FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to plant cultivation, more particularly to systems and methods of organizing and arranging the planting, growing and harvesting of a plant or other multicellular organism.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cultivation of plants in mass quantities is costly and presents several challenges to a cultivator. Growers and cultivators are faced with limited resources needed for adequately and successfully growing and harvesting large quantities of plants and crops. Valuable resources necessary for cultivation of most plants, including water, soil, nutrients, utilities, contamination control, and real-estate, are often costly and in short-supply and, as such, can make plant cultivation expensive, environmentally unfriendly and limited in quantity. While the advent of hydroponics (i.e., a method of growing plants without the use of soil) has alleviated some limitations, there is still a need for a cost effective, efficient and scalable system and method for cultivating plants.

[0003] For example, traditional methods of hydroponic growing are limited in the size of the growing area, such as a vessel. To enable access to the plants and crops growing in the vessel, an aisle or accessible space is necessary. Previous methods have required limiting the width of the vessel to prevent impeding access to plants from the aisle. There has thus been a need to enable increased growing space in the vessel without preventing access to the plants and crops.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a multi-directional connector may be adapted for allowing a tower holding a number of plants to slide in multiple directions. For example, the tower may be slid forward and backward as well as turned to an angle onto a third or fourth track. As a result, the towers may be stored parallel to each other. When access is needed to a tower, the tower may be slid out and turned to be at an angle using the multidirectional connector. The connector may enable the vessel in the tower to have a width greater than the width of the access aisle. As a result, the available grow space in the vessel may be increased without limiting access to the plants and crops grown in the vessel.

[0005] According to one aspect, a multi-directional connector is disclosed. The connector may include a body adapted to receive a trolley. The body may have a first, second and third comer where the first comer is opposite the third comer. A first channel may be defined in the body with the first channel traversing at least a portion of the body. A second channel may be defined in the body with the second channel traversing the body from the first comer to the second comer and the second channel merging with the first channel. A third channel may be defined in the body with the third channel extending from the second comer and merging with the first channel and the second channel. The trolley may be adapted to traverse the body from the first comer to the second comer through one or more of the first, second, and third channels.

[0006] According to another aspect, a system for cultivating a plant is disclosed. The system may include a first and second track coupled to a first connector and a third and fourth track coupled to a second connector. The first and second connectors may each include a body having a first, second and third comer where the first comer opposite the third comer. A first channel may be defined in the body with the first channel traversing the body from the first comer to the third comer. A second channel may be defined in the body with the second channel traversing the body from the first comer to the second comer on an arc and the second channel merging with the first channel. A third channel may be defined in the body with the third channel extending from the second comer and merging with the first channel and the second channel. A trolley may be adapted to traverse the first, second, third, and fourth tracks and the first and second connectors. A tower defining a vessel for receiving a plant may be rotatably coupled to the trolley. The first track may be coupled to the first comer of the first connector where the second track is coupled to the third comer of the first connector and the second comer of the first connector is coupled to the second comer of the second connector. The third track may be coupled to the first comer of the second connector and the fourth track is coupled to the third comer of the second connector. The tower is adapted to rotatably and transversely move through the first and second connectors to the first, second, third and fourth tracks.

[0007] According to another aspect, a rotational connector is disclosed. The connector may include a body adapted to receive a trolley where the body includes a first, second and third comer and the first comer opposite the third comer. A first channel may be defined in the body extending from the first comer and a second channel may be defined in the body extending from the second comer. A third channel may be defined in the body extending from the third comer. A turntable may be rotatably coupled to the body where the turntable defines a turntable channel. The turntable channel May be adapted to selectively couple the first channel to one or more of the second channel or third channel through the turntable channel. The trolley may be adapted to traverse the body from the selective coupling of the first channel to the one or more of the second channel or third channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] So that the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the description may admit to other equally effective aspects. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0009] The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, of which:

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a plan view of a scalable system in which multiple tower structures are installed into a scaffold system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a section view of a tower structure of a scalable system of Figure 1 along line a-a, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3a depicts a top-view of a multi-directional connector, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3b depicts a three-dimensional, perspective view of a multi -directional connector, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a section view of the multi-directional connector of FIG. 3a along line b-b, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a plan view of a multi-directional connector operably connected to at least one track, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a section view of the multi-directional connector of FIG. 5 along line c- c.

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a plan view of an aspect of a scalable system including a multidirectional connector, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a scalable system including a multi-directional connector, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9a depicts a front view of a trolley for operably sliding a tower structure along a track, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9b depicts a side view of a trolley for operably sliding a tower structure along a track, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a scalable system including a multi-directional connector operably adapted to enable a trolley to slide in a first direction or a second direction, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. I la depicts a top-down sectional view of a multi-directional connector, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. l ib depicts a perspective view of the multi-directional connector of FIG. I la, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The aspects will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which preferred aspects are shown. The foregoing may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated aspects set forth herein.

[0025] The present disclosure generally provides systems, apparatuses, and methods specially adapted for cultivating plants. Aspects of the system may provide for efficient, cost- effective and large-scale growing environments. Generally, the system may include a tower structure having a column with a vertical series of vessels for holding a netted pot or other container. The system may have a pressurized irrigation system that is in fluid communication with each vessel. The system may further include lamps to provide an adequate energy source. The system may also include sensors, monitors and controls to establish and maintain ideal environmental conditions suitable for proper plant growth.

[0026] The system may be implemented further as a scalable system in which multiple tower structures are installed into a scaffold system. Sets of towers may be slidably affixed to a scaffold and/or a connector such that the towers may be slid along a track thereby creating easy access to the plants, vessels, lights and irrigation system.

[0027] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a multi-directional connector may be adapted for allowing a tower holding a number of plants to slide in multiple directions. For example, the tower may be slid forward and backward as well as turned to an angle onto a third or fourth track. As a result, the towers may be stored parallel to each other. When access is needed to a tower, the tower may be slid out and turned to be at an angle using the multidirectional connector. The connector may enable the vessel in the tower to have a width greater than the width of the access aisle. As a result, the available grow space in the vessel may be increased without limiting access to the plants and crops grown in the vessel.

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a plan view of an aspect of a scalable system 100 in which multiple tower structures are installed into a scaffold system. According to known systems, like those described in U.S. Pat. 1 1 ,089,744, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, the track 104 may be adapted to include a track connector (not shown) for connecting a first track with a second track. The track connector provides a pathway for a tower to slide along the track in a forward and backward direction. As a result, the tower may be stored in a nested configuration alongside other towers. The space between the towers can be reduced to a minimum in the nested configuration. When access to the tower is needed, the tower may be slid out to an open space for access to the plants and crops growing in the vessels in the tower. When access is no longer needed, the tower may be returned to its storage location by sliding the tower along the track.

[0029] An aspect of a tower 102 may be slidably connected to a track 104. The tower 102 may include a plurality of columns, vessels, or other structures adapted to carry and hold a plant or crop 106 to be grown in the tower 102. According to one aspect, a tower may include one or more hanging columns, each column defining a plurality of vessels each vessel adapted to hold a plant. The tower 102 may be adapted to slide in a first direction 108 and a second direction 110. The tower 102 may be located in a first position 112 for storage. The tower 102 may be adapted to slide to a second position 114 for attending to the plant or crop 106. In an aspect, the first direction 108 and the second direction 110 may be a lateral direction relative to the first position 112 of the tower 102.

[0030] While FIG. 1, depicts a scalable system 100 having two towers 112 per track 104, aspects of the present disclosure provide for additional towers 112 in each row. For example, an illustrative aspect of the scalable system 100 may be sized to occupy, for example, about 9’ x 21 ’ room, 120, container or other enclosed space. An aisle 116 between the towers 112 may be adapted to be about 3 ’ wide. The space may be larger or smaller depending on the desired configuration and crop grown. The illustrative aspect of the scalable system 100 may be adapted to hold, for example, four towers 112 across seven horizontal rows 122 of towers 112. As a result, this illustrative aspect may hold twenty -eight towers 112 with each tower 112 providing approximately 24 square feet of cultivation space. Each tower in the illustrative aspect may have a maximum width of 3’, the same as the width of the aisle 116. The illustrative aspect of the scalable system 100 may provide, for example, approximately 672 square feet of growing space in a 189 square foot room 120. Thereby providing a tower area to real estate ratio of about 3.56.

[0031] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an aspect of a structure 200 of the scalable system 100 of Figure 1 along line a-a. The tower 202 may be slidably connected to a track 204 using a trolley 206, coupled to the tower 202 at a connection point 203. The tower 202 may include at least one vessel 208 for growing a plant or crop 210. A second vessel 212 may be provided on the tower 202. The tower 202 may be adapted to include multiple vessels. An exemplary aspect of the tower 202 may include five vessels vertically arranged across one more columns. The columns may be discrete structures coupled together as a tower 202, or may be a wall-like structure with a unitary body.

[0032] The tower 202 may be slid along the track 204 from a first position 214 to a second position 216 by moving in a first direction 218 or a second direction 220. The tower 202 may be slid to the first position 214 by sliding the tower 202 in the first direction 218 or a second direction 220. According to one aspect, the first direction 218 and the second direction 220 may be opposing lateral directions relative to the first position 214 of the tower 202. The system of FIGS. 1 and 2, however, may limit the canopy’s practical width as towers 202 may not be wider than the width of the aisle without impeding access to the plants that are not completely in the aisle.

[0033] FIG. 3 a depicts a first aspect of a multi-directional connector 300 for use in a scalable growing environment, like one disclosed in FIGS. 1-2, for example. The multi-directional connector 300 may be adapted to allow a tower, such as tower 202 (FIG. 2) to move laterally or perpendicular relative to a first position. The multi-directional connector 300 may include or form a body having a top plate and a bottom plate. The body may further include or define at least two comers 301, and preferably three or four comers 301. A first channel 302 is adapted to allow the tower 202 to move laterally in a side-to-side direction. A second channel 303 may bisect the first channel allowing the tower 202 to move perpendicular relative to its first position. A third channel 304 may be adapted to turn or move the tower in an arcuate direction towards the second channel 303, but without having to move the tower to the intersection of the first channel 302 and the second channel 303. The third channel 304 may be adapted to enable the tower to turn while sliding along a track 204. [0034] According to one aspect, the multi-directional connector 300 may be adapted to operate with a track and trolley configuration. For example, the multi-directional connector 300 may be suspended from a structure, such as a ceiling, scaffold, frame, or the like, using one or more suspension points 306 for connecting the multi-directional connector 300 to a scaffold (not shown). The multi-directional connector 300 may be adapted to provide additional degrees of freedom in the tower’s 202 movement thereby allowing the tower 202 to turn when slid along the track 204. For example, an exemplary aspect may enable the tower 202 to turn into an aisle 1 16 (FIG. 1) and move the length of the aisle 1 16, across one or more rows 122 thereby increasing the maximum allowable width of the tower 202. Another exemplary aspect of the multi-directional connector 300 may enable the tower 202 to have a maximum width equal to a length of the aisle 116. An aspect of the multi-directional connector 300 may be adapted for use with a vessel 208 having a maximum width equal to a width of the aisle 112.

[0035] For example, an illustrative aspect of the multi-directional connector 300 may be used in a room 120 with dimensions of about 9’ x 21’ with about a 3’ wide aisle. An illustrative aspect of the scalable system 100 may include a total of twelve vessels per tower 202. The illustrative aspect of the scalable system 100 may be adapted to include forty -eight vessels (four towers per row, each tower with twelve vessels), with each tower 202 sized to provide approximately twenty-four square feet of growing space. While each tower 202 in the illustrative aspect may not have a maximum width greater than 3' (or the width of the aisle 112), the multi-directional connector 300 in the illustrative aspect allows each tower 202 to be oriented perpendicular relative to its first position and moved laterally the length of the aisle, allowing adjacent towers to be moved laterally into the aisle in its place. The illustrative aspect of the scalable system, for example, allows placement of more than eight towers 202 of widths not greater than 3' per horizontal row by moving adjacent towers into the aisle and orienting them perpendicular relative to their first positions using the multi-directional connector 300 and moving them laterally the length of the aisle. The exemplary' aspect of the scalable system 100 may provide approximately eight hundred sixty-four square feet of growing space in about a one hundred eighty -nine square foot room. Thereby providing a tower area to real estate ratio of about 4.57.

[0036] FIG. 3b depicts a multi-dimensional view of a multi-directional connector 308. The multi-directional connector 308 may include a first channel 310 adapted to enable a tower 202, coupled to the multi-directional connector 308, to slide in a first direction along a track 204. The multi-directional connector 308 may include a second channel 311 substantially perpendicular to the first channel 310. A third channel 312 may be adapted to enable a tower 202 to slide in a second direction along a track 204 in relation to a first position 214 of the tower 202. In an aspect, the first direction may be a lateral direction relative to the first position 214 of the tower 202. In an aspect, the second direction may be an arcuate direction transitioning the tower 202 onto the second channel 311 perpendicular to the first position 214 of the tower 202.

[0037] FIG. 4 depicts a section view of a multi-directional connector 400, like that of Figure 3a along line b-b, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The multi-directional connector 400 may be operably connected to a scaffold (not shown). A housing 402 of the multi-directional connector 400 may be suspended from the scaffold using a suspension cable 404, dowel, bolt or other hanger device. The suspension cable 404 may be operably connected to a top and/or bottom surface of the housing 402 at a suspension point 406, using any number of known connection mechanisms, including, nuts, bolts, washers, welds, press- fits, friction fits, or the like.

[0038] FIG. 5 depicts a plan view of an aspect of a scalable system 500 including an aspect of a multi-directional connector 506 operably connected to at least a first track 502. The multi-directional connector 506 may be operably connected to a scaffold (not shown) of the scalable system 500 at one or more suspension points 508.

[0039] The multi-directional connector 506 may be operably connected to a first track 502 and a second track 504. According to one aspect, the first track 502 and the second track 504 may be or include a Unistrut frame or a similar structure as known and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] The multi-directional connector 506 may be adapted to include a first channel 510 adapted to enable a tower (not shown) to slidably move from the first track 502 to the second track 504. The multi-directional connector 506 may include a second channel 512 adapted to enable a tower (not shown) to slidably move from the first track 502 to a third track (not shown) operably connected to a third prong 514. The multi-directional connector 506 may include a fourth prong 516 for operably connecting a fourth track (not shown) to the multidirectional connector 506.

[0041] In an alternative aspect, the multi-directional connector 506 may be adapted to enable a tower (not shown) to slidably move along the first track 502 to a second multi-directional connector (not shown) operably connected to a third prong 514. The multi-directional connector 506 may be adapted to enable the tower to slidably move along the first track 502 to a third multi-directional connector (not shown) operably connected to a fourth prong 16. [0042] FIG. 6 depicts a section view of an aspect of a multi-directional connector 600, like that of Figure 5 along line c-c. The multi-directional connector 600 may be operably connected to a first track 602 and a second track 604. A housing 606 of the multi-directional connector 600 may be suspended from a scaffold (not shown) using a suspension cable 608 operably connected to the housing 606 at a suspension point 610. The suspension cable 608 may be operably connected to a top and/or bottom surface of the housing 606, using any number of known connection mechanisms, including, nuts, bolts, washers, welds, press-fits, friction fits, or the like.

[0043] FIG. 7 depicts a plan view of an aspect of a scalable system 700 including a first multi-directional connector 706. A first track 702 may be adapted to allow a tower 704 to operably slide along the first track 704 to the first multi-directional connector 706. The first multi-directional connector 706 may be operably connected to a second multi-directional connector 708 and a third multi-directional connector 710. The first multi-directional connector 706 may be adapted to enable the tower 704 to slide laterally to a second track 712. [0044] The first multi-directional connector 706 may be adapted to enable the tower 704 to slide perpendicularly relative to a first position 714 onto the second multi-directional connector 708, using an arcuate channel curving towards the second multi-directional connector 708. The first multi-directional connector 706 may be adapted to enable the tower 704 to slide perpendicularly relative to the first position 714 onto the third multi-directional connector 710, by way of the second multi-directional connecter. The tower 704 may be placed in a second position 716 for servicing using the first multi-directional connector 706. The second position 716 may be substantially perpendicular relative to the first position 714. [0045] In an illustrative aspect, the multi-directional connector 706 may enable a tower 704 to slide from the second track 712 to a third track 718 by turning the tower about an arcuate channel 720 and eventually into a position perpendicular to a first position 714 using the multi-directional connectors described herein.

[0046] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an aspect of a scalable system 800 including a multidirectional connector 806. A first track 802 may be operably adapted to enable a tower 804 to slide from a first position 810 in a lateral direction 812. The tower 804 may be slidably connected to the first track 802 by a trolley 808.

[0047] The tower 804 may be slid using the trolley 808 to a second position 814 and turned to a perpendicular direction 816 relative to the first position 810. The multi-directional connector 806 may be adapted to enable the trolley 808 to slide in a lateral direction 812 or a perpendicular direction 816 as the trolley 808 moves through the multi-directional connector 806.

[0048] FIG. 9a depicts a front view of an aspect of a trolley 900 for operably sliding a tower (not shown) along a track (not shown). FIG. 9b depicts a side view of an aspect of the trolley 900 for operably sliding a tower (not shown) along a track (not shown).The trolley 900 may include an axle 902 for connecting at least one roller 904 to a body 906 of the trolley 900. The trolley 900 may include a connecting dowel 908, or similar structure such as a cable, rope, wire, pipe, or the like, for operably connecting a tower (not shown).

[0049] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a scalable system 1000 including an aspect of a multi-directional connector 1002 operably adapted to enable a trolley 1004 to slidably move in a first direction 1006, a second direction 1008, or a third direction 1010. The trolley 1004 may traverse a first channel 1012 defined by the multi-directional connector 1002 to move in the first direction 1006. The trolley 1004 may traverse a second channel 1014 defined by the multi-directional connector 1002 to move in the second direction 1008. The trolley 1004 may traverse a third channel 1016 defined by the multi-directional connector 1002 to move in the third direction 1010. The second and third axes 1014, 1016, respectively may be or include an arcuate direction leading towards a fourth channel 1028 perpendicular to the first channel 1012. The trolley 1004 may be operably connected to a tower (not shown) by a connecting dowel 1018 for selectively moving the tower through the system 1000.

[0050] The multi-directional connector 1002 may be operably connected to the scalable system 1000 using one or more suspension cables 1020, dowel, bolt, cable, rope, pipe, or the like. The suspension cable 1020 may be operably connected to the multi-directional connector 1002 at a suspension point 1022. The multi-directional connector may be operably connected to a first track 1024 and a second track 1026. The first track 1024 and the second track 1016 may be adapted to receive and hold the trolley 1004, allowing the trolley to slide or roll across the track. According to one aspect, the tracks 1024, 1016 may include or form ledges on which the trolley 1004 may rest. The ledges may be spaced such that a slot or opening runs the length of the track allowing the connecting dowel 1018 free passage through the track 1024, 1026.

[0051] The multi-directional connector 1002 may be adapted to enable the connecting dowel 1018 to hang from the trolley 1004. The trolley 1004 may traverse at least one of the first channel 1012, the second channel 1014, the third channel 1016, or fourth channel 1028, defined by the multi-directional connector 1002. The first channel 1012, the second channel 1014, the third channel 1016, and fourth channel 1028 may be defined by apertures 1029 routed, or otherwise formed, into a bottom plate 1030 of the multi-directional connector 1002.

[0052] The multi-directional connector 1002 may be operably adapted to form an aperture as an inner section 1032 defined by a top plate 1034, at least one side plate 1036, and the bottom plate 1030. The aperture 1032 may provide an open space within the multi-directional connector 1002 through which the suspensions cables 1020 may pass. The suspension cable 1020 may be secured to one or both of the top plate 1034 and/or the bottom plate 1030 may be connected to a scaffold, using any number of known connection mechanisms, including, nuts, bolts, washers, welds, press-fits, friction fits, or the like.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1 la-b, a multi-directional connector 1100 may include a turntable 1102 or similar rotatable plate disposed centrally in the connector. The turntable 1104 may ride or engage with the connector body 1101 using one or more bearings disposed between the turntable 1102 and the connector body 1101, or similar interface, including without limitation, rollers, magnets, frictionless surfaces, or the like allowing the free rotation of the turntable 1102 with respect to the connector body 1101. The turntable 1102 may define two intersecting trolley axes 1104 and may rotate independently from tracks 1124, 1126 leading to and from the connector 1100. The multi-directional connector 1100 may allow canopies to be moved into the aisle and rotated 360-degrees independent of their original orientation, via the turntable 1102. According to one aspect, the turntable 1102 may include a cam, detent, or similar mechanism that ‘clicks’ into place when the turntable orientation aligns with one or more of the four adjacent trolley tracks. When the tracks are aligned, the trolley 1106 may be moved off the connector and onto the adjacent track 1124, 1126. According to one aspect, as shown in FIG I la, one or more connection points 1105 may be defined in or through the turntable. The connection point 1105, as described herein, may couple or suspend the connector 1100 from a ceiling, frame, scaffold or other structure. With the connection point 1105 disposed in or though the turntable, the body 1101 may rotate freely and selectively about the turntable 1102 to position the channels defined in the comers of the body 1101 so that the trolley and/or tower may be moved through the connector and to a different track.

[0054] Alternatively, as shown in an aspect of FIG. 11b, the connection points 1105 may be disposed in or through the body 1101 of the connector 1100. In such a case, the turntable is freely rotatable, while the body 1101 is static.

[0055] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0056] Although illustrative aspects of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those precise aspects, and that various other changes and modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. [0057] All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Thus, the term "or" should generally be understood to mean "and/or" and so forth. [0058] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be appreciated that in the appended claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more.” It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “includes,” “including,” and/or variations thereof, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. In the above description, it is understood that terms such as "first," "second," "third," "above," "below," and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless expressly state otherwise.

[0059] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element (or variations thereof), it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element (or variations thereof), there are no intervening elements present. [0060] Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words "about," "approximately," "substantially," or the like, when accompanying a numerical value or direction are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described aspects. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("e.g.," "such as," or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the aspects and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the aspects. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the aspects.

[0061] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific aspects. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure.