Title

LAB BENCH SYSTEM

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lab bench system according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Such lab bench systems having a table top defining a top working surface can be used for performing various activities or tasks in a laboratory.

Background Art

[0002] In science, research and development many different activities are performed in laboratories or labs. For example, assays or tests are usually conducted in labs. Thereby, typically persons involved work on lab benches. Such lab benches have a table top defining a working surface.

[0003] Further, for many activities performed in labs, various media are desired. For example, laboratory tasks may involve devices requiring electrical or other power. Other media frequently involved in lab activities are vacuum, gases, liquids or similar.

[0004] In known labs, the media are provided to the lab benches in various manners. Some of them are forwarded along the floor and then guided onto the lab benches. Also, in order to keep the lab room as free from installations as possible, it is common to provide most of the media along a ceiling of the lab and then provide them top down to the lab benches where required. Typically, box- or cupboard-like structures are mounted to the ceiling which house media sources desired.

[0005] Even though in known labs the room and particularly the floor can be more or less kept free from fixed installations, the installations at the ceiling may hinder sight through the lab. Particularly, in comparably large labs such free sight may be desired, e.g., in order to allow an efficient communication or the like. Furthermore, the ceiling installations typically are inflexible and they define the position of the lab benches located in the lab. For example, a column has typically to be built in order to guide the media from the ceiling to the lab bench. Again, particularly in comparably large labs, where changing working environments often is desired, the ceiling installations hinder an advantageous and flexible organisation and set up of the labs. Still further, the mentioned ceiling installations usually lower the ergonomic situation and aesthetic appearance of the lab. However, since persons often work in labs for a long time such as for years, the ergonomic and aesthetic conditions are increasingly important for the performance of the lab personnel.

[0006] Furthermore, since lab benches commonly are configured to suit in the respective laboratory, they can typically not flexibly be handled. Particularly, in comparably large structures such as universities or pharmaceutical or chemical companies running many laboratories the specifically configured lab benches complicate logistics and maintenance of the laboratories.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a lab bench system with media access allowing to provide a high flexibility in lab organisation, a good in-lab communication and high aesthetics or ergonomics.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0008] According to the invention this need is settled by a lab bench system as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1 . Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] In particular, the invention deals with a lab bench system having a table top which defines a top working surface with workplaces each for one person to perform laboratory activities. The lab bench system comprises a plurality of lab bench modules. Each lab bench module comprises a table top segment, a media source block segment, a media bar segment and a coupling structure. The coupling structures of the plurality of lab bench modules are configured such that two neighbouring lab bench modules can be connected to each other. When all the lab bench modules are interconnected, the table top segments of the plurality of lab bench modules together form the table top of the lab bench system and the media source block segments of the plurality of lab bench modules together form a media source block of the lab bench system. The media source block of the lab bench system is positioned below the table top of the lab bench system.

[0010] The lab bench system can be a table like formation. Such table like formation typically has a plate like table top and, eventually, legs carrying the table top. The legs can also be integrated in a frame carrying the table top. Alternatively or additionally, the table top preferably is supported by the media source block. Like this, the media source block can combine housing of the media sources and carrying or supporting the table top. This also allows a particularly slim design of the lab bench system to be implemented specifically in connection with the usually bulky media source provision.

[0011 ] The coupling structures of the lab bench modules can be embodied such that a firm or solid connection between two adjacent lab bench modules can be established. Thereby, the coupling structures can comprise a variety of different means for establishing the connection like brackets, braces, clips. Advantageously, the coupling structures are configured to allow a plug-and-play or tool-free connection of the involved lab bench modules. For example, they can comprise pins and sockets which can conveniently be mounted to each other. Of course, many other means embodied in the coupling structure are possible to allow an efficient interconnection of adjacent lab bench modules.

[0012] After the lab bench modules being assembled or interconnected, they form a common lab bench having a common table top and a common media source block. By having the media source block below the table top, the media sources required in the complete lab bench system can efficiently be housed and protected.

[0013] Thereby, the media source block can be a housing for the media sources. The media sources can be or comprise feed lines, supply pipes, delivery hoses, liquid or gas containers, power cables, batteries or other electrical power sources, or the like.

[0014] Structurally, the media source block can have a supporting structure such as a metal or similar frame and a covering or housing structure such as panels or plates covering the frame.

[0015] For being solidly placed on a floor and, optionally, securely carrying the table top, the media source block can be mounted to the floor. Thereby, as widespread in laboratories, the floor can be an elevated floor beyond which technical infrastructure can be arranged. For example, below the elevated floor feed lines, supply pipes, delivery hoses, power cables, or the like can be arranged which can extend into the media source block. Thereby, the lab bench modules can comprise a floor segment, wherein the floor segments of the lab bench modules form a floor of the lab bench system when the lab bench modules are interconnected. Also, the lab bench modules can be equipped with stands configured to be placed on the floor and extending between the floor and the floor segment. More specifically, the stands can downwardly extend from the media source block segments.

[0016] The workplaces can have a width in range of between about 1 meter (m) and about 1.80 m, in range of about 1.20 m and about 1.60 m or of about 1.50 m. The width of one single workplace can be defined by a width of one single lab bench module. Also, the workplaces can have depths in range of between about 1 m and about 60 centimeter (cm), or of about 70 cm.

[0017] Providing the lab bench modules in the lab bench system according to the invention allows for a modular set up of a lab bench as required in a specific environment. In particular, in accordance with the required number of workplaces, an appropriate number of lab bench modules can be assembled or connected. Like this, an open workspace having multiple workplaces can be provided. The common media source block formed by the plural media source block segments allows for providing media to the lab bench in a well organized and protected manner. In particular, as the need may be in a specific environment, appropriate media can be provided via or inside the media source block. Furthermore, the lab bench system according to the invention allows for providing all necessary media without any structure from above such as a conventional media supply from a ceiling or the like. Rather, all necessary media can be supplied by the media source block suited below the table top. Like this, the space above the table top can be kept free and visibility in the laboratory can be improved. For example, it can be achieved that the walls of the laboratory are visible from all work places such that they can be used, e.g. to draw, gather information or present information.

[0018] Thus, the lab bench system according to the invention allows providing a high flexibility in lab organization, particularly when setting up or re-organizing the laboratory. In particular, the size of the lab bench can simply be designed by choosing an appropriate amount of lab bench modules. Further, by having the lab bench modules, the lab bench system may consist of comparably few similar or identical components, which allows for an efficient manufacture and supply of the lab bench system independent from the size of the final lab bench in the laboratory.

[0019] Further, the media source block allows for collecting plural media sources such that a comparably simple arrangement can be provided. Also, high aesthetics or ergonomics can be achieved. More specifically, by using one or plural assembled lab benches of the lab bench system in a lab, an efficient open space environment as it is known from offices can be established, which may increase efficiency and flexibility of the laboratory.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the lab bench system comprises a media bar with a plurality of ports accessible by the media source block such that each of the plurality of ports can be supplied with a medium from the media source block. In the preferred embodiment each lab bench module comprises a media bar segment integrated into the table top segment. When all the lab bench modules are interconnected, the media bar segments of the plurality of lab bench modules together form the media bar of the lab bench system, which extends along the working surface of the table top of the lab bench system.

[0021 ] For integrating the media bar segments of the lab bench modules, the table top segments can be equipped with a longitudinal recess. The recess can have the shape of an open channel, a notch or the like. When being interconnected, the lab bench modules can form one common recess which is the overall recess of the lab bench system.

[0022] For supplying the at least one medium to the plurality of ports, the media source block preferably is connected to the plurality of ports. Thereby, depending to the specific medium the connection can be provided by a channel, a tube, a cable, a pipe or a similar structure.

[0023] By providing the lab bench system with the media bar composed of the plural media bar segments, the media can efficiently be provided to the lab bench. The single media bar segments can be equipped with standard ports typically used in laboratories. When setting up the lab bench in a specific environment, the required ports can then be selected and used. [0024] Thereby, the media bar segments of the lab bench modules preferably are configured such that each of the plurality of ports is accessible from the working surface of the table top of the lab bench system, when all the lab bench modules are interconnected. Like this, the media ports can conveniently be accessed while working on the lab bench. More specifically, whatever medium is required in a specific lab task, it can be supplied to the table top where a respective device can be plugged to the port providing the medium. Thus, such arrangement allows for a convenient plug and play use of the lab bench system particularly in connection with the required media.

[0025] The table top of the lab bench system can completely cover its media source block. Like this, the media source block can be protected. Also disturbances from the media source block, which depending on the media to be provided can be comparably bulky, can be reduced or eliminated. Also, safety can efficiently be assured.

[0026] Preferably, the media source block segment of each lab bench module is configured to support the table top segment of the same lab bench module. Like this, the media source block of the lab bench system can efficiently be embodied to carry the complete table top. Also, the single lab bench modules can be efficiently handled.

[0027] Preferably, the table top segment of each lab bench module is configured to define two opposite workplaces. Like this, a convenient multi workplace environment can be set up. This can also provide for an efficient arrangement of an open space environment.

[0028] Thereby, the media bar segment of each lab bench module is positioned between the opposite workplaces of the same lab bench module. Like this, the media bar and particularly its plurality of ports can be accessed from both or all workplaces.

[0029] Preferably, the media bar segment of each lab bench module comprises a holder structure and, when all the lab bench modules are interconnected, the holder structures of the media bar segments of the plurality of lab bench modules together form a holder structure of the media bar of the lab bench system. The holder structure can be configured or designed such that units used as tools or accessories in the lab can be mounted. Thus, by means of the holder structure, the media bar can hold units of the lab bench and, as the need may be, at the same time supply media to the units. In particular, the holder structure can be configured such that the units can be mounted in one single step. Advantageously, also the media port is plugged in the same step, if required. Like this, the units can be operated in a plug and play manner which allows for providing a particularly high convenience.

[0030] Thereby, the holder structure of the media bar of the lab bench system preferably comprises a rail formation extending along the media bar. Such rail formation can comprise one or more preferably straight rails. The rail formation allows for conveniently mounting, holding and moving the units at any desired location along the media bar.

[0031] Preferably, the plurality of lab bench modules comprises two end lab bench modules, each having the coupling structure exclusively at a first lateral end. Such end lab bench modules can form the two ends of a longitudinal lab bench system. More specifically, they allow for providing a proper end of the lab bench system.

[0032] Thereby, the plurality of lab bench modules preferably further comprises at least one intermediate lab bench module having the coupling structure at a first lateral end and at a second lateral end opposite to the first lateral end. The intermediate lab bench module can be connected with one or two end lab bench modules or with one or two other intermediate lab bench modules. By providing an appropriate amount of intermediate lab bench modules, a lab bench system of a desired length can be set up. Like this, a linear lab bench system having a chosen amount of workspaces can efficiently be created.

[0033] By having the end lab bench modules and the at least one intermediate lab bench module, the lab bench system can be particularly flexible and adaptable. For example, a selected number of intermediate lab bench modules assembled together with the end lab bench modules allows for providing a lab bench at any desired size or with any desired amount of workplaces. Furthermore, since only two types of lab bench modules are required are required for generating any desired lab bench supply and maintenance of a multi laboratory environment can be a particularly efficient and flexible.

[0034] Preferably, the plurality of ports of the media bar comprises power ports and gas ports, and the media bar segment of each lab bench module is equipped with at least one of the power ports suppliable via the media source block segment of the same lab bench module and at least one of the gas ports suppliable via the media source block segment of the same lab bench module. By equipping each lab bench module in that way, it can be efficiently achieved that all workspaces of the lab bench system are provided with the minimum media typically required in lab work. In this embodiment, power such as current is a medium supplied by the media source block. Since power is required in many lab tasks and tools, the power ports allow for conveniently providing required power.

[0035] Also, the lab bench system preferably comprises a multiple socket unit mountable to the holder structure of the media bar of the lab bench system and couplable to one of the power ports of the media bar of the lab bench system. The multiple sockets can be configured to be the female parts of standard power connectors. They can also comprise different types of sockets of different standards. Such multiple socket unit allows multiplying power access at one or plural workplaces. Since in most lab activity electric power is required, such multiple socket unit may be desired in many applications. Furthermore, by being mounted to the holder structure the multiple socket unit can be safely and well organized positioned. Thus, the multiple socket unit allows for providing power to the working surface for whatever device requires it.

[0036] Thereby, the lab bench system preferably comprises a gas adapter unit couplable to one of the gas ports of the media bar of the lab bench system. The gas adapter unit can have a nozzle and an adjustable valve for opening the nozzle and for defining the amount of gas provided. The nozzle can be configured to be connected to a tube or the like. In this embodiment the gas is a medium supplied by the media source block. The gas can be any gas desired in the lab such as air, oxygen, nitrogen or the like. For example, when the gas is air, a ventilation device can be supplied with air from the gas adapted. Or, the gas such as oxygen can be desired for a chemical reaction to be performed on the working surface. Such gas adapter unit or a plurality thereof allows for efficiently providing gas to the workplaces requiring it.

[0037] Preferably, the plurality of ports of the media bar comprises vacuum ports, and the media bar segment of each lab bench module is equipped with at least one of the vacuum ports suppliable via the media source block segment of the same lab bench module. Such vacuum ports allow for efficiently providing a vacuum to the workplaces or tools on workplaces requiring it. [0038] Thereby, the lab bench system preferably comprises a suction bell unit mountable to the holder structure of the media bar of the lab bench system and couplable to one of the vacuum ports of the media bar of the lab bench system. The term “suction bell” as used herein relates to any structure suitable for applying a vacuum. Thereby, the bell can be an open hollow body configured to cover an area of the working surface or anything positioned thereon. The shape of the bell can be bell- or cup-like or any other suitable shape. Suction bells are desired in many lab activities, e.g. for removing debris, odors or gases created during a lab activity. Thus, the suction bell unit allows for providing an appropriate instrument or tool.

[0039] Preferably, the lab bench system comprises a mobile device holder unit mountable to the holder structure of the media bar of the lab bench system and couplable to one of the power ports of the media bar of the lab bench system. The mobile device can be a mobile computing device such as a tablet, a smartphone or a laptop computer. When being held by the mobile device holder, the mobile device can be supplied with power from the power source of the media source block. Such mobile device holder unit, allows for efficiently positioning and using mobile devices during lab activities.

[0040] Preferably, the lab bench system comprises a test tube rack unit mountable to the holder structure of the media bar of the lab bench system. In many chemical, biological or other applications test tubes are used. Thus, by providing the plug and play test tube rack unit the test tubes involved can conveniently and safely be stored or handled.

[0041] Preferably, the plurality of ports of the media bar comprises liquid ports, and the media bar segment of each lab bench module is equipped with at least one of the liquid ports suppliable via the media source block segment of the same lab bench module. Thereby, the lab bench system preferably comprises a liquid spray unit mountable to the holder structure of the media bar of the lab bench system and couplable to one of the liquid ports of the media bar of the lab bench system. In this embodiment, the liquid is a medium supplied by the media source block. The liquid source can be pressurized such that the liquid can efficiently be provided or supplied. The liquid can be purified or regular water or an aqueous solution. It can also be an acid or the like. Such liquids are required in many lab activities such that the respective unit allows for efficiently providing if desired. [0042] Preferably, the plurality of ports of the media bar comprises network ports, and the media bar segment of each lab bench module is equipped with at least one of the network ports suppliable via the media source block segment of the same lab bench module. Thereby, the lab bench system preferably comprises a network adapter unit mountable to the holder structure of the media bar of the lab bench system and couplable to one of the network ports of the media bar of the lab bench system. The network can particularly be a local area network (LAN) of the lab. The network unit can be provided with a network connector for wired connection to the network or a wireless network adapter for wireless connection to the network. Such network unit allows for conveniently connecting any device to a common network.

[0043] In a particularly beneficial embodiment, a plurality or even all of the media or units mentioned above are provided. For being flexibly used, the media supply block can be arranged for providing plural or all of the media mentioned above. More specifically, in a particularly advantageous embodiment the media bar segment of each lab bench module is equipped at least with gas ports and a power ports. Additionally, the media bar segments advantageously are provided with placeholders designed for other or additional media ports.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044] The lab bench system according to the invention is described in more detail herein below by way of an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a lab bench system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the lab bench system of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows a top view of the lab bench system of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 shows a front view of the lab bench system of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 shows another perspective view of the lab bench system of Fig. 1.

Description of Embodiments

[0045] In the following description certain terms are used for reasons of convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms “right”, “left”, “up”, “down”, “under" and “above" refer to directions in the figures. The terminology comprises the explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivations and terms with a similar meaning. Also, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal", "distal", and the like, may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along and around various axes include various special device positions and orientations.

[0046] To avoid repetition in the figures and the descriptions of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omission of an aspect from a description or figure does not imply that the aspect is missing from embodiments that incorporate that aspect. Instead, the aspect may have been omitted for clarity and to avoid prolix description. In this context, the following applies to the rest of this description: If, in order to clarify the drawings, a figure contains reference signs which are not explained in the directly associated part of the description, then it is referred to previous or following description sections. Further, for reason of lucidity, if in a drawing not all features of a part are provided with reference signs it is referred to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0047] In Fig. 1 an embodiment of a lab bench system 1 according to the invention is shown. The lab bench system 1 is composed of three lab bench modules 3, i.e. two lateral end lab bench modules 31 and one central intermediate lab bench module 32. The end lab bench modules 31 are identically embodied but turned by 180° towards each other. Each of them comprise a plate shaped table top segment 311 , a media block segment 312, a media bar segment 314 and a coupling structure. Flat top surfaces of the end table top segment 31 form working surfaces 313. Similarly, the intermediate lab bench module 32 has a plate shaped table top 321 with a working surface 323, a media block segment 322, a media bar segment 324 and a coupling structure.

[0048] As can be best seen in Fig. 2, the intermediate lab bench module 32 is positioned in between the two end lab bench modules 31. Thereby, the coupling structure of the intermediate lab bench module 32 is located at both lateral ends of the intermediate lab bench module 31. The coupling structure of the left hand end lab bench module 31 is located at its right hand end and the coupling structure of the right hand end lab bench module 31 is located at its left hand end. The coupling structure of the intermediate lab bench module 32 engages the coupling structures of both end lab bench modules 31, such that the lab bench modules 31, 32 are firmly mounted to each other in a row.

[0049] As can be best seen in Fig. 3, the table top segments 311 , 321 of all three lab bench modules 31 , 32 together form a table top 11 of the lab bench system 1. The table top 11 has a working surface 111 established by the working surfaces 313, 323 of the three lab bench modules 31 , 32. The media bar segment 324 of the intermediate lab bench module 32 extends through the complete table top 321 of the intermediate lab bench module 32. More specifically, the table top 321 of the intermediate lab bench module 32 has a central linear recess extending from left to right through the table top 321 receiving the respective media bar segment 324. The media bar segments 314 of the end lab bench modules 31 are in one line with the media bar segment 324 of the intermediate lab bench module 32 and extend to about two third of the width of the respective table top module 311. The media bar segments 314 of the end lab bench modules 31 are also received in a linear recess of the respective table top module 311. The media bar segments 314, 324 together form a common media bar 13 of the complete lab bench system 1.

[0050] The working surfaces 313, 323 of the plate shaped table top segments 311, 321 of the lab bench modules 31 , 32 are squared with a dimension of 1.5 meter (m) by 1.5 m. The media bar 13 has a length of 3.3 m and a width of 12 centimeter (cm). The table top 11 has a thickness of 10 cm and the media block a height of 80 cm. Thus, the workplaces are at a height of 90 cm over the floor.

[0051] By the working surfaces 313, 323 of the lab bench module 31, 32 being intersected by the associated media bar segment 314, 324 two opposite workplaces separated by the media bar segments 314, 324 of the respective lab bench module 31 , 32 are provided per module. Thus, the working surface 111 of the table top 11 of the complete lab bench system 1 has six workplaces, each arranged such that the media bar 13 can be accessed and each dimensioned with a width of 1.5 m and a depth of 69 cm.

[0052] Turning back to Fig, 2, the media block segments 312, 322 of the lab bench modules 31, 32 together form a unified media block 12 of the lab bench system 1. The media block 12 is located below the table top 11 and extends from left to right as far as the media bar 13. In particular, the media block 12 is placed on and fixed to a floor of a lab and carries the table top 11. As visible in Fig. 4, the media block 12 has a width allowing to house media sources as desired. More specifically, the media block 12 has a frame with vertical and horizontal posts to support the table top 11 , and panels closing the frame and protecting the media sources inside the media block 12.

[0053] The media bar 13 closes a top of the media block 12. The media bar segments 314, 324 are equipped with a plurality ports for accessing media sources in the media block 12. In particular, the media bar segments of the 314 of the end lab bench modules 31 have two standard gas ports located adjacent to the intermediate lab bench module 32. The media bar segment 324 of the intermediate lab bench module 32 is equipped with four standard gas ports, two of which are adjacent to each of the end lab bench modules 31. All gas ports are connected to a pressurized gas source located in or supplied through the media block 12. Each of the gas ports is equipped with a gas adapter unit 22 of a plurality of units 2 coupled to the respective pressurized gas source.

[0054] Further, all the media bar segments 314, 324 are equipped with standard electric power ports and standard network ports. The power ports are connected to a power source accessible through the media block 12 and, similarly, the network ports are connected to a network through the media block 12. The power and network ports of each media bar segment 314, 324 is equipped with a combined multiple power socket and network adapter unit 25. The combined multiple power socket and network adapter unit 25 are coupled to the power source and the network via the media block 12. Further, the combined multiple power socket and network adapter unit 25 are mounted to the rail formation of the media bar 13, along which they can be displaced to a certain extent. [0055] The media bar segment 314 of the left hand end lab bench module 31 is equipped with a vacuum port connected to a vacuum source in or via the media block 12. The vacuum port is coupled to a suction bell unit 21 of the units 2 mounted to the rail formation of the media bar 13.

[0056] The media bar segment 314 of the right hand end lab bench module 31 and the media bar segment 324 of the intermediate lab bench module 32 are equipped with a mobile device holder unit 24 of the units 2 each mounted to the rail formation of the media bar 13 of the lab bench system 1 and coupled to one of the power ports of the media bar 13 of the lab bench system 1. The mobile device holder units 24 are designed to support a tablet or a similar mobile device and, at the same time, to supply power to the tablet.

[0057] Further, the media bar segment 324 of the intermediate lab bench module 32 is equipped with a test tube rack unit 23 of the units 2 mounted to the rail formation of the media bar 13 of the lab bench system 1.

[0058] In Fig. 5 the lab bench system 1 is shown wherein a structure below an elevated floor is visible. More specifically, the lab bench system 1 comprises a stand 4 extending downwardly from the media source block 12. The stand 14 is composed of stand segments of the lab bench modules 31, 32. The stand segments have a plurality of essentially T-shaped feet. The feet are placed on the floor of the laboratory and an elevated floor is formed at the lower end of the media source block 12. Like this, the lab bench system 1 can be fixed to the floor or the elevated floor, respectively.

[0059] This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention should not be taken as limiting-the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

[0060] The disclosure also covers all further features shown in the Figs individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description and single alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of the invention or from disclosed subject matter. The disclosure comprises subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or the exemplary embodiments as well as subject matter comprising said features. [0061] Furthermore, in the claims the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The terms “essentially”, “about”, “approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. The term “about” in the context of a given numerate value or range refers to a value or range that is, e.g., within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.