Detonator with Fused Head Retention Features

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/567,587 filed Mar. 20, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Hydrocarbon extraction may include inserting a gun string or tool string into a wellbore for perforation operations. Perforating guns, or other tools used for hydrocarbon extraction, may be housed in tool segments, housings, or bodies, which are connected to adjacent tools, connectors, or sub assemblies, to form the tool string. Typically, perforation operations rely on an initiation capable material, such as primary explosive, deflagration material, or black powder, that is set off by an electronic detonator within the tool string. Fuse heads are the primary ignition source in an electronic detonator. The fuse head ignites the initiation capable material. The fuse heads of detonators are usually fixed to the internal electronic components by soldering.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a detonator for use with a fuse head having a first fuse contact and a second fuse contact, the detonator comprising: an outer hull; a first holder contact and a second holder contact at least partially disposed within the outer hull, the first holder contact and the second holder contact configured to electrically connect with the first fuse contact and the second fuse contact of the fuse head; and a retention feature configured to maintain a position of the first holder contact and the second holder contact with respect to the first fuse contact and the second fuse contact.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a method for assembling a detonator, the method comprising: inserting a fuse head into a holder contact of the detonator via an opening in a fuse head holder of the detonator; coupling a retention cap to the fuse head holder of the detonator with the fuse head inserted into the holder contact; and disposing an outer hull over the retention cap and at least a portion of the fuse head holder.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a system comprising: a wellbore tool; and a detonator disposed in the wellbore tool, wherein the detonator includes: an outer hull; a first holder contact and a second holder contact at least partially disposed within the outer hull, the first holder contact and the second holder contact configured to electrically connect with a first fuse contact and a second fuse contact of a fuse head; a retention feature configured to maintain a position of the first holder contact and the second holder contact with respect to the first fuse contact and the second fuse contact

Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and detailed description. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some exemplary embodiments.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments. It is understood that reference to a particular “exemplary embodiment” of, e.g., a structure, assembly, component, configuration, method, etc. includes exemplary embodiments of, e.g., the associated features, subcomponents, method steps, etc. forming a part of the “exemplary embodiment”.

For purposes of this disclosure, relative terms including, without limitation, “top,” “bottom,” “rear,” “front,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “within,” and the like are used to aid the description of, e.g., configurations of features as shown in the accompanying figures, and otherwise as the disclosure makes clear. Such relative terms do not imply any particular dimension or delineation of or between features except where the disclosure makes clear.

For purposes of this disclosure, terms including, without limitation, “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used for descriptive purposes only and without limitation with respect to, e.g., an ordering of process steps, function, or configuration.

For purposes of this disclosure, “substantially” means generally consistent with the spirit of the disclosure but without limitation to any particular measure.

For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, an exemplary embodiment will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. It will be understood that this example and other exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are illustrative and not limiting and are provided for illustrating the exemplary features of a furniture accessory equipped with a power supply.

In existing detonators for tool strings, the fuse head may be soldered into the detonator. However, solder joints can be problematic because these joints are made with fluid solder material. For example, soldering tools may be required to install the fuse head, which can be difficult and impractical in the field. However, the ability to readily install the fuse head in the field can improve safety by limiting premature ignition, such as during transport. In another example, fluid nature of solder may result in a short-circuit being formed between different contacts (e.g., a short between holder contacts). Therefore, plug-in, or solder-free, connections may be used in some applications. Plug-in connections, however, can become loose, such as due to movement and vibrations in rough environments (e.g., during placement down a wellbore or during transport), which may result in axial displacement (along x-axis) of the fuse head relative to the detonator. Loose connections can prevent proper operation of the fuse head, such as by failing to ignite the inflation initiation capable material. Further, the use of shrinkable tubing around the fuse head is insufficient to maintain proper contact. Accordingly, as described in more detail below, various embodiments described hereby include various fuse head retention features configured to maintain proper contact between holder contacts and fuse contacts. In various such embodiments, the connection between the holder contacts and fuse contacts may be plug-in and/or solder-free.

illustrate various views of a fuse headaccording to some embodiments. More specifically,illustrates a perspective view of the fuse head;illustrates a front view of the fuse head; andillustrates a side view of the fuse head. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the fuse headincludes a first fuse contact, a second fuse contact, and an ignition end. In various embodiments, a voltage difference may be applied between the first fuse contactand the second fuse contactto ignite the ignition end. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

illustrate various aspects of a detonatoraccording to some embodiments. Referring to, the detonatormay include an outer hull, a casing, and an electronics holder. In various embodiments described hereby, the detonatormay include one or more fuse head retention features to maintain proper positioning of a fuse headand/or electrical contact between the fuse headand/or a holder contactand/or a holder contactof the detonator(see e.g.,). Thus, the fuse headwill not move out of place or lose electrical contact with the holder contactand/or holder contactdue to movement and vibrations in rough environments (e.g., during placement down a wellbore or during transport). It will be appreciated that one or more aspects and/or components of detonatormay be the same or similar to other detonators described hereby. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer hullmay be coupled to the casingvia a crimp. In other embodiments, the outer hullmay be coupled to the casingusing other techniques. For example, the outer hullmay screw into the casing. These attachment features (e.g., crimp) may operate as fuse head retention features. In some embodiments, the outer hullmay have a cylindrical shape and be formed of a metal. The electronics holdermay provide a mounting base for various electrical electronic components of the detonator. These electronic components may be enclosed or covered by the casingwhen the electronics holderis coupled to the casing. Additionally, the casingmay include, be connected to, and/or integrally formed with one or more fuse head retention features.

The casingand electronics holdermay include openings that expose an electrical contactan electrical contactan electrical contactand electrical contactand an electrical contact(collectively referred to as electrical contacts). The electrical contactsmay provide communication, power, and/or ground connectivity between the electrical components of the detonatorand various other electrical components of a tool string (e.g., perforating gun). For example, the detonatorinstalled in a perforating gun that is placed down a wellbore and power and/or an initiation signal may be received via one or more of the electrical contacts. In some embodiments, the electrical contactsmay be included in, integrally formed with, coupled to, and/or sealed with the casingor electronics holder.

Referring to, the outer hullmay enclose an initiation capable material, a spacing block, a retention cap, and a fuse head holderwith an indentation. In various embodiments, the initiation capable materialmay include a primary explosive, a deflagration material, and/or black powder. The indentationmay facilitate crimping of the outer hullto the casing. In many embodiments, the fuse head holderand indentationmay be integrally formed with the casing. In other embodiments, the fuse head holderand indentationmay include a separate component that screws into the casing. As described in more detail below, the retention capand fuse head holdermay operate as fuse head retention features. Further, the retention capmay be selectively coupled to the fuse head holder. In various embodiments, one or more of the retention features, such as retention capmay form a friction fit with the fuse head holderand/or the outer hullof the detonator. In some embodiments, one or more of the retention features may be formed from a compressible or elastic material, such as rubber or foam. For example, the retention capmay be formed from a flexible, compressible, and/or elastic material, such as rubber, plastic, or foam. In many embodiments, the retention features may be formed from a material capable of withstanding the heat generated by ignition.

As shown in, the electronics holdermay provide an attachment base for electronic componentsof the detonatorincluding a printed circuit board (PCB), the holder contact, and/or the holder contact. For example, the electronic componentsmay include a printed circuit board (PCB)that is attached to the electronics holder. Further, the holder contactand the holder contact, as well as other electronic components, may be mounted to the PCB.

A holder blockmay be coupled to the holder contactand the holder contact. In various embodiments, the holder blockmay include an insulative member that is disposed between and around the holder contactand the holder contactand maintains proper spacing between the holder contactand the holder contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder contactand the holder contactare mounted on the PCBand extend up and through the holder block. Further, the holder contactmay include a first armand a second armSimilarly, the holder contactmay include a first armand a second armThe corresponding arms of the holder contactand the holder contactmay be biased towards each other such that a fuse head (e.g., fuse head) can be plugged into the holder contactand the holder contact. More specifically, a first fuse contact (e.g., fuse contact) of the fuse head may be positioned between the first armand the second armand a second fuse contact (e.g., fuse contact) of the fuse head may be positioned between the first armand the second armwhen the fuse head is plugged into the holder contactand the holder contact. Advantageously, the plug-in connection between the fuse contacts and the holder contacts in combination with the fuse head retention features described hereby remove the need to solder the fuse contacts and the holder contacts together.

In various embodiments, the electronic componentsmay be configured to trigger a fuse head plugged into the holder contactand the holder contact, such as by creating a voltage difference between the holder contactand the holder contactand therefore the fuse contacts of a fuse head plugged into the holder contactand the holder contact. In various such embodiments, the electronic componentsmay trigger the fuse head in response to an initiation signal, such as one received from other components of a tool string via one or more of the electrical contacts. In some embodiments, the electronic componentsmay determine whether the initiation signal is addressed or directed to the detonatorprior to triggering the fuse head.

As previously mentioned, the casingand electronics holdermay couple together via a plurality of mating features. For example, the electronics holdermay be coupled to the casingby inserting the electronics holderinto the bottom of the casing. To this end, electronics holderincludes a mating featurea mating feature, a mating featureand/or a mating feature(collectively referred to as mating features).

Turning to, in many embodiments, the mating featuresof the electronics holdermay be received by a mating featurea mating featurea mating featureand/or a mating feature(collectively referred to as mating features) of the casing. It will be appreciated that although the mating featureis not visible in the illustrated embodiment, it is positioned with respect to the mating featurein the same manner as the mating featureis positioned with respect to the mating featureAccordingly, when the electronics holderis inserted into the bottom of the casing, corresponding mating features of the casingand electronics holder(e.g., the mating featureand the mating featurethe mating featureand the mating featurethe mating featureand the mating featurethe mating featureand the mating feature) may engage each other to secure the casingto the electronics holder.

As previously mentioned the retention capmay be selectively coupled to the fuse head holder. To this end, the retention capmay include a coupling featurea coupling featurea coupling featureand/or a coupling feature(collectively referred to as coupling features) and the fuse head holdermay include a coupling featurea coupling featurea coupling featureand a coupling feature(collectively referred to as coupling features). It will be appreciated that although the coupling featuresare not visible in the illustrated embodiment, they are positioned with respect to the coupling featurein the same manner as the coupling featureis positioned with respect to the coupling featureThus, when the retention capis placed onto the fuse head holder, the coupling featuresof the retention capand the coupling featuresof the fuse head holdermay engage each other to maintain a connection between the retention capand the fuse head holder. In some embodiments, the coupling featuresof the fuse head holderand the coupling featuresof the retention capmay form a snap-fit and/or locking profile with each other.

Referring to, in many embodiments, the connection between the retention capand the fuse head holdermay function as a fuse head retention feature. Accordingly, when the retention capis connected to the fuse head holderwith the fuse headplugged into the holder contactand the holder contact, axial displacement of the fuse headmay be prevented. In operation, for example, when the retention capis not coupled to the fuse head holder, the holder contactand the holder contactmay be exposed via an opening in the fuse head holder. A user may insert the fuse headinto the fuse head holderto plug the fuse headinto the holder contactand the holder contact. In many embodiments, the opening in the fuse head holdermay be shaped to force the fuse headto be inserted in proper alignment with the holder contactand the holder contact. Further, the shape of the opening in the fuse head holdermay prevent side to side and/or back and forth motion (see e.g.,) of the fuse headwhen plugged into the holder contacts,. Accordingly, as shown in, the opening may have steps and/or features that mirror steps and/or features of the fuse head.

Once the fuse headis plugged into the holder contactand the holder contact, the retention capmay be attached to the fuse head holderto hold the fuse headin place and main a proper electrical connection between the fuse headand the holder contactand the holder contact. Accordingly, the interior of the retention capmay be shaped to be placed over the ignition end of the fuse head. Further, the retention capmay include an openingin the top to enable energy from ignition of the fuse headto be channeled into the initiation capable material. The opening in the top of the retention capmay be narrow enough to prevent axial displacement of the fuse head.

Turning to, a cross-sectional view of the detonatoris shown. In operation, the electronic componentsof the detonatormay create a voltage difference between the holder contactand the holder contact, such as in response to a signal received via the electrical contactThis voltage difference may cause the fuse headto ignite. Energy from the from the fuse headmay pass through the openingof retention cap, through a channel in the spacing blockand into the initiation capable material, thereby detonating or igniting the initiation capable material. Advantageously, the retention capand the fuse head holdermaintain the fuse headin proper position and in proper electrical contact with the holder contactand the holder contact. Accordingly, if the detonatoris jarred or shaken, such as during placement of the tool string in a wellbore, the fuse headcannot come disconnected from the holder contactand the holder contact.

illustrate various aspects of a detonatoraccording to some embodiments. It will be appreciated that one or more aspects and/or components of the detonatormay be the same or similar to other detonators described hereby. For example, the electronic components of the detonatormay be the same or similar to the electronic componentsof the detonator. Accordingly, description of some aspects and/or components of the detonatormay not be repeated with reference to other detonators described hereby. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In some embodiments, the fuse head holdermay have an open end at the top that allows a fuse head to be inserted and plugged into corresponding holder contacts. In other embodiments, the fuse head holdermay be screwed into the casing. For example, the fuse head may be plugged into the holder contacts and then the fuse head holdermay be screwed into the casingto hold the fuse head in place. The outer hullmay then be placed over the initiation capable material, the spacing block, and the fuse head holder. Next, the outer hullmay be crimped at an indentation(creating a crimp) to secure the outer hullto the casingand the outer hullmay be crimped at a space(creating a crimp) to prevent axial movement of the fuse head. Thus, these features (e.g., the crimpand/or the crimp) may operate as fuse head retention features.

illustrate various views of a detonator. More specifically,illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the detonatorin conjunction with x and y axes; andillustrates a side cross-section view of the detonatorin conjunction with x and z axes. It will be appreciated that one or more aspects and/or components of detonatormay be the same or similar to other detonators described hereby. For example, an outer hullmay be the same or similar to the outer hulldescribed with respect to. Further, the x axis of detonatormay correspond to an axis of detonatorthat extends along the outer hulldescribed with respect to. Accordingly, description of some aspects and/or components of the detonatormay not be repeated with reference to other detonators described hereby. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detonatorincludes a fuse headwith a first fuse contactand a second fuse contact, an outer hull, an initiation capable material, a holder block, a first holder contactand a second holder contact, electronic components, a fuse head holder, and a spacing block. Many of the components of detonatormay be at least partially disposed within the outer hull. For example, the same components of the detonatorthat are at least partially disposed within the outer hullmay also be disposed within the outer hullof the detonator. Further, the electronic componentsmay be enclosed within a casing in the same or a similar manner as the electronic componentsof the detonatorare enclosed within the casing. In some embodiments, the outer hullmay have a cylindrical shape and be formed of a metal.

In operation, the electronic componentsmay create a voltage difference between the holder contactand the holder contact, which creates a voltage difference between the fuse contactand the fuse contact. The voltage difference between the fuse contactand the fuse contactmay cause the fuse headto ignite the initiation capable material. More generally, the detonatormay be installed in a perforating gun that is placed down a wellbore. In various embodiments, the initiation capable materialmay include a primary explosive, a deflagration material, and/or black powder.

As shown in, the first holder contactmay include an upper armand a lower armSimilarly, although not illustrated, the second holder contactmay include upper and lower arms. In various embodiments, these arms may form a plug-in connection with first fuse contactand the second fuse contact. The fuse headmay be installed into or plugged into the first holder contactand the second holder contact. For example, the upper armand the lower armmay be biased towards each other and the first fuse contactmay be installed between the upper armand the lower armSimilarly, the arms of the second holder contactmay be biased towards each other and the second fuse contactmay be installed between the arms of the second holder contact. The fuse head holdermay limit side-to-side (along y-axis) and/or up-and-down (along z-axis) movement of the fuse head. In some embodiments, reference to a detonator may include a detonator without one or more components. For example, reference to a detonator may include a detonator without the fuse head installed. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

As previously discussed, in existing solutions, a fuse head may be soldered into a detonator. However, solder joints can be problematic because these joints are made with fluid solder material. For example, soldering tools may be required to install the fuse head, which can be difficult and impractical in the field. The ability to readily install the fuse head in the field, however, can improve safety by limiting premature ignition, such as during transport. In another example, fluid nature of solder may result in a short-circuit being formed between different contacts (e.g., a short between holder contacts). Therefore, plug-in, or solder-free, connections may be used in some applications. Adding further complexity, plug-in connections can become loose, such as due to movement and vibrations in rough environments (e.g., during placement down a wellbore or during transport), which may result in axial displacement (along x-axis) of the fuse head relative to the detonator. Loose connections can prevent proper operation of the fuse head, such as by failing to ignite the inflation initiation capable material. Further, the use of shrinkable tubing around the fuse head is insufficient to maintain proper contact. Accordingly, fuse head retention features disclosed hereby are configured to maintain proper contact between holder contacts and fuse contacts. Further, the connection between the holder contacts and fuse contacts may be plug-in and/or solder-free.

illustrates exemplary aspects of a detonator according to some embodiments. It will be appreciated that one or more aspects and/or components of a detonatormay be the same or similar to other detonators described hereby. For example, a fuse head holdermay be the same or similar to the fuse head holderdescribed above with reference to. Accordingly, description of some aspects and/or components of the detonatormay not be repeated with reference to other detonators described hereby. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detonatorcomprises a retention featureincluding a retention cap, and a fuse head holder. In some embodiments, the fuse head holdermay form a portion of the retention feature. More generally, the retention featuremay include a retention cap configured to couple to the fuse head holder and prevent axial displacement of the fuse head. In some embodiments, the retention capmay be the same or similar to the retention capdescribed above with reference to. For example, the retention capmay operate in a similar manner to the retention cap, however, the retention capmay couple to the fuse head holderin a different manner. Accordingly, the retention capmay include a female portionand the fuse head holdermay include a male portionThe retention capmay be configured to couple to the fuse head holderby installing the female portionover the male portionIn various embodiments, there may be a locking profilebetween the female portionand the male portionThe retention capmay include an openingthat is sufficient to ignite the initiation capable material while being narrow enough to prevent axial displacement of the fuse head. During assembly the detonator hull, comprising the initiation capable material, may be moved over the fuse head holderand retention capand therefore the retention capis prevented from unlocking.

illustrates exemplary aspects of a detonatoraccording to some embodiments. It will be appreciated that one or more aspects and/or components of the detonatormay be the same or similar to other detonators described hereby. For example, a retention featuremay be the same or similar to crimpAccordingly, description of some aspects and/or components of the detonatormay not be repeated with reference to other detonators described hereby. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detonatorcomprises the retention featureincluding an indentationand an indentationand a fuse head holderwith an opening. In various embodiments, the indentationand the indentationmay operate to prevent axial movement of the fuse head (e.g., towards the initiation capable material), thereby maintaining proper contact between the holder contacts and the fuse contacts. In some embodiments, the indentationand the indentationmay comprise a continuous indentation extending around the outer hull of the detonator(e.g., a crimp). The openingmay be narrowed by the indentationand the indentationHowever, the openingis still sufficient to ignite the initiation capable material.

In various embodiments, one or more retention features may form a friction fit with the outer hull of a detonator. In various embodiments, the retention feature may be formed from a compressible or elastic material, such as rubber or foam. In many embodiments, the retention feature may be formed from a material capable of withstanding the heat generated by ignition.

illustrates exemplary aspects of a detonatoraccording to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiments, the detonatorcomprises a retention featureincluding a retention block, and a fuse head holder. In some embodiments, the fuse head holdermay form a portion of the retention feature. More generally, the retention featuremay include a retention blockdisposed between the fuse head holderand the initiation capable material and configured to prevent axial displacement of the fuse head. In various embodiments, the fuse contactmay be utilized in place of a spacing block (e.g., spacing block). The retention blockmay include a passage. The passage may be sufficient to ignite the initiation capable material while being narrow enough to prevent axial displacement of the fuse head.

illustrate exemplary aspects of a detonatorin conjunction with a fuse headaccording to some embodiments. More specifically,illustrates exemplary aspects of the fuse headfor the detonator;illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the detonatorincluding the fuse head; andillustrates a side cross-sectional view of the detonatorincluding the fuse head. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuse headincludes a first fuse contact, a second fuse contact, an ignition end, and a cross memberextending between the first fuse contactand the second fuse contact. In many embodiments, the cross membermay be formed from an electrically insulative material to prevent a short-circuit between the first fuse contactand the second fuse contact. The detonatormay include a retention featurecomprising a hookextending from the contact holder(also referred to as a holder block). In various embodiments, the hookoperates to catch on the cross memberwhen the fuse headis installed in the detonator. Thereby, the hookcan function to prevent axial displacement of the fuse head.

illustrate exemplary aspects of a detonatorin conjunction with a fuse headaccording to some embodiments. More specifically,illustrates exemplary aspects of the fuse headfor the detonator;illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the detonatorincluding the fuse head; andillustrates a side cross-sectional view of the detonatorincluding the fuse head. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuse headincludes a first fuse contact, and second fuse contact, an ignition end, a first holein the first fuse contact, and a second holein the second fuse contact. The detonatormay include a retention featurecomprising one or more portions of a first retaining contactand a second retaining contact. The first retaining contact and the second retaining contactmay comprise holder contacts in which at least one of the upper or lower arm includes a feature configured to engage with corresponding fuse contacts and prevent the corresponding fuse contacts from moving axially away from first retaining contactand the second retaining contact. The first retaining contactand the second retaining contactmay be configured to catch within the first holeand the second holeof the first fuse contactand the second fuse contact. For example, the retaining contactmay include an upper armand a lower armThe lower arm may include a feature, such as a hook, configured to catch on the second holeof the fuse contactwhen the fuse headis installed in the detonator. In other embodiments, the upper armmay additionally, or alternatively, be configured to catch on the second hole. Thereby, the lower armcan function to prevent axial displacement of the fuse head. Similarly, the first retaining contactmay also include upper and lower arms with one or more of the arms configured to catch on the hole.

This disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatuses as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. This disclosure contemplates, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, the actual or optional use or inclusion of, e.g., components or processes as may be well-known or understood in the art and consistent with this disclosure though not depicted and/or described herein.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or “an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while considering that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur-this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that the appended claims should cover variations in the ranges except where this disclosure makes clear the use of a particular range in certain embodiments.

The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description. This disclosure is not limited to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the Detailed Description of this disclosure, for example, various features of some exemplary embodiments are grouped together to representatively describe those and other contemplated embodiments, configurations, and aspects, to the extent that including in this disclosure a description of every potential embodiment, variant, and combination of features is not feasible. Thus, the features of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, and aspects not expressly discussed above. For example, the features recited in the following claims lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.