TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a cooling system for an engine. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a thermostat of the cooling system for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).

A cooling system for a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle comprises a radiator for cooling a cooling fluid, and a bypass line configured to bypass the fluid flowing to the radiator when the temperature of the cooling fluid is low. Further, the cooling system comprises a cooling fluid pump for circulating the cooling medium through the radiator and/or the bypass line and the engine cooling jacket. A thermostat is configured with the cooling system and is provided for directing the flow of the cooling fluid to the radiator and/or the bypass line, depending on the temperature of the cooling fluid.

The thermostat operates due to heat released by the engine’s combustion. The thermostat is usually constructed to include a thermostat wax module generally formed by wax. The wax in the thermostat wax module (3) responds to the temperature of the cooling fluid in such a way that it melts at a predetermined temperature and moves in a backward direction to allow the passage of cooling fluid into the radiator. Once the cooling fluid is cooled to a lower temperature, in the radiator, the wax cools and solidifies, whereupon the thermostat wax module (3) moves forward so that the cooling fluid flows through the bypass line. The temperature at which the wax starts to expand is referred to as start open temperature (SOT). At this temperature, the thermostat wax module (3) starts allowing the flow of cooling fluid into the radiator. The temperature at which the thermostat wax module (3) reaches the lowermost position and closes the bypass line is termed as full open temperature (FOT). The linear distance traveled by the thermostat wax module (3) from the SOT to the FOT due to the expansion of wax is termed as a thermostat lift.

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of thermostat operation at various cooling fluid temperatures. In Fig. la, the cooling fluid temperature is below the SOT, and the thermostat wax module (3) of the thermostat (1) seals the cooling fluid flow area (2) and is at its initial position (thermostat lift = 0 mm). In Fig. lb, the cooling fluid temperature is just above the SOT, the thermostat wax module (3) starts to move in the downward direction (thermostat lift = 2-3 mm), and due to this, the cooling fluid flow area (2) begins to open. In Fig. 1c, the cooling fluid temperature is near FOT, the thermostat wax module (3) reaches its bottom-most position (thermostat lift = 7-8 mm), and due to which the cooling fluid flow area (2) is open.

Fig. 2a shows the engine cooling fluid flow curve plotted for a conventional thermostat used in a small capacity engine. It can be observed from the plot that at 1 mm of thermostat lift, about 25 liter per minute (1pm) of the cooling fluid passes through the thermostat. Further, Fig. 2b shows the curve plot between the cooling fluid flow rate from the engine with the bypass line corresponding to the engine speed. It can be observed that the maximum cooling fluid flow is 25 1pm which is achieved at an engine speed of 4000 rpm. However, the maximum vehicle operating points are in the range of engine speed 1700-3000 rpm. Therefore, the problem associated with conventional thermostats is that maximum engine cooling fluid flow is passed through the thermostat with less than 1 mm thermostat lift as can be observed after comparing Figs. 2a and 2b. Thus, at vehicle operating points, full capacity cooling fluid flow is passing through even at less than 1 mm thermostat lift. The thermostat as a part of the cooling system has a significant role in shortening warm-up time and regulating the engine at a proper temperature to achieve optimal performance. This phenomenon of full capacity cooling fluid flow passing through even at less than 1 mm thermostat lift further affects the warm-up rate and fuel consumption during the early discharge of the cooling fluid through the thermostat.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional systems are overcome by system and method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system and method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermostat for a vehicle is disclosed. The thermostat comprises a frame connectable to a flange to define a cavity. A stem member which is connectable to the flange and configured to receive a thermostat wax module is provided. The thermostat wax module is defined around the stem member and configured to receive cooling fluid. Further, at least one contact portion is defined on the thermostat wax module. At least one contact portion is in contact with the flange at a first position and the thermostat wax module expands upon contact with the cooling fluid and displaces the stem member to a second position to allow passage of cooling fluid into the flange.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one contact portion is a hollow cylinder positioned on the thermostat wax module.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one contact portion is a conical ring positioned on the thermostat wax module.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one contact portion is divided into an upper member and a lower member. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermostat comprises a resilient member configured around the thermostat wax module.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame has a protrusion to receive the resilient member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first position is when the thermostat wax module is blocking the flow of cooling fluid into the flange.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second position is when the thermostat wax module is displaced on the stem member to allow the flow of cooling fluid into the flange.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a cooling system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a radiator fluidly connectable to an engine of the vehicle. A thermostat housing is defined as an inlet duct, a first outlet duct, and a second outlet duct. The inlet duct is fluidly connectable to the engine and the first outlet duct is fluidly connectable to the radiator. A thermostat for a vehicle comprises a frame connectable to a flange to define a cavity. A stem member which is connectable to the flange and configured to receive a thermostat wax module is provided. The thermostat wax module is defined around the stem member and configured to receive cooling fluid. Further, at least one contact portion is defined on the thermostat wax module. At least one contact portion is in contact with the flange at the first position and the thermostat wax module expands upon contact with the cooling fluid and displaces the stem member to a second position to allow passage of cooling fluid into the flange.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first outlet duct is fluidly connectable to the inlet duct and configured to supply the cooling fluid to the radiator. The second outlet duct is fluidly connectable to the inlet duct and configured to supply the cooling fluid to the engine bypassing the radiator.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 [Prior art] illustrates a schematic view of thermostat operation at various cooling fluid temperatures.

Figure 2a [Prior Art] illustrates the engine cooling fluid flow curve plotted for a conventional thermostat.

Figure 2b [Prior Art] illustrates the cooling fluid flow rate from an engine with the bypass line corresponding to the engine speed.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a cooling system having a thermostat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the thermostat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the thermostat with a hollow cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the thermostat with a conical ring, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of thermostat operation at various cooling fluid temperatures, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of thermostat operation at various cooling fluid temperatures, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 illustrates a plot of an engine cooling fluid flow with respect to a thermostat lift, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art, will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art, would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the system or method, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be a part of the disclosure.

Accordingly, the drawings only show those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ordinary skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or the device.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 3 to 9.

Fig. 3 depicts a cooling system (10) for an internal combustion engine (12) of a vehicle. The cooling system (10) comprises a cooling circuit provided in the vehicle and configured for cooling the internal combustion engine (12) by means of cooling fluid flowing in the cooling circuit. In an embodiment, the cooling fluid is in form of a liquid, preferably a mixture of water and glycol. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cooling fluid is not only limited to a mixture of water and glycol but, may include other mixture of additives which is well known in the art. The cooling system (10) comprises a radiator (14) coupled into the cooling circuit for cooling the cooling fluid. The cooling system comprises a cooling fluid pump (13) for circulating the cooling fluid in the cooling circuit, and a thermostat (16). The thermostat (16) is configured for controlling the flow of cooling fluid between the engine (12) and the radiator (14) to control the temperature of the internal combustion engine (12).

As shown in Fig. 3, the cooling system (10) further comprises a thermostat housing (18) defined with an inlet duct (20), a first outlet duct (22), and a second outlet duct (24). The inlet duct (20) is fluidly connectable to the engine (12) and the first outlet duct (22) is fluidly connectable to the radiator (14). In more detail, an outlet (12b) from the engine’s cooling ducts is connected to the inlet duct (20) of the thermostat (16). The first outlet duct (22) from the thermostat (16) is connected to an inlet (14a) of the radiator (14). An outlet (14b) from the radiator (14) is connected to an inlet (12a) to the engine’s cooling ducts. The second outlet duct (24) from the thermostat (16) is connected to the inlet (12a) to the engine’s cooling ducts via a bypass line (44). The bypass line (44) makes it possible for cooling fluid to be flown past the radiator (14). In an embodiment, the pump (13) is positioned before the inlet (12a) to the engine’s cooling ducts but may also be positioned at other positions in the cooling system (10) which are known in the art. The cooling fluid which flows through the radiator (14) is cooled by air that absorbs heat against the radiator (14) when the vehicle is in motion. The cooling system (10) can also comprise a fan (15) that is positioned so as to generate an airflow through the radiator (14).

Fig. 4 depicts a schematic view of the thermostat (16) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermostat (16) comprises a frame (26) connectable to a flange (28) to define a cavity (C). A stem member (30) is provided which is connectable to the flange (28) and configured to receive a thermostat wax module (36). The thermostat wax module (36) is defined around the stem member (30) and configured to receive cooling fluid. Further, the thermostat wax module (36) is displaceable between an initial position and a final position for regulating the flow of cooling fluid from the inlet duct (20) to the first and second outlet ducts (22, 24). The thermostat (16) further comprises a resilient member (34) which is configured to bias the thermostat wax module (36) at the initial position. The thermostat wax module (36) is responsive to a predetermined temperature to act against the resilient member (34). In an embodiment, the resilient member (34) is configured around the thermostat wax module (36). In an embodiment, the thermostat wax module (36) comprises a wax expandable to relatively move the thermostat wax module (36) axially away from the initial position to the final position. The wax is configured in such a way that it acts upon the thermostat wax module (36) when it is exposed to thermal changes.

In an embodiment, the thermostat wax module (36) comprises a top contoured seating profile (40) which is positioned between the inlet duct (20) and the first outlet duct (22), and a bottom contoured seating profile (42) which is positioned between the inlet duct (20) and the second outlet duct (24). The thermostat housing (18) defines a cooling fluid passageway between the flange (28) and the thermostat wax module (36) configured to supply the cooling fluid to the radiator (14). The thermostat (16) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is aligned into the cooling circuit of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the thermostat wax module (36) is displaceable from the initial position in the direction of the final position against the action of the spring force of the resilient member (34). The thermostat wax module (36) is accommodated in the thermostat housing (18) in such a way that the portion of the cooling fluid flowing towards the radiator (14) and/or the bypass line (44) comes into thermal communication with the wax of the thermostat wax module (36). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermostat wax module (36) is sealingly fastened by an O-ring seal (not shown), thereby reducing the risk of leakage. In a preferred embodiment, the frame (26) has a protrusion (38) to receive the resilient member (34).

The top contoured seating profile (40) is positioned such that in its close position, i.e. the initial position of the thermostat wax module (36) closes the first outlet duct (22) of the thermostat (16). This prevents the cooling fluid from flowing to the radiator (14). Further, in an open position, i.e. when the thermostat wax module (36) is in between the initial position and the final position, the top contoured seating profile (40) allows the cooling fluid to flow through the radiator (14). The bottom contoured seating profile (42) is positioned such that in its close position, i.e. the final position of the thermostat wax module (36), it closes the second outlet duct (24) of the thermostat (16). This prevents the cooling fluid from flowing through the bypass line (44). Further, in an open position, i.e. when the thermostat wax module (36) is in between the initial position and the final position, the bottom contoured seating profile (42) allows the cooling fluid to flow in the bypass line (44). In an embodiment, the top and bottom contoured seating profiles (40, 42) are connected to the thermostat wax module (36) in such a way that when the top contoured seating profile (40) is in its closed position the bottom contoured seating profile (42) will be in its open position.

In an embodiment, the constituents and characteristics of the thermostat wax module (36) are such that when the cooling fluid is at a predefined lower temperature, i.e. at a relatively lower engine load the thermostat wax module (36) remains firmly intact unit. In this situation, the top contoured seating profile (40) will be in its closed position and hence the bottom contoured seating profile (42) will be in its open position, with the result that the cooling fluid flows through the bypass line (44). The constituents and characteristics of the thermostat wax module (36) are also such that when the cooling fluid is at a certain higher temperature which it will have at a relatively higher engine load, the wax of the thermostat wax module (36) melts.

When the wax of the thermostat wax module (36) expands the top contoured seating profile (40) moves from its closed position towards its open position, and the bottom contoured seating profile (42) moves from its open position towards its closed position. In an embodiment, a normal desired working temperature of the cooling fluid for small capacity engines is about 80 degrees, in which case the constituents of the thermostat wax module (36) such as wax, will begin to melt. This temperature is referred to as start open temperature (SOT) at which the thermostat wax module (36) starts axially moving away from the initial position to the final position. The temperature at which the thermostat wax module (36) reaches the final position due to the expansion is termed full open temperature (FOT). The linear distance from the initial position of the thermostat wax module (36) to the final position is termed as a thermostat lift. In an embodiment, the resilient member (34) acts as a restoring spring to move the thermostat wax module (36) back to its initial position. The initial position is the position when the cooling fluid temperature drops below the predetermined temperature and the wax re-solidifies.

With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, the present disclosure provides at least one contact portion (32) defined on the thermostat wax module (36) of the thermostat (16). The contact portion (32) remains in contact with the flange (28) at a first position and as the thermostat wax module (36) expands upon contact with the cooling fluid. Further, the contact portion (32) displaces the stem member (30) to a second position to allow the flow of cooling fluid into the flange (28). In an embodiment, the first position is the position when the thermostat wax module (36) is blocking the flow of cooling fluid into the flange (28). Further, the second position is the position when the thermostat wax module (36) is displaced on the stem member (30) to allow the flow of cooling fluid into the flange (28).

In a preferred embodiment, at least one contact portion (32) is configured to abut the thermostat wax module (36) to prevent cooling fluid from flowing from the inlet duct (20) to the first outlet duct (22) as shown in Fig.4. At least one contact portion (32) facilitates the delay in cooling fluid from flowing to the first outlet duct (22). In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the contact portion (32) is a hollow cylinder (46) positioned on the thermostat wax module (36). In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the contact portion (32) is a conical ring (48) positioned on the thermostat wax module (36). In an exemplary embodiment, at least one contact portion (32) is divided into an upper member and a lower member. The upper member is positioned on the top contoured seating profile (40) and the lower member is positioned below the bottom contoured seating profile (42). Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic view of thermostat operation at various cooling fluid temperatures when the hollow cylinder (46) is positioned on the thermostat wax module (36) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In Fig. 7a, the cooling fluid temperature is below the SOT, the thermostat wax module (36) of the thermostat (16) seals the cooling fluid passageway (highlighted with circle) and is at its initial position (thermostat lift = 0 mm). In Fig. 7b, the cooling fluid temperature is just above the SOT, and the thermostat wax module (36) starts to move in the downward direction (thermostat lift = 3-4 mm). However, the hollow cylinder (46) restrains the cooling fluid passageway from flowing cooling fluid to the first outlet duct (22). Due to this, the cooling fluid gets delayed to flow towards the radiator (14) even though the thermostat wax module (36) is in the second position. Fig. 7c illustrates that at the cooling fluid temperature near FOT, the thermostat wax module (36) reaches the final position (thermostat lift = 7-8 mm), and the cooling fluid passageway is open. The hollow cylinder (46) positioned on the thermostat wax module (36) also does not obstruct the cooling fluid passageway, due to which the cooling fluid passageway is open. This allows the movement of the cooling fluid into the flange (28).

Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic view of the thermostat operation at various cooling fluid temperatures when the conical ring (48) is positioned on the thermostat wax module (36) in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 8a, the cooling fluid temperature is below the SOT, the thermostat wax module (36) of the thermostat (16) seals the cooling fluid passageway (highlighted with circle) and is at its initial position (thermostat lift = 0 mm). In Fig. 8b, the cooling fluid temperature is just above the SOT, and the thermostat wax module (36) starts to move in the downward direction (thermostat lift = 3-4 mm). However, the conical ring (48) restrains the cooling fluid passageway from flowing cooling fluid to the first outlet duct (22). Due to this, the cooling fluid gets delayed to flow towards the radiator (14) even though the thermostat wax module (36) is in the second position. Fig. 8c illustrates that at cooling fluid temperature near FOT, the thermostat wax module (36) reaches the final position (thermostat lift = 7-8 mm), and the cooling fluid passageway is open. The conical ring (48) positioned on the thermostat wax module (36) also does not obstruct the cooling fluid passageway, due to which the cooling fluid passageway is open. This allows the movement of the cooling fluid into the flange (28).

Figure 9 illustrates a comparative plot of an engine cooling fluid flow with respect to the thermostat lift obtained in the conventional thermostat and the thermostat which is in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 9, at a cold cooling fluid condition (i.e., at a first predetermined cooling fluid temperature), the thermostat lift is 0 mm and at least one contact portion (32) seals the flow of the cooling fluid towards the radiator (14). Also, there is no gap between at least a portion of the flange (28) and the thermostat wax module (36). This is indicated by point “A” in Fig. 9. At a second predetermined cooling fluid temperature (just above SOT), in the present disclosure, the wax in the thermostat wax module (36) starts expanding and the thermostat wax module (36) moves in an axially away direction to a second position such that the cooling fluid flow is controlled by the at least one contact portion (32). This is indicated by point “E” in Fig. 9. Further, point “B” in Fig.9 shows the cooling fluid flow through the thermostat (16) towards the radiator (14) in the conventional thermostat.

Further, to the above testing, at a third predetermined cooling fluid temperature (i.e. between SOT and FOT), the wax in the thermostat wax module (36) expands further and at least one contact portion (32) moves downward such that the gap between the flange (28) and the contact portion (32) is in the limiting condition of controlling the cooling fluid flow. This is indicated by point “F” in Fig. 9. Further, point “C” in Fig.9 shows the cooling fluid flow through the thermostat (16) towards the radiator (14) in the conventional thermostat. Lastly, at a fourth predetermined cooling fluid temperature (near FOT), the thermostat wax module (36) expands to the maximum. Further, at least one contact portion (32) moves to its final position. The gap formed between the flange (28) and the contact portion (32) is such that it allows the flow of the cooling fluid to the radiator (14). In this case, neither the contact portion (32) nor the thermostat wax module (36) controls the cooling fluid flow towards the radiator (14). The thermostat lift is in the range of 7 to 8 mm. This is indicated by point “£)” in Fig. 9.

According to the above discussion and as shown in Fig. 9, it is clearly visible that the cooling fluid flow through the thermostat (16) in the present disclosure is controlled right from the beginning as indicated in plot “A-E-F-D” in place of plot “A-B-C-D” obtained for the conventional thermostats. The above-predetermined temperatures, i.e., the first, second, third, and fourth may be in the predetermined range of the cooling fluid temperatures. The present disclosure of controlling the flow of the cooling fluid by providing at least one contact portion (32) facilitates an enhanced and controlled cooling mechanism for the engine at the desired level.

The inventors have developed the invention, so that advantage can be achieved in an economical, practical, and facile manner. While preferred aspects and example configurations have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various further modifications and additional configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations herein disclosed are illustrative of the preferred nature of the invention and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention.

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system and a method of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Reference numerals: