Claims:We claim:
1. A liquid-cooled engine system (100) for a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
an internal combustion engine (100a) comprises:
a piston (11);
an engine body (E) comprising:
a crankcase (C);
a cylinder block (100b) having a cylinder bore (100c), wherein the piston (11) reciprocates within the cylinder bore (100c);
a cylinder head (100d) coupled to the cylinder block (100b);
at least one intake valve (9) and at least one exhaust valve (9) mounted in the cylinder head (2);
a liquid jacket (13) formed in the cylinder head (100d), the liquid jacket (13) defined with an inlet (12c), a first outlet (12a) and a second outlet (12b), wherein the inlet (12c) being fluidly connectable to an outlet (O) of a heat exchanger (1);
a fluid communication path (10) defined in the cylinder block (100b) and fluidly connecting fluid supply passages (8) in the cylinder head cover (100e) and an outlet of a coolant pump, the fluid communication path (10) being configured to circulate coolant fluid from the coolant pump to the fluid supply passages (8) to spray coolant fluid on a valve train associated with the at least one intake valve (9i) and at least one exhaust valve (9o),
wherein, one of the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b) of the liquid jacket (13) being fluidly connected to the fluid communication path (10) for directing at least a portion of the coolant fluid exiting the liquid jacket (13) to the fluid supply passages (8).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid jacket (13) is adapted to circulate coolant fluid around the cylinder head (100d).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein remaining of the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b) of the liquid jacket (13) is adapted to drain coolant fluid to a sump of the internal combustion engine (100a).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid jacket (13) defines a flow path between the inlet (12c), the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein the liquid jacket (13) is structured to circulate coolant fluid around the cylinder head (100d) and partially distribute coolant fluid to the fluid communication path (10) and drain the remaining coolant fluid to the sump of the internal combustion engine (100a).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of the liquid jacket (13) proximal to the inlet (12c) is defined with a branched section (B), one branch (B1) of the branched section (B) is structured to partially distribute coolant fluid around the cylinder head (100d) and an other branch (B2) of the branched section (B) is structured to distribute coolant fluid to the fluid communication path (10).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the other branch (B2) of the branched section (B) structured to distribute coolant fluid to the fluid communication path (10) is defined with a narrow profile as compared to one branch (B1) of the branched section (B).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one branch (B1) is configure to carry about 60% to 70% volume of coolant fluid entering the inlet (12c) and other branch (B2) is configured to carry about 30% to 40% volume of coolant fluid.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger (1) fluidly connected to the liquid jacket (13) and the sump of the internal combustion engine (100a).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger (1) includes a radiator and an oil cooler.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an internal combustion engine for a two-wheeled vehicle. Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine system for the two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles generally include prime movers such as internal combustion engine for producing necessary mechanical power for operating the vehicle. The internal combustion engines converts heat energy produced by chemical reaction into mechanical power. The engine generally includes a piston an engine body having a crankcase, a cylinder block having a cylinder bore in which the piston reciprocates. The engine also includes a cylinder head coupled to the cylinder block and at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve mounted in the cylinder head for receiving charge air and discharging the exhaust gas, respectively. The engine produces heat for conversion of chemical energy into the mechanical power.

[0003] Such engines require cooling and is usually provided with cooling systems. The cooling system is configured to circulate coolant fluid around the cylinder block and/or cylinder head to reduce the heat generated by various components in the engine. In few engine configurations, the cylinder block and the cylinder head may be liquid jacket for circulating the coolant fluid. A pump may be provided for circulating flow of coolant fluid through the cylinder block and the cylinder head. The liquid jacket in the cylinder block and/or the cylinder head is configured to receive coolant fluid from the heat exchanger and cool the components of the engine. This coolant fluid is then drained into the sump. Also, in the conventional engine configurations having oil as coolant liquid, a separate oil passage will be defined for circulating oil onto the valve train components provided on the cylinder head for cooling and lubricating the valve train. From the sump, the coolant pump pumps the coolant fluid to the heat exchanger and a portion of the coolant is channelized through the separate coolant passage for cooling the cylinder head. Such coolant passage are independent of the other coolant passages. Therefore, such conventional cooling arrangements requires more space causing bulkiness of engine considering other requirement of other oil passage for the cooling and lubrication of the valve train.

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional vehicles.

SUMMARY

[0005] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by method as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the system as described in the present disclosure.

[0006] 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.

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid cooled internal combustion engine system for a vehicle is described. The internal combustion engine includes a piston which may be accommodate with an engine body. The engine body further includes a crankcase, a cylinder block having a cylinder bore, wherein the piston reciprocates within the cylinder bore. Further, a cylinder head is coupled to the cylinder block. At least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve is mounted in the cylinder head. A liquid jacket is formed in the cylinder head. The liquid jacket is defined with an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The inlet being fluidly connectable to an outlet of a heat exchanger. Further, a fluid communication path is defined in the cylinder block and is fluidly connection fluid supply passage in the cylinder head cover and an outlet of a coolant pump. The fluid communication path being configured to circulate coolant fluid from the coolant pump to the fluid supply passage to spray coolant fluid on a valve train associated with the at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. One of the first outlet and the second outlet of the liquid jacket is fluidly connected to the fluid communication path for direction at least a portion of the coolant fluid exiting the liquid jacket to the fluid supply passages.

[0008] In an embodiment, the liquid jacket is adapted to circulate coolant fluid around the cylinder head. The liquid jacket defines a flow path between the inlet, the first outlet and the second outlet. The liquid jacket is structured to circulate coolant fluid around the cylinder head and partially distribute coolant fluid to the fluid communication path and drain the remaining coolant fluid to the sump of the internal combustion engine.

[0009] In an embodiment, remaining of the first outlet and the second outlet of the first liquid jacket and the second outlet of the liquid jacket is adapted to drain coolant fluid to a sump of the internal combustion engine.

[00010] In an embodiment, a portion of the liquid jacket proximal to the inlet is defined with a branched section. One branch of the branched section is structured to partially distribute coolant fluid around the cylinder block and an other branch of the branched section is structured to distribute coolant fluid to the fluid communication path. The other branch of the branched section structured to distribute coolant fluid to the fluid communication path is defined with a narrow profile as compared to one branch of the branched section.

[00011] In an embodiment, the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to the liquid jacket and the sump of the internal combustion engine.

[00012] In an embodiment, the heat exchanger includes a radiator and an oil cooler.

[00013] The configuration of the cooling system ensures that the coolant fluid having reduced temperature i.e., from the heat exchanger is circulated to the cylinder head cover through the fluid communication path. This configuration efficiently cools the valve train and also lubricates the same. Said configuration may further help to reduce the heat generated by the valve train parts. This ensures that the overall heat from the engine is significantly reduced. Further, partially circulating coolant fluid from the liquid jacket to the fluid communication path reduces load on coolant pump, thereby increasing the life of the coolant pump.

[00014] 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 DRAWINGS

[00015] The disclosure itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[00016] FIG.1 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine system depicting various components of an internal combustion engine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00017] FIG.2 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the liquid-cooled internal combustion engine system FIG.1;

[00018] FIG.3 illustrates a side view of the liquid-cooled internal combustion engine system FIG.1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00019] FIG.4 illustrates a top view of the liquid-cooled internal combustion engine system of FIG.1 depicting liquid jacket and fluid communication path, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[00020] FIG.5 illustrates a side view of the liquid-cooled internal combustion engine system of FIG.1 depicting liquid jacket and fluid communication path, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00021] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00022] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here 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 disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[00023] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that an assembly, system, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly, system, or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00024] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIG(s) 1 to 5. In the figure, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. With general reference to the drawings, a liquid cooled internal combustion engine system for a vehicle in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified with reference numeral 100. It will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular type of vehicle. Also, the corresponding figures illustrate only a portion of the vehicle. The complete vehicle is not illustrated in the corresponding figures for purpose of simplification.

[00025] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a two wheeled vehicle, however, liquid-cooled internal combustion engine system and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two-wheeled” vehicle”, “scooter”, “moped”, “saddle type vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “two wheeled vehicle” includes vehicle such as motorcycles, scooters, a modular vehicle that can be convertible form two-wheeled to more than two-wheeled vehicle, bicycles, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles, hybrid two-wheeled vehicle and the like. Further, the terms such as “liquid cooled internal combustion engine” and “fluid cooled internal combustion engine” are interchangeably used throughout the description. Furthermore, the terms such as “liquid pump”, and “pump” are interchangeably used throughout the description. Also, the terms such as “liquid jacket” and “jacket” are interchangeably used throughout the description. Also, the terms such as “liquid” and “coolant” are interchangeably used throughout the description.

[00026] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. While some specific terms of “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” and other terms containing these specific terms and directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[00027] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “accommodated,” “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein and that the terminology used herein is to describe embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Hereinafter in the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are outlined to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiments being described.

[00028] Referring to FIG.1, a liquid-cooled engine system (100) of a vehicle such as two wheeled vehicle is illustrated. The liquid-cooled engine system (100) includes various components including flow path for coolant fluid and one or more heat exchanger. The liquid cooled engine system (100) may be disposed on a body frame and internal combustion engine (100) of a vehicle (not shown). The internal combustion engine (100) may be configured to provide necessary power to drive the vehicle. Further, the internal combustion engine (100) includes an engine body (E), a piston (11) and a crankshaft (CS). The engine body (E) includes a cylinder block (100b) having a cylinder bore (10c), a cylinder head (100d), a head cover (100e) and a crankcase (C). The cylinder block (100b) includes the cylinder bore (100c) and the piston (11) may be disposed within the cylinder bore (100c) and may be adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder bore (100c). The cylinder head (100d) may be coupled to the cylinder block (100b). The head cover (100e) may be secured on top of the cylinder head (100d) enclosing the components accommodated on the cylinder head (100d). Further, the crankcase (C) may be coupled to a lower end portion (or the other end portion in the cylinder axis direction) of the cylinder block (100b). The crankcase (C) may include a left half case and a right half case. In an embodiment, the crankshaft (CS) may be connected to the piston (11) by a connecting rod. The crankshaft may be disposed in the crankcase (C) and may be rotatably supported by the half cases via a pair of main bearings.

[00029] A left end portion of the crankshaft leftwardly projecting from inside the crankcase (C) may extend into a disposed within the transmission case. A right end portion of the crankshaft (CS) rightwardly projecting from inside the crankcase (C) may extend into a chamber. The chamber may house an AC generator (not shown) and a cooling fan (not shown). The right end portion of the crankshaft (CS) makes up a drive shaft for the AC generator (not shown) and the cooling fan (not shown). Thus, the drive shaft for the AC generator may be formed co-axially and integrally with the crankshaft and is rotationally driven by the crankshaft. The gear transmission may include the main shaft (6) and a gear train. In the illustrated example, the main shaft (6) embodies a transmission shaft that may rotatably supported by the crankcase (C) so as to receive rotational power transmitted from the crankshaft. The geartrain may be capable of selectively establishing a plurality of shift speeds with an output shaft that embodies a countershaft (7) rotatably supported by the crankcase (C). The gear transmission may be disposed rearwardly or downwardly of the crankshaft. In addition, the crankcase (C) may comprise a transmission housing section formed so as to house therein the gear transmission. The transmission housing section may be disposed rearwardly of the cylinder body (E).

[00030] The internal combustion engine (100a) may include an intake valve (9i) and an exhaust valve (9o) (shown in FIG(s) 2 to 4). A valve train chamber may be formed in the cylinder head (100d). The cylinder head cover (100e) is adapted to cover a valve train that drives the intake valve (9i) to open and close the intake port and the exhaust valve (9o) to open and close exhaust port. The overhead cam shaft type valve train may include a cam shaft (T) provided with valve operating cams i.e., an intake cam (IC) and an exhaust cam (C), and rotationally provided in the cylinder head (100d). The valve train includes an intake rocker arm, and an exhaust rocket arm. The intake rocker arm and the exhaust rocker arm are rockably supported by rocker shafts and rockingly driven by the intake cam and the exhaust cam, respectively. The cam shaft (T) having rotational axis parallel to a rotational axis of the crankshaft (CS) is connected to and driven by the crankshaft via a transmission mechanism at a rotational speed half of that of the crankshaft. The transmission mechanism may include a drive sprocket formed integrally with a drive gear and is provided as a driving part on the crankshaft. In an embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes an endless chain and a cam sprocket provided as a driven part on the cam shaft (T). The endless chain operatively couples both the drive sprocket and the cam sprocket. The intake cam and the exhaust cam mounted on the rotary cam shaft opens and closes the intake valve and the exhaust valve via the intake rocker arm and the exhaust rocker arm, respectively, at a prescribed timing in synchronization with the rotation of the crankshaft.

[00031] Further, a plurality of cooling channels may be defined in the liquid-cooled engine system (100) for cooling various components in the internal combustion engine (100a). The cooling channels in the internal combustion engine (100a) may be elucidated in detail in the forthcoming paragraphs. Hereinafter, the plurality of cooling channels may be exclusively/particularly elucidated with reference to FIG(s) 2 to 5. The internal combustion engine (100) may include a liquid jacket (13) [refer FIG.3 and clearly illustrated in FIG.4/5]. The liquid jacket (13) may be formed in the cylinder head (100d) to thereby allow coolant fluid to flow therethrough. In an embodiment, the liquid jacket (13) in the cylinder head (100d) may be defined with an inlet (12c) and a plurality of outlets (12a and 12b) [as illustrated in FIG.4]. The liquid jacket (13) may be adapted to circulate the coolant fluid around the cylinder head (100d). The liquid jacket (13) may be adapted to circulate coolant fluid around the cylinder head (100d) to remove heat in the cylinder head (100d) and also from portion of the combustion chamber between the cylinder head (100d) and the cylinder block (100b). The liquid jacket (13) further defines a flow path between the inlet (12c), the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b). In an embodiment, a portion of the liquid jacket (13) proximal to the inlet (12c) may be defined with a branched section (B). The branched section (B) may bifurcate into one branch (B1) and an other branch (B2) [refer FIG.4]. The one branch (B1) branching from the inlet (12c) may be structured to partially distribute coolant fluid around the cylinder head (100d) which is elucidated in forthcoming embodiments. The other branch (B2) of the branched section (B) may be structured to distribute remaining coolant fluid to the at least one of the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b). In an illustrated embodiment, the other branch (B2) of the branched section (B) that is structured to distribute coolant fluid to the at least one of the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b) may be defined with a narrow profile as compared to the structure of the one branch (B1) carrying coolant fluid around the cylinder head (100d). In an embodiment, the one branch (B1) may be configured to carry about 60% to 70% [in volume] of coolant fluid entering the inlet (12c) and the other branch (B2) may carry about 30% to 40% of the coolant fluid to the at least one of the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b). The inlet (12c) of the liquid jacket (13) may be configured to receive coolant fluid from a heat exchanger (1). The heat exchanger (1) may fluidly connected to the liquid jacket (13) and the sump (X) of the internal combustion engine (100a). In an illustrated example, the heat exchanger (1) may include a radiator and an oil cooler.

[00032] Further, in the cylinder head cover (100e) may be defined with an inlet (N) and a plurality of outlets (S) for liquid/coolant fluid to enter and exit the one or more fluid passages (8), respectively. The one or more outlets (S) [refer FIG.3] may be but not limiting to sprinkler system/spray system. The one or more outlets (S) may be configured to spray coolant fluid over the associated valve train. In an embodiment, the inlet of the one or more fluid passages (8) may be fluidically coupled to a fluid communication path (10).

[00033] The fluid communication path (10) may be defined in the cylinder block (100b) [refer FIG(s) 2to 5]. The fluid communication path (10) is structured to fluidly connect fluid supply passages (8) in the cylinder head cover (100e) and an outlet of a coolant pump (5). The fluid communication path (10) is structured to circulate coolant fluid from the coolant pump (5) to the fluid supply passage (8) to spray coolant fluid on the valve train which is associated with the at least one intake valve (9i) and the at least one exhaust valve (9o). The fluid communication path (10) may be defined with at least one inlet. In an illustrated embodiment, the at least one inlet may include a first inlet connectable to the coolant pump (5) and a second inlet (10i) defined perpendicular to the first inlet. The first inlet may be adapted to fluidly connect the coolant pump (5) to the fluid communication path (10). Further, the second inlet (10i) may be adapted to fluidly connect the fluid communication path (10) with the at least one of the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b) of the liquid jacket (13). In the present disclosure, the second inlet (10i) may be fluidly connected to the first outlet (12a) [refer FIG.4]. The second inlet (10i) is structured to receive at least a portion of the coolant fluid exiting the liquid jacket (13) and supply the coolant fluid from the liquid jacket (13) to the one or more fluid supply passages (8) defined in the cylinder head cover (100e). In an illustrated embodiment, the coolant fluid bifurcated from the other branch (B2) of the branched section (B) may be received by the first outlet (12a) and may be supplied to the fluid supply channel (10). In an embodiment, the fluid supply channel (10) may be configured to receive about 30% to 40% [in volume] of the coolant fluid through the first outlet (12a) of the liquid jacket (13). The fluid supply channel (10) may be adapted to supply the coolant fluid received from the liquid jacket (13) along with the coolant fluid received from the coolant pump (5) to the one or more fluid supply passages (8) defined in the cylinder head cover (100e).

[00034] In operation, the coolant fluid from sump (X) may be supplied to the heat exchanger (1) by a coolant pump (5). From the heat exchanger (1), the coolant fluid is circulated to the liquid jacket (13) from the heat exchanger (1) through the inlet (12c). The coolant fluid flows through the inlet (12c) of the liquid jacket (13). As described in earlier embodiments, the liquid jacket (13) may be defined with one or more outlets (12a and 12b). The liquid jacket (13) may be adapted to circulate the coolant fluid received from the heat exchanger (1) around the cylinder head (100d). The liquid jacket (13) defines a flow path between the inlet (12c), the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b). As described in previous embodiments, the portion of the liquid jacket (13) proximal to the inlet (12c) may be defined with a branched section (B) i.e., the one branch (B1) and the other branch (B2). The one branch (B1) branching from the inlet (12c) may be structured to partially distribute coolant fluid around the cylinder head (100d). Circulating the coolant fluid around at least cylinder head (100d) may remove heat in the cylinder head (100d) and associated components. The other branch (B2) of the branched section (B) distributes coolant fluid to the at least one of the first outlet (12a) and the second outlet (12b). From the first outlet (12a), the coolant fluid may be partially circulated to the fluid communication path (10). The fluid communication path (10) may receive coolant fluid from the sump (X) through the coolant pump (5) and may also partially receive coolant fluid from the first outlet (12a) of the liquid jacket (13). Coolant fluid from the fluid communication path (10) is circulated to the fluid supply passages (8) defined in the head cover (100e). The coolant fluid is then sprayed on to the associated valve trains to remove excess heat and lubricate the valve trains. Further, the coolant fluid supplied around the cylinder head (100d), cylinder head cover (100e) and the valve train may be drained into the sump (X) of the internal combustion engine (100a). The sump (X) receives the coolant fluid from various components and may be recirculated to engine body through the heat exchanger (1).

[00035] In an embodiment, the configuration of the cooling system (100) ensures that the coolant fluid having reduced temperature i.e., from the heat exchanger (1) is circulated to the cylinder head (100d) through the fluid communication path (10). This configuration efficiently cools the valve train and also lubricates the same. Said configuration may further help to reduce the heat generated by the valve train parts. This ensures that the overall heat from the engine (100a) is significantly reduced. Further, partially circulating coolant fluid from the liquid jacket (13) to the fluid communication path (10) reduces load on coolant pump (5), thereby not requiring high capacity coolant pump (5).

[00036] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system 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.

[00037] Equivalents:

[00038] 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.

[00039] 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 being indicated by the following claims.