CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 j The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 11 (e) to U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 63 /736,904, filed on October 22, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

{0002} The disclosed subject matter relates to composite filter media. In particular, the disclosed subject matter is related to composite filter media in laminate form prepared by bonding adjacent layers of media material comprising bicomponent fibers. The composite filter media is useful in industrial applications requiring long service l ife.

[0003] There is a demand for increasing the service interval, for a filter without increasing the filter size, increasing the filter's pressure drop, or decreasing the filter's capabilities for removing contaminant. In particular, filter performance requirements for high pressure filtration applications, such as hydraulic and fuel filtration, are extremely demanding in terms of particulate removal, yet service intervals preferably are at least 250 hours, but ideally greater than 500 hours, 1 ,000 hours, or even longer. To meet these pressure drop and life requirements, specially engineered high performance filter media is needed. The demanding removal and service life requirements of some filter applications cannot be met with existing filter media and improved filter media is desirable, hi particular, improved composite media and methods for forming composite media are desirable.

SUMMARY

[0004] Disclosed is composite media that may be utilized in coalescing elements, coalescing cartridges, and coalescing systems and methods. The composite media typically is formed by bonding at least three layers of media material from an upstream direction to a downstream direction,, namely Layer A, optionally Layer B, Layer C. and Layer D, The layers typically have different characteristics and are designed to impart desirable properties to the coalescing media. Typically; one or more of the layers comprise bicomponent fibers. The bicomponent fibers typically comprise different polymeric materials having different physical or chemical characteristics such as melting temperature.

[0005] In some embodiments of the disclosed composite media, at least one of Layer A, Layer B, and Layer D comprise bicomponent polymeric fibers having a core and a sheath, and Layer C comprises polymeric nanofiber material . The polymeric material of the sheath of the bicomponent fibers may have a lower melting point than the polymeric material of the core. The polymeric material of the sheath of the bicomponent fibers also may have a Sower melting point than the polymeric nanofiber material of Layer C. The composite media material then may be formed by bonding the polymeric nanofiber material of Layer C to the bicomponent fibers of at least, one of Layer A, Layer B _} and Layer D by a method that includes heating the sheath material of the bicomponent fibers and melting the sheath material of the bicomponent fibers to the polymeric nanofiber material of Layer C.

[0006} Exemplary characteristics for the layers utilized to prepare the composite media are disclosed in Table 1. In some embodiments. Layer A comprises polymeric media material having one or more of the following characteristics: (a) a nominal mean fiber diameter of greater than about 8, 9, or 10 μηι; (b) a mean pore size of greater than about 10, 15, 20, or 25 μτη; and (c) a permeability of greater than about 80 cf . Optionally, Layer A comprises polymeric media material having one or more of the following characteristics; (a) a permeability of 80-325 cfin; (b) a basis weight of 20-60 gsm; and (c) a thickness of 0.1 -0.5 ram.

|00i>7| Layer B is optional. However, in some embodiments, Layer B is not optional and Layer B comprises polymeric media material having one or more of the following characteristics: (a) a nominal mean fiber diameter of 1-5 μηι; (b) a mean pore size of 5- 15 μηι; (c) a basis weight of 15-50 gsm; (d) and a permeability of 25-55 cfm. Optionally, Layer 8 comprises polymeric media material having one or more of the following characteristics: (a) a maximum pore size of < 30 μηι; and (b) a thickness of 0,1-0.5 nun

|€KM 8| In some embodiments. Layer C comprises polymeric media material having one or more of the following characteristics: fa) a nominal mean fiber diameter of 0.1-5, 0.1 - 3, or 0.1-1 μτη; (b) a .mean pore size of 0.1 -15 or 0.2-10 μηκ and (c) a permeability of 3-55 cfm. Layer C may include nanoflbers having a nominal mean fiber diameter of less than 1 pm and may be otherwise referred to as a nano fiber layer. Optionally, Layer C comprises polymeric media material having one or more of the following characteristics: f a) a maximom pore size of < .10 pro; (b) a basis weight of 8-50 gsm; (c) and a. thickness of 0.1-0.5 mm.

J0009j In some embodiments. Layer D comprises polymeric material having one or more of the following characteristics: (a) a nominal mean fiber diameter of greater than about 8. 9, or 10 pm; (b) a mean pore size of greater than about 10, 15, 20, or 25 pm; and (c) a permeability of greater than about 40 cfm. Optionally, Layer D comprises polymeric media material having one or more of the following characteristics: (a) a permeability of 40-200 cfm; (b) a basis weight of 40-200 gsm; and (c) a thickness of 0.1 -0.56 mm. jOOlOJ in some embodiments, the composite media has a permeability of less than about 40, 30, 20, 10, or 5 cfm. Preferably, the composite media formed from the multiple layers has a permeability of about 3-40 cfm.

[0011 J The disclosed composite media may be further formed as pleated filter media. In some embodiments, the pleated filter media may be over-packed, for example, where the coalescing media has a pleat density D that exceeds ½H where H is the thickness of the coalescing media. Where the composite media is pleated, it may be further configured to resist collapsing of its pleats. In some embodiments, Layer D comprises media material that is textured and comprises grooves in a direction approximately perpendicular to the pleated media bend lines in order to resist collapsing of the composite media's pleats. 10012} The disclosed composite media may be utilized in coalescing elements, for example, coalescing elements configured for coalescing a discontinuous liquid phase from a continuous liquid phase, in some embodiments, the coalescing elements are configured for method of coalescing water immersed In a liquid hydrocarbon (e.g., hydrocarbon fuel, biodiesel fuel, or lubricating, hydraulic, or transmission oil). The coalescing elements may be utilized in filter cartridges. Suitable coalescing elements and filter cartridges that may comprise the disclosed pleated coalescing media are disclosed in U.S. Published Application No. 2011/0168621, published on July 14, 201 1 , and U.S. Published Application No. 201 1/0168647, published on July 14, 201 1 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0013| Figure 1 provides a schematic of one embodiment of high performance composite media as contemplated herein.

{0014} Figure 2 provides exemplary configurations for the bicomponent fibers utilized in the presently disclosed composite media.

(00 5| Figure 3 illustratively provides definitions for terms used herein for describing a pleated form of the presently disclosed composite media.

10016} Figure 4 provides a schematic illustration of a cross-section of one embodiment of pleated coalescing media as contemplated herein. (A) Normal pleat density, D < ½H; and (B) overpacked condition, D > ½H.

{0017J Figure 5 provides a scanning electronic micrograph of a cross-section of one embodiment of high performance composite filter media as contemplated herein, showing the layers and a textured groove on the downstream face of Layer D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[ ftlSJ Disclosed herein is composite med a formed from multiple layers of media material. The media may be further described based on the following definitions.

{00191 Un ess otherwise specified or indicated by context, the terms "a", "an", and "the" mean "one or more ^'5 or "at least one." For example, "a layer" should be interpreted to mean "one or more layers."

|0020j As used herein, "about", "approximately," "substantially " and "significantly" will be imdersiood by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent on the context in which they are used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art given the context in which it is used, "about" and "approximately" will mean plus or minus <10% of the particular term and "substantially" and "significantly" will mean pl us or minus >10% of the particular term.

{0021J As used herein, the terms "include" and "including" have the same meaning as the terms "comprise" and "comprising."

[0022] The presently disclosed composite media typically is prepared from multiple layers of bonded fibrous filter media. The fibrous filter media typically comprises polymeric fibers (i.e., synthetic fibers). Figure 1 shows one simplified schematic of the layers utilized to prepare a composite media as contemplated herein. The composite media may be prepared from at least 4 layers of media material as shown in Figure I (Layers A, B. C, and D), but may include only 3 layers of media material as described below (Layers A, C, and D). ^' Exemplary properties of each layer of media material are shown in Table 1. The layers that form the composite media ma be bonded by processes that include thermal bonding (e.g., via ultrasonic bonding, hot calendering, belt calendering, through-air thermal bonding, and radiant -heat bonding), and/or chemical bonding (e.g., via the use of binders such as butadiene copolymers, acrylates, and vinyl copolymers). [0023| hi some embodiments, the disclosed media is a laminate filter media prepared by bonding a minimum of three (3) layers of media designed to provide longer service life than conventional composiie or laminate filter media of equivalent contaminant removal characteristics without an increase in the size of the resultant filter element. The laminate filter media may include: (!) a coarse, open upstream layer with larger polymeric fiber designed to enable use of a pleated form of the composiie media having ove -packed pleat densities without significant degradation in removal nor service live; (2) optional one or more tighter polymeric layeils) with finer fibers designed to serve as transition layer(s) in gradient filtration and to protect the filtration layer from damage by laminating; (3) a polymeric niicro- or oano-fiber layer ro provide high removal for fine particles at low pressure drop; and (4) a thin, coarse, open downstream layer with larger polymeric fibers designed to facilitate relatively unrestricted flow through the media under over-packed pleat densities without significant degradation in contaminant removal nor service life and to provide structural support for upstream layers. 0024] in the presently disclosed filter media, Layers A, B and D may provide support and permit bonding of all the layers of the media into a composite such that further support (such as a screen, cellulose or other stiffer material) is not required. Layer C is sandwiched between Layers B and D, or between Layers A and D, if there is no layer B. The inclusion of optional Layer B as a transition layer with finer fibers than Layer A and coarser fibers than Layer C yields media with no significant loss in contaminate removal or change in maximum pore size. Preferably, the fiber diameter of Layer B may be intermediate between the fiber diameters of Layers A and C. ideally, the fiber diameter of Layer B may be between 1.5 and 4 times the fiber diameter of Layer C and less than the fiber diameter of Layer A. If additional layers are incorporated between A and C, then a more gradual transition in fiber diameter from A to C is envisioned with each successive layer having a smaller fiber diameter than its preceding layer. j 002 1 One or more of the layers of media material utilized to prepare the composlste media typically comprises bieomponent fibers. As used herein, "bkomponeni fibers" means fibers that are formed by extruding two different polymers from the same spionerei with both polymers being contained with the same filament. The term "conjugate fibers" may be used interchangeably with "bieomponent fibers," The bicotnponent fibers utilized to prepare the presently disclosed composite media may have any suitable configurations, including but not limited to, a core and sheath configuration and a side-by-side configuration, (See Figure 2.)

{0026| Polymer materials that may be suitable for producing bieomponent fibers for use in the presently disclosed composite medi may include, but are not limited to, polyesters (e.g. , polyethylene terephiha!ate)("PE ') _? polyibutylene terephthalate("PBT"), poly(inmethylene terephthalate)("PTT"), poSytethylene imphthalate}("PE " pol fcyclohexylenedi methylene terephthalate){"PC ') , pol ylacfic acid), pol amides (e.g. , poly(hexamethylene adipa ide)f 'n lon 6,6") and poiycaprolactam ("nylon 6,6"), eo- polyamides, polyethylenes (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HOPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), pol ypropy lanes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, and polyoxymethylenes (i.e., aceial).

[00271 The bieomponent fibers may comprise- two different polymeric materials having different melting temperatures. Wither regard to melting temperature (T), polymers typically have an "onset melting point" or "Temp" and a "peak melting point" or "T _riffli> ," as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Polymers have complex melting temperatures, unlike water-ice, and a Ύ _ΜΙψ and a Ί _{ρ ψ} for a given polymer may be broadly defined by a temperature range. In some embodiments, the different polymeric materials ma have onset melting temperatures that differ by at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50°C. in other embodiments, the different polymeric materials may have onset melting temperatures that diffe by no more than about 60, 50, 40, 30, or 20"C. In further embodiments, the different polymeric materials may have onset melting temperatures that differ within a range of temperatures (eg., 10-60, 10-50, 10-40, 1 -30, 10-20, 20-60, 20-50, 20-40, 20-30, 30-60, 30- 50, 30-40, 40-60, 40-50, or 5O-60°C, The melting temperatures of some polymeric materials that are suitable for preparing the bi component fibers contemplated herein are shown in Table 2. In some embodiments, where the different polymers have temperatures ranges for their T ^' unp, the difference in Τ _0¾φ for the two polymers may be calculated by taking the highest temperature value for the T _()1S1J , of one polymer and subtracting this temperature value from the lowest value for the Tamp of the other polymer. For example, the bicomponent fibers might be formed from PBT having a Τ< _Μψ of 220-230°C and from Nylon 6,6 having a T _t «»p of 245- 255° In this case, the highest value for the T _(f0¾> of PCX is 230°C and the lowest value for the T of Nylon 6,6 is 245°C, so the temperature difference may be calculated as 245-230 ^:::: 15°C, This same calculation may be performed, to determine the temperature difference between two T _{SW p} 's for two different polymers, where the two -different polymers have temperatures ranges for their T _¾i> ^! s.

[0028| In the disclosed composite media, Layers A, B, C, and/or D may comprise or consis of bicomponent polymer fibers, ideally produced by meltspmn g to yield the appropriate fiber diameter as contempiaied herein. The bicomponent: polymeric fibers of Layers A. B, C, and/or D, facilitate bonding of the layers in order to form the composite media material Bicomponent polymeric fibers have been described (see, e.g., WO20O5O5921 A.1 ), and typically comprise or consist of fibers, with a two or more components in cross-section, such as a core and sheath (or skin) in cross-section. In such a configuration, the core is composed of a different polymer than the polymer of the sheath. As utilized in Layers A, B, and/or D of the filter medi contemplated herein, the outermost sheath polymer may have a lower melting point than the innermost core polymer and a Sower melting point than the Layer C polymer. This configuration facilitates bonding (e.g. , via ultrasonic bonding) of Layer A, B, and/or D to Layer C while maintaining the integrity of layer C, and also enables the use of less energy in the bondin process, which in turn, may reduce damage to Layer C. This configuration also enables highe melting point polymers to be used for the core, imparting characteristics to Layers A, B, C and/or D, as a whole, different than would be otherwise achievable. Such characteristics may include, but not be limited to fiber diameter, stiffness, melting point, elasto-tensile strength, and the like. [0Θ29| Composite media formed by bonding Layer A, optional Layer B, Layer C, and Layer D functions to resist premature plugging. Layer B is optional, however it is contemplated thai there could he one or more layers between Layers A and C conforming to the characteristics and design practices that are described herein,

[0030J The first upstream layer. Layer A, is more open and exhibits lower particle removal, than Layer B and succeeding layers upstream of Layer C. Each of these successive layers after Layer A exhibits higher particle removal, than its preceding layer. This is done by decreasing the fiber diameter, porosity and/or pore size of each successive layer. Collectively, these layers are designed to provide progressively higher removal for particles of a given size and to remove progressively smaller particles than the preceding layers. In addition to increasing sendee life. Layers A and B secondarily protect the structure of the primary filtration Layer C during manufacturing and processing of the media. In some embodiments, Layer A may be meltspun or meltblown material In some embodiments. Layer B and succeeding layers upstream of Layer C are preferably produced by meltblowing or meltspin ing to produce fibers with appropriate fiber diameter, pore size, particle removal, and processing characteristics.

[0031 J Layer C is primarily the filtration layer of the media and its properties may be configured for specific applications. Layer C comprises polymeric micro- or nano-fibers or a mixture of polymeric micro- and nano-fibers. Layer C typically has physical and particle removal properties appropriate for the particular application,

[0032] Layer D provides support and protection during processing for the upstream layers. In such conventional media. Layer D typically comprises or consists of relatively "open" media having sufficient strength to support the upstream layers of media under conditions of use. Layer D also facilitates processing of the upstream layers of media. In preparing the composite media, the integrity of the individual media layers should be retained during compositing (i.e., after combining of the various media layers into the final laminate, each layer of the laminate retains its individual characteristics). 0033| The presently disclosed medi may be configured as pleated coalescing media. (See Figures 3 and 4). ^' The number of pleats per unit length in a direction normal to the flow and perpendicular to the pleats (i.e., perpendicular to the depth of tire pleats and pleated media bend lines), is referred to as pleat density, D. Overpacking occurs when the pleat density is so high that the media from opposing faces of a pleat touch. Figure 4 schematically illustrates pleated media in a normal and overpacked condition. The theoretical maximum pleat density for conventional filter media is limited by the thickness of the filter media, H, and is equal to 1 2I I. Overpacking refers to the condition in which the pleat density of a fi lter exceeds this theoretical maximum pleat density.

[00341 The presently disclosed composite media may he configured for use in a variety of coalescing or filtration applications such as pleated configurations for use in fuel/water separator and hydraulic filter applications. The presently disclosed composite media typically retains its contaminant removal characteristics, yet. resists premature plugging, even, in an pleated, over-packed state.

{0035J The present inventors have discovered that the relative concentration of fine particles smaller than about 5 μ-m Is elevated in fuel and hydraulic filter applications. In some embodiments of the presently disclosed composite media for use in fuel and hydraulic filter applications, the composite media may be configured as pleated media for removing particles smaller than about 5 μτη. Preferably, the media resists premature plugging by elevated concentrations of particles smaller than 5 μιη and semisolids. Where pleated forms of the presently disclosed composite media are used in such applications. Layer C may be as thin as practical while retaining the desired particle removal characteristics. This enables the use of pleated forms of the media in an over-packed condition with high pleat densities to achieve the desired service life.

[0036] The presently disclosed media may be configured for use in filter element as pleated media in an over-packed condition ( .<·.. where D > ½H). Composite media suitable for use in over-packed filter elements may be obtained via a selected configuration of Layer D. m conventional Laminate filter media. Layer D provides support and protection during processing for the upstream layers. such conventional media, Layer D typically comprises or consists of relatively "open" media having sufficient strength to support the upstream layers of media under conditions of use. Layer D also facilitates processing of the upstream layers of media. As disclosed herein, Layer D, as shown in Table 1, provides the additional function of enabling the media to he used in an over-packed condition with minimal or no loss of effective filter media surface area, unlike conventional laminate media. As disclosed herein, Layer D is intended to compress at high pleat densities in a manner that minimizes the adverse effects on pressure drop and contaminate removal. As such, Layer D may serve as a "crumple zone," such that the fluid flows parallel to the surface of pleat, instead of normal to the surface as in conventional media, with minimal increase in restriction in an over-packed condition.

(0037) In pleated configurations of the disclosed composite media, undesirable compression of Layer D at high pleat densities may be minimized via using a relatively Large fiber diameter for the media of Layer D. texturing of the surface of Layer D, and minimizing the thickness of Layer D. For example. Layer D may comprise polymeric fill s with geometric mean diameter greater than 10 ,um, and ideally greater than 40 μηι, typically produced by meltspinning or me!tbiowing. Additionally, Layer D may have an uncompressed thickness of less than 0,56 ram, and generally greater than 0.1 mm. Medi with Layer D meeting these requirements, even in compressed form, remains sufficiently open to permit fluid flow, thus exhibiting longer service life and more efficient utilization of the filter media surface area compared to media without such a layer. In an over-packed condition, existing filter media used to filter fluids enriched in particles smaller than about 5 μηι exhibit heavy loading with contaminates near the pleat peaks but little to no visible loading near the peak valleys. In contrast, over-packed media with Layer D as described herein exhibits nearly uniform contaminant loading across the entire depth of the pleat.

|0038| Resistance to collapse for pleated forms of the composite media may be further increased by texturing the downstream surface of Layer D. This can be done by embossing or thermally processing the raedia to yield a three dimensional textured or grooved structure aligned in the machine direction of the medi on the downstream side of Layer D. In a filter element utilizing such grooved media, the grooves of the raedia may bealigned in the machin e direction of the raedia (i.e,, in a direction approximately parallel to the depth of the pleats, or perpendicular to the pleated media bend lines), or the grooves may extend radially for cylindrical filter elements. Grooves or texture as shallow as about 0.1 mm may be utilized.

[0039J In some embodiments of the disclosed composite media for fuel, hydraulic, and other demanding industrial applications, maximum thickness of Layer D is less than about 0.56 mm and a Layer D has a grooved surface. Figure 5 shows a micrograph of a cross- section of Layer D as described in Table 1 having a grooved surface. Depending on the specific characteristics of the composite raedia described in this application, increases in pieat density from 1 1,1 to 32.0% may be achieved along with corresponding increases in capacity and service life. These increases in capacity and service life may be achieved by using the media in a over-packed condition.

[0040] In specific embodiments, the composite media may be prepared from Layer D comprising or consisting of polymeric filter media with the following properties: (1) a fiber diameter greater than 10 pm, mean pore size greater than 20 pm, permeability greater than 40 cfm, and thickness less than 0.56 mm to enable significantly higher pleat density and correspondingly higher contaminant holding capacity and service life; (2) a capability of being over-packed, i.e. , where the pleat density is in excess of the 1/2H, without significant performance penalty; and (3) optionally, comprising or consisting of bicomponeni fibers.

[00411 In some embodiments of the composite media. Layer A need not be as thick as

Layer D. However, Layer A must still have high enough porosity and large enough fiber diameter, to allow flow to pass through the layer in a direction essentially parallel to the surface of Layer C with minimal restriction. If Layer A does not have high enough porosity and large enough fiber diameter, restriction may be excessive and over 50 percent of the media may not be fully -utilized, as shown, in Figure 4, The physical characteristics described herein enable the use of over-packed media to increase the optimal pleat density. Thus, increased useful, filter media surface area and service life can be achieved for demanding applications, like lube, hydraulic and fuel filtration where the contaminant size distribution is dominated by particles finer than about. 5 urn.

[0042] in particular, the disclosed laminate media may include a Layer A comprising or consisting of polymeric filter media with the following properties: ( 1. ) a fiber diameter greater than 8 μη , mean pore size greater than 25 μηι, permeability greater than 80 cfhi, and thickness less than 0.50 mm to enable significantly higher pleat density and correspondingly higher contaminant holding capacity and service life; (2) a capability of being over-packed, i.e., where the pleat density is in excess of the 1/2H, without significant performance penalty; and (3) optionally; comprising or consisting of bicomponent fibers. In particular; the disclosed laminate media may include a Layer A and/or a Layer D, as just described.

|0Θ43| Exemplary configurations of layers for preparing the composite media disclosed herein are disclosed in U.S. Published Application No. 201 1 /0168621 , published on July 1 , 201 1, and U.S. Published Application No. .201 1/0168647, published on July 14, 201 1 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. These applications disclose a multilayer media having one or more of the following characteristics: Layer A: nominal mean fiber diameter >10 μπι; mean pore size >50 μιη; maximum pore size >100 μτη; permeability 225-325 efrrs; thickness 0.3-0.5 mm; and basis weight 4&H0 gsm. Layer B: nominal mean fiber diameter 1.0-5.0 μηι; mean pore size 5.0-15.0 μηι; maximum pore size 10.0-25.0 pm; permeability 35-55 cfra; thickness 0.1 -0.3 mm; and basis weight 38.-i-.10 gsm. Layer C: nominal mean fiber diameter 0. 1-0.8 μηι; mean pore size 1.0-8.0 pro; raaximom pore size 1.0- 0.0 μη ; permeability 3.0-20.0 cfm; thickness 0.1 -0.3 mm; and basis weight >20 gsm. Layer D: nominal mean fiber diameter >40 μηι; mean pore size 30-35 μηι; maximum pore size 40-65 p ; permeability 50-75 efoi; thickness 0.45-0.65; and basis weight I 8±20 gsm. [0Θ44| Composite filter media as disclosed herein was tested using PTl 0-5 μηι test dust, which is a surrogate for the contaminants found in actual fuel applications, and using ISO Fine Test Dust, which is a. coarser contaminant specified in SAE fuel filter test standards. With ISO Fine, the capacity of over-packed eieraents w ^r as reduced by large paiticies loading the upstream portion of pleats and the full media surface area was not fully utilized. With PTl 0-5 μηι dust, full utilization of the surface area and higher capacity was obtained when the fiber diameter of the media in Layer A was greater than about 8 μηι, hut not when finer fibers were used for [.aver A. 0045] In the foregoing description, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein. The terras and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been illustrated by specific embodiments and optional, features, modification and/or variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

|0 46| Citations to a number of references are made herein. The cited references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. In the event that there is an inconsistency between a defini tion of a term in the specification as compared to a defini tion of the term in a cited reference, the term should be interpreted based on the definition in the specification. TABLE 1

TABLE 2