Claims:
1. A padlock slider assembly (100), comprising:
a first sliding plate (110);
a second sliding plate (120); wherein the second sliding plate (120) comprises an extension plate (128) provided at a right angle to the second sliding plate (120), wherein the extension plate (128) comprises a slot (30);
a connecting plate (135) for connecting the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120), wherein the connecting plate (135) facilitates in operating the second sliding plate (120) slidably to pull apart the second sliding plate (120) to adjust the length of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120); and
characterized in that:
the padlock slider assembly (100) comprises:
a flap (150) pivotably mounted to the first sliding plate (110), wherein the flap (150) comprises elongated slots (152) and at least one selection plate (154) insertable in one of the elongated slots (152),
wherein the length of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120) is adjusted, the extension plate (128) is inserted in one of the elongated slots (152) of the flap (150) and the at least one selection plate (154) is inserted into the elongated slot (152) for locking the position of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120).

2. The padlock slider assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120) comprises a hook structure (112; 122).

3. The padlock slider assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sliding plate (110) comprises holes (114), and the second sliding plate (120) comprises holes (124) and an elongated hole (126).

4. The padlock slider assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the connecting plate (135) comprises holes (137) and an elongated hole (139), in alignment with the holes (114), the holes (124) and the elongated hole (126).

5. The padlock slider assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprises rivets (140) inserted into the holes (114), the holes (124), the elongated hole (126), the holes (137) and the elongated hole (139) for mounting the connecting plate (135) to the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120).

6. The padlock slider assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flap (150) is pivotably mounted to the first sliding plate (110) via a flap rivet (160).

7. A padlock slider assembly (100) for locking a circuit breaker (700), the padlock slider assembly (100) comprising:
a first sliding plate (110) comprising a first hook structure (112);
a second sliding plate (120) comprising a second hook structure (122), wherein the second sliding plate (120) comprises an extension plate (128) provided at a right angle to the second sliding plate (120), wherein the extension plate (128) comprises a slot (30);
a connecting plate (135) for connecting the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120), wherein the connecting plate (135) facilitates in operating the second sliding plate (120) slidably to pull apart the second sliding plate (120) to adjust the length of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120); and
characterized in that:
the padlock slider assembly (100) comprises:
a flap (150) pivotably mounted to the first sliding plate (110), wherein the flap (150) comprises elongated slots (152) and at least one selection plate (154) insertable in one of the elongated slots (152),
wherein the first hook structure (112) and the second hook structure (122) are mounted to the circuit breaker (700), and the length of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120) is adjusted, the extension plate (128) is inserted in one of the elongated slots (152) of the flap (150) and the at least one selection plate (154) is inserted into the elongated slot (152) for locking the position of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120), and
wherein a lever (755) of a lock (750) is inserted into the slot (130) for locking the circuit breaker (700).

8. The padlock slider assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first sliding plate (110) comprises holes (114), and the second sliding plate (120) comprises holes (124) and an elongated hole (126).

9. The padlock slider assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connecting plate (135) comprises holes (137) and an elongated hole (139), in alignment with the holes (114), the holes (124) and the elongated hole (126).

10. A padlock slider assembly (100), comprising:
a first sliding plate (110);
a second sliding plate (120); wherein the second sliding plate (120) comprises an extension plate (128) provided at a right angle to the second sliding plate (120), wherein the extension plate (128) comprises a slot (30);
a connecting plate (135) for connecting the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120), wherein the connecting plate (135) facilitates in operating the second sliding plate (120) slidably to pull apart the second sliding plate (120) to adjust the length of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120); and
characterized in that:
the padlock slider assembly (100) comprises:
a flap (150) pivotably mounted to the first sliding plate (110), wherein the flap (150) comprises elongated slots (152) insertable in one of the elongated slots (152),
wherein the length of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120) is adjusted by inserting the extension plate (128) in one of the elongated slots (152) of the flap (150) for locking the position of the first sliding plate (110) and the second sliding plate (120).
, Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION

[01] The present disclosure relates to a field of locks. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to padlocking devices that comprises controlled access for preventing unauthorized or accidental operation of circuit breakers.

BACKGROUND

[02] It is known that padlocking devices are used for locking circuit breakers used in facilities. Generally, the padlocking devices are designed to provide controlled access for preventing unauthorized or accidental operation of the circuit breakers. Additionally, padlocking of the circuit breakers is also required to avoid danger or health hazard to a person operating on network or process industries where undesired switching (ON or OFF) can cause damage and loss of production. In such cases, the padlocking device (with padlock) or sealing wires are mounted on the circuit breakers.

[03] Several locking devices have been disclosed in the past that are mounted directly on a circuit breaker and configured for mounting different locks. An example of a circuit breaker with handle locking device is disclosed in a United States granted patent 5817998A. In US5817998A, it is disclosed that the present invention discloses an electrical switch locking assembly for inhibiting movement of a switch handle. The switch handle is enclosed in a casing or housing and moves operatively along a path between first and second positions to open or close electrical contacts for opening or closing a circuit. First and second recesses are molded into the casing to receive a locking device across the path of the switch handle. The locking device has first and second legs pivotally connected like scissors. The first leg has an integral first foot projecting away from the second leg, and the second leg has an integral second foot projecting away from the first leg, like scissor-blade tips having opposing projections. The first and second legs each have an opening opposite the first and second foot, respectively, somewhat like scissor handles. The first foot is inserted into the first recess and the second foot is inserted into the second recess. A locking shaft, such as a padlock or screw, is secured in the opening to hold the feet in engagement with the recesses. The locking device is thus engaged across the path of movement of the switch handle so that the switch handle can be locked in a desired position. In this manner a circuit can be maintained in either a de-energized or energized state until a change is authorized.

[04] Another example is disclosed in a United States granted patent 6423913B1. In US6423913B1, it is disclosed that a locking device for use on an electric disconnect switch having a handle operator assembly. The locking device includes a slide plate slidably positioned within the housing and a first lock arranged to engage said slide plate and secure the handle operator assembly in an engaged position.

[05] Yet another example is disclosed in a United States granted patent 6388213B1. In US6388213B1, it is disclosed that the invention relates to a locking device mounted directly on a circuit breaker and configured for mounting different locks. The locking device includes a yoke member, a slider member, a handle block and a lock. When the locking device is locked, the handle block abuts the operating handle in an engaged position corresponding to the operating handle in the ON or OFF position. Thus, the locking device locks the circuit breaker in the OFF position or the ON position. The locking device may further comprise a base member disposed between the yoke member and the housing. When it is desired to lock the circuit breaker in the on position, the base member is adapted to cover the push-to-trip button on the housing.

[06] Although the above-discussed patents are helpful in locking the circuit breakers, they have few limitations. For instance, each of them has different knobs having different size and width, which are configured to use with different circuit breakers. As such, a user is made to use different padlock/lockout systems suitably designed for respective circuit breakers. This will require for a variety of lockout systems to be stored in an inventory for use when required. This increases inventory at factory/stockiest /distributors and also respectively space has be allocated for storing these units.

[07] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a simple device that is easily installed and inexpensive to manufacture. Handle locking devices are used frequently to ensure that a circuit remains de-energized while a person is in contact with the circuit performing a task. To encourage its use, the handle-locking device should be simple and easy to install so that installation can be completed quickly. Low manufacturing costs allow the handle-locking device to be sold inexpensively, leading to widespread availability.

SUMMARY

[08] The problems in the existing art are met by providing a switch or circuit breaker having a casing design and a handle-locking device.

[09] It is one object of the present invention to provide a padlock slider assembly for the circuit breaker with simple and easy construction.

[010] It is another object of the present invention to utilize the suitably created profile of the padlock lever/lockout in such a way that eliminates the use of additional tools for mounting arrangement.

[011] One or more of the objects is achieved by providing a padlock slider assembly for circuit breakers. The padlock slider assembly comprises two sliding plates, one connecting plate, one flap, one spacer pate and rivets. The sliding plates comprise one profile that is fitted with the slots provided on a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) cover assembly to accommodate the padlock levers.

[012] In one implementation, the sliding plates have holes and slots for engaging it with another sliding plate through connecting plate for the purpose of assembly. The two sliding components are joined together with the help of rivets keeping sufficient clearance for sliding. One sliding plate has one flap pivoted at one end. The other sliding plate has suitable profile at right angle with slot for mounting locks / padlocks. This profile goes inside the slot provided on the flap. When locks are put in this slot, it will not allow unauthorized personnel to remove the lockout and operate the circuit breaker. Selection plate is placed on the flap in such a way that in one slot it creates two different mating profiles with sliding plate profile. Using this selection plate the same padlock lever assembly can be mounted on different circuit breakers. The assembly, then, is ready for use without any additional requirement of any tool / hardware for mounting/installation on circuit breaker.

[013] It is advantageous to utilize the suitably created profile of the padlock lever/lockout to provide mechanical strength. This profile helps the padlock lever/lockout to withstand the mechanical stresses passed on to it. In addition, the padlocking device helps in saving in variety inventory as only one type of padlocking device is used for different type of circuit breakers.

[014] In another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the padlocking devices provides a benefit in saving energy resources as it requires production of fewer components required to prepare the padlock lever/lockout for circuit breakers.

[015] Further advantages and examples of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

[016] The present subject matter will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the subject matter so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter. Notably, the FIGUREs and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present subject matter to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:

[017] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively of a padlock slider assembly 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[018] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a bottom perspective view, and a top perspective view of the padlock slider assembly 100;

[019] FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the padlock slider assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4;

[020] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a side view of the padlock slider assembly 100 as shown in the FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively;

[021] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a front view and a perspective view, respectively of the padlock lever assembly 100 mounted on to a Frame 0 Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) 200, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[022] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a front view and a perspective view, respectively of the padlock lever assembly 100 mounted on to a Frame 1 MCCB 300, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[023] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a front view and a perspective view, respectively of the padlock lever assembly 100 mounted on to a Frame 2 MCCB 400, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[024] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a sectional side view and a sectional front view, respectively of a circuit breaker 600 in which the padlock lever assembly 100 is mounted, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[025] FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 illustrate a sectional perspective view, a front view and a side view, respectively of a circuit breaker 700 in which multiple padlocks 750 comprising levers 755 are mounted using the padlock lever assembly 100, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[026] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[027] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed subject matter can be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed method and system. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed padlock slider assembly.

[028] In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the subject matter preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present subject matter encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[029] Although the present disclosure provides a description of a padlock slider assembly, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and is not to be construed in a limiting sense. It is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of this padlock slider assembly. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this disclosure.

[030] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.

[031] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGURE1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[032] Various embodiments of the present disclosure disclosing a padlock slider assembly are explained with the help of FIGS 1-15.

[033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively of a padlock slider assembly 100 are shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The padlock slider assembly 100 comprises two sliding plates i.e., a first sliding plate 110 and a second sliding plate 120. The first sliding plate 110 comprises a first hook structure 112 provided at a right angle to the first sliding plate 110. The first sliding plate 110 further comprises holes 114. Further, the first sliding plate 110 comprises pivot points 116 provided at opposite end of the first hook structure 112. The second sliding plate 120 comprises a second hook structure 122 provided at a right angle to the second sliding plate 120. The second sliding plate 120 further comprises holes 124 and an elongated hole 126. Further, the second sliding plate 120 comprises an extension plate 128 provided at a right angle to the second sliding plate 120. At the extension plate 128, the second sliding plate 120 is provided with a slot 130 for receiving a padlock lever of a lock.

[034] The padlock slider assembly 100 further comprises a connecting plate 135. The connecting plate 135 comprises holes 137 and an elongated hole 139. The holes 137 and the elongated hole 139 are provided in alignment with the holes 114 in the first sliding plate 110, and the hole 124 and the elongated hole 126 provided in the second sliding plate 120. The padlock slider assembly 100 comprises rivets 140 insertable in the holes 114, the hole 124, the elongated hole 126, the holes 137 and the elongated hole 139 for mounting the connecting plate 135 to the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120.

[035] The padlock slider assembly 100 further comprises a flap 150. The flap 150 comprises elongated cut sections 152 and a selection plate 154. The flap 150 further comprises a pivot point 156. Further, the padlock slider assembly 100 comprises a flap rivet 160 for mounting the flap 150 to the first sliding plate 110.

[036] In order to assemble the padlock slider assembly 100, at first, the connecting plate 135 is placed over the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the connecting plate 135 is placed such that the holes 137 and the elongated hole 139 are made to be in alignment with the holes 114 in the first sliding plate 110, and the hole 124 and the elongated hole 126 provided in the second sliding plate 120. Subsequently, the rivets 140 are inserted in the holes 114, the hole 124, the elongated hole 126, the holes 137 and the elongated hole 139 for mounting the connecting plate 135 to the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120. After mounting, the pivot point 156 is placed in the pivot points 116 and the flap rivet 160 is inserted. It should be understood that the pivot point 156 allows the flap 150 to swing.

[037] Referring to FIG. 3, a bottom perspective view of the padlock slider assembly 100 fully assembled is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the padlock slider assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 3. Both FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment in which the flap 150 is used for locking the position of the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120 in which the extension plate 128 is made to enter the elongated cut section 152 (farther elongated cut section). In order to adjust the position, the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120 are slid apart whereby the rivets 140 are made to slid along the elongated holes 126 in the second sliding plate 120 and the elongated hole 139 in the flap 150. After adjusting the length, the extension plate 128 is made to enter the elongated cut section 152 of the flap 150 and the selection plate 154 is inserted into the elongated cut section 152.

[038] Now referring to FIG. 5, a further embodiment of the padlock slider assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown. Here, the distance between the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120 is less as compared to the above embodiment. As such, the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120 are slid closer whereby the rivets 140 are made to slid along the elongated holes 126 in the second sliding plate 120 and the elongated hole 139 in the flap 150. After adjusting the length, the extension plate 128 is made to enter the elongated cut section 152 of the flap 150 and the selection plate 154 is inserted into the elongated cut section 152 (closer to the center of the flap). FIGS. 6 and 7, show a side view of the padlock slider assembly 100 as shown in the FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. It should be understood that in the padlock slider assembly 100, the first sliding plate 110 acts as a fixed part, and the connecting plate 135 together with the second sliding plate 120 (elongated slots) facilitate in sliding of the second sliding plate 120 thereby facilitating adjustment of length of the padlock slider assembly 100. Once the length is adjusted, the extension plate 128 is inserted into one of the elongated cut sections 152 of the flap 150, and the selection plate 154 is inserted into the elongated cut section 152 to lock the position of the padlock slider assembly 100.

[039] It should be understood that the selection plate 154 is placed in one of the elongated cut sections 152 on the flap 150 in such a way that it creates two different mating profiles with sliding plate profiles i.e., the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120. A padlock lever of a lock can be put in the slot 130, and it will not allow unauthorized personnel to remove the padlock lever. Further, a user of the lock may use the selection plate 154 to mount the single padlock lever assembly on different circuit breakers by adjusting the length (by sliding) of the first sliding plate 110 and the second sliding plate 120 thereby ensuring a single padlock slider assembly is sufficient for locking different type of circuit breakers.

[040] Now referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a front view and a perspective view, respectively of a padlock lever assembly 100 mounted on to a Frame 0 Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) 200 are shown, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[041] Further, FIGS. 9A and 9B show a front view and a perspective view, respectively of a padlock lever assembly 100 mounted on to a Frame 1 MCCB 300, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[042] Further, FIGS. 10A and 10B show a front view and a perspective view, respectively of a padlock lever assembly 100 mounted on to a Frame 2 MCCB 400, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[043] Now referring to FIG. 11, a sectional side view of a circuit breaker 600 in which the padlock lever assembly 100 is mounted is shown, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the first hook structure 112 of the first sliding plate 110 and the second hook structure 122 of the second sliding plate 120 is mounted to the circuit breaker 600. FIG. 12 shows another embodiment showing a sectional front view of the circuit breaker 600 shown in FIG. 11, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[044] Now referring to FIG. 13, 14 and 15, a sectional perspective view, a front view and a side view, respectively of a circuit breaker 700 in which multiple padlocks 750 comprising levers 755 are mounted using the padlock lever assembly 100 are shown, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the first hook structure 112 of the first sliding plate 110 and the second hook structure 122 of the second sliding plate 120 is mounted to the circuit breaker 700. Further, the multiple padlocks 750, each comprising the lever 755 are inserted in the slot 130 provided at the second sliding plate 120, and the selection plate 154 being inserted into one of the elongated cut sections 152 for locking the position of the padlock lever assembly 100, as explained above.

[045] Based on the above, it is evident that the two sliding components i.e., first sliding plate and the second sliding plate are joined together with the help of rivets keeping sufficient clearance for sliding with the help of the connecting plate. The first sliding plate is used for pivoting the flap at one end. The second sliding plate has suitable profile at right angle with slot for mounting locks/padlocks. The slot is used for inserting the lever of a lock. Further, the flap comprises elongated slots used for locking the position of the flap with the help of a selection plate. When the lever of the lock is put in the slot of the second sliding plate, it will not allow unauthorized personnel to remove the lock out and operate the circuit breaker. The selection plate is placed on the flap in such a way that when it is inserted in one of the elongated slots of the second sliding plate, it creates two different mating profiles with sliding plate profile. Using this selection plate the same padlock lever assembly can be mounted on different circuit breakers. The assembly, then, is ready for use without any additional requirement of any tool/hardware for mounting/installation on circuit breaker.

[046] As such, the padlock lever assembly allows a circuit breaker to lock in the OFF position without the use of additional tool to provide a quick and easy installation. Further, the padlock lever assembly accommodates a single pole and multiple pole circuit breakers to efficiently lockout most circuit breakers in the facility. Further, the padlock lever assembly can be manufactured in a compact and lightweight configuration, for easy transport and storage. It should be understood that the padlock lever assembly might be constructed using variety of materials such as a rugged nylon or stainless steel to provide desired strength, durability, added security, and corrosion resistance for use in industrial and harsh applications.

[047] In one embodiment, the padlock slider assembly can be used without having the selection plate at the flap. In such embodiment, the flap is connected to the extension plate and the padlock lever is inserted in the slot. In another embodiment, the padlock slider assembly might be configured to include more than one selection plate, such that different selection plates can be used to lock the position/length of the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate.

[048] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[049] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but is nevertheless a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[050] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. The claimed subject matter set forth in the claims is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed subject matter.