Cross-References to Related Applications

[0001] This application claim priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Serial No. 62/704,880, filed June 1, 2020 and Serial No. 63/054,363, filed July 21, 2020, both of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

Background

[0002] Over the past 20 years, the world has seen a rise in novel viral and other biological pathogens. This include airborne pathogens responsible for SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), Ebola disease, influenza and COVID-19. The accelerating proliferation of these and future virulent infections demands that access to equipment designed to protect against an array of pathogens be readily available and reusable where desired. This includes, among other things, respiratory equipment and associated sterilization equipment for essential healthcare workers.

Summary

[0003] A variety of systems and methods of purifying air are provided. The systems include, for example, wearable masks and other wearable protective equipment. The methods include, for example, applying one or more stresses to air borne and other pathogens rendering them weakened, dead or otherwise deactivated. These stresses can include, for example, electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultraviolet, infrared, microwave, etc.) and/or anti-viral/bacterial agents derived from natural and/or synthetic sources, ionization, etc. The methods can also include one or more traps or filtrations including particulate, electrical and/or magnetic (e.g., ion traps). The systems include personal protective equipment such as, for example, masks and respirators. The systems also include sterilization units allowing the reuse of the equipment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the inventions are illustrated, which, together with a general description of the inventions given above, and the detailed descriptions given below, serve to example the principles of the inventions.

[0005] Figures 1A and IB illustrate various embodiments of air purification systems of the present inventions.

[0006] Figures 2A and 2B show front and profile/cross-sectional views of one embodiment an air purification system and method having a respirator unit.

[0007] Figures 3A and 3B show front and profile views of one embodiment of an air purification system and method having a mask body for use with the respirator unit Figures 1A and IB.

[0008] Figures 4A and 4B show front and top perspective views of one embodiment of a sterilization system and method for use with an air purification system.

Description

[0009] As described herein, when one or more components are described or shown as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between the components or may be indirect such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also, as described herein, reference to a member, component, or portion shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, element, or portion but can include an assembly of components, members, elements, or portions.

[0010] The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 exposed weaknesses to the international communities’ response to a new infectious threat. Shortages of personal protective equipment such as masks and respirators led to their recycling, which not only compromised the performance standards of the equipment, but potentially increased exposure of frontline healthcare professionals and patients to this deadly infection. The systems of the present invention allow reuse safely and with minimal effort and time. The systems of the present invention include core components that are easily interchangeable/replaceable so that if any one component fails or breaks, it can be replaced. Alternatively, remaining components can be used as replacement components when needed. This will allow for component recycling during times where there could be shortages and interruptions in supply chains.

[0011] Objects and advantages of embodiments of the invention(s) include:

[0012] a first response system, mask, and/or personal protective equipment that is versatile and capable of handling a variety of unknown threats;

[0013] reducing the scarcity of critical personal protective equipment resulting in risk and exposure to core healthcare providers; and

[0014] reducing environmental and economic impact of “throw away” masks of questionable protective capabilities. [0015] Other objects and advantages are described throughout the detailed description of embodiments presented herein.

[0016] Utilizing the latest understanding of viral and bacterial biology and physiology including for example, the composition of their external membranes, as well as these organisms’ susceptibihties to environmental stressors, the systems of the present inventions include a personal respiratory mask having, for example, a 3-step approach that neutralizes, sterilizes, and captures viruses and bacteria in a self-contained reusable mask. The mask is easily replaced and interchangeable ensuring that in a crisis, limited resources could be maximized. The mask is also customizable in the setting of a novel threat or an evolving understanding of the pathogen transmission pathway. Hence, more or less than the 3-steps described herein may be used based on the particular threat or pathogen.

[0017] The systems (i.e., mask, respirator, etc.) can be off the shelf and reusable where the threat includes deadly pathogens. As described herein, the systems can be reusable without any reduction in filtering performance because they are effectively sterilizable. In other embodiments, the inventions include a body worn system that connects to a mask. The body worn system can be worn on a belt (or include or be mounted to a belt) for wearing around the waist, backpack configuration having shoulder straps (single and/or double), head worn such as on the face, head, or on a helmet or other protective headgear, etc. In such embodiments, a hose or tubing can provide a connection between the mask and body worn system. Configured as such, the systems can serve as a first wave response to a viral outbreak providing durable protection to frontline healthcare and public safety providers that may be facing known or unknown threats. [0018] In one illustrated example, the systems include a mask or respirator having airborne infection inactivation and removal components and processes. As shown in Figure 1A, this includes one or more of ionization and particulate capture, ultraviolet (e.g., UV-C, etc.) hght sterilization, and/or particulate air filtering. Other aspects of the inventions disclosed herein include a system or device having a sterilization chamber to clean and sterilize the protective equipment after use. In the mask or respirator embodiment, the system can serve as a first response personal protective mask until such time as infectious disease specialists can determine the acceptable protection standards. Alternatively, based on the infectious disease, the system can serve as the acceptable protection protocol as well.

[0019] In one embodiment, a personal protective mask (or respirator), includes 3 components: ionization 100, UV-C sterilization 102, and a weave- based fabric filter 104 (see, e.g., Figure 1A). The ionization and UV-C sterilization of inhaled air 106 may occur in a respirator unit 200 (Figs. 2A & B). In alternate embodiments, the ionization component can be optional and not used (see, e.g., Figure IB) as part of the respirator 200. The respirator unit 200 can be removably attached to a mask body 202 that also includes the removable filter 104. The mask body 202 contacts and seals against the wearer’s face to protect the wearer’s airways (e.g., nose and mouth) and optionally further the wearer’s eyes as well.

[0020] The embodiments of a mask shown in Figures 1A and 2A & 2B includes an external fan overlying air intake hose(s) (or tubes or channels). The fan 108 generates a minimal pressure differential of approximately 2-4 Pa, but other differentials are also possible. The air intake hoses or structures 110 can be made from any suitable material that allows the transmission of UV-C light therethrough. This includes, for example, glass and/or plastics. In one embodiment, the fan 108 prevents heavier air particles from entering the circulation chamber (e.g., 110). The fan 108 also traps heavier particles (like viruses and bacteria) in the circulation chamber hose(s) 110 and improves exchange of CO2 out of the mask body 202 through the exhaust holes or ports 204. In one embodiment, the fan 108 acts as an exhaust fan creating a slight or low negative pressure (relative ambient) in respirator 200 and mask body 204. During inhalation, the slight negative pressure generated by the fan 108 slows the travel of heavier particles, hke bacteria and viruses, through the respirator unit 200 thereby increasing and/or maximizing their exposure to the UV-C light. The slower travel of these heavier particles also allows for their enhanced interaction by increasing or maximizing their exposure to the ions from the ion generator 100 and the positive collector plate(s) 206 inside circulation chamber hoses 110 for attracting the ionized particles. Further, as the heavier particles approach the inner surfaces of the intake hoses/structure 110, their travel is further slowed due to areas near the inner surfaces having characteristically slower flow. The slight negative pressure also helps to seal the mask body 202 against the wearer’s skin. The slight negative pressure can be any pressure slightly below ambient that does not significantly impair the wearer’s ability to inhale.

[0021] During inhalation, air is drawn in past the fan 108 and into the air intake hoses/structure 110. This structure 110 creates, for example, a circulation chamber. The air intake hoses/structure 110 can accommodate, for example, approximately 250-500 mL of air (approximately 1 inhalation). This allows contaminated air to reside or circulate in the air intake hoses/structure 110 (i.e., a chamber is created by their volume) for approximately 8-10 seconds under normal breathing rates/dynamics. This allows the UV-C light the required time to neutralize pathogenic particles such as bacteria and viruses, and the ion trapping to have its effect on the particles. The treated air (with UVC light and ion trapping) then flows into the mask body 202 (e.g., the space between the respirator body 202 and wafer 104) for inhalation. Depending on the pathogenic threat level, more or less time than 8-10 seconds can be used and more or less than 250-500 mL volume can be used.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2B, one or more exhaust ports or exhaust hoses 204 direct exhaled air out of the mask body 202. This is assisted by the fan 108 acting as an exhaust fan in creating the slight negative pressure within the respirator unit 200 and mask body 202. In one embodiment, the exhaust ports 204 are hoses or channels carrying exhaled air to the space between the respirator unit body 202 and the wafer/filter 104 whereby the exhaust fan 108 can draw the exhaled air out of the mask 200. In other embodiments, the wafer/filter 104 is itself the exhaust port 204 allowing the exhaled air travel therethrough to the space between the respirator unit body 202 and wafer/filter 104 for being drawn/expelled out of the mask.

[0023] A negative ion generator 100 creates a negative ion corona trap in the area/volume of air intake hose 110 entrance (which can be before or after the fan 108). The ion generator 100 uses a positive collector plate(s) 206 within the air intake hose(s) 110 to trap pathogens based on the charge (i.e., positive or negative) of their external membranes. In one embodiment, the negative ion generator 100 includes one or more metal emitter tips proximate to air intake hose/structure 110 entrance. The emitter tips are located and positioned such that their negative ion corona discharge is at least partly to substantially in the flow path of the air intake whereby pathogenic particles can interact with the emitted ions. In one embodiment, the ion generator 100 creates an electron field of approximately minimum -lOkV and up to -25kV. In other embodiments, the ion generator 100 can include two settings, for example, one at -lOkV and the other at -25kV. Other settings are also possible within this range. [0024] In alternative embodiments, the fan 108 may be located before or after the air intake hoses/structure 110 (and wafer filter 104) such as, for example, near one or more exhaust ports 204 or in a dedicated exhaust circuit leading to the ports 204. In yet other embodiments, more than one fan 108 can be used (i.e., an intake fan and an exhaust fan), which are synchronized to the wearer’s breathing or pressure sensed in the respirator unit 200 (e.g., negative pressure/change indicating air intake for inhalation and a positive pressure/change indicating air expelled for exhalation). In yet other embodiments, the fan(s) 108 can generate a positive pressure, instead of a negative pressure, within the respirator unit/mask 200. This positive pressure can be slightly above ambient and may assist inhalation. The positive pressure can be constant or intermittent based on breathing cycle synchronization. Exhaled air is expelled from the mask body 202 via exhaust ports 204 which can include a constant leakage flow (i.e., during both inhalation and exhalation) to minimize rebreathing of exhaled air and to improve air exchange dynamics within the mask 200. In these embodiments, the fan(s) 108 positive pressure can be adjusted to ensure the proper leakage flow is generated through the exhaust port(s) 204. The exhaust ports 204 can also include wafer/filters and one-way valves to ensure the same. Further yet, in other embodiments, the fan(s) 108 can be eliminated.

[0025] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1A and 2B, the circulation chamber or air intake hose(s) 110 encircle the circumference of at least a portion of the respirator unit body 202. In other embodiments, more or less encircling may be applied as necessary to effectively apply the ion trap and/or UV-C light. In yet other embodiments, the air intake hose(s) 110 can be arranged to form paths other than encircling paths (e.g., serpentine, coil/helical, loops, cylindrical, circuitous, etc.) In yet other embodiments, the hoses 110 can have a corrugated, wavy or undulating geometry that increases their volume and interior surface area (for example, for increased collector plate area 206, and slower flow velocity proximate the interior walls). The exact arrangement of the air intake hoses/structure 110 is not critical so long as they provide an effective intake volume for the wearer’s breathing and exposure time to the UV-C and ion trap components. In one embodiment, the circulation chamber hose(s) 110 have an average volume of 200 - 250mL, but larger volumes can be provided including up to 500 mL or more. The hose(s) 110 can be constructed of a clear material such as glass or plastic (including for example, nano-infused Silver (e.g., an active agent)) that allows for UV light transmission. In one embodiment, the circulation chamber 110 is made of, for example, clear silicon dioxide glass in a cylindrical shape and having the minimal diameter of approximately 7 cm with a thickness of approximately 3 cm. In other embodiments, diameters of up to 12 cm can be used to facilitate air exchange dynamics. The glass/plastic material can be impact resistant and coated with films or other surface coatings to assist light transmission and ion entrapment (including ionization charge/collector plate 206 formation).

[0026] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1A and 2B, the hose(s) 110 have a metallic positive collector plate 206 lining or residing within the interior of the hose(s) volume. The inner surface of the exterior facing side of the hose(s) 110 are, in one embodiment, coated with a conductive film or material to form a positively charged collector plate 206 of the ion trap. This allows the UV-C light emitted from the inwardly positioned LEDS 102 (or other source such as, for example, excimer lamps, excimer lasers, plasma lamps, neon lamps, etc.) to cover the interior volume of the air intake hoses 110 without obstruction from the collector plate(s) 206. Arrangements other than a coated film or material can also be used so long as a collector plate 206 is formed within the hose(s) or respirator unit body 202. The positively charged collector plate 206 electrically attracts and filters/traps pathogens having negatively charged membranes. In other embodiments, the LEDs 102 can be disposed outwardly of the air intake hoses 102 whereby the collector plate would be disposed on the interior facing side of the hoses. In yet other embodiments, the collector plates 206 can be located external to the air intake hoses/structure 110. The collector plates 206 can be located anywhere so that they can sufficiently generate the electric field necessary to collect or impede the flow of charged pathogens during a breathing cycle or inhalation time (e.g., more or less than about 8-10 seconds long). The exact positioning of the LEDs 102 and collector plates 206 is not critical so long as the collector plates 206 do not significantly obscure the UV-C light emitted from the LEDs 102 into the area/volume of air intake hoses 110.

[0027] Still referring to Figures 1A and 2A, the hose(s) 110 exit toward the mask side of the respirator unit 200 to provide purified air to the wearer. Adjustments in the diameter of the hoses 110 as well as the total volume of the hosing unit can be made to increase transit time through the hosing circuit 110 to increase UVC exposure, maximize contact to the positive ion plate(s) 206, and improve breathabihty. Modifications to the hose 110 configuration to create a larger gravity trap can also be employed to enhance particle/pathogen capture and exposure.

[0028] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A & IB and 2A &2B, medial to or inward from the encircling hose(s) 110 is a UV-C source 102 such as, for example, a ring or array of UV-C LEDs emitting a frequency of 200-280 nm. As mentioned, other UV-V sources can also be used instead of or in combination with LEDs. Approximate minimal target energy for the UV-C light is 11 J/m2 but higher settings of 33 J/m2 also be used. In one embodiment, three settings including, for example, 11 J/m2, 33 J/m2, and 100 J/m2 can be used.). Higher levels convey greater protection from viral and bacterial threats. In one embodiment, the UV-C light has 100% light coverage of the air intake hose(s) at a distance of not greater than 1 cm. As described, other light coverages and distances may also provide effective exposure.

[0029] As described above, the array or ring of UV-C LEDs 102 can also be disposed outward of the air intake hoses 110. At the center of the UV-C light complex, there is a wireless rechargeable battery (and control circuit) 208. The battery and circuit 208 can also be located elsewhere including the sides, top and bottom of the respirator unit 200 or mask body 202 thereby forming an integrated compact unit. The battery and circuit 208 may also be located external to the mask such as on a belt clip and connected to the respirator unit via wires. A wireless charging plate or coil 210 can be provided to receive electromagnetic energy from a charging emitter coil.

[0030] In one embodiment, the outside of the circulation chamber 110 can be covered or coated with a UV-reflective layer (e.g., the entire surface except for the area where the lithium battery inserts) such as aluminum oxide or magnesium oxide. This can be directly applied to sections of the circulation chamber 110 or be incorporated onto the surface of a fan 108 segment that attaches to the circulation chamber 110. This maximizes the reflection of the UV-C light enhancing the effectiveness of air purification but also preventing escape of dangerous UV-C radiation to the user. In one embodiment, UV-C hght will be generated by LEDs 102 or a high energy lamp with a spectrum between 170 nm and 280 nm as this has been associated with the inactivation of bacterial and viral pathogen’s DNA and RNA.

[0031] Air flow into the circulation chamber 110 can include several embodiments. In one embodiment, air enters an upper portion of the respirator 200 via a plurality of intake vents. In one embodiment, this include two or more intake vents. The vents open to a glass air tube of the circulation chamber 110. The side of the tube 110 facing the UV-C light is transparent or clear. The side of the tube more distant from the UV-C source can be coated with a reflective positive ion plate 206. The positive ion plate 206 can be inside or outside the tube 110. Each air tube from an intake vent converges in a chamber near the inferior portion of the respirator where the collector plate(s) 206 will end. The configuration of the glass at this end of the tube 110 maximizes air contact with collector plate(s) 206. Two smaller cahber tubes exiting the collector/plate chamber will encircle the UV-C light assembly or array. This encircling can include multiple times based on the constraints of the size of the mask and the total air volume in the unit as noted above. These tubes will subsequently terminate on the face/mask side of the respirator body 202.

[0032] In one embodiment, the respirator 200 includes three detachable components including, for example, the fan 108, circulation chamber/hoses 110, and/or rechargeable battery assembly 208/210. The rechargeable battery assembly 208/210 include the UV-C source(s) 102 and/or ionizer 100. This facilitates cleaning, replacement and sterilization of the components. In an embodiment where the circulation chamber 110 is cylindrical, air circulates along the perimeter of the circulation chamber. The lithium battery 208 and UV-C unit 102 insert into the central or other area of the circulation chamber 110 and connect to each other. Airflow into the respirator 200 ideally maximizes UV-C exposure, contact with the positive collector plate(s) 206, and respiratory dynamics. UV-C light is most effective with minimal particle interference and concentrated area saturation. As such, higher intensity hght can allow for reduced or smaller circulation chamber or tube 110 volume. Also, positive ion collector plates 206 perform better with particle capture in lower flow states and larger areas of interaction.

[0033] The respirator unit 200 is preferably removably attached to the mask body 202. The respirator 200 has universal or standardized dimensions capable of attaching to a variety of mask body 202 designs including nasal and mouth, full face mask, and full head bodies. The mask body 202 contacts and substantially seals against the wearer’s face.

[0034] Where lethal pathogens are involved, the mask body 202 completely seals against the wearer’s face. In one embodiment, the mask body 202 has two standardized features: a standardized attachment for the respirator unit 200 and a standardized attachment for a fabric filter 104 (henceforth called a wafer). The attachment or connection arrangements for the respirator unit 200 and wafer 104 are preferably hermetic or airtight. One example of a hermetic or airtight attachment arrangement includes mating screw threads used in combination with a rubber/silicon (or similar) gasket or ring (e.g., O-ring, etc.) disposed between the mask body 202 and respirator 200 (and wafer 104). The term standardized attachment is used to denote standardized in terms of a universal or common attachment structure or arrangement that allows components such as the filter 104 or respirator unit 200 to attach any other mask body 202 having the standardized attachment. This facilitates easy reuse and replacement of respirator units and filters on various mask bodies.

[0035] Wafer 104 (Fig. 3C) can be made of any suitable fabric filter material. In one embodiment, this includes fabric material that can physically trap or block bacterial and viruses while allowing air to pass through. In other embodiments, the fabric material can include copper, silver, copper and silver, and other anti -bacterial/viral agents woven or integrated thereinto. In yet other embodiments, the fabric material can carry a positive charge (i.e., ASTM Level 3 protection) and act as a collector plate for ion trapping of particles. The charge can be provided by a power source such as a battery or may be electrostatically generated for some duration of time. [0036] Referring to Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, in one embodiment, a mask body 300 includes a portion that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth with a soft rubbery polymer allowing for tight contact with the wearer’s skin. Proximal to the respirator unit attachment location 302 is an attachment site for the wafer/filter 104. This will allow for interchangeable wafers 104 to be screwed or otherwise attached (e.g., hermetically attached) to the mask body 300 (or 202 in Fig. 2A). The interchangeable wafers 104 have performance characteristics compatible with ASTM Level 1 to Level 3 masks and can be tailored to the level of threat. An empty wafer can be included that will allow for a homemade fabric filter 104 insertion in situations where no alternatives exist (e.g., due to scarcity). Variations of the mask body 300 (or 202 in Fig. 2A) can be produced that include different sizes based on users’ body habitus as well as eye and head protection. The mask body 300 (and 202 in Fig. 2A) includes attachment components such as straps, ties, or other suitable gear for attaching the mask body to the wearer’s head in a safe, secure, and comfortable manner.

[0037] In other embodiments, the mask body 300 and 202 can incorporate electrical charge properties to act as a collector plate for ion trapping. The mask body 300 and 202 can include metal materials such as copper, silver, copper and silver alloy, etc. for carrying a positive charge thereby acting as a collector plate (like collector plate(s) 206) for ion trapping of particles. This can be included in the inner, outer, and combination of inner and outer surfaces of the mask body 300 and 202. The charge can be provided by a power source such as a battery or may be electrostatically generated for some duration of time.

[0038] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the wafer 104 attachment location in the mask body 300 is shown internal to the respirator unit so that the wafer is disposed between the respirator unit 200 and the wearer’s face. Other arrangements and locations are also possible including removable attachment to the respirator unit 200 itself — either on the respiratory unit’s external or internal mask sides.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 2B, the battery source 208/210 can be any source including, for example, a lithium battery unit or other similar unit. The battery source provides power to the fan, light source, and ionizer. In one embodiment, the battery source 208/210 can provide continuous usage for at least 60 minutes and be rechargeable (wireless but some embodiments can have a wired option). In another embodiment, the battery source 208/210 can include direct connectivity to the light source 102 and include all the requisite electronics for controlling the energy output of the light source 102 as well as the ionizer 100. A battery power level indicator (e.g., an indicator lamp, light, LED or display) can also be provided to inform the user of the same. When the fan 108 (with the ion generator 100) and the circulation chamber 110 are assembled, the battery source 208/210 supplies the requisite energy.

[0040] Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, one embodiment of a sterilization system 400 is shown. The sterihzation system 400 allows reuse of the respirator unit 200 and/or mask body 300/202. In the embodiment illustrated, the sterihzation system 400 receives the respirator unit 200 and mask body 300/202 in receptacles 404 and 402 and includes a wireless charging station 406 for the respirator battery 208/210. The sterihzation system 400 forms UV-C sterihzation chamber 408 that is openable and closable and has desiccation and a heating unit. The sterihzation chamber 408 can be configured to sterilize at least one respiratory unit and/or mask body or multiple respiratory units and/or mask bodies. This includes all components of the personal protective mask (or respirator).

[0041] The sterihzation system 400 has a housing with a hinged cover 412 that opens revealing inner slots or receptacles (e.g., 402, 404, 406, etc.) for the components of the respirator unit and mask body. A component slot 406 for the battery will allow for wireless charging. The inner top 414 and bottom 416 of the housing 412 are comprised of clear glass. The inner surface of the chamber 408 is hned with UV-C lights 418. The orientation of the component slots (e.g., 402, 404, 406, etc.) and the UV-C lights 418 allows for complete saturation of the surfaces of the individual components. The sterilization system 400 also has a desiccation/heating unit that can warm the components up to between 100- 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The outside of the sterilization system 400 has a timer circuit with display and a battery charge gauge 420, clock 422 and carrying handle 424. Other configurations are also possible. For a variety of infectious threats, 15 to 30 minutes under these conditions allows for maximum sterilization as well as complete battery charge.

[0042] In other embodiments, the respirator unit 200, filter 104 and mask body components 202/300 and arrangements can be changed depending on the desired level of protection. The following variations can be introduced: removal of the negative ion generator 100 and collector plate(s) 206, manufacturing the intake hosing 110 from clear plastic standard oxygen tubing, manufacturing the intake hosing 110 out of nano-silver infused plastic tubing, and manufacturing the mask body 202/300 out of nano-silver infused plastic. Further, the air intake tubing 110 or other air intake structure can further include silver (and associated compounds), copper (and associated compounds), and other naturally occurring or synthetic anti-pathogenic materials. Further yet, the air intake 110 (hoses) (with or without the ion generator’s charge plates 206) can be formed as an attachable component to the respiratory unit 200. This would allow the air intake hoses 110 to be replaceable, and even disposable. Thus, embodiments of the air purification system can be formed as modular components or units to facilitate interchange, replacement, and or disposability. [0043] While the present inventions have been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the descriptions to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the inventions to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the inventions, in their broader aspects, are not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures can be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concepts.