TOP ACTUATED TOUCHLESS FAUCET

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Indian Patent Application No. 202411072681, filed Sep. 26, 2024, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of faucets. More particularly, this application relates to faucets (e.g., kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, etc.) having a sensor assembly to provide touchless adjustment (e.g., temperature, water flow, etc.).

SUMMARY

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a top assembly for a faucet. The top assembly includes a sensor mounted to the top assembly and configured to produce a signal in response to sensing a movement from a user, a knob surrounding the sensor wherein rotation of the knob controls a temperature of a flow of fluid discharged from an outlet of the faucet, and a control system that controls the flow of fluid to the outlet in response to the signal from the sensor.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to faucet assembly. The faucet assembly includes a base assembly, a spout coupled to the base assembly, the spout having an outlet for providing a flow of fluid beneath the outlet, a top assembly coupled to a top surface of the base assembly, and a control system that controls the flow of fluid to the outlet in response to the signal from the sensor. The top assembly includes a sensor mounted to the top assembly and configured to produce a signal in response to sensing a movement from a user and a knob surrounding the sensor wherein rotation of the knob controls a temperature of the flow of fluid discharged from the outlet.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to top assembly for a faucet. The top assembly includes a sensor assembly, a knob surrounding the sensor wherein rotation of the knob controls a temperature of a flow of fluid discharged from an outlet of the faucet, and a control system. The sensor assembly includes a sensor mounted to the top assembly and configured to produce a signal in response to sensing a movement from a user and a sensor holder configured to support the sensor within the top assembly. The control system is configured to provide a flow of fluid to the outlet based at least on a first signal from the sensor in response to a first movement from a user and stop the flow of fluid to the outlet based at least on a second signal from the sensor in response to a second movement from the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a touchless faucet, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a first cross-sectional side view of the touchless faucet of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a second cross-sectional side view of the touchless faucet of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a top assembly of the touchless faucet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a rear view of a top assembly of the touchless faucet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of part of the touchless faucet of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is perspective view of part of the touchless faucet of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a handle assembly of the touchless faucet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of part of the handle assembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a bottom view of part of the handle assembly of FIG. 5A

FIG. 6 is a third cross-sectional side view of the touchless faucet of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, sensors of faucets allow a user to control a flow of fluid flowing through a spout of the faucet. Traditional systems often include the sensor positioned below the spout or at the sides of the faucet to activate the flow of the fluid from the spout. Such sensor positioning can obstruct the sensor, such as due to dirt, debris, or other obstructions, and may cause obstructions in the flow of water from the spout. Further, the sensor may have difficulty detecting gestures by the user due to the debris and other obstructions around the sensor area, and may result in faulty judgments regarding a release of fluid from the spout. In addition, the sensor may be obstructed due to steam emanating from hot water being discharged from the spout, and may result in the sensor developing inherent functional issues. Accordingly, a faucet which does not develop any inherent functional issues arising due to the placement of the sensor may be desired.

Generally, user-operable controllers, such as knobs, of faucets allow a user to control a temperature of fluid or various other aspects of fluid flowing through the spout of the faucet. Traditional systems often include separate knobs to control the flow of hot water and cold water respectively. The knobs are often positioned at the sides of the faucet and have to be rotated multiple times in order to obtain a desired temperature of fluid. Such positioning of the knobs relative to the faucet results in a bulky design and provides no automatic control of water flow.

Traditional systems often lack a faucet having both a touchless actuation mechanism and a user-controlled temperature adjustment mechanism. Accordingly, a touchless faucet which offers easy and direct temperature adjustment by a user along with a user-friendly activation sensor positioned at or near the top of the faucet may be desired.

Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein is a touchless, sensor-actuated faucet assembly including a base, a spout, a top assembly, and a control system.

The top assembly consists of at least one sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor, etc.) to actuate a supply of water to be dispensed from the faucet based at least on an input signal from a user. In some embodiments, the sensor is located at or near a top of the faucet assembly. The sensor provides a signal to the control system responsive to receiving the input signal from the user. In some cases, the input signal from the user is in the form of hand gestures, i.e., a ‘wave on’ gesture to start dispensing a flow of water from the spout and a ‘wave off’ gesture to stop dispensing the flow of water from the spout.

The top assembly includes a knob (e.g., a user-operable controller, a dial, a switch, etc.) to control a feature (e.g., a temperature, a flow rate, etc.) of the flow of fluid discharged from the spout. While water is being dispensed from the spout, the user may manually select or adjust the temperature of the water by rotating the knob. The knob enables an output of temperature-controlled water by the user. In some cases, the user may not adjust the temperature of the water, and in such case, the output flow is provided from the spout until a gesture is received by the sensor or a preset amount of time elapses, whichever is earlier. In some embodiments, the faucet assembly may include a plurality of indicators (e.g., markings) located at or near the top of the faucet assembly to indicate a water temperature (e.g., a temperature range, a current temperature of the water being outputted, etc.).

The control system, in response to the user's water temperature selection, causes a valve (e.g., a water mixing valve) to generate a mixture of the hot and cold water. The mixture of the hot and cold water subsequently is dispensed through the spout. In some embodiments, the valve may be a rotary cartridge. The rotary cartridge is configured to provide a mixture of hot and cold water based at least on a position of the knob. The rotary cartridge controls the flow of hot water from a hot water supply and the flow of cold water from a cold-water supply to be delivered to the spout. In some embodiments, the control system is responsive to all inputs obtained from the faucet assembly including, but not limited to, the input signals from the user (e.g., the wave on/wave off gestures), temperature control based on the position of the knob, etc.

The rotary cartridge of the faucet assembly is operatively coupled to the knob of the top assembly. The knob enables user adjustment of the temperature of the flow of water dispensed from the spout. By way of example, the knob is rotatable (e.g., at a range of 0-90 degrees), and rotary movement of the knob causes rotary movement of the rotary cartridge to provide the user with a selected temperature of water (e.g., a mix of hot water and cold water) to be dispensed from the spout. In the absence of any specific selection by the user, the rotary cartridge supplies water for a specific (e.g., designated, predetermined, etc.) period of time.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a faucet 100 (e.g., a faucet assembly, a touchless faucet, etc.), according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The faucet 100 includes a top assembly 101, a base assembly (e.g., a base, a handle assembly, etc.), shown as base assembly 102, and a spout 103. An outlet 104 (shown in FIG. 2) is disposed in the spout 103 to dispense/emit water from the faucet 100.

In some embodiments, the top assembly 101, the base assembly 102, and/or the spout 103 may be integrally formed, such as to constitute a single unit. In other embodiments, the top assembly 101 may be mounted atop the base assembly 102 by a fastening means. By way of example, a snap fit arrangement is used for fastening the top assembly 101 and the base assembly 102. By way of another example, the fastening means may be a nut and screw arrangement or any other suitable means for fastening.

As shown in FIG. 6, the faucet 100 is configured to be fastened to a basin (e.g., a water distribution or holding means), shown as basin 111. Responsive to water being emitted from the faucet 100, the water can be transferred elsewhere via a basin outlet 112.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3B, the faucet 100 includes the top assembly 101. The top assembly 101 includes a sensor assembly and a user-operable knob (e.g., a controller, a dial, a switch, etc.), shown as knob 109. The sensor assembly includes a sensor 105 (e.g., an infrared-light (IR) sensor, a proximity sensor, etc.), a sensor holder 108 and a cover arrangement.

In some embodiments, the sensor 105 is positioned at or near a top portion of the faucet 100, such as at the top assembly 101. In contrast to some traditional designs, the position of the sensor 105 offers better adaptability and reception of sensor signals. In some cases, the sensor 105 is visible to the user which provides the user with a better understanding of the faucet 100 and facilitates ease of use of the faucet 100.

In some embodiments, the sensor 105 primarily functions to dispense fluid (e.g., water, etc.) from the faucet 100 based on hand movements and/or gestures of a user. In some implementations, the sensor 105 can use infrared-light (IR) technology to detect the user's hand movements and/or gestures (e.g., is IR based). In other implementations, the sensor 105 may use radar technology, cameras, or any other suitable means for detecting hand movements and/or gestures. In some implementations, additionally or alternatively, the sensor assembly may include an IR component 120 (shown in FIG. 3B) to facilitate detecting the user's hand movements and/or gestures using IR technology. The IR component 120 may be positioned proximate to or near the sensor 105 to integrate the IR component 120 with the sensor 105 and/or with the sensor assembly. The IR component 120 may improve an accuracy, precision, and/or reliability of the sensor 105 and/or the sensor assembly, such as regarding detecting the user's hand movements and/or gestures.

By way of example, the sensor 105 (e.g., the sensor assembly) can have an actuation distance of 5 cm (e.g., about 5 cm, etc.). The actuation methodology adopted for the present invention is a wave on and wave off mechanism, wherein the faucet 100 is actuated by a hand wave and/or gesture of the user. In some implementations, the faucet 100 automatically releases water for a preset amount of time (e.g., about 2 minutes) after being actuated.

The faucet 100 can include a solenoid valve 119. The solenoid valve 119 can have an opening delay (e.g., about 0.5 s, etc.) and a closing delay (e.g., about 1.5 s, etc.). The solenoid valve 119 may receive one or more signals to start/stop water flow to the spout 103 based on the user's hand wave (e.g., gestures, the wave on and wave off mechanism, etc.).

In some embodiments, the sensor 105 is mounted on a sensor holder 108. The sensor holder 108 serves to hold (e.g., support, etc.) the sensor 105 and stabilizes the sensor 105 (e.g., keeps the sensor 105 stationary) in relation to movement of the faucet 100. In some implementations, the sensor holder 108 is made of ABS Plastic. In other implementations, the sensor holder 108 may be made of another suitable material for supporting the sensor 105.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a cover arrangement (e.g., a cover, a cover assembly, etc.). The cover arrangement functions to encase the sensor 105. In some implementations, the cover is an arrangement of double layer of plastic (PC) positioned to cover the sensor 105. This arrangement of plastic cover enables transmission of IR rays and maximises the detection capacity of the sensor 105, while also eliminating false actuation, such as due to the user reaching for objects placed in the proximity of the faucet 100.

In some embodiments, the cover arrangement is a dual cover arrangement, positioned over the sensor 105. The dual cover arrangement includes a first cover 106 (e.g., a lower cover) and a second cover 107 (e.g., an upper cover) (FIG. 3B). In some implementations, the first cover 106 directly covers the sensor 105. The second cover covers the first cover 106. By way of example, a first surface of the second cover 107 abuts the first cover and a second surface of the second cover 107, opposite the first surface, is externally facing

In a manner of construction, the sensor holder 108 fits with (e.g., engages, abuts, etc.) the upper cover 107, such as to cover the sensor holder 108 and/or to provide a stationary positioning of the cover arrangement. By way of example, the cover arrangement may be securedly coupled with the sensor holder 108. In some embodiments, the cover arrangement, i.e., the first cover 106, is positioned at specific distance (e.g., 1 mm) from the sensor 105.

In order to optimise the material for the plastic cover arrangement, several iterations and testing was performed on the material type, thickness, and distance (from the sensor 105) to maximize the transmission of IR from the second cover 107 to have optimum sensor activation range for the faucet 100. For example, a material of the second cover 107 is specifically designed as described herein, as the user will have an optimum activation distance range (e.g., of approximately 4-6 cm) of the sensor 105 even with the double layer of plastic (PC) over the sensor 105. The configuration of the second cover 107 is of considerable significance to provide the optimum sensor activation range and avoid faulty actuation of the faucet 100.

In some embodiments, the first cover 106 and the second cover 107 may be fabricated from plastics such as Polycarbonate (PC) and Polyetherimide (PEI). In some embodiments, the second cover 107 and the first cover 106 are fabricated from different materials.

In some embodiments, the second cover 107 is fabricated of Polycarbonate (PC Black), with a thickness of 1.5 mm (e.g., about 1.5 mm) and an IR transmission of 80%. In some embodiments, the first cover 106 is fabricated of PEI with a thickness of 1.5 mm (e.g., about 1.5 mm). It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first cover 106 and/or the second cover 107 may be made out of different materials and/or have different thicknesses.

The second cover 107 may provide an aesthetical value to the faucet 100 by enclosing the electronic circuitry (e.g., the control system) of the faucet 100. In some embodiments, the second cover 107 is made of PC with a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film having a thickness of 1.5 mm (e.g., about 1.5 mm). In some embodiments, the upper cover 107 is positioned at a distance of 1 mm to 1.4 mm from the first cover 106. In an assembled state, the top assembly 101 has an IR transmission of 50% (e.g., about 50%).

In some embodiments, the second cover 107 includes markings to indicate a status, mode, function, etc. of the faucet 100. Specifically, the second, externally-facing surface of the second cover 107 may include the markings, such that the markings are visible to the user. By way of example, the markings may be or include temperature markings indicating a hot and/or cold-water supply, made with in-mould decoration technology. In other embodiments, the second cover 107 may include a display for displaying a status, mode, function, etc. of the faucet 100 with suitable modifications in the electronic circuitry of the top assembly 101. For example, the display of the second cover 107 may display a temperature of the water supply, an activation status of the faucet 100 (on/off), etc.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3B, and 4A-4C, the faucet 100 includes a user-operable controller (e.g., a dial, a knob, an engagement feature, etc.), shown as knob 109. The sensor assembly is encapsulated (e.g., encased, covered, etc.) by the knob 109. In some embodiments, the knob 109 is a rotary knob, which has a range of rotary motion (e.g., 0-90 degrees).

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly is coupled with (e.g., fixed to) the sensor holder 108. The cover arrangement may also be attachedly coupled to the sensor holder 108. In some implementations, the sensor cover arrangement and the knob 109 are placed within a preset distance (e.g., 0.9 mm).

The rotary knob 109 may be attachedly coupled (e.g., operatively coupled) to a rotatory cartridge (e.g., a valve), shown as rotary cartridge 110, to facilitate user control of a temperature of the water supply via rotary motion of the knob 109. The knob 109 is coupled to the rotary cartridge 110 such that when the knob 109 is rotated, the rotary cartridge 110 rotates. When the rotary cartridge 110 rotates, an internal mechanism of the faucet 100 is adjusted to control the temperature of the water supply delivered through the faucet 100. Advantageously, a user may achieve a desired temperature of the water supply by rotating (e.g., moving, etc.) the knob 109. By way of example, the user may rotate the knob 109 between 0 and 90 degrees, where 0 degrees corresponds to supply of only cold water and 90 degrees corresponds to a supply of only hot water. The illustrated knob 109 does not have stops and is rotatable indefinitely between 0 and 90 degrees, but limited rotation movement may also be utilized. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the knob 109 may include an alternative mechanism than a rotatory mechanism to control the temperature of the water supply (e.g., a button mechanism, a switch mechanism, etc.)

The knob 109 facilitates the rotary movement of the rotary cartridge 110. In some embodiments, the faucet 100 may include visual indicators (e.g., markings, notches, lines, etc.) positioned at a top of the faucet 100 (e.g., on the second cover 107, etc.). The knob 109 may be adjusted according to markings at the top of the faucet 100. By way of example, each marking can be associated with a specific temperature of the water supply by corresponding to a specific rotational position of the rotary cartridge 110. The markings may assist the user with adjusting the knob 109 to achieve a desired water temperature. As shown in FIG. 4B, the knob 109 includes a base 1091 positioned at a bottom end of the knob 109. The base 1091 includes a plurality of serrations (e.g., projections, notches, etc.) disposed around the base 1091. The serrations of the base 1091 can prevent any interruption to the sensor circuitry due to movement of the knob 109.

The present invention includes a haptic feedback mechanism through the rotation of the knob 109 to seamlessly achieve water distribution. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the faucet 100 includes a washer 1092 positioned at the bottom of the knob 109. The washer 1092 has serrations, corresponding to haptic feedback elements (e.g., serrations, etc.) on the knob 109. The serrations of the washer 1092 and the knob 109 provide haptic feedback to the user, such as through vibrations or notches, as the user rotates the knob 109.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, the rotary cartridge 110 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The rotary cartridge 110 functions as a temperature mixing valve of the touchless faucet 100. Specifically, the rotary cartridge 110 manually rotates (e.g., such as at a range of 0-90 degrees) to control a hot and cold-water supply of the faucet 100. Further, the rotary cartridge 110 provides an input to the solenoid valve 119 to deliver hot and cold water to the spout 103, upon actuation of the sensor 105.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the rotary cartridge 110 is a temperature mixing valve and constitutes a water control assembly. The rotary cartridge 110 performs mixing of hot water and cold water received from a hot-water inlet port 110A and a cold-water inlet port 110B. The mixed hot and cold water is outputted to the spout 103 via an outlet port 110C.

Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the touchless faucet 100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the faucet 100 includes the top assembly 101, the base assembly 102, the spout 103, and the outlet 104. The faucet 100 is affixed (e.g., operatively coupled) to a basin 111. The basin 111 has an outlet, shown as basin outlet 112, to discard water.

The rotary cartridge 110 of the base assembly 102 is connected (e.g., operatively coupled) to a hot water inlet 117 and a cold-water inlet 118. The inlets 117, 118 supply water to the cartridge 110 through the ports 110A, 110B respectively.

A hose (e.g., a conduit, etc.), shown as hose 113, coupled to the inlets 117, 118 is connected to an IN port of a control box 115. The hose 113 enables connection of a water supply to the cartridge 110. Similarly, a second hose (e.g., a conduit), shown as output hose 114, coupled to an aerator is connected to an OUT port of the control box 115. The output hose 114 supplies mixed temperature water to the basin 111. In some embodiments, the control box 115 is a sensor-operated, automatic solenoid valve. The faucet 100 may include or be electrically coupled to a battery 116 to provide electrical power to an electronic circuit (e.g., the control system).

The control system may be or include the control box 115. The control box 115 is configured to control the input and output functions (e.g., operations, etc.) of the faucet 100 based at least on the sensor actuation. This includes, but is not limited to, control of an inflow and outflow of hot and/or cold water, control of the mixing of water in the rotary cartridge 110 based at least on the temperature selection (e.g., by the user), water flow control, and water temperature control.

In some embodiments, the faucet 100 operates using a wave on/wave off mechanism (e.g., mode, etc.) according to the user's hand gestures (e.g., movements, etc.). In a method of implementation, when a user approaches the faucet 100 and is within an activation distance range (e.g., about 5 cm), the sensor 105 is sensitive to the hand gestures of the user. To activate the faucet 100, the user performs a first signal (e.g., gesture, wave, action, etc.) at or near the top of the faucet 100. The first signal initiates water flow from the outlet 104 of the spout 103. The water flow is activated with a solenoid opening delay (e.g., about 0.5 seconds). When the user desires to stop the flow of water from the outlet 104, the user performs a second signal (e.g., gesture, wave, action, etc.) at or near the top of the faucet 100. The second signals causes the water flow from the outlet 104 to stop. The water flow is stopped with a solenoid closing delay (e.g., about 1.5 seconds). This method of implementation describes a first state of use wherein the user performs the first signal and the second signal to start and stop the flow of water. In some implementations of this mechanism, the faucet 100 dispenses cold water or water at room temperature.

In other implementations, the user may operate the faucet 100 with a first signal (e.g., a wave on gesture, etc.) to begin water dispensation. While water is being dispensed from the outlet 104, the user may optionally engage (e.g., rotate) the knob 109 located at the top of the faucet 100 to adjust the temperature of the water. The water temperature is adjusted according to the user selection and dispensed from the spout 103. To end the flow of water from the spout, the user may provide a second signal (e.g., a wave off gesture, etc.).

In other implementations, the user may operate the faucet 100 with a first signal (e.g., a wave on gesture, etc.) to begin water dispensation. Thereafter, the user may opt for a room temperature water or optionally adjust the temperature. In some cases, the user may forget or fail to perform the second gesture to stop the flow of water from the spout 103. In such an event, the control system automatically stops dispensing the water based on a lack of receiving the second signal from the user within a preset amount of time (e.g., 2 minutes). After the present amount of time has passed responsive to the user providing the first signal, the control box 115 may signal the rotary cartridge 110 to stop providing water to the system.

Although, particular embodiments have been disclosed herein in detail, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended in any way to limit the intended scope of the invention. Variations and adaptions of the system as described herein do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention and is within the expertise of a person skilled in the art.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the shower assembly and/or cleaning mechanism as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.