RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application is based on and claims priority to Australian provisional patent application No 2019902048 filed on 12 June 2019, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a valve device. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a valve device for a pressure reducing valve (PRV). The invention also relates to a PRV incorporating the valve device as well as a method associated with the PRV.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0004] PRVs are used to control or limit downstream pressure in, for instance, water systems. PRVs typically include a device in the form of a cartridge having a valve stem, spring and diaphragm. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into a housing to regulate pressure between an inlet and an outlet. For example, if the outlet pressure increases above a set pressure, the force on the regulating diaphragm will overcome the bias of the spring. A valve head will therefore move towards a valve seat, whereby the downstream pressure will be reduced.

[0005] However, to accommodate the cartridge, typically housings require a unique geometry. This unique geometry is normally achieved through a combination of casting and machining which carries a cost. Furthermore, as housing are typically made of a metal (i.e. brass), manufacturing times are increased through machining. Having a unique geometry also promotes turbulence before fluid enters the cartridge, increasing the pressure drop across the PRV.

[0006] The present inventor has developed an improved PRV. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] In one form, the invention resides in a valve device including:

a regulating portion having:

an insert with an insert inlet, an insert outlet and a hollow portion;

a moving portion extending at least partway through the hollow portion of the insert, the moving portion moving a regulating part that assists in substantially controlling fluid flow at a set outlet pressure by a position thereof relative to the hollow portion; and

a pressure reactive member connected to the moving portion such that movement of the pressure reactive member adjusts the position of the moving portion, the pressure reactive member configured to be in communication with a chamber portion that provides an adjusting force based on outlet pressure to assist in achieving the set outlet pressure,

wherein a sealing portion encloses the insert outlet, the sealing portion being configured to engage with a body that is in fluid communication with the insert outlet.

[0008] In an embodiment, the sealing portion encloses the insert outlet by extending at least around a perimeter of the insert outlet.

[0009] In an embodiment, the sealing portion encloses the insert outlet by extending around all sides of the insert outlet.

[0010] In an embodiment, the sealing portion extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to movement of the regulating part.

[001 1 ] In an embodiment, the sealing portion extends in a longitudinal direction defined by the insert.

[0012] In an embodiment, the sealing portion extends transversely to ends of the insert.

[0013] In an embodiment, the sealing portion is substantially circular.

[0014] In an embodiment, the sealing portion is an overmoulded seal.

[0015] In an embodiment, the valve device includes a biasing member that is configured to provide a force to the pressure reactive member.

[0016] In an embodiment, the valve device includes an adjusting portion having an adjusting part that is configured to move in order to adjust the force provided to the pressure reactive member, via the biasing member, to assist in setting the set outlet pressure.

[0017] In an embodiment, the insert includes one or more sealing parts.

[0018] In an embodiment, the one or more sealing parts are located to a side of the sealing portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the one more sealing parts includes two sealing parts located on either side of the sealing portion.

[0020] In an embodiment, the one or more sealing parts extend transversely to the sealing portion.

[0021 ] In an embodiment, the one or more sealing parts are in the form of O-rings.

[0022] In an embodiment, the insert includes an aperture that extends from the insert outlet to the chamber portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, the aperture separates a first wall of the insert from a second wall of the insert, the second wall defining at least part of the hollow portion.

[0024] In an embodiment, the aperture extends in a direction, from one end of the insert to another, that is substantially parallel to a vertical direction of the sealing portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the aperture approximately extends at least a quarter of a distance around the insert.

[0026] In an embodiment, the aperture includes at least two channels.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first wall is connected to the second wall with one or more web portions.

[0028] In an embodiment, the aperture extends substantially in a same upward direction as the hollow portion.

[0029] In an embodiment, the insert includes a guiding portion that extends away from the hollow portion to guide movement of the regulating part.

[0030] In an embodiment, the guiding portion is located at or near the end of the insert.

[0031 ] In an embodiment, the guiding portion extends substantially in the same direction as a longitudinal axis defined by the insert.

[0032] In an embodiment, the guiding portion includes one or more guiding members. [0033] In an embodiment, at least one of the sealing parts is located outboard of regulating part in a direction moving away from the hollow portion along the longitudinal axis defined by the insert.

[0034] In an embodiment, the at least one of the sealing parts is located below the regulating part.

[0035] In an embodiment, the insert includes one or more seats.

[0036] In an embodiment, the guiding portion is located below the one or more seats.

[0037] In an embodiment, the regulating part cooperates with the one or more seats to substantially control fluid flow at the set outlet pressure.

[0038] In an embodiment, the cooperation between the regulation part and the one or more seats includes the regulation part adjusting to have a gap therebetween to substantially control fluid flow at the set outlet pressure.

[0039] In an embodiment, fluid flow passing the gap between the regulation part and the one or more seats is configured to pass the guiding portion.

[0040] In an embodiment, the valve device is configured to be releasably connected to the body.

[0041 ] In a further form, the invention resides in a pressure reducing valve including: a connection fitting having:

an inlet;

an outlet; and

an opening; and

a valve device configured to be received into the opening, the valve device including:

a regulating portion having:

an insert with an insert inlet, an insert outlet and a hollow portion; a moving portion extending at least partway through the hollow portion of the insert, the moving portion having a regulating part that is adapted to move relative to the hollow portion to substantially control fluid flow at a set outlet pressure;

a pressure reactive member connected to the moving portion such that movement of the pressure reactive member adjusts the position of the moving portion, the pressure reactive member being in communication with a chamber portion that is configured to provide an adjusting force based on outlet pressure to assist in achieving the set outlet pressure;

a biasing member that is configured to provide a force to the pressure reactive member; and

an adjusting portion having:

an adjusting part that is configured to move in order to adjust the force provided to the pressure reactive member, via the biasing member, to assist in setting the set outlet pressure,

wherein a sealing portion encloses the insert outlet such that the sealing portion engages with the connection fitting to provide a seal therebetween.

[0042] In an embodiment, the pressure reducing valve is herein as described.

[0043] In an embodiment, the sealing portion provides sealing adjacent the outlet of the connection fitting.

[0044] In an embodiment, the sealing portion seals substantially around a perimeter of the outlet.

[0045] In an embodiment, passages associated with the inlet and/or outlet are substantially cylindrical.

[0046] In an embodiment, the one or more sealing parts seal against the connection fitting.

[0047] In an embodiment, at least one of the sealing parts seals against the connection fitting in a lower portion of the insert.

[0048] In an embodiment, the valve device is releasably connected to the connection fitting.

[0049] In an embodiment, an adaptor assists in releasably connecting the valve device with the connection fitting. In an embodiment, the adaptor is fastened to the connection fitting.

[0050] In an embodiment, the inlet and the outlet are substantially aligned.

[0051 ] In an embodiment, the connection fitting assists in supporting the insert at a lower and upper portion thereof. [0052] In an embodiment, the hollow portion assists in defining a circular strip along the bottom portion of the insert that engages with the connection fitting.

[0053] In a further form, the invention resides in a method of reducing pressure through a valve, the method including:

flowing fluid through an inlet;

allowing fluid to pass through an insert inlet and through hollow portion of an insert;

allowing fluid to pass a regulating part; and

channelling fluid that has passed the regulating part through an aperture defined between walls of the insert and into a chamber portion; and

allowing fluid in a chamber portion to flex a pressure reactive member such that movement of the pressure reactive member moves the regulating part towards or away from one or more seats of an insert in order to substantially regulate to a set pressure, wherein the step of channelling fluid through the aperture includes passing at least part of the fluid through an insert outlet that is enclosed by a sealing portion.

[0054] In an embodiment, as the fluid is channelled through the aperture, the fluid passes one or more web portions.

[0055] In another form, the invention resides in a method of reducing pressure in a water system, the method including providing a pressure reducing valve described herein to a pipe.

[0056] In a further form, the invention resides in a kit for a pressure reducing valve, the kit including components of a valve device as herein described.

[0057] In an embodiment, the kit includes instructions either physically part of the kit or are available virtually on assembling one or more of the components.

[0058] In an embodiment, the kit includes packaging for the components.

[0059] In an embodiment the kit includes:

an insert with an insert inlet, an insert outlet and a hollow portion, wherein a sealing portion encloses the insert outlet, the sealing portion being configured to engage with a body that is in fluid communication with the insert outlet; and

at least one of: i) a moving portion configured to extend at least partway through the hollow portion of the insert, the moving portion having a regulating part that assists in

substantially controlling fluid flow at a set outlet pressure by a position thereof relative to the hollow portion;

ii) a pressure reactive member adapted to be connected to the moving portion such that movement of the pressure reactive member adjusts the position of the moving portion, the pressure reactive member configured to be in communication with a chamber portion that provides an adjusting force based on outlet pressure to assist in achieving the set outlet pressure;

iii) a biasing member is configured to provide a force to the pressure reactive member;

iv) an adjusting portion having an adjusting part is configured to move in order to adjust the force provided to the pressure reactive member, via the biasing member, to assist in setting the set outlet pressure; or

v) instructions for assembling the components, where the instructions form either physically part of the kit or are available virtually.

[0060] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061 ] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pressure reducing valve, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a valve device, as shown in Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the pressure reducing valve, as shown in Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a lower perspective view of an insert, as shown in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates an upper perspective view of the insert as shown in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the insert, as shown in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7 illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of the pressure reducing valve, as shown in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] Figure 1 illustrates a pressure reducing valve 10 including a connection fitting 100 and a valve device in the form of a cartridge 200 (shown further in Figure 2). The connection fitting 100 includes a body 105 having an inlet 1 10 and an outlet 120. The inlet 1 10 and the outlet 120 are adapted to be connected to other conduits in a water system. For example, the valve 10 may be connected to pipe 12. The connection fitting 100 also includes a pressure tapping 130 in order to, for example, measure pressure in the water system.

[0063] As shown further in Figure 3, the inlet 1 10 includes a first passage 140 associated therewith. Similarly, the outlet 120 includes a second passage 142 associated therewith. The first passage 140 and the second passage 142 are substantially cylindrical therethrough. In this regard, the passages 140, 142 are of relatively reduced complexity and do not require a significant amount of post processing after casting. As outlined further below, features of the cartridge 200 accommodate the shape of the passages 140, 142. To this end, the body 105 of the connection fitting 100 includes an opening to receive the cartridge 200. This opening extends perpendicularly to the inlet 1 10 and the outlet 120 in this embodiment.

[0064] The cartridge 200 includes an adjusting portion 300 and a regulating portion 400. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the regulating portion 400 may alone be provided in some embodiments and, for example, retrofitted with parts from an adjusting portion that is fitted to a connection fitting. In this regard, components of the cartridge 200 may be provided in a kit to retrofit it to connection fittings. In the present embodiment, the adjusting portion 300 and regulating portion 400 are provided together.

[0065] The adjusting portion 300 includes an adjusting part having an adjustment device 310 in the form of a knob, an adjusting member 320 and a translating piece 330. The cartridge 200 also includes a casing 340 and a housing 350 to house components of the cartridge 200. The adjustment device 310 has an interacting portion 312 that is configured to interact with a locking portion 352 of the housing 350. The interacting portion 312 includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to engage with the locking portion 352 to assist in preventing relative rotation. The adjustment device 310 also includes a retaining member 314. The retaining member 314 is in the form of a clip that engages with the retaining portion 354 of the housing 350. As further outlined below, the retaining member 314 allows the adjustment device 310 to move from a first position, where the interacting portion 312 is engaged with the locking portion 352, to a second position, where the interacting portion is disengaged from the locking portion 352 and the adjustment device 310 may be rotated.

[0066] The adjusting member 320 extends from the adjustment device 310 into the housing 350. The adjusting member 320 includes a driving portion 322 in the form of a screw. The driving portion 322 is connected to the adjustment device 310 via a connector 324. The connector 324 is in the form of a fastener that is fastened to an upper portion of the driving portion 322. The driving portion 322 is also connected to a translating piece 330 via a thread 332 of the translating piece 330 The translating piece 330 is substantially in the form of a plate that extends across a hollow portion of the housing 350. In response to rotating the adjustment device 310, and subsequently the adjusting member 320, the translating piece 330 is configured to translate within the housing 350.

[0067] The regulating portion 400 includes a biasing member in the form of a spring 410, a pressure reactive member in the form of a diaphragm 420, a moving portion 430 and an insert 450. At one end, the spring 410 engages with the translating piece 330.

That is, based on the position of the translating piece 330, the spring 410 receives a force from the translating piece 330. At the other end of the spring 410, the spring 410 is engaged with a plate 412. The spring 410 may also form part of the adjusting portion 300.

[0068] Situated next to the plate 412 is the diaphragm 420. The diaphragm 420 is typically formed from rubber. Ends of the diaphragm 420 are positioned between the housing 350 and the insert 450. A (pressure) chamber portion 422 is created between the diaphragm 420 and the insert 450. As outlined below, the chamber portion 422 is in fluid communication with an aperture 452 of the insert 450, the aperture 452 also being in fluid communication with the outlet 120.

[0069] The moving portion 430 includes an engaging member 431 that is connected to the diaphragm 420 via a retainer in the form of a nut 432. The nut 432 assists in clamping the plate 412 and diaphragm 420 to the moving portion 430. Accordingly, movement of the diaphragm 420 results in movement of the moving portion 430. The engaging member 431 is elongate in this embodiment and includes a number of step portions to engage with other components. For example, the engaging member 431 extends to engage with the insert 450. A sealing portion 434 allows the engaging member 431 to seal against the insert 450 whilst the moving portion 430 moves therealong. In this regard, the sealing portion 434 assists in sealing the chamber portion 422 from flow through the inlet 1 10 and vice versa. The moving portion 430 also includes a regulating part 440. The regulating part 440 assists in regulating flow from the inlet 1 10 to the outlet 120.

[0070] The regulating part 440 includes a regulating member 441 . As outlined further below, the regulating member 441 is configured to engage with one or more seats of the insert 450 to regulate flow. The regulating member 441 includes a regulating body 442 that extends substantially across a hollow portion 453 of the insert 450. The regulating body 442 is configured to assist in retaining a seal portion 443 in a channel thereof. The channel includes a protrusion that assists retaining the seal portion 443. Furthermore, a cap 445 also assists in retaining the seal portion 443. In addition, as further outlined below, the regulating member 441 also includes a guiding portion 444 that is configured to engage with part of the insert 450.

[0071 ] The insert 450 is further shown in Figures 4 to 6. The insert 450 is configured to extend across the connection fitting 100 such that an upper portion of the insert is located at or near the opening of the connection fitting 100 whilst a lower portion of the insert 450 rest on a lower portion of connection fitting 100. That is, the lower and upper perimeters of the insert 450 are substantially supported by the connection fitting 100. Supporting the insert 450 at both ends assists in reducing vibration and noise in the valve 10.

[0072] The insert 450 includes a first wall 467 and a second wall 468. The first wall 467 is external to the second wall 468 and, as such, is outboard thereof. One or more members in the form of web portions 454 connect the first wall 467 to the second wall 468. On this basis, an aperture 452 partially separates the first wall 467 from the second wall 468. The aperture 452, with two separate sections in this embodiment, extends approximately around half of the insert 450 whilst moving past the web portions 454. On an opposite side to the insert 450, relative to the aperture 452, a chamber end portion 466 blocks fluid communication therebelow. The aperture 452 can provide fluid

communication between an insert outlet 464 and the chamber face 451 . The insert outlet 464 extends through the first wall 467.

[0073] A sealing portion 463 encloses the insert outlet 464 to provide a seal between the insert 450 and the body 105. The sealing portion 463 is substantially circular in this embodiment and, with an offset from the insert outlet 464, extends around the perimeter thereof. The sealing portion 463 is overmoulded in this embodiment and, as such, forms an integrated part with the insert 450. However, in further embodiments it would be appreciated that the sealing portion 463 may be a separate component and located on, for example, the body 105. The sealing portion 463 substantially extends in a direction that is parallel to the axis 462. In other words, the sealing portion 463 extends in a direction that is substantially parallel with the aperture 452. The sealing portion 463 is therefore substantially in an upstanding direction.

[0074] The sealing portion 463 is located between an upper sealing part 456 and a lower sealing part 457. The sealing parts 456, 457 are in the form of O-rings in this embodiment but it would be appreciated that other seals may be used. The sealing parts 456, 457 substantially extend in a direction that is transverse to the primary upstanding direction of the sealing portion 463. In this regard, the sealing parts 456, 457 extend in a lateral direction across the insert 450 whilst the sealing portion 463 extends in a longitudinal direction along the insert 450. The sealing parts 456, 457 engage with the connection fitting 100. By way of example, sealing part 457 engages part of the connection fitting 100 outboard from the regulating member 441 along the axis 462. In other words, the sealing part 457 is located below the regulating member 441 in a direction moving away from: i) the opening in the connection fitting 100; or ii) the first seat 458 described below.

[0075] As noted above, the insert 450 includes a hollow portion 453 extending therethrough. The moving portion 430 is configured to extend through at least part of the hollow portion 453. A plurality of members extend from an inner portion of the second wall 468, towards the centre thereof, to form a structure that is configured to assist in guiding the movement of the moving portion 430 and, in particular, the engaging member 431 . The hollow portion 453 extends substantially along the axis 462 and, as such, extends substantially parallel to a direction defined by a vertical axis of the sealing portion 463.

[0076] The insert 450 also includes a first seat 458 and a seat retainer 459. The first seat 458 is configured to engage with the seal 444. The seat retainer 459 is configured to, if required, engage with the regulating body 442 limiting compressive forces on the first seat 458. The seat 458 is located upstream from the insert outlet 464 and downstream of an insert inlet 465. In this regard, it is noted that the insert inlet 465 is located above the seat 458 and includes at least two ports. [0077] The insert 450 includes a guiding portion 460. In further embodiments, it would be appreciated that, for example, the guiding portion may be incorporated into the connection fitting 100. The guiding portion 460 assists in guiding movement of the regulating member 441 to reduce vibration due to lateral movement of the regulating member 441 . In particular, the guiding portion 460 extends away from the hollow portion 453 of the insert 450 to guide movement of the regulating member 441 . The regulating member 441 is located outboard of the hollow portion 453 to control fluid therethrough.

[0078] Separately, the insert 450 includes a guiding portion 460 having a plurality of guiding members 461 that engage with the guiding portions 444 of the regulating member 441 to provide stable movement thereof. The guiding members 461 are located on an opposite end of the insert 450 compared to the chamber face 451. That is, the guiding members 461 extend to a position further outboard along the insert 450, in an axial direction thereof, compare to the location of the first seat 458. To further elaborate, in a direction moving away from the chamber face 451 , the guiding members 461 end at a position further along the axis 462 compare to the first seat 458 (i.e. the guiding members 461 are below the first seat 458). This positions the guiding portion 460 to suit the potential movement of the regulating member 441 .

[0079] The connection fitting 100 is connected to the cartridge 200 with the assistance of the adapter 500. The adapter 500 includes a body 502. The body 502 includes a fastening portion 504 in the form of the a thread that is configured to fasten to the connection fitting 100 whilst a ledge of the body 502 retains the insert 450. The insert 450 is connected to the casing 340 and, as such, the cartridge 200 is retained in the connection fitting 100 in this matter. In this way, the insert 450 (or cartridge 200) is releasably connected to the connection fitting 100 and can be removed relatively easy therefrom. This advantage is possible due to, amongst other things, the sealing arrangement in the valve 10. This also avoids having to inconveniently weld components together which can be costly and results in non-serviceable products.

[0080] During use, a pressure is set (e.g. 1 , 2, 3 bar etc.) by rotating the adjustment device 310. In particular, the adjustment device 310 is first lifted to allow the interacting portion 312 to disengage from the locking portion 352. The retaining member 314 catches the retaining portion 354 to allow the adjustment device 310 to be lifted a suitable distance. Rotating the adjustment device 310 rotates the adjusting member 320. Rotation of the adjusting member 320 in turn results in the translating piece 330 moving to a position associated with the set pressure. That is, moving the translating piece 330 adjusts the force on the spring 410 and the associated force on the diaphragm 420 that assists in regulating fluid pressure. As the force on the diaphragm 420 / moving portion 430 is increased, the regulating part 440 is shifted to a position, relative to the first seat 458, to allow greater flow / pressure therethrough.

[0081 ] With a fluid source openly connected to the inlet 1 10, fluid begins to flow from the inlet 1 10, pass the insert inlet 466, through the hollow portion 453, pass the regulating part 440 and towards the insert outlet 464. As fluid moves towards the insert outlet 464, part of the fluid is directed along the aperture 452, between the walls 467, 468, and into the chamber portion 422. In response to the fluid pressure in the chamber portion 422 exceeding the set pressure, indicating that fluid leaving the insert outlet 464 / outlet 120 is beyond the set pressure, the diaphragm 420 is configured to flex to provide a (greater) force back on the spring 410. As a result of the diaphragm 420 moving in a direction towards the spring 410, the moving portion 430 is shifted in a direction that reduces the gap (or opening) between the regulating part 440 and seats 458, 459. This results in the flow of fluid being reduced and, as such, its associated pressure. Accordingly, the pressure of the fluid leaving the insert outlet 464, and subsequently the outlet 120, is substantially regulated to the set pressure.

[0082] With the above in mind, as fluid exits the insert outlet 464, the seal portion 463 assists in preventing a leak path being formed from, for example, the second passage 142 to the first passage 140. Accordingly, complex internal shapes within the body 105 are avoided, as evident in the prior art, to seal between the inlet 1 10 and the outlet 120.

By providing the seal portion 463 on the insert outlet 464, as opposed to elsewhere (eg, the inlet 465), the valve 10 provides non-obvious cost and technical advantages, For example, sealing parts 456, 457 can be used and suitably take the form of standard O- rings. Furthermore, leak paths around the insert 450 are prevented which may disrupt the regulation of pressure and cause other undesired consequences.

[0083] Furthermore, having the aperture 452 within the insert 450 avoids, for instance, the need to form internal channels within the body 105 to provide a flow path from the outlet 120 to the chamber portion 422. This again reduces the complexity of the (brass) body 105, which is of commercial and technical significance.

[0084] Separately, to assist with guiding the movement of the moving portion 430, and in particular the regulating part 440, the guiding portion 444 of the regulating part 440 moves substantially along the guiding members 461 . Guiding the movement of the moving portion 430 is also assisted by the directing portion 455. Guiding the movement of the moving portion 430, and particularly the movement of the regulating part 440, assists in reducing lateral vibrations of regulating part 440 and resultant pressure oscillations and noise in the pressure reducing valve 10.

[0085] In this specification, adjectives such as left and right, top and bottom, hot and cold, first and second, and the like may be used to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where context permits, reference to a component, an integer or step (or the alike) is not to be construed as being limited to only one of that component, integer, or step, but rather could be one or more of that component, integer or step.

[0086] In this specification, the terms‘comprises’,‘comprising’,‘includes’,‘incl uding’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0087] The above description relating to embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all modifications, alternatives, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

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