FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a tap assembly and a method of operating or controlling a tap assembly.

[0002] The invention has been primarily developed in relation to a tap for dispensing filtered water, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use, and may also be employed in other applications involving dispensation of liquid.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Bench-mounted taps that dispense different types of drinking water, such as boiling water and chilled water, are known. Such known taps typically dispense boiling or chilled water from mains water supply using user-actuated controls. The user-actuated controls typically require physical contact, and therefore do not adequately account for the risk of viruses or bacteria transferring from one person to another through the tap activation/contact surfaces.

[0004] Known bench-mounted taps also do not adequately provide for contact safe dispensation combination of multiple drinking water types, such as boiling, chilled, ambient, and sparkling, from a single tap.

SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0006] There is disclosed herein a tap assembly comprising: a tap body having an upper portion and lower portion, with the lower portion being adapted to be mounted to a surface and including a fluid inlet to receive fluid from a fluid supply; and a spout portion extending from the tap body and including a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and adapted to dispensing fluid from the fluid supply; wherein the upper portion includes a top face and a sidewall extending from the top face, the top face and the sidewall each including at least one sensor assembly adapted to detect the presence of an object within an activation distance to the at least one sensor assembly, and to send a signal to a controller in the tap body to activate a dispensation of fluid from the fluid supply.

[0007] Preferably, the sidewall includes a first sensor assembly located adjacent a left hand side position of the upper portion, and a second sensor assembly located adjacent a right hand side position of the upper portion.

[0008] Preferably, the first sensor assembly is accompanied by a first icon indicating hot or boiling water, and the second sensor assembly is accompanied by a second icon indicating cold or chilled water.

[0009] Preferably, the sidewall includes a third sensor assembly located adjacent a rear position of the upper portion.

[0010] Preferably, the third sensor assembly is accompanied by a third icon indicating a lock.

[0011] Preferably, the first sensor and third sensor assemblies are adapted to detect the presence of a user’s hand within an activation distance to the first and third sensor assemblies, and to simultaneously send a signal to the controller to activate a dispensation of boiling water from the fluid supply.

[0012] Preferably, the activation distance to the first and third sensor assemblies is between about 1.5 cm to 5 cm (15 mm to 50 mm).

[0013] Preferably, the second sensor assembly is adapted to detect the presence of a user’s hand within a predetermined distance to the second sensor assembly, and to send a signal to the controller to activate a dispensation of chilled or ambient water from the fluid supply.

[0014] Preferably, the activation distance to the second sensor assembly is between about 1.5 cm to 5 cm (15 mm to 50 mm). [0015] Preferably, the top face further includes a fourth sensor assembly located adjacent a front position of the upper portion.

[0016] Preferably, the fourth sensor assembly is adapted to detect the presence of a user’s hand within an activation distance to the fourth sensor assembly, and to send a signal to the controller to activate a dispensation of sparkling water from the fluid supply.

[0017] Preferably, the activation distance to the fourth sensor assembly is between about 1.5 cm to 5 cm (15 mm to 50 mm).

[0018] Preferably, each of the first, second, third, and fourth sensor assemblies include infrared (IR) sensors and associated mating lenses.

[0019] There is also disclosed herein a tap head for a tap assembly, the tap head being adapted to be mounted to the tap assembly including a tap body, the tap head including: a top face; and a sidewall extending from the top face, wherein the top face and the sidewall each include at least one sensor assembly adapted to detect the presence of an object within an activation distance to the at least one sensor assembly, and to send a signal to a controller in the tap body to activate a dispensation of fluid from a fluid supply of the tap assembly.

[0020] There is also disclosed herein a method of operating a tap head of a tap assembly, the tap assembly including a tap body, and wherein the tap head includes: a top face; and a sidewall extending from the top face, wherein the sidewall includes a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly, each sensor assembly being adapted to detect the presence of an object within an activation distance to the respective sensor assembly, and to simultaneously send a signal to a controller in the tap body to activate a dispensation of fluid from a fluid supply of the tap assembly, the method including the step of: positioning an object within the activation distance of the first and second sensor assembly; and simultaneously activating the first and second sensor assemblies to send a signal to the controller to enable a dispensation of boiling water from the fluid supply.

[0021] Preferably, the first sensor assembly located is adjacent a left hand side position of the upper portion, and the second sensor assembly is located adjacent a rear position of the upper portion.

[0022] Preferably, the sidewall further includes a third sensor assembly located adjacent a right hand side position of the upper portion, and the method further includes the step of positioning an object within an activation distance of the third sensor assembly to activate the third sensor assembly and to send a signal to the controller to activate a dispensation of chilled water from the fluid supply.

[0023] Preferably, the top face includes a fourth sensor assembly located adjacent a front position of the upper portion, and the method further includes the step of positioning an object within an activation distance of the fourth sensor assembly to activate the fourth sensor assembly and to send a signal to the controller to activate a dispensation of sparkling water from the fluid supply.

[0024] Preferably, the sensor assemblies are deactivated when the object is outside of the activation distance of the respective sensor assemblies, and to send a signal to the controller to a disable a dispensation of water from the fluid supply.

[0025] Preferably, the activation distance includes an activation range, and wherein, when the controller receives a signal from the sensor assemblies indicating that the object is above or below the activation range, the controller disables dispensation of water from the fluid supply.

[0026] Preferably, when the controller has enabled dispensation of water from the fluid supply, the controller continues dispensation of water from the fluid supply for a predetermined amount of time, and when the pre-determined amount of time has elapsed, the controller disables dispensation of water from the fluid supply. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a tap assembly;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the tap assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the tap assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the tap assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0032] Figure 5 is a series of schematic views of various sensor configurations of the tap assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a PCB assembly of the tap assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 7A is a schematic view of a heating element of the tap assembly shown in Figure 1; and

[0035] Figure 7B is a schematic view of another embodiment of a heating element of the tap assembly shown in Figure 1; and

[0036] Figure 8 a is schematic view of various modes of operation of the tap assembly shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, there is schematically depicted an embodiment of a tap assembly 10. The tap assembly 10 includes a tap body 15 having a lower portion 20 and an upper portion (tap head) 25. The upper portion (tap head) 25 may either be integrally formed with, or formed separately to, the lower portion 20 of the tap body 15. Accordingly, in one form, the upper portion (tap head) 25 may be formed separately from the tap body 15 and adapted to be retrofitted on to an existing tap body, for example.

[0038] The lower portion 20 has a base 22 that is mountable (either directly or via a mounting plate, not shown) adjacent to a surface (not shown) such as a kitchen bench or sink unit, for example. An underside 30 of the lower portion 20 includes a fluid inlet connectable to a fluid source, such as a mains water supply. The tap assembly 10 further includes a spout portion 35 extending from the tap body 15. An underside 40 of the spout portion 35 includes one or more fluid outlets 40 in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 30 by way of one or more fluid lines (not shown). The spout portion 35 may either be integrally formed with, or formed separately to, either on of the lower and upper portions 20 and 25 of the tap body 15.

[0039] The tap body 15 and the spout portion 35 are constructed from die cast zinc. Other suitable materials include molded polymer, brass or aluminium, for example. In a preferred form, the tap body 15 and the spout portion 35 are Cu/Ni/Cr Chrome plated for aesthetic effects and/or to provide durability to the construction. The tap body 15 may have dimensions of between approximately 155 to 165 mm in height and between approximately 40 to 50 mm in diameter. In a preferred form, the tap body 15 has dimensions of approximately 162 mm (height) and approximately 46 mm (diameter). The spout portion 35 may have dimensions of between approximately 100 to 110 mm in length and between approximately 35 to 40 mm in diameter. In a preferred form, the spout portion 35 has dimensions of approximately 105 mm (length) and 37 mm (width).

[0040] In the depicted embodiment, the upper portion (tap head) 25 is defined by a truncated cylindrical body with a sidewall 45 having a first height Hl and a second height H2 that is greater than the first height Hl. The first height Hl may have dimensions of between approximately 20 mm and 25 mm, and the second height H2 may have dimensions of between approximately 50 mm and 55 mm. In a preferred form, the first height Hl is approximately 21 mm, and the second height is approximately 51 mm. The truncated cylindrical body of the upper portion 25 also has a top face 50 that is inclined by an angle of approximately 30 degrees (for example) relative to direction of extension of the sidewall 45. The top face 50 is ellipse shaped and may have a minor diameter of approximately 46 mm and a major diameter of 52mm, for example. [0041] The sidewall 45 and the top face 50 each include one or more sensor assemblies 55 operable by a user to operate or control the tap assembly 10. Each sensor assembly 55 is accompanied by one or more icons or symbols 56 including, but not limited to, a “hot steam” icon to indicate hot or boiling water, a “snowflake” icon to indicate cold or chilled water, a “teardrop” icon to indicate ambient or room-temperature water, a “bubbles” icon to indicate sparkling water, and a “lock” icon for safety. The top face 50 may also include an indicator light (LED) 60 that may emit one or more coloured lights to indicate the presence of an object (such as a user’s hand) in proximity of the sensor assemblies 55. The top face 50 may include more than one indicator light (LED) 60, depending on the design requirements of the tap assembly 10. The functionalities and method of operating the sensor assemblies 55 will be described in further detail below.

[0042] As best shown in Figure 2, top face 50 (when viewed from the top of the tap assembly 10) may be visualised as circle of a clockface having a first/rear (12 o’clock) position 62, a second/right hand side (3 o’clock) position 64 that is approximately 90 degrees relative to the first/rear position 62, a third/front (6 o’clock) position 66 that is approximately 90 degrees relative to the second/right hand side position 64, and a fourth/left hand side (9 o’clock) position 68 that is approximately 90 degrees relative to the third/front position 66. Each of these positions 62, 64, 66, and 68 extend along and around the sidewall 45 of the upper portion 25, and are also applicable along the entirety of the tap body 15.

[0043] Referring to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that a first sensor assembly 55a, accompanied by a “hot steam” icon 56a, is located on the sidewall 45 of the upper portion 25, and between the fourth/left hand side (9 o’clock) position 68 and the third/front (6 o’clock) position 66. A second sensor assembly 55b, accompanied by a “snowflake” icon 56b, is located on the sidewall 45 of the upper portion 25, and between the second/right hand side (3 o’clock) position 64 and the third/front (6 o’clock) position 66. A third sensor assembly 55c is located on the sidewall 45 of the upper portion, adjacent the first/rear (12 o’clock) position 62, and is accompanied by a “lock” icon 56c located on the top face 50. It will be appreciated that the third sensor assembly 55c is located adjacent the first/rear (12 o’clock) position 62, instead of adjacent the third/front (6 o’clock) position 66, as a safety feature to prevent accidental activation of the third sensor 55c. A fourth sensor assembly 55d and an accompanying “bubbles” icon” are both located on the top face 50, and adjacent the third/front (6 o’clock) position 66. [0044] It will be appreciated that the configuration of the various sensor assemblies 55 (55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d as depicted), icons or symbols 56 (56a, 56b, 56c, and 56d as depicted), and indicator light 60 on the sidewall 45 and/or the top face 50 of the upper portion 25 are not limited by what is shown in the figures, and may be adjusted or customised depending on the design requirements of the tap assembly 10. For example, the first sensor assembly 55a and accompanying “hot steam” icon 56a may be located between the third/front (6 o’clock) position 66 and the second/right hand side (3 o’clock) position 64, whilst the second sensor assembly 55b accompanying the “snowflake” icon 56b may be located between the third/front (6 o’clock) position 66 and the fourth/left hand side (9 o’clock) position 68. By way of another example, the fourth sensor assembly 55d may be located on the sidewall 45 instead of on the top face 50, or altogether removed from the upper portion 25. It will be appreciated that any number of combinations of the various sensor assemblies may be provided on any location of the top face 50 or sidewall 45 of the upper portion 25, depending on the design requirements of the tap assembly 10.

[0045] Various exemplary configurations of the sensor assemblies 55 (55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d as depicted), icons or symbols 56 (56a, 56b, 56c, and 56d as depicted), and indicator light 60 on the sidewall 45 and/or the top face 50 of the upper portion 25 are illustrated in Figure 5. In one example, the tap assembly 10 may have a “boiling and ambient” configuration, whereby the sidewall 45 and/or the top face 50 of the upper portion 25 includes the first sensor assembly 55a and accompanying “hot steam” icon, the second sensor assembly 55b and accompanying “teardrop” icon, and the third sensor assembly 55c and accompanying “lock” icon. In another example, the tap assembly may have a “chilled only” configuration, whereby the top face 50 of the upper portion 25 does not include any sensor assemblies, and the sidewall 45 includes two sensor assemblies 55a and 55b each with accompanying “snowflake” icons. The upper portion (tap head) 25 of the tap assembly 10 may have any one of or more of the configurations described above, or alternatively, but not limited to, one or more of a “boiling, chilled and sparkling” configuration, a “boiling and chilled” configuration, a “boiling only” configuration, or a “chilled and sparkling configuration”.

[0046] In a preferred form, each sensor assembly 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d includes a smart integrated infrared (IR) sensor operatively associated with a PCB assembly 70 (see Figure 6) with a single controller to control the dispensation of water from the tap assembly 10. Each sensor assembly 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d is managed by a smart firmware and adapted to activate and send a signal to the controller when an object (such as a user’s hand) is in close proximity (i.e. within an “activation” range/di stance). The PCB quad assembly 70 is housed within the upper portion 25 of the tap body 15 and includes four mating lenses that are adapted to block frequencies of light below the IR spectrum range. Each of the four mating lenses accurately engage with and forms part of the associated sensor assemblies 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d, and also include a dividing silicone mechanical barrier between the outgoing and incoming IR beams, to better reduce cross coupling of signals due to the tap construction and any external water droplets.

[0047] In another preferred form, a heating element 75 (see Figures 7A and 7B) may be bonded to an inner surface (not shown) of the upper portion 25. The heating element 75 may be in the form of a 30mm x 18mm Kapton Thin Film Polyimide Micro Heating Element, for example, and bonded to the inner surface of the upper portion 25 the housing using 3M 468MP adhesive tape. The heating element 75 may be rated at 1 Watt at 5V, and managed by temperature feedback and logic control to maintain a constant lens surface temperature between 26 degrees Celsius and 33 Celsius in ambient conditions of 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may at least ensure that the lenses remain condensation free when boiling water is dispensed and steam rises up toward the upper portion 25 where the sensor assemblies 55 are located, for example.

[0048] The operation of the tap assembly 10 will now be described, by way of three examples in left to right order, with reference to Figure 8.

[0049] In the first example of Figure 8, the first and third sensor assemblies (located adjacent the fourth/left hand side (9 o’clock) position 68 and the first/rear (12 o’clock) position, respectively) are activated when a user’s left hand is bent and positioned at a 90-degree angle (fingers positioned at 90 degrees relative to the palm), and an activation range/distance of between 1.5 to 4 cm (15 mm to 40 mm) or 1.5 to 5cm (15 mm to 50 mm) from the respective sensor/lens surface. In this configuration, the first and third sensor assemblies each send a signal to the controller to control the dispensation of boiling water from fluid outlet 40 of the tap assembly 10. It will be appreciated that in this example, both the first and third sensor assemblies must be activated simultaneously to enable the safe dispensation of boiling water, and the first and second assemblies are located adjacent the left hand side and the rear of the tap assembly 10, respectively. As shown in the first example of Figure 8, the user’s left hand is to be held in a bent form to curve around the rear of the tap to activate both sensor assemblies simultaneously. If the user’s hand is not within the activation range/di stance of the third (rear) sensor assembly, the dispensation of boiling water is not permitted.

[0050] In the second example of Figure 8, a second sensor assembly (located adjacent the second/right hand side (3 o’clock) position 64) is activated when the user’s hand is positioned at a distance of between 1.5 to 5 cm from the first sensor/lens surface. In this configuration, the second sensor sends a signal to the controller to control the dispensation of chilled or ambient/still water from fluid outlet 40 of the tap assembly 10. As shown in the second example of Figure 8, the user’s hand may be held in an extended form (fingers outstretched relative to the palm) to activate the second sensor assembly and to enable the dispensation of chilled or ambient/still water from the tap assembly.

[0051] In the third example of Figure 8, a fourth sensor assembly (located on the top face 50 and adjacent the third/front (6 o’clock) position 66) is activated when the user’s hand is positioned at a distance of between 1.5 to 5 cm (15 mm to 50 mm) from the fourth sensor/lens surface. In this configuration, the fourth sensor assembly sends a signal to the controller to control the dispensation of sparkling water from fluid outlet 40 of the tap assembly 10. As shown in the third example of Figure 8, the user’s hand may be held in an extended form (fingers outstretched relative to the palm) to activate the fourth sensor assembly and to enable the dispensation of sparkling water from the tap assembly.

[0052] It will be understood that each of the sensor assemblies may be deactivated when the object is outside of the activation distance of the respective sensor assemblies, and to send a signal to the controller to disable a dispensation of water from the fluid supply. For example, in respect of the first and third sensor assemblies above, when the user’s hand is moved so that it is outside of the activation range/distance of between 1.5 to 4 cm or 1.5 to 5 cm, respectively, the sensor assemblies are deactivated and send a signal to the controller to disable a dispensation of boiling water from the fluid supply.

[0053] It is envisaged that the flow rate of fluid that is dispensed from the fluid outlet 40 of the tap assembly 10 may vary, depending on the desired water type / sensor assemblies that are activated. By way of example, the tap assembly 10 may incorporate a “soft start” functionality, whereby an initial 50mL of water is dispensed at half of the maximum flow rate depending on the desired water type. Following the initial dispensation, the tap assembly 10 will be safe to operate at the maximum flow rate of the various water types, as follows: between 3.5 to 4.2 L/m for boiling water, between 4 to 4.5 L/m for chilled still water in a boiling and chilled water unit, between 2.5 to 3 L/m in a sparkling unit, and between 1.2 to 1.6 L/m in a sparkling water unit. It will be appreciated that the various flow rates described above are exemplary, and may be adjusted or customised depending on the design requirements of the tap assembly 10. It will also be understood that boiling water would typically be dispensed at a lower flow rate than chilled water for safety reasons.

[0054] It is envisaged that the sensor assemblies, including the associated mating lenses, may incorporate an advanced setting for environments where hi-visibility clothing is in use, so as to ensure that each of the different configurations require two sensor assemblies to be activated simultaneously to dispense water. Alternatively, the advanced setting may require continuous activation of the relevant sensor assembly within a pre-determined time window. This may at least address any potential undesired tripping of the sensors, for example, on the “chilled” configuration where the sensors may inadvertently activate from light reflecting off the hi-visibility clothing. It is further envisaged that an auto adjustment algorithm may be incorporated to compensate for signal changes due to movement of the sensor relative to the lenses.

[0055] It is further envisaged that, should a user touch the tap assembly intentionally or accidentally, a “safe zone range” may be provided to ensure that the tap assembly remains inactive during this contact time. This is particularly important when the tap assembly is being cleaned, to ensure the tap assembly remains safe for the user (no accidental dispensation of boiling water, for example). For example, if a sensor assembly is activated by the user’s hand positioned at a distance below 1.5 cm, the tap assembly remains inactive.

[0056] It is also envisaged that the smart firmware will constantly calculate a filtered baseline value for each IR sensor. The adjustment of each baseline value will compensate for drifting external ambient light conditions and/or effects of droplets/steam or other surface changes on the lenses. The baseline values are compared against momentary instantaneous sensor values to detect whether a user’s hand is within range, or too close, or making contact with the tap, through appropriately chosen thresholds. This method and implementation of looking at differential values with respect to an adjusted baseline, as opposed to absolute values, may at least improve the tap’s immunity to strong sunlight or varying shadows.

[0057] Various forms of the tap assemblies and methods described above may have one or more of the following advantages. It will be appreciated that the IR sensor/lens arrangement may at least provide a contact safe capability to dispensation of water, such as from a filtered water bench-mounted dispensing tap, whilst still maintaining aesthetic features and functionalities of existing taps. By having a contact safe capability, the risk of person-to- person cross transfer of viruses and bacteria, for example within a work place, may be reduced.

[0058] As described above, the tap assembly may be activated touch-free or contactless to dispense various types of drinking water (boiling, ambient, chilled, sparkling) from the same tap, and is able to be operated safely and without making physical contact with the tap, in an intuitive way. The arrangement of the sensors described above includes a “lock” feature that may lock or disable all tap dispensing functions if a user directly contacts the tap either accidently or when cleaning the surface of the tap, for example.

[0059] The IR sensor/lens arrangement described above may also at least accommodate for environmental variances (such as varying levels of sunlight and shadows), and effects of steam condensation on IR sensor lenses when high levels of boiling water are dispensed, without diminishing the range of the sensors.. The smart firmware may also9 be customised to incorporate advanced settings that accommodate extreme reflective safety tapes (such as 3M safety vest reflective tapes) used on hi-visibility clothing, for example, again without diminishing the range of the sensors. The arrangement of the heating element as described may be managed by temperature feedback and logic control to reduce or altogether eliminate sensor condensation effects on IR sensors. It will thus be appreciated that arrangements described above may at least address the challenges that are currently experienced when using IR sensors. It will further be appreciated that the various sensor and lens arrangements described above may be retrofitted onto existing bench mounted taps to maximise the full customisation capability of the tap assemblies.

[0060] In another form, when the controller 70 has enabled dispensation of water from the fluid supply due to an object being detected within the activation range for a first pre- determined amount of time, for example 2 seconds, the controller 70 continues dispensation of water from the fluid supply for a second pre-determined amount of time, for example about 15 seconds. Preferably, the pre-determined amount of time is adjustable by the user. When the pre-determined amount of time has elapsed, the controller 70 disables dispensation of water from the fluid supply. It is understood that if any safety feature, such as an object being detected below the activation range, is activated, the controller 70 will disable dispensation of water from the fluid supply, irrespective of the time elapsed.

[0061] To differentiate between instantaneous dispensation of water, and the continuous dispensation of water for the second pre-determined amount of time, different sensor assembly 55 combinations are contemplated. For example, to continuously dispense chilled water for the second pre-determined amount of time, the first and third sensor assemblies 55 require activation, for example by a cupped hand reaching around the tap assembly 10 from the right hand side, for the first pre-determined amount of time. In another example, to continuously dispense chilled sparkling water, the fourth and third sensor assemblies 55 require activation, for example by a cupped hand reaching around the tap assembly 10 from the top, for the first pre-determined amount of time.

[0062] In addition to the operational and safety advantages described above, the various forms of the tap assemblies described above may also avoid clutter adjacent to a kitchen sink by providing access to mains and also filtered chilled/boiling water supplies via a single tap assembly, and thus also avoids having two tap assemblies of non-matching styles. As discussed earlier, the various forms of the tap assemblies may be useful in applications involving dispensation of multiple drinking water types. Possible other commercial application may include products where touch-free activation is required, for example, where large numbers of the public interact with the product (kitchens, bathrooms), and where multiple activations are required for safety reasons.

[0063] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0064] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including", "contain", "containing", "have", "having", and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.