OF A PERSONAL CARE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and systems for identifying or characterizing the head member of a personal care device.

Background

[0002] Proper tooth brushing technique, including length and coverage of brushing, helps ensure long-term dental health. Many dental problems are experienced by individuals who either do not regularly brush their teeth or who do so inadequately. Among individuals who do regularly brush, improper brushing habits can result in poor coverage of brushing and thus surfaces that are not adequately cleaned.

[0003] To facilitate proper brushing or mouth care technique, some electric personal care devices provide head members that are both replaceable and interchangeable, such that the same device can utilize two or more different head member types. However, most electric personal care devices cannot automatically recognize or identify different brush head types. While there are some electric personal care devices which provide this feature using RFID technology, this is an expensive implementation.

[0004] In addition to replaceable and interchangeable head member types, some electric personal care devices enable use by more than one member of a household. Accordingly, in addition to identifying brush head type, it is also desirable to identify the user and user profile of the individual using a head member. For example, when a family shares a single handle but uses different head members, it is challenging to identify each head member. Currently the only way to identify a head member is to add a visual label to the head member, such as using a diamond shape for one member and a circle for another. Also, if the different users have different settings for the personal care device, they will have to change the settings manually each time they switch the head member. Similarly, if the personal care device does not know which head member is being used, it cannot track how long the head member has been used in total, and thus it cannot automatically remind a user to replace the head member at the appropriate time.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a continued need in the art for personal care methods and systems that affordably and automatically identify and characterize a head member.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods and systems for identifying and/or characterizing the head member of a device. Applied to a personal care device, for example, the inventive methods and systems enable identification of the head member type as well as the user of the head member, and an associated user profile. The device includes a head member with a cavity having internal pins that are configured to communicate information about the head member to pin sensors on an oscillating tip of a body portion. The oscillating tip is configured to extend into the head member cavity to allow the pins and pin sensor to interact. The interaction is communicated to a processor, which uses a database of head member characteristics and the received interaction to characterize the head member.

[0007] Generally in one aspect, a personal care device configured to automatically characterize a head member is provided. The device includes: (i) a head member comprising a cavity with one or more internal pin locations configured to cooperatively communicate information about the head member; (ii) a body portion comprising a body tip configured to extend into the head member cavity, the body tip comprising one or more pin sensors configured to interact with the one or more internal pin locations to produce interaction information; and (iii) a controller comprising a database of head member characteristics, and configured to: receive, from the one or more pin sensors, the interaction information; and characterize the head member based on the received interaction information.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the characterization of the head member comprises an identification of the head member type and/or an identification of a user of the head member. [0009] According to an embodiment, the head member comprises a plurality of pin locations in the cavity, with at least one of the pin locations comprising a pin extending into the cavity, and with at least one of the locations not comprising a pin extending into the cavity.

[0010] According an embodiment, the head member comprises a plurality of pin locations, wherein each of the pin locations comprises a pin extending into the cavity.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the head member comprises a plurality of pin locations, wherein none of the plurality of pin locations comprises a pin extending into the cavity.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the interaction information is bit information, with each pin location having a pin extending into the cavity communicating a binary value of 1, and each pin location without a pin extending into the cavity communicating a binary value of 0.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the body tip comprises a switch cable configured to communicate the interaction information from the one or more pin sensors to the controller.

[0014] According to an embodiment, wherein each of the one or more pin sensors comprises a switch configured to detect an extending pin extending into the cavity.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the one or more pins comprise conductive rubber.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the database comprises a date of first use of one or more head members, and/or comprises usage information for one or more head members. According to an embodiment, the database comprises one or more user settings and/or user profiles for one or more identified users.

[0017] According to an aspect, a method for automatically characterizing a head member of a personal care device is provided. The method includes: (i) providing a personal care device, comprising a body portion with a body tip having one or more pin sensors; (ii) installing a removable head member onto the body portion, the head member comprising a cavity with one or more internal pin locations configured to cooperatively communicate information about the head member; (iii) generating, via interaction between the one or more internal pin locations and the one or more pin sensors, interaction information; and (iv) characterizing, by a controller, the head member based on the interaction information, wherein the controller comprises a database of head member characteristics; wherein the characterization of the head member comprises an identification of the head member type and/or an identification of a user of the head member. [0018] According to an embodiment, the method further includes the step of modifying one or more settings of the personal care device based on the identified head member type and/or identified user of the head member.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the method further includes the step of tracking one or more parameters of the device and/or the head member based on the identified head member type and/or identified user of the head member.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the method further includes the step of communicating information to the user based on the identified head member type and/or identified user of the head member.

[0021] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term“controller” is used generally to describe various apparatus relating to the operation of a stream probe apparatus, system, or method. A controller can be implemented in numerous ways (e.g., such as with dedicated hardware) to perform various functions discussed herein. A“processor” is one example of a controller which employs one or more microprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform various functions discussed herein. A controller may be implemented with or without employing a processor, and also may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples of controller components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0022] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as“memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory). In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and/or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller so as to implement various aspects of the present disclosure discussed herein. The terms“program” or“computer program” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code ( e.g ., software or microcode) that can be employed to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0023] The term“user interface” as used herein refers to an interface between a human user or operator and one or more devices that enables communication between the user and the device(s). Examples of user interfaces that may be employed in various implementations of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, switches, potentiometers, buttons, dials, sliders, track balls, display screens, various types of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touch screens, microphones and other types of sensors that may receive some form of human-generated stimulus and generate a signal in response thereto.

[0024] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0025] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a representation of a personal care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a head member of a personal care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of a body of a personal care device, in accordance with an embodiment. [0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a personal care device pin, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a head member of a personal care device interacting with a personal care device pin, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a personal care system, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for characterizing the head member of a personal care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a bit information database table, in accordance with an embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0035] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a method and system that utilizes pin-based communication between a head member and a personal care device. More generally, Applicant has recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide a system that identifies or characterizes a replaceable or interchangeable head member of a personal care device, and/or identifies the user of that head member. Accordingly, the methods and systems described or otherwise envisioned herein provide a personal care device configured to obtain information about an interaction between pins on a personal care device head member and pin sensors on a personal care device body. The personal care device comprises a processor and a database of head member characteristics associated with pin information, and the processor uses received pin information to characterize and/or identify the head member and/or the user of the head member.

[0036] The embodiments and implementations disclosed or otherwise envisioned herein can be utilized with any personal care device. Examples of suitable personal care devices include a toothbrush such as a Philips Sonicare ^® toothbrush (manufactured by Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N. V.), a flossing device such as a Philips AirFloss ^® , an oral irrigator, a tongue cleaner, a shaver, a skin care device, or other personal care device. However, the disclosure is not limited to these enumerated devices, and thus the disclosure and embodiments disclosed herein can encompass any personal care device.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a personal care device 10 is provided that includes a handle or body portion 12 and a brush head member 14. Head member 14 includes at its end remote from the body portion a brush head 16. Brush head 16 includes a bristle face 18, which provides a plurality of bristles. The body portion 12 typically comprises a housing, at least a portion of which is hollow, to contain components of the personal care device. According to an embodiment, head member 14 is mounted so as to be able to move relative to the body portion 12. The movement can be any of a variety of different movements, including vibrations or rotation, among others. Although in the present embodiment the personal care device 10 is an oscillating toothbrush, it will be understood that in an alternative embodiment the personal care device is a manual toothbrush (not shown) or other personal care device. In such an arrangement, the manual toothbrush has electrical components, but the brush head is not mechanically actuated by an electrical component.

[0038] Head member 14 can be any removable or interchangeable member utilized with a personal care device. For example, head member 14 may be a brush head (as shown in FIG. 1), or it may be a nozzle for liquid and/or air, or a tongue cleaner, a shaver, a skin care component, or any other extension for a personal care device. Although described herein in conjunction with a brush head member, the disclosure and embodiments disclosed herein can encompass any personal care device. The head member can also be associated with a specific user. For example, a household comprising multiple people may comprise a different head member for each person. Similarly, children may use specialized head members sized or otherwise adapted for children, and adults may use specialized head members sized or otherwise adapted for adults.

[0039] The body portion 12 can comprise a drivetrain assembly with a motor 22 for generating movement, and a transmission component or drivetrain shaft 24, for transmitting the generated movements to brush head member 14. For example, the drivetrain comprises a motor or electromagnet(s) 22 that generates movement of a drivetrain shaft 24, which is subsequently transmitted to the brush head member 14. The drivetrain can include components such as a power supply, an oscillator, and one or more electromagnets, among other components. In this embodiment the power supply comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, not shown, which can, for example, be electrically charged in a charging holder in which personal care device 10 is placed when not in use. According to one embodiment, brush head member 14 is mounted to the drivetrain shaft 24 so as to be able to vibrate relative to body portion 12. The brush head member 14 can be fixedly mounted onto drivetrain shaft 24, or it may alternatively be detachably mounted so that brush head member 14 can be replaced with a different brush head member for different operating features, or when the bristles or another component of the brush head are worn out and require replacement. Body portion 12 is further provided with a user input 26 to activate and de activate the drivetrain. The user input 26 allows a user to operate the personal care device 10, for example to turn the device on and off. The user input 26 may, for example, be a button, touch screen, or switch.

[0040] According to an embodiment, personal care device 10 includes one or more sensors 28 configured to obtain sensor data. Sensor 28 is shown in FIG. 1 within body portion 12, but may be located anywhere within the device, including for example within brush head member 14, brush head 16, or elsewhere within or on the device. According to an embodiment, sensor 28 is configured to provide readings of six axes of relative motion (three axes translation and three axes rotation), using for example a 3 -axis gyroscope and a 3 -axis accelerometer. As another example, sensor 28 is configured to provide the readings of nine axes of relative motion using, for example, 3 -axis gyroscope, a 3 -axis accelerometer, and a 3 -axis magnetometer.

[0041] Sensor data generated by sensor 28 is provided to a controller 30. According to one embodiment, sensor 28 is integral to controller 30. Controller 30 may be formed of one or multiple modules, and is configured to operate the personal care device 10 in response to an input, such as input obtained via user input 26. Controller 30 can comprise, for example, a processor 32 and a memory or database 34. Processor 32 may take any suitable form, including but not limited to a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, circuitry, a single processor, or plural processors. Memory or database 34 can take any suitable form, including a non-volatile memory and/or RAM. The non-volatile memory may include read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory can store, among other things, an operating system. The RAM is used by the processor for the temporary storage of data. According to an embodiment, an operating system may contain code which, when executed by controller 30, controls operation of the hardware components of personal care device 10. According to an embodiment, connectivity module 38 transmits collected sensor data, and can be any module, device, or means capable of transmitting a wired or wireless signal, including but not limited to a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, and/or cellular module.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, is a head member 14. In this embodiment, head member 14 is a brush head member. The head member can be removably and/or interchangeably inserted or otherwise attached to a body of a personal care device. The head member comprises a cavity 40 which receives a tip component 42 of the personal care device (shown in FIG. 3). Cavity 40 comprises one or more internal pin locations 44 each of which may or may not have a pin that extends into the cavity. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the cavity comprises three pins that extend into the cavity. The pins may be composed of any conductive material, such as metal, plastic, rubber, and/or any other material or combination thereof. For example, the pins may be composed of conductive rubber.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the one or more pin locations 44 may all comprise a conductive pin that extends into the cavity, or none of the one or more pin locations 44 may comprise a conductive pin that extends into the cavity, or there may be a combination of pin locations with and without a pin that extends into the cavity. In each unique arrangement of pins, unique information is communicated.

[0044] The one or more pins are configured or arranged to cooperatively communicate one or more parameters or characteristics of the head member to the personal care device when the head member and body are attached. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the pins communicate bits of information about the brush head type and profile.

[0045] There are many different ways the pins can be arranged or configured to communicate characteristics of the head member to the personal care device. According to an embodiment, the pins carry or communicate bit information. Using the example shown in FIG. 2, the system utilizes four bits, where the first two bits can represent the head member type and the last two bits can represent the a user or head member profile. There can be different numbers of bits, depending on the number of different types and profiles to identify. The more different types and profiles there are, the more bits that are needed. According to this embodiment, each bit is binary. When there is a pin extending to the cavity, such as the three pins shown in FIG. 2, the bit value is determined to be 1. If there is a pin location where the pin does not extend into the cavity, then the bit value is determined to be 0. Thus, with four bits the system can distinguish between four different head types and four different profiles. For instance, in the example showed FIG. 2, the first two bits are configured to communicate that this brush head is type three (11 in binary) and configured to communicate that the profile is profile one (1 in binary). Many other variations, including additional or fewer pins, are possible.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, are a portion of a head member 14 and a portion of a body 12. The body comprises a pin 42 extending outwardly from the upper portion of the body. In this embodiment, the pin is an oscillating pin that communicates energy or motion to the head member, such as for cleaning or other care movement. The pin 42 is configured to fit within the cavity 40, such that information can be communicated from the pin locations 44 to the pin 42, and in some embodiments, such that movement is communicated from the body to the head member.

[0047] The pin 42 comprises one or more pin sensors 46 configured to interact with and receive information from the one or more pin locations 44. According to an embodiment, and referring to FIG. 4, the pin sensors 46 each comprise a switch 48 which can be turned on if there is a conducting material such metal, conductive rubber, or other material. The number of switches 48 is the same as the number of pin locations 44 (i.e., bits) on the head member. In the example shown in FIG. 4, there are four switches which couples with the four pins in the head member shown in FIG. 2. According to an embodiment, the pin 42 also comprises a switch cable 50 configured to monitor the switches.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, when head member 14 is installed on tip 42, the pin sensors 46 can read the pin locations 44 of the head member by checking whether each switch 48 is connected. In the example shown in FIG. 5, switches one, two, and four are on and switch three is off. The on/off status of the switches is sent to the body by the switch cable 50.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, is a personal care device or system 600 for characterization or identification of a head member. The personal care device or system 600 is an embodiment of personal care device 10, which can be any of the personal care device embodiments disclosed or otherwise envisioned herein. According to another embodiment, system 600 can be implemented in two or more devices. For example, one or more of the modules or components of system 600 can be implemented in a remote device such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, computer, or other computer.

[0050] The personal care device or system 600 comprises a head member 610, which can be any of the head members described or otherwise envisioned herein. For example, the head member may be the removable/interchangeable brush member or any other personal care device head member. The head member comprises one or more pins 612 configured or arranged to communicate information to the personal care device body 620.

[0051] The personal care device body 620 comprises one or more pin sensors 622 configured to receive information from the one or more pins 612 as described or otherwise envisioned herein. The personal care device body 620 comprises a switch cable or other communication method configured to communicate received information from the pin sensors to a controller 30. The controller 30 comprises a processor 32 and a database 626. The controller or other element of the user characterization system also includes a characterization module 624. The user characterization system optionally includes a user interface 628, which provides information to the user. User interface 628 can be or can comprise a feedback module that provides feedback to the user via a haptic signal, audio signal, visual signal, and/or any other type of signal.

[0052] According to an embodiment, controller 30 receives information from the switch cable or other communication method configured to communicate received information from the pin sensors to the controller. The controller comprises a database 626 which contains a table or other database or storage system comprising associations between bits and head member types and/or user profiles. For example, the database may comprise an association between each bit combination for the pins and pin sensors with a specific head member type and/or user profile. A characterization module 624 module can be an element of the controller 30, or another element, configured, designed, or programmed to coordinate or direct the lookup within the database for an association between a received bit profile and a specific head member type and/or user profile.

[0053] When a lookup of the database 626 is performed, the database is searched for a received bit profile or bit combination as described or envisioned herein. If the received bit profile or bit combination is found in the database, this means that the database comprises an identification of the head member and/or of the user profile. If the head member has been used before, then the controller optionally loads one or more settings or other information such as the start date of the identified head member from the memory, and optionally changes the device settings accordingly. If the start date is earlier than a given expiration threshold x, the device can optionally remind the user to replace the head member. This can be done by sending a reminding message via the user interface, to a connected app, by vibrating the handle in a pre-defined pattern, by lighting up a light which indicates that the head needs to be replaced, or any of a variety of other methods.

[0054] If the received bit profile or bit combination is not found in the database, this means that the database fails to include an identification of the head member and/or of the user profile. This may mean that the head member is not designed for the device, or is a new type of head member for the device. Additionally or alternatively, this may mean that the head member has not yet been used on the device previously. The device may optionally load pre-programmed optimal setting according to the brush head type, and save the setting as well as the starting date to the memory. In addition, after loading the settings, if a user manually changed settings before using the device, the changed settings can be saved for the type/profile combination in the memory. Thus, the next time the same head is inserted, the saved settings will be automatically set. Many other configurations are possible.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, is a flowchart of a method 700 for identifying or characterizing the head member of a personal care device. At step 710 of the method, the body 12 of a personal care device 10 is provided. The personal care device and body are any of the devices described or otherwise envisioned herein. According to an embodiment, the body comprises a pin with one or more pin sensors with pin switches configured to receive bit information from a personal care device head member 14.

[0056] At step 720 of the method, a personal care device head member 14 is inserted into or onto the body of the personal care device. The personal care device head member is any of the head members described or otherwise envisioned herein. According to an embodiment, the head member comprises a cavity with one or more pins configured to communicate bit information to the pin switches and sensors of the personal care device pin. [0057] At step 730 of the method, bit information is generated by the interaction between the one or more pins of the head member and the pin switches and sensors of the personal care device pin, as described or otherwise envisioned herein. The generated bit information is then communicated, such as by the switch cable, to the controller of the personal care device.

[0058] At step 740 of the method, the controller searches the bit information database to identify and/or characterize the head member based on the received bit information. If the bit information is a bit string or combination that is found within the database, there is a positive identification of the head member and/or of the user associated with the head member. If the bit information is a bit string or combination that is not found within the database, there is no identification of the head member or of the user associated with the head member.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the bit information database may comprise a table 800 with information associated with an identification (“ID”). For example, the table may comprise, for each bit-based identification, a head member type (“Type”), a user profile (“Profile”), one or more settings (“Settings”), and a start date (“Start date”). Although not shown, the table may comprise other information such as total usage time, among many others. Alternatively, the bit information database may comprise other data storage formats.

[0060] At optional step 750 of the method, based on the identification of the head member or the associated user, one or more settings of the personal care device are modified if necessary. For example, if the head member is identified as belonging to user X who prefers a gentler oscillation of a toothbrush head, or user Y who prefers a higher oscillation, the oscillation of the device can be adjusted to the proper setting. As another example, if the head member is identified as being of a specific type, then the settings optimal for that specific type can be utilized by the system.

[0061] At optional step 760 of the method, based on the identification of the head member or the associated user, the system can track usage of the head member and/or usage information for the user associated with the head member. For example, it may be desirable for the device to track total usage of a specific head member such that the system can recommend replacement of the head member based on total number and/or time of usage. Accordingly, whenever the specific head member is detected pursuant to the method, the system logs usage. Similarly, it may be desirable for the device to track usage of the device for a specific user. Accordingly, whenever a head member associated with a user is used, the system logs usage of the device by the specific user.

[0062] At optional step 770 of the method, the system or device can communicate information to the user at any step, based on an identification of a specific head member and/or user profile. For example, the system may communicate a user identification, a head member identification, a suggestion to replace a head member, user profile information, and/or any other information. Communication can be accomplished via a user interface, an associated app, and/or by any mechanism.

[0063] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0064] The indefinite articles“a” and“an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean“at least one.”

[0065] The phrase“and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean“either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e.,“one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the“and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0066] As used herein in the specification and in the claims,“or” should be understood to have the same meaning as“and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list,“or” or“and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as“only one of’ or“exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims,“consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term“or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e.“one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as“either,”“one of,”“only one of,” or“exactly one of.” [0067] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase“at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase“at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0068] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0069] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases“consisting of’ and“consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0070] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.