while holding the axle 105 steady (as shown in FIG. 5P) so that the wheels 150 do not spin.

FIG. 5R illustrates removing a wheel 150 from the axle 105.

FIG. 5S illustrates removing the first washer disk, the spacer ring, and a second washer disk.

FIG. 5T illustrates removing the second wheel 150 and then new wheels plus the other components that were removed are reinstalled.

FIG. 5U illustrates putting the wheel cover 166 over the new wheels 150.

FIG. 5V illustrates simulating particles proximate the wheels 150 (using smoke to simulate particles from the knife blade, particles from the wheel, dust, etc.) to use the particle collecting vacuum system.

FIG. 5W illustrates a vacuum interface located at the back of the knife processing system 100 (e.g., extending from the housing 160, extending from base 162). In some embodiments, a vacuum may be connected to the vacuum interface to remove particles from the knife processing system 100. In some embodiments, a vacuum may be integral to the knife processing system 100 and may provide particles out of the knife processing system 100 via the vacuum interface. In some embodiments, the vacuum interface has about a 2-inch inside diameter or outside diameter to connect to an external component (e.g., a tube, a vacuum, etc.).

In some embodiments, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and do not have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the present disclosure has been described with references to specific illustrative examples and implementations, it will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and implementations described. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” “disposed on,” and “on” as used herein refer to a relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers.

The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example’ or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or. ” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and can not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation. When the term “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ±2%, ±5%, ±7%, ±10%, ±12%, ±15%, ±17%, ±20%, ±20% or ±25%.

Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.