Cross Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/392313, filed on July 26, 2022, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to fluid film seals, and more specifically to hydrostatically-balanced fluid film seals and apparatuses incorporating such seals.

Background

[0003] Sealing mechanisms and the materials used in such sealing mechanisms depend greatly upon the intended application of the seal. For example, a conventional viscometer used to measure the rheology of a mixture might comprise a vessel containing the mixture, a rotating disc on a shaft placed into the vessel chamber, and a mechanism that seals the vessel around the shaft. Traditionally, a shaft seal might use an elastomer lip (or several), which are energized by a series of springs. However, such conventional sealing mechanisms can lead to significant amounts of friction (e.g., due to the shaft seal, the viscosity of the mixture, etc.), especially when the mixture must be subjected to elevated pressures (i.e., pressures above atmospheric pressure). As a result of the friction torques generated by conventional sealing mechanisms in conventional viscometers, the rheology characteristics of the mixture cannot be accurately measured, especially when the mixture must be subjected to higher pressures.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hydrostatically-balanced seal assembly for use with a first fluid is provided. The hydrostatically-balanced seal assembly comprises: a sealing body comprising a first port configured to receive the first fluid and an annular passage extending through the sealing body, wherein the annular passage comprises an interior surface and is configured to receive a portion of a rotatable shaft such that a contactless gap is formed between the interior surface of the annular passage and an exterior surface of the rotatable shaft; and a fluid flow pathway through the sealing body enabling communication of the first fluid between the first port and at least the contactless gap formed between the interior surface of the annular passage and the exterior surface of the rotatable shaft.

[0005] In an aspect, the annular passage has a bore diameter of from about 10 mm to about 200 mm.

[0006] In an aspect, the rotatable shaft has a shaft diameter of from about 5 mm to about 200 mm.

[0007] In an aspect, the annular passage has a passage length of from about 9.5 mm to about 380 mm.

[0008] In an aspect, the first fluid received at the first port is pressurizable by a pressure generating device to at least a first pressure, the first pressure being from about 15 psi to about 10,000 psi.

[0009] In an aspect, the pressure generating device is configured to equalize the first pressure of the first fluid received at the first port with a second pressure of a working mixture within an associated vessel.

[0010] In an aspect, the working mixture within the associated vessel is pressurizable by the pressure generating device to at least the second pressure, the second pressure being from about 15 psi to about 10,000 psi.

[0011] In an aspect, the contactless gap has a gap thickness of from about 5 pm to about 300 pm.

[0012] In an aspect, the sealing body further comprises a plenum surface defining a first open volume within the sealing body, the first open volume being configured to receive an amount of the first fluid via the fluid flow pathway.

[0013] In an aspect, the first open volume is adjacent to a surface of the associated vessel.

[0014] In an aspect, the first fluid within the contactless gap has a first pressure at a first end of the annular passage and a second pressure at a second end of the annular passage such that the first pressure of the first fluid is equal to a pressure of a working mixture within an associated vessel and the second pressure of the first fluid is about atmospheric pressure.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a high-pressure viscometer for use with a first fluid is provided. The high-pressure viscometer comprises: a disc shaft; a rotatable disc operatively connected to the disc shaft; a batch vessel comprising a measuring chamber and a first annular passage extending through a sidewall of the vessel, the measuring chamber being configured to contain a working mixture and the first annular passage being configured to receive a first portion of the disc shaft such that a first contactless gap is formed between an interior surface of the first annular passage and an exterior surface of the disc shaft, wherein the rotatable disc is disposed within the measuring chamber and the disc shaft extends outside the batch vessel through the first annular passage; a seal assembly secured to the sidewall of the vessel; and a pressure generating device operatively connected to the measuring chamber of the batch vessel and the first port of the seal assembly, wherein the pressure generating device is configured to pressurize the first fluid received at the first port and the working mixture within the measuring chamber. In an aspect, the seal assembly comprises: a sealing body comprising a first port configured to receive the first fluid and a second annular passage extending through the sealing body, the second annular passage being aligned with the first annular passage, wherein the second annular passage comprises an interior surface and is configured to receive a second portion of the disc shaft such that a second contactless gap is formed between the interior surface of the second annular passage and the exterior surface of the disc shaft; and a fluid flow pathway through the sealing body enabling communication of the first fluid between the first port and at least the first and second contactless gaps.

[0016] In an aspect, each of the first and second contactless gaps have a gap thickness of from about 5 pm to about 300 pm.

[0017] In an aspect, the seal assembly comprises a plenum surface defining a first open volume within the sealing body, wherein the first open volume is configured to receive an amount of the first fluid via the fluid flow pathway, and wherein the first open volume is adjacent to the sidewall of the batch vessel.

[0018] In an aspect, the first fluid received at the first port is pressurizable by the pressure generating device to at least a first pressure, the first pressure being from about 15 psi to about 10,000 psi, and wherein the working mixture within the batch vessel is pressurizable by the pressure generating device to at least the second pressure, the second pressure being from about 15 psi to about 10,000 psi. [0019] In an aspect, the pressure generating device is configured to equalize the first pressure of the first fluid received at the first port with the second pressure of the working mixture within the batch vessel.

[0020] In an aspect, the first fluid within the contactless gap has a first pressure at a first end of the annular passage and a second pressure at a second end of the annular passage such that the first pressure of the first fluid is equal to a pressure of a working mixture within the batch vessel and the second pressure of the first fluid is about atmospheric pressure.

[0021] In an aspect, the second annular passage has a bore diameter of from about 10 mm to about 200 mm.

[0022] In an aspect, the disc shaft has a shaft diameter of from about 5 mm to about 200 mm.

[0023] In an aspect, the second annular passage has a passage length of from about 9.5 mm to about 380 mm.

[0024] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus incorporating a hydrostatically- balanced fluid film seal according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus incorporating a hydrostatically- balanced fluid film seal illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a hydrostatically-balanced seal assembly for use with a first fluid illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of a hydrostatically-balanced seal assembly for use with a first fluid illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a hydrostatically-balanced seal assembly and an associated vessel illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure. [0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upside-down hydrostatically-balanced seal assembly for use with a first fluid illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of a portion of a hydrostatically-balanced seal assembly receiving a portion of a disc shaft illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0033] The present disclosure is directed to fluid film seal assemblies and apparatuses incorporating such fluid film seal assemblies. More specifically, the fluid film seal assemblies are configured to generate a hydrostatically-balanced fluid film seal. The fluid film seal assemblies find particular application in cases involving high pressures and/or where frictional forces must be minimized to accurately perform the intended task (e.g., in an apparatus used to measure different properties of a working mixture).

[0034] Turning to FIG. 1, an apparatus 100 for use with a first fluid is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the apparatus 100 comprises at least one seal assembly 102 and a vessel 104 that is sealed at one or more openings (or interfaces) by the at least one seal assembly 102. In an aspect, the seal assembly 102 is configured to generate a hydrostatically-balanced fluid film seal at the one or more openings (or interfaces) of the vessel 104. In other words, the seal assembly 102 can be a hydrostatically- balanced seal assembly 102.

[0035] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the apparatus 100 can be a high- pressure viscometer comprising one or more other components and configured to measure the viscosity of a batch mixture (e.g., by rotating a disc that is submerged in the batch mixture and measuring the rotational torque). As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the apparatus 100 comprises a pressure generating device 106, disc shaft 108, and a motor assembly 110. In an aspect, the pressure generating device 106 is configured to pressurize one or more fluids, mixtures, and/or solutions associated with the apparatus 100. In an aspect, the disc shaft 108 extends through the seal assembly 102 and into the vessel 104 via one or more boreholes. In an aspect, the motor assembly 110 is connected to the disc shaft 108 and configured to rotate the disc shaft 108.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 100 for use with a first fluid 202 is illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the first fluid 202 is a hydraulic fluid, such as a mineral oil or water. In aspects, the first fluid 202 has a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445/ISO3105) at 40°C of between about 20 cSt and about 400 cSt, a kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445/ISO3105) at 100°C of between 1 cSt and about 40 cSt, and/or a viscosity index of from about 90 to about 110. In embodiments, the first fluid 202 is Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grade 20 mineral oil. In embodiments, the first fluid 202 is used as described herein while at room temperature (i.e., about 20°C). However, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the first fluid 202 is heated to a temperature above 20°C or cooled to a temperature below 20°C.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 100 comprises a seal assembly 102 and a batch vessel 104. In embodiments, the vessel 104 comprises one or more sidewalls 204 that define a vessel chamber 206 configured to contain a batch or working mixture 208. In an aspect, the apparatus 100 comprises a rotatable disc 210 that is attached to the disc shaft 108 and is disposed within the vessel chamber 206 such that the rotatable disc 210 is in physical contact with the working mixture 208. As used herein, the terms “batch mixture” and “working mixture” refer to any mixture or solution whose flow properties (e.g., rheology) is of interest. For example, in embodiments, the batch mixture 208 is a ceramic composition used to make ceramic honeycomb bodies for filter and/or substrate parts in exhaust systems.

[0038] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the vessel 104 comprises one or more openings or interfaces that require sealing by, for example, a seal assembly 102, to prevent the working mixture 208 from leaving the vessel chamber 206. In embodiments, the seal assembly 102 is secured to an outer surface 212 of the vessel 104 and is configured to create a fluid film seal using a first fluid 202.

[0039] In particular, with reference to FIG. 3, the vessel 104 comprises an annular passage 302 extending through a sidewall 204 and configured to receive at least a portion of the disc shaft 108. In an aspect, the annular passage 302 has interior surfaces 304, 306 such that when the disc shaft 108 is positioned through the annular passage 302, a gap (or clearance) is formed between the interior surfaces 304, 306 of the annular passage 302 and an exterior surface 214 of the disc shaft 108. In embodiments, the hydrostatically-balanced seal assembly 102 is configured to form a hydrostatically-balance fluid film seal over the annular passage 302 of the vessel 104 and/or around the disc shaft 108 using the first fluid 202 such that the working mixture 208 within the chamber 206 does not leak out. Further, as discussed herein, use of the hydrostatically-balanced seal assemblies 102 of the present disclosure transform the gap between the surfaces 304, 306 of the annular passage 302 and the exterior surface 214 of the disc shaft 108 into a contactless gap wherein the surface 214 of the disc shaft 108 does not directly and/or mechanically contact the surfaces 304, 306 of the annular passage 302.

[0040] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the seal assembly 102 comprises a seal body 308 as shown in FIG. 3. In embodiments, the seal body 308 is a ring, disc, plate, and/or similar component that comprises one or more openings and/or channels enabling flow of the first fluid 202 through portions of the seal body 308.

[0041] In an aspect, the seal body 308 comprises an annular passage 310 extending through the seal body 308. In embodiments, the annular passage 310 of the seal assembly 102 is configured to receive a portion of the disc shaft 108. In an aspect, the annular passage 310 of the seal assembly 102 has an interior surface 312 and is configured to receive a portion of the disc shaft 108 such that when the disc shaft 108 is positioned through the annular passage 310, a gap (or clearance) is formed between the interior surface 312 of the annular passage 310 and the exterior surface 214 of the disc shaft 108. In embodiments, the gap formed between the interior surface 312 of the annular passage 310 and the exterior surface 214 of the disc shaft 108 is a contactless gap, wherein the surface 214 of the disc shaft 108 does not directly and/or mechanically contact the surface 312 of the annular passage 310.

[0042] In an aspect, the seal assembly 102 comprises a fluid flow pathway 314 and a first port 316 configured to receive at least the first fluid 202. The fluid flow pathway 314 can be a channel through the seal body 308 that enables communication of the first fluid 202 from the first port 316 to one or more open regions within the seal body 308. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the fluid flow pathway 314 enables communication of the first fluid 202 received at the first port 316 through the seal body 308 and into the annular passages 302, 310. When the disc shaft 108 is positioned with one or more of the annular passages 302, 310, the fluid flow pathway 314 enables communication of the first fluid 202 received at the first port 316 through the seal body 308 and into the contactless gaps formed between the exterior surface 214 of the disc shaft 108 and the interior surfaces 304, 306, 312 of the annular passages 302, 310. In embodiments, the fluid flow communicated between the exterior surface 214 of the disc shaft 108 and the interior surfaces 304, 306, 312 of the annular passages 302, 310 forms at least a portion of the fluid film seal.

[0043] As mentioned above, the annular passage 302 of the vessel 104 and the annular passage 310 of the seal assembly 102 can be configured to receive portions of the disc shaft 108. With reference to FIG. 3, each of the annular passages 302, 310 can have a bore diameter DI, D2 defining the diameter of the annular passage 302, 310. In embodiments, each of the bore diameters DI, D2 is independently between about 10 mm to about 200 mm, including from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, from about 40 mm to about 100 mm, from about 100 mm to about 200 mm, and any combination of endpoints thereof. In an aspect, the bore diameters DI, D2 are the same.

[0044] In embodiments, the disc shaft 108 has an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 200 mm, including from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, from about 40 mm to about 100 mm, from about 100 mm to about 200 mm, and any combination of endpoints thereof. In an aspect, when compared with the diameter of the portions of the disc shaft 108 that are received by the first and second annular passages 302, 310, the bore diameters DI, D2 of each of the annular passages 302, 310 can be greater than the diameter of the disc shaft 108. As a result, in embodiments, gaps or clearances are formed between the annular passages 302, 310 and the disc shaft 108. In an aspect, these gaps or clearances have a gap thickness of from about 5 pm to about 300 pm, including from about 5 pm to about 10 pm, from about 10 pm to about 20 pm, from about 20 pm to about 30 pm, from about 30 pm to about 40 pm, from about 40 pm to about 50 pm, from about 50 pm to about 100 pm, from about 100 pm to about 200 pm, from about 200 pm to about 300 pm, and any combination of endpoints thereof. Put another way, the half diametral clearance between the surface of the disc shaft 108 and the walls 304, 312 of the annular passages 302, 310 is from about 5 pm to about 300 pm.

[0045] With further reference to FIG. 3, one or more components of the apparatus 100 can comprise plenum surfaces that define one or more open volumes in fluid communication with the first fluid 202 along the fluid flow path 314. For example, in embodiments, the seal body 308 comprises a plenum surface 318 defining at least a first open space 320 within the seal body 308 that is configured to receive an amount of the first fluid 202 via the fluid flow pathway 314. Additionally, in embodiments, the surface 306 of the vessel 104 is a plenum surface 306 that defines another open space 322 configured to receive an amount of the first fluid 202 via the fluid flow pathway 314. In an aspect, the hydrostatically-balanced fluid film seal formed by the seal assembly 102 comprises the fluid flow of the first fluid 202 through one or more open volumes (e.g., open volumes 320, 222). [0046] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, at least the open volume 320 defined by the plenum surface 318 is disposed adjacent to the surface 212 of the batch vessel 104. As shown in FIG. 3, the seal body 308 is also secured to the surface 212 of the batch vessel 104 such that the annular passages 302, 310 are aligned, thereby enabling passage of the disc shaft 108 through both the seal body 308 and the batch vessel 104.

[0047] Turning to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional plan view of a seal assembly 102 is illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the annular passage 310 of the seal body 308 has a bore diameter DI and a passage length LI . In embodiments, the passage length LI is from about 9.5 mm to about 380 mm.

[0048] Further, as also shown in FIG. 4, the seal assembly 102 comprises a seal body cover 402 disposed over a top portion of the seal body 308. In an aspect, another open volume 404 of the seal assembly 102 is formed between the seal body 308 and the seal body cover 402. In embodiments, the open volume 404 is a fluid return space 404 used to collect and remove the first fluid 202. In embodiments, the seal assembly 102 also comprises a second port 406 configured to collect the first fluid 202 as into the fluid return space 404. Put another way, the first fluid 202 enters the seal body 308 at the first port 316, travels along the fluid flow path 314 to the fluid return space 404, and exits the seal body 308 via the second port 406.

[0049] In embodiments, the seal body cover 402 comprises an annular passage 408 configured to receive another portion of the disc shaft 108. That is, the annular passage 408 of the seal body cover allows the disc shaft 108 to extend beyond the seal assembly 102, such as in the case of the apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the seal assembly 102 is illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 5 is a drawing of the seal assembly 102 showing the seal body cover 402, the seal body 308, the first port 316, and the second port 406.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 6, a drawing of the seal assembly 102 when flipped over is illustrated. From FIG. 6, it can be seen that the seal body 308 has surfaces 602, a plenum surface 318, ports 316, 406, annular passage 310, and seal body cover 402. In embodiments, when the seal assembly 102 is secured to a vessel 104, the surfaces 602 of the seal body 308 contact a surface 212 of the vessel 104 and the plenum surface 318 forms the open volume 320.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 2, according to additional aspects of the present disclosure, a hydrostatically-balanced fluid film seal is formed by the seal assembly 102 when the first fluid 202 is delivered to the fluid flow pathway 314 via the first port 316 from a fluid source 216. In embodiments, the first fluid 202 is pressurizable to at least a first pressure by a pressure generating device 106. Put another way, the apparatus 100 comprises a pressure generating device 106 that is operatively connected to the first port 316 and that is configured to pressurize at least the first fluid 202 to at least first pressure. In an aspect, the first pressure of the first fluid 202 delivered to the first port 316 is from about 15 psi to about 10,000 psi. In embodiments, the first pressure of the first fluid 202 received at the first port 316 is at least about 1,000 psi, including about 1,000 psi, about 2,000 psi, about 3,000 psi, about 4,000 psi, about 5,000 psi, about 6,000 psi, about 7,000 psi, about 8,000 psi, about 9,000 psi, and about 10,000 psi.

[0053] In embodiments, the pressure generating device 106 is further connected to the batch vessel 104 and/or the measuring chamber 206 of the batch vessel 104 and is configured to pressurize the working mixture 208 held in the measuring chamber 206. Put another way, the working mixture 208 is pressurizable by the pressure generating device 106 to at least a second pressure. In an aspect, the second pressure of the working mixture 208 within the measuring chamber 206 is from about 15 psi to about 10,000 psi. In embodiments, the second pressure of the working mixture 208 within the measuring chamber 206 is at least about 1,000 psi, including about 1,000 psi, about 2,000 psi, about 3,000 psi, about 4,000 psi, about 5,000 psi, about 6,000 psi, about 7,000 psi, about 8,000 psi, about 9,000 psi, and about 10,000 psi.

[0054] In embodiments, the pressure generating device 106 is configured to equalize at least the first pressure of the first fluid 202 received at the first port 316 with at least the second pressure of the working mixture 208 within the measuring chamber 206. In an aspect, the pressure generating device 106 is a hydraulic pump having an equalizing cylinder 218 and a hydraulic piston 220. The equalizing cylinder 106 can receive amounts of at least the working mixture 208 and/or the first fluid 202 to equalize the pressure between the two substances. In an aspect, the equalizing cylinder 106 can be configured to automatically equalize the pressure between the two received substances. The piston 220 within the equalizing cylinder 138 can be configured to keep the working mixture 208 and the first fluid 202 separated while the pressure generating device 106 is operated to equalize the pressure between the two substances 202, 208.

[0055] Accordingly, the pressure generating device 106 pressurizes the first fluid 202 and provides the pressurized first fluid 202 to a first port 316 of the seal assembly 102, which then follows a fluid flow pathway 314 into one or more open gaps and/or volumes, such as the plenum volumes 320, 222 and/or the gaps around the disc shaft 108. Because the pressure of the first fluid 202 is equalized with the working mixture 208, the apparatus 100 can maintain a hydrostatically-balanced fluid film seal and operating the rotatable disc 210 (e.g., by rotating the disc shaft 108 with the annular passages 302, 310) without generating mechanical friction between the disc shaft 108 and the sealing body 120 or batch vessel 104.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 8, an enlarged cross-section of the seal assembly 102 receiving a portion of the disc shaft 108 is illustrated according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 8 shows the open volume 320 defined by the plenum surface 318 as well as the contactless gap 702 formed between the surface 312 of the annular passage 310 and the surface 214 of the disc shaft 108. As discussed above, the contactless gap 702 has a half diametral clearance 704 (i.e., between the surface of the disc shaft 108 and the walls of the annular passage 310) of from about 0.0005 meters to about 0.0145 meters.

[0057] In embodiments, the fluid flow pathway 314 enables the flow of at least the first fluid 202 into the open volume 320 and the contactless gap 702, thereby creating at least a portion of the fluid film seal. As discussed herein, when the first fluid 202 is pressurized to a first pressure that is equal to the pressure of a mixture 208 to be sealed (e.g., the working mixture 208 within the chamber 206), then a hydrostatically-balanced fluid film seal is formed. In an aspect, different flow rates of the first fluid 202 may be necessary to maintain the fluid film seal depending on the pressure of the working mixture 208. In embodiments, the first fluid 202 received at the first port 316 can have a flow rate of from about 0.185 liters/minute to about 0.74 liters/minute.

[0058] In embodiments, the seal assembly 102 is configured to generate a pressure gradient along the length LI of the annular passage 310. For example, the fluid flow pathway 314 can be configured such that the pressure of the first fluid 202 within the open volumes 320, 322, at the (bottom) end 706 of the annular passage 310, and/or at the interface 708 between the seal body 308 and the vessel 104 is equalized with the pressure of the working mixture 208. In embodiments, the pressure of the first fluid 202 decreases as it moves away from the vessel 104 along the annular passage 310. In embodiments, when the first fluid 202 reaches a second (top) end 710 of the annular passage 310, the pressure of the first fluid 202 is less than the first pressure and/or about atmospheric pressure. In embodiments, the annular passage 310 opens up to an open volume 404 at the second end 710, as shown in FIG. 4, at which point the first fluid 202 can be collected and/or recycled via the second port 406.

[0059] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the seal assemblies 102 provide low-friction fluid film seals, including hydrostatically-balanced fluid film seals. Although the seal assemblies 102 described in various aspects herein can be used in connection with a high- pressure viscometer, it should be appreciated that the assemblies 102 can also be used in connection with other apparatuses 100. Accordingly, the seal assemblies 102 of the present disclosure reduce and/or eliminate one or more sources of friction within the apparatus 100, thereby enabling operation of different apparatuses 100 (e.g., a high-pressure viscometer, etc.) under high-pressure conditions.

[0060] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0061] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0062] The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0063] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also comprising more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” [0064] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily comprising at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0065] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that comprise more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0066] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0067] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant can be entitled.

[0068] While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.