A Peristaltic Pump and a Method of Operating the Same

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/662,884, filed Jun. 21, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to a peristaltic pump. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a peristaltic pump and a method of operating the same for aquatic applications.

Existing peristaltic pumps are primarily used for transferring fluid such as water, chemicals, or bodily fluid from one point to another point in a controlled manner. For transferring the fluid from one point to another, the existing peristaltic pump can be operated either in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. When the existing peristaltic pump is either operated in the clockwise or the counterclockwise direction, the fluid is passed through a tube of the existing peristaltic pump. Thereby, the fluid does not come into contact with foreign elements and prevents contamination and remains safe to use.

When the existing peristaltic pump is stopped, the existing peristaltic pump acts as a closed valve. In this stopped state, the existing peristaltic pump does not allow more fluid to enter into the tube and does not allow the fluid inside the tube to flow out of the tube. Thus, in this stopped state, the existing fluid remains inside the tube. However, there are applications where it is desirable for the existing peristaltic pump to allow flow, driven by pressure in a feed line, through the existing peristaltic pump at certain times and to substantially prevent flow at other times while still allowing the standard functionality of the existing peristaltic pump.

Therefore, the art recognizes the need for an improved peristaltic pump that addresses the above-mentioned problems in the existing peristaltic pump.

Some embodiments provide a peristaltic pump for an aquatic application, the peristaltic pump including a first drive plate, a second drive plate, a tube for transferring fluid, and an actuatable roller assembly coupled to the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The tube at least partially surrounds the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The actuatable roller assembly includes at least one roller arm, a first pin extending axially outward from the at least one roller arm, and a second pin extending axially outward from the at least one roller arm. The first pin is designed to slidably engage the first drive plate and the second pin is designed to slidably engage the second drive plate. The at least one roller arm moves radially outward and applies pressure to the tube when the pump is rotated in a first direction, and the at least one roller arm moves radially inward and removes pressure from the tube when the pump is rotated in a second direction.

In some embodiments, the first pin extends from a first side of the at least one roller arm and the second pin extends from a second side of the at least one roller arm. In some embodiments, the first pin is substantially orthogonal to the first side and substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the first drive plate and the second drive plate, and the second pin is substantially orthogonal to the second side and substantially parallel to the rotational axis. In some embodiments, the at least one roller arm is configured to pivot about a pivot axis. In some embodiments, the first drive plate includes a first cam slot by which the first pin slidably engages the first drive plate and the second drive plate includes a second cam slot by which the second pin slidably engages the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the at least one roller arm pivots radially inward and radially outward via the slidable engagement of the first pin with the first drive plate and the slidable engagement of the second pin with the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the first pin engages a first radially outer end of the first cam slot and the second pin engages a second radially outer end of the second cam slot when the pump is rotated in the first direction. In some embodiments, the first pin engages a first radially inner end of the first cam slot and the second pin engages a second radially inner end of the second cam slot when the pump is rotated in the second direction.

Some embodiments provide a method of operating a peristaltic pump including operating the peristaltic pump in a first mode in which the peristaltic pump rotates in a first direction and a roller arm of an actuatable roller assembly applies pressure to a tube to cause fluid to move through the tube, operating the peristaltic pump in a second mode in which the peristaltic pump is not rotating and the roller arm of the actuatable roller assembly applies pressure to the tube to cause fluid to be retained in the tube, and operating the peristaltic pump in a third mode in which the peristaltic pump rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction, or is stopped after having been rotated in the second direction, and the roller arm of the actuatable roller assembly does not apply pressure to the tube, allowing fluid to flow freely through the tube.

In some embodiments, the roller arm causes a predetermined volume of fluid to exit the tube in the first mode. In some embodiments, the roller arm pinches the tube to prevent fluid from entering or exiting the tube in the second mode. In some embodiments, the method further includes pivoting the roller arm to a radially outward position in the first mode and the second mode and pivoting the roller arm to a radially inward position in the third mode. In some embodiments, a drive plate, driven by a motor, is configured to pivot the roller arm between the radially outward position and the radially inward position. In some embodiments, the roller arm includes a first pin slidably engaged with the drive plate, and the roller arm moves between the radially outward position and the radially inward position via the slidable engagement of the first pin with the drive plate.

Some embodiments provide a peristaltic pump including a motor having a drive shaft, a drive plate coupled to the drive shaft, a tube in fluid communication with a fluid, and an actuatable roller assembly having a roller arm and a pin extending axially outward from the roller arm. The drive plate includes a cam slot with a radially inner end and a radially outer end, and the pin is slidably engaged with the cam slot. The roller arm pivots radially outward to press against the tube by way of the pin engaging the radially outer end of the cam slot and the roller arm pivots radially inward away from the tube by way of the pin engaging the radially inner end of the cam slot.

In some embodiments, the pin engages the radially outer end when the motor rotates in a first direction and the pin engages the radially inner end when the motor rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the drive plate is provided in the form of a circular disc, and the tube at least partially encircles the circumference of the circular disc. In some embodiments the tube has an inlet and an outlet and is configured to transfer the fluid between the inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, the radially inner end of the cam slot is positioned further from the outer circumference of the drive plate than the radially outer end of the cam slot. In some embodiments, pressurized fluid can freely flow through the tube when the roller arm is pivoted radially inward away from the tube.

In some embodiments, a peristaltic pump for an aquatic application is provided. The peristaltic pump is provided in the form of a first drive plate, a second drive plate, a tube and a actuatable roller assembly connected between the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The tube transfers fluid and surrounds the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The actuatable roller assembly includes one or more roller arms. Each of the one or more roller arms has one or more pins to be engaged with the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate. Further, the one or more pins engage with the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate when the pump is rotated in a first direction allowing each of the one or more roller arms to press the tube enabling entry of the fluid inside the tube. Furthermore, the one or more pins disengages with the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate when the pump is rotated in a second direction allowing each of the one or more roller arms to free the tube disabling entry of the fluid inside the tube and/or allowing free flow of the fluid outside the tube.

A method for operating a peristaltic pump for an aquatic application is provided. The method comprises the step of operating the peristaltic pump in a first mode when the peristaltic pump is rotated in a first direction. The method also comprises the step of operating the peristaltic pump in a second mode when the peristaltic pump is not rotating. The method further comprises the step of operating the peristaltic pump in a third mode when the peristaltic pump is rotated in the second direction or stopped after rotating in the second direction.

A system having a peristaltic pump for use in an aquatic application is provided. The system includes a motor and a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump is coupled to the motor. The peristaltic pump includes: a first drive plate, a second drive plate, a tube for transferring fluid and the tube substantially surrounds the first drive plate and the second drive plate, and a actuatable roller assembly coupled to the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The actuatable roller assembly includes at least one roller arm, at least one first pin extending outwardly from the at least one roller arm, and at least one second pin extending outwardly from the at least one roller arm, wherein the at least one first pin is designed to engage the first drive plate and the at least one second pin is designed to engage the second drive plate when the pump is rotated and the at least one roller arm applies pressure to the tube.

In some embodiments, the one or more roller arms are provided in the form of a first roller arm, a second roller arm and a third roller arm. In some embodiments, each of the first roller arm, the second roller arm, and the third roller arm include a first pin on a first side and a second pin on a second side. In some embodiments, each of the first roller arm, the second roller arm, and the third roller arm is a pivotable arm. In some embodiments, each of the first drive plate and the second drive plate include a first cam slot, a second cam slot, and a third cam slot. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pins engage with a cam slot of the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the first direction corresponds to a counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, the second direction corresponds to a clockwise direction.

In some embodiments, the first mode corresponds to a mode allowing entry of the fluid inside the tube from a second opening of a tube and exit of the fluid from a first opening of the tube. In some embodiments, the second mode corresponds to a mode stopping entry of the fluid inside a tube through a second opening of the tube and stopping exit of the fluid outside the tube through a first opening of the tube. In some embodiments, the third mode corresponds to a mode that disables pumping or entry of any fluid inside a tube and/or allows the fluid to freely flow outside or exit the tube through a first opening and/or a second opening of the tube. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump comprises a first roller arm, a second roller arm and a third roller arm.

In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump comprises a first drive plate and a second drive plate. In some embodiments, each of the first roller arm, the second roller arm and the third roller arm has one or more pins to be engaged with one or more cam slots of the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the first drive plate includes three cam slots designed to engage at least one of the first pin or the second pin, and the second drive plate includes three cam slots designed to engage at least one of the first pin or the second pin. In some embodiments, the system also includes a retainer including a first part designed to accommodate at least a portion of the tube and a second part designed to accommodate the first drive plate and the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the tube has an inlet for the fluid to enter the tube, and an outlet for the fluid to exit the tube. In some embodiments, the motor is designed to engage the first drive plate and the second drive plate to rotate both the first drive plate and the second drive plate substantially simultaneously.

Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications. Thus, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of being practiced or conducted in various ways and is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the disclosure.

Before any embodiments are explained in further detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the attached drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being conducted in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, unless otherwise specified or limited, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, “at least one of A, B, and C,” and similar other phrases, are meant to indicate A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, or C. As such, this phrase, and similar other phrases can include single or multiple instances of A, B, or C, and, in the case that any of A, B, or C indicates a category of elements, single or multiple instances of any of the elements of the categories A, B, or C.

An exemplary peristaltic pumpis shown in. The peristaltic pumpcan be used in various aquatics applications, such as with a swimming pool/spa, water treatment systems, chemical systems, beverage preparation systems, or dispensing systems. The peristaltic pumpincludes a support framefor holding one or more parts of the peristaltic pump, a retainerfor holding a tube, one or more drive plates (e.g., a first drive plateA and a second drive plateB), and a actuatable roller assembly. The tubecan include two openings, a first openingA and a second openingB. One of the first or the second openingA,B is designed to allow fluid to enter the tubeand the other of the first or the second openingA,B is designed to allow fluid to exit the tube. For example, when the second openingB acts as an inlet, then the first openingA acts as an outlet. In other instances, when the second openingB acts as an outlet, then the first openingA acts as an inlet. The peristaltic pumpalso defines a rotational axis X.

The peristaltic pumpcan further include a motorfor operating the peristaltic pumpin a plurality of modes (explained with respect to). A clampcan be used for clamping the motorto the support frame.

The peristaltic pumpis shown in an exploded view in. The retainerincludes a first partA and a second partB. The first partA is designed to accommodate the tubeand the second partB is designed to enclose the drive platesA,B, and the actuatable roller assembly. The first drive plateA and the second drive plateB can be positioned between the first partA and the second partB. Also, in one instance, the first drive plateA is connected to the support frameand the second drive plateB is not connected to the support frame(e.g., faces the actuatable roller assembly). The actuatable roller assemblyis enclosed or captured between the first drive plateA and the second drive plateB.

The peristaltic pumpcan be rotated in a first direction or a second direction by the motorto operate the peristaltic pumpin a first mode, a second mode, and/or a third mode, described herein. The first direction may correspond to a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The second direction may correspond to a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. In one instance, if the first direction is a counterclockwise direction, then the second direction is a clockwise direction and vice versa.

As used herein, the term “fluid” can be at least one of water, a beverage, a chemical, a bodily fluid (e.g., blood), or another suitable fluid. During operation, a fluid may enter the tubethrough one or the openingA or the openingB. The fluid can be provided to the openingA orB from a fluid source such as a swimming pool/spa, a water treatment system, a container or tank (e.g., for storing chemicals, agents, reagents), or another suitable fluid source.

Turning to, the first drive plateA of the peristaltic pumpis shown. The first drive plateA has a first sideA and an opposing second sideB. On the first sideA, the first drive plateA faces and is coupled to the actuatable roller assembly. On the second sideB, the first drive plateA faces and is coupled to the support frame.

Furthermore, the first drive plateA includes one or more cam slots (e.g., a first cam slot, a second cam slot, and/or a third cam slot). Each cam slot,,is designed to surround a central circular cavityC. Each cam slot,,in the first drive plateA is designed to slidably capture and engage one or more pins (e.g., a pinA,B,A,B,A,B), as shown in, of the actuatable roller assembly. More specifically, each cam slot,,has a radially inner endA,A,A, respectively. Similarly, each cam slot,,has a radially outer endB,B,B, respectively.

Turning to, a second drive plateB of the peristaltic pumpis shown. In one instance, the second drive plateB has a first sideA and an opposing second sideB. On the first sideA, the second drive plateB is open and can be exposed to the environment. On the second sideB, the second drive plateB faces and is connected to the actuatable roller assembly. In one instance, on the first sideA, the second drive plateB does not face any part of the peristaltic pump(e.g., faces away from the peristaltic pump).

Also, the second drive plateB can include one or more cam slots (e.g., a first cam slot, a second cam slotand/or a third cam slot). Each cam slot,,surrounds a central cavityC and the cam slots,,in the second drive plateB are used to slidably capture and engage one or more pins (e.g., the pinA,B,A,B,A,B), as shown in, of the actuatable roller assembly. More specifically, each cam slot,,has a radially inner endA,A,A, respectively. Similarly, each cam slot,,has a radially outer endB,B,B, respectively. In some forms, the central cavityC is formed as a keyway that corresponds to a key in a drive shaft of the motor. Accordingly, the second drive plateB can be driven by the motor.

Turning to, a actuatable roller assemblyof the peristaltic pumpis shown. The actuatable roller assemblycan include one or more roller arms, such as a first roller armA, a second roller armB, and a third roller armC. Each of the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and/or the third roller armC has a first side Sand an opposing second side S. On each side S, Sof the one or more roller armsA,B,C, one or more pins (e.g., the pinA,B,A,B,A,B), as shown in, and, can slide along and are respectively captured by at least one cam slot,,(shown in) of the first drive plateA and/or at least one cam slot,,(shown in) of the second drive plateB. In one instance, the first roller armA has the first pinA on the first side Sand the second pinB on the second side S. Further, in one instance, the second roller armB has the first pinA on the first side S, and the second pinB on the second side S. Additionally, in one instance, the third roller armC has the first pinA on the first side S, and the second pinB on the second side S.

Each roller armA,B,C has a rotatable roller, and each roller armA,B,C can pivot about a respective axis A, B, C (represented by dotted lines shown in). Each roller armA,B,C can be moved radially inwardly and outwardly (represented by arrows shown in) about its respective axis A, B, C as the one or more pinsA,B,A,B,A,B slidably engage the three cam slots,,of the first drive plateA (shown in) and/or the three cam slots,,of the second drive plateB (shown in) to apply or remove pressure from the tube, as discussed herein.

During operation, when the peristaltic pumpis rotated in the first direction and operated in the first mode, the one or more pins (e.g., the pinB,B, and/orB) can engage with the first drive plateA. In some instances, the peristaltic pumpis rotated a minimum of five times in the first direction to be operated in the first mode. The number of times required for engagement can vary based on the peristaltic pumpand/or the selection of the tube.

As shown, the first pinA on the first side Sof the first roller armA engages the radially outer endB of the first cam slotof the second drive plateB. Similarly, the first pinA on the first side Sof the second roller armB engages the radially outer endB of the second cam slotof the second drive plateB. Further, the first pinA on the first side Sof the third roller armC engages radially outer endB of the third cam slotof the second drive plateB. In one instance, on the other side of the actuatable roller assembly, the second pinB on the second side Sof the first roller armA engages the radially outer endB of the first cam slotof the first drive plateA. Similarly, the second pinB on the second side Sof the second roller armB engages the radially outer endB of the second cam slotof the first drive plateA. Further, the third pinB on the second side Sof the third roller armC engages the radially outer endB of the third cam slotof the first drive plateA.

When the one or more pins (e.g., the pinA,B,A,,A,B) engage with at least one cam slot (e.g., the cam slot,,,,,) of the drive plates (e.g., the drive plateA,B) to slide toward the radially outer ends (e.g., the radially outer endsB,B,B,B,B,B), the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and/or the third roller armC are driven radially outwardly by the cam slots,,,,,. Thus, the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and/or the third roller armC can press against (e.g., apply pressure to) at least a portion of the tubewhen the motorrotates the drive plateB in the first direction, causing the fluid to enter the tubethrough the second openingB and further causing the fluid to exit the tubethrough the first openingA (e.g., using a pumping action of the peristaltic pump).

As shown in, the first pinA on the first side Sof the first roller armA engages the radially inner endA of the first cam slotof the second drive plateB. Similarly, the first pinA on the first side Sof the second roller armB engages the radially inner endA of the second cam slotof the second drive plateB. Further, the first pinA on the first side Sof the third roller armC engages the radially inner endA of the third cam slotof the second drive plateB. On the other side of the actuatable roller assembly, the second pinB on the second side Sof the first roller armA engages the radially inner endA of the first cam slotof the first drive plateA. Similarly, the second pinB on the second side Sof the second roller armB engages the radially inner endA of the second cam slotof the first drive plateA. Further, the third pinB on the second side Sof the third roller armC engages the radially inner endA of the third cam slotof the first drive plateA.

When the one or more pins (e.g., the pinA,B,A,,A,B) engage with at least one cam slot (e.g., the cam slot,,,,,) of the drive plates (e.g., the drive plateA,B) to slide toward the radially inner ends (e.g., the radially inner endsA,A,A,A,A,A), the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and/or the third roller armC are driven radially inwardly by the cam slots,,,,,. Thus, the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and/or the third roller armC are radially pulled away and thus remove pressure from the tubewhen the motorrotates the drive plateB in the second direction. This allows the existing/present fluid inside the tubeto freely exit (i.e., free flow) the tubethrough the first openingA and/or the second openingB. Thus, the actuatable roller assemblyis disengaged from the tubeand the process of pumping fluid through the tubeis disabled.

Continuing with, when the peristaltic pumpis rotated in the second direction or stopped after rotating in the second direction and operated in the third mode, the one or more pins are driven radially inwardly by the cam slots,,,,,of the first drive plateA and/or the second drive plateB and thus remain retracted away from the tube. Consequently, when the peristaltic pumpis stopped after rotating in the second direction, the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and/or the third roller armC do not apply pressure to the tube.

Turning to, a methodfor operating the peristaltic pumpis described. The methodstarts at step.

At step, the peristaltic pumpis rotated in a first direction by the motor, which causes the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and the third roller armC to pivot radially outward. In one instance, the first direction corresponds to a counterclockwise direction. The peristaltic pumpis operated in a first mode when the peristaltic pumpis rotated in the first direction. In one instance, the first mode corresponds to fluid being pumped to enter the tubethrough the second openingB and exit the tubethrough the first openingA.

At step, the peristaltic pumpis stopped (e.g., not rotated by the motor). When the peristaltic pumpstops rotation, after operating in the first mode/first direction, the peristaltic pumpis functioning in a second mode. In one instance, the second mode corresponds to a mode when the peristaltic pumpis stopped by stopping the power supply to the motor. In other instances, the peristaltic pumpcan be stopped in other ways. In the second mode, radial spreading of the first, second, and third roller armsA-C against the tubevia the engagement of the one or more pins (e.g., the pinA,B,A,,A,B) with the radially outer ends (e.g., the radially outer endsB,B,B,B,B,B) of the cam slots,,,,,of the drive platesA,B is maintained. Thus, the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and/or the third roller armC maintain pressure against (e.g. apply pressure to) the tubewhile the peristaltic pumpis stopped in the second mode.

Accordingly, in this second mode, fluid is stopped or prohibited from entering the tubethrough the second openingB of the tubeand stopped or prohibited from exiting the tubethrough the first openingA of the tubeand vice versa. Also, the (e.g., existing) fluid inside the tuberemains within the tube. The fluid that remains inside the tubeis the fluid that was circulating inside the tubewhen the peristaltic pumpwas operated in the first mode before being stopped.

At step, the peristaltic pumpis rotated in a second direction by the motorwhich radially contracts the first roller armA, the second roller armB, and the third roller armC. In some instances, the second direction corresponds to a clockwise direction. When the peristaltic pumpis rotated in the second direction or stopped after rotating in the second direction, the peristaltic pumpis operated in a third mode. In some instances, the peristaltic pumpis rotated a minimum of 5 times in the second direction to be operated in the third mode. The number of times required for radial contraction of the first, second, and third roller armsA-C away from the tubevia the engagement of the one or more pins (e.g., the pinA,B,A,,A,B) with the radially inner ends (e.g., the radially inner endsA,A,A,A,A,A) of the cam slots,,,,,of the drive platesA,B can vary with the design of the peristaltic pumpand/or the choice of the tube.

The third mode corresponds to a mode that disables pumping and/or substantially prevents the entry of any (e.g., new or additional) fluid from entering the tubeand/or exiting the tubethrough the first openingA and/or the second openingB. Further, in the third mode, the peristaltic pumpcan allow free flow and/or easy exit of the fluid from any or both of the openingsA,B of the tube and can allow externally pressurized flow to pass through the peristaltic pump. The methodends at step.

In some forms, the peristaltic pumpcan control the release of agents/chemicals into a swimming pool/spa. In one instance, agents/chemicals from a tank/container can enter the tubethrough the second openingB when the peristaltic pumpis operated in the first mode and rotated in the first direction. In the first mode, the peristaltic pumpcan release a controlled amount of agents/chemicals into the swimming pool/spa as needed. In the second mode, the peristaltic pumpcan prevent the further release of agents/chemicals into the swimming pool/spa. In the third mode, the peristaltic pumpcan allow for continuous flushing of the tubeafter the chemicals have been depleted.

The peristaltic pumpalso can fill a cuvette with a swimming pool/spa water to a controlled amount. This cuvette can be part of a device that tests chemical levels in the water of the swimming pool/spa. The second mode stops the flow of fluid (i.e., pool water) into the cuvette while the testing is in process. The third mode allows the water of the swimming pool/spa to flow into the cuvette to rinse the cuvette (e.g., water pressurized by the pool filter pump). The third mode can allow for a continuous flushing of the chemical test apparatus without having to (e.g., constantly) run the peristaltic pump. On the fulfillment of a need, the peristaltic pumpis operated in the second mode by stopping the rotation of the peristaltic pump. This can stop the entry of the swimming pool/spa's water into the tubeand can stop the exit of the swimming pool/spa's water from the tube. Other chemicals could be used in other applications. When the peristaltic pumpis operated in the third mode and rotated in the second direction, the swimming pool/spa's water can exit the tubeor free flow out of the tubeand allow entry of pressurized swimming pool/spa's water into the tubeon a continuous basis.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.