Claims:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A method of defining a bonding pattern for an intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100), comprising:
generating a random number, wherein the random number is an integer;
converting the integer into a binary series that corresponds to a width-bonding pattern to be applied along a width of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100), wherein ‘1’ in the binary series represents one of ‘a bonded region’ and ‘an unbonded region’ and ‘0’ represents ‘an unbonded region’ if ‘1’ represents ‘a bonded region’, and ‘0’ represents ‘a bonded region’ if ‘1’ represents ‘an unbonded region’;
applying the width-bonding pattern at a predefined position on the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100), wherein the predefined position is defined along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100); and
repeating above steps for subsequent predefined positions on the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein applying the width-bonding pattern at the predefined position starts from one of edge fibers of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a distance between the subsequent predefined positions along the length can be randomized.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between the subsequent predefined positions along the length is fixed.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the random number is derived from a pseudorandom number (PN) sequence.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the random number is chosen from 2k, 2k-1, 2k-2 or other possibilities, where k is equal to the number of optical fibers-1.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
generating the random number that defines bonding pattern for a first predefined instance; and
repeating the generating random number along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100).

8. An intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100), comprising:
a plurality of optical fibers (102); and
a bonding pattern defined by a random integer to intermittently bond the plurality of optical fibers (102), wherein the bonding pattern is defined by converting the random integer into a binary series that corresponds to a width-bonding pattern to be applied along a width of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) and ‘1’ in the binary series represents one of ‘a bonded region’ and ‘an unbonded region’ and ‘0’ represents ‘an unbonded region’ if ‘1’ represents ‘a bonded region’, and ‘0’ represents ‘a bonded region’ if ‘1’ represents ‘an unbonded region’.

9. The intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the width-bonding pattern is applied at the predefined position that starts from one of edge fibers of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100).

10. The intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a distance between the subsequent predefined positions along the length can be randomized.

11. The intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the distance between the subsequent predefined positions along the length is fixed.

12. The intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the random number is derived from a pseudorandom number (PN) sequence.

13. The intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the random number is chosen from 2k, 2k-1, 2k-2 or other possibilities, where k is equal to the number of optical fibers-1.

14. The intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein generate the random number that defines bonding pattern for a first predefined instance and repeat the random number generation along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100).

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbons, and more specifically, relates to a method of intermittently bonding optical fibers.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Optical fiber cables are becoming denser by incorporating large number of optical fibers with the help of intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbons that can roll on its axis and can be densely packed inside a buffer tube. Unlike conventional optical fiber ribbons that cannot be rolled due to the continuous application of an adhesive along a length of the optical fibers, in the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbons, the adhesive is applied either randomly or in specific pattern along the length of the optical fibers. The intermittent bonds enable the optical fiber ribbons to get rolled inside the buffer tube of the optical fiber cable or direct placement of optical fiber ribbon bundles inside a cable jacket, thus enable the optical fiber cable to have a high density of optical fibers. However, it is imperative that the materials used for the adhesive and bonding pattern used need to ensure structural integrity, planar alignment and impart flexibility to the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbons. Further, it is important that the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbons have a unique bonding pattern that helps the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbons acquiring the capability to roll in perpendicular direction along the longitudinal length of the optical fibers by maintaining mechanical properties of the optical fibers.
[0003] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of intermittently bonding optical fibers.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0004] A principal object of the present invention is to provide a method of intermittently bonding optical fibers.
[0005] Another object of the present invention is to derive a pattern of intermittent bonds using a pseudorandom number (PN) sequence for bonding the optical fibers along their width and length, thus to obtain an intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon with a unique bonding pattern.

SUMMARY
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention discloses a method of deriving a bonding pattern for intermittently bonding a plurality of optical fibers and discloses an intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon obtained using the method. The method includes generating a random number, wherein the random number is an integer and converting the integer into a binary series that corresponds to a width-bonding pattern to be applied along a width of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon, wherein ‘1’ in the binary series represents one of ‘a bonded region’ and ‘an unbonded region’ and ‘0’ represents ‘an unbonded region’ if ‘1’ represents ‘a bonded region’, and ‘0’ represents ‘a bonded region’ if ‘1’ represents ‘an unbonded region’. Further, the method includes applying the width-bonding pattern at a predefined position on the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon, wherein the predefined position is defined along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon and repeating above steps for subsequent predefined positions on the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon. The application of width-bonding pattern at the predefined position starts from one of edge fibers of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon. A distance between the subsequent predefined positions along the length can be randomized or fixed. The random number is derived from a pseudorandom number (PN) sequence. The random number is chosen from 2k, 2k-1, 2k-2 or other possibilities, where k is equal to the number of optical fibers-1. The method further includes generating the random number that defines bonding pattern for a first predefined instance and repeating the generating random number along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon. The bonding material applied for bonding the plurality of optical fibers forms a circular shape or a rectangular shape or a square shape or an elliptical shape or the like. The bonding material is an adhesive, an ink composition, a UV (ultraviolet curable) resin, a thermosetting resin or a glue composition. The pattern of intermittent bonding is repeated after a predefined number (N) and the pattern of intermittent bonding is applied over the length of the plurality of optical fibers.
[0007] These and other aspects herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention herein without departing from the spirit thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0008] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The invention herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of optical fibers placed in XY plane parallel to each other and bonded with a unique pattern.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an approach to generate a pattern of intermittent bonds for bonding the plurality of optical fibers of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon obtained by the proposed approach and has a pattern of intermittent bonds based on a pseudorandom number (PN) sequence.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of defining a bonding pattern for intermittently bonding the plurality of optical fibers of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0013] In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced with or without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures and components have not been described in details so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.
[0014] Furthermore, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these alternatives only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without parting from the scope of the invention.
[0015] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the alternatives presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0016] Accordingly, the proposed invention provides a method for intermittently bonding a plurality of optical fibers, that are placed parallelly, with a bonding material in a unique pattern. In general, an intermittently boded optical fiber ribbon is a type of ribbon in which joined sections and non-joined sections are provided intermittently along a lengthwise direction and the joint section can be defined by a bonding pattern, which may be a unique pattern. Further, the bonding material disposed between the plurality of fibers in a certain fashion is defined as bonding pattern. The unique pattern of intermittent bonds is formed at different positions (i.e., P1, P2, P3,…,PN) along a width (hereinafter along a width may also be referred to as width-bonding) and then repeated along a length of the plurality of optical fibers.
[0017] In an approach, a Pseudorandom Number (PN) sequence (hereinafter referred to as PN Sequence) is used to derive the pattern of the intermittent bonds and a bonding material such as an adhesive is applied at different positions (i.e., P1, P2, P3..PN) along the width and then repeated along the length of the plurality of optical fibers based the derived pattern of the intermittent bonds. Pseudo-randomness measures the extent to which a sequence of numbers, though produced by a completely deterministic and repeatable process, appear to be pattern-less.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of optical fibers (102) placed in XY plane parallel to each other. The plurality of optical fibers (102) are bonded with a bonding material such as an adhesive applied in a unique pattern. For illustration purposes, a group of five optical fibers (102) arranged in the XY plane is shown. The plurality of optical fibers (102) may be defined by a plurality of axes/planes. In other words, the plurality of optical fibers (102) are arranged in the plurality of planes (X, Y), where the length of the plurality of optical fibers (102) is defined by X axis/plane and the width of the plurality of optical fibers (102) is defined by Y axis/plane. The pattern (bonding pattern) of intermittent bonds is formed first along the width and then at different positions (along length) (i.e., P1, P2, P3,….,PN) of the plurality of optical fibers (102).
[0020] The plurality of optical fibers (102) is placed parallelly to each other. In an implementation, there are five optical fibers arranged to obtain an intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) (hereinafter referred to as intermittently bonded ribbon). Alternatively, there may be more than five optical fibers arranged to obtain the intermittently bonded ribbon (100). Alternatively, there may be less than five optical fibers arranged to obtain the intermittently bonded ribbon (100). Each of the plurality of optical fibers (102) may have a diameter of 250µm (micro meter or microns). Alternatively, the plurality of optical fibers may have other suitable diameter. Generally, the optical fiber refers to a medium associated with signal transmission over long distances in the form of light pulses. The optical fiber uses light to transmit voice and data communications over long distances when encapsulated in a jacket. The optical fibers may be single-mode optical fibers or multi-mode optical fibers or multicore optical fibers. The optical fibers may be of ITU.T G.657A2 category. Alternatively, the plurality of optical fibers may be of ITU.T G.657A1 or G.657B3 or G.652D or other category.
[0021] As mentioned earlier, the intermittently bonded ribbon (100) is formed by applying the bonding material in an identified (or using generated) pattern that ensures structural integrity, planar alignment and impart flexibility to the intermittently bonded ribbon and maintains the mechanical properties of the plurality of optical fibers (102). The bonding material that bonds the plurality of optical fibers (102), may be an adhesive, an ink composition, a UV (ultraviolet curable) resin, a thermosetting resin, a glue composition or the like. The bonding material may be applied by using a Videojet printer or a continuous ink jet printer or by use of thermal transfer process or by laser printing or via cured adhesive or the like. The bonding material may be applied in a particular shape. The shape may be circular, rectangular, square, elliptical or the like.
[0022] The bonding material may be applied in the identified/generated pattern to form the intermittent bonds. FIG. 2 illustrates an approach to generate the pattern of the intermittent bonds (also be called as bonding pattern) for bonding the plurality of optical fibers. The pattern of the intermittent bonds along the width and then along the longitudinal length of the plurality of optical fibers (102) at predefined positions (P1, P2, P3, …., PN) is formed by implementing a PN sequence generated by a pseudorandom number generator. That is, the intermittent bond is formed by applying the bonding material based on the PN sequence. The pseudorandom number (PN) generator generates a defined set of values or integers that are statistically random in nature and are derived from a known starting point. Herein, the set of values or integers are whole numbers within a defined range. The pseudorandom numbers provide necessary values for processes that require randomness. In other words, a pseudorandom number generator generates a sequence of numbers whose properties approximate the properties of sequences of random numbers. The PN generated sequence is not truly random, because it is determined by an initial value, called the seed value.
[0023] In an implementation, the pattern of the intermittent bonds is formed or applied along the width (i.e., width-bonding pattern) of the plurality of optical fibers (102) (i.e., in y-plane) that is extended or continued towards the length of the plurality of optical fibers (102) at different predefined positions (P1, P2, P3, ….. ,PN). That is, the width-bonding pattern is applied at a predefined position on the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100) and the predefined position is defined along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100). The predefined position may start from one of edges on the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100). Alternatively, the pattern of the intermittent bonds is formed or applied in any other suitable manner. The pattern is defined by a random number i.e., the PN sequence. Herein, the PN sequence may be a set of integers that are generated by the following equation:
PN = (a*PN-1 + c) modulo c
where,
PN is the sequence of pseudo-random values;
P0, 0 <= P0 < m, where m is a seed or start value;
a, 0 < a < m, where a is a multiplier;
c, 0 <= c < m, where c is an increment.
[0024] The above equation generates a next random integer using a previous random integer, an integer constant, and an integer modulus; however, it requires the start value m, that must be provided by a user. An appearance of randomness is provided by performing modulo arithmetic. Alternatively, other algorithms may also be used to generate random numbers.
[0025] In another implementation and continuation of the above approach, a Pseudorandom Binary Sequence (PRBS), which is a special case of PN, may be generated that defines the bonding pattern (or pattern). The bonding pattern may be a binary series. In general, binary is a numbering system with base 2 that is a series of 1s and 0s. In PRBS, the binary series of ‘1’ or ‘0’ is derived (or converted) from the random number or the integer generated. The pattern of intermittent bonds corresponding to the converted binary series of the random number or the integer is applied at a predefined position (P1, P2, P3, ….., PN), where the predefined position is defined along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100). For example, in a group of five optical fibers, the pattern of intermittent bonds can be derived as: If PN generated number at P1 = 5, the corresponding PRBS series is “0101” (for 4 bits pattern). The converted binary series “0101” becomes the pattern of intermittent bonds (104, 106) (as shown in FIG. 2). In the derived binary series “0101”, the value ‘1’ represents that the bonding material has to be applied at the predefined position and the value ‘0’ represents that the bonding material need not to be applied. Alternatively, the value ‘0’ represents that the bonding material has to be applied at the predefined position and the value ‘1’ represents that the bonding material need not to be applied. That is, ‘1’ in the derived binary series represents one of ‘a bonded region’ and ‘an unbonded region’ and ‘0’ represents ‘an unbonded region’ if ‘1’ represents ‘a bonded region’, and ‘0’ represents ‘a bonded region’ if ‘1’ represents ‘an unbonded region. In an example, in “0101”, a first bit signifies bonding between edge fibers of the optical fiber ribbon i.e., 1st and 2nd fiber in the optical fiber ribbon, a second bit between signifies bonding between 2nd and 3rd fiber and so on. Otherwise, the first bit between another edge fibers i.e., last (5th) and second last (4th) fiber and so on. Typically, an edge fiber is an outermost fiber in the optical fiber ribbon. In other words, the first bit defines a bonding decision (bonded/unbonded) between the 1st and 2nd fibers in the optical fiber ribbon. The 1st fiber may be taken from any of the two ends of the optical fiber ribbon. Then, a next bit given bonding decision for 2nd and 3rd fibers, and so on until a last bit. The first bit may be a least significant bit of the binary series. Alternatively, the first bit may be a most significant bit of the binary series. Hence, with 4 bits, a total number of 16 possibilities or 16 patterns of the intermittent bonds can be derived by 2k, where k = 4), where k is equal to the number of optical fibers in a ribbon -1. Alternatively, the total number of possibilities may vary and the total number of possibilities or pattern may be defined manually or by using other suitable methods.
[0026] In some cases, the binary series derived may be ‘0000’ and ‘1111’ that are undesirable due to some mechanical constraints. Hence, 2K–2 possibilities may be considered to avoid such binary series. In an implementation, the random number and thus the binary series may be chosen from 2k, 2k-1, 2k-2 or any other suitable possibilities, where k is equal to the number of optical fibers in a ribbon-1. Another important variable that needs to be decided is N. The variable ‘N’ defines the number of positions after which the pattern of the intermittent bonds should be repeated i.e., subsequent predefined positions P1, PN+1, P2N+1 and so on and so forth. In other words, the sequence of the pattern of the intermittent bonds may be repeated after every N positions i.e. (P1, P2, P3, P4, … PN, P1, P2, P3, P4, … PN, P1, P2, P3, P4, … PN, P1, P2, …..) and the sequence is applied over the entire length (longitudinal length) of the plurality of optical fibers. Alternatively, bonding can be applied over the entire length with random numbers without repeating the sequence. Further, a distance between the subsequent predefined positions along the length can be randomized or fixed.
[0027] Additionally, the random number that defines bonding pattern is generated for a first predefined instance and the random number generation is repeated along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100).
[0028] In another approach, of the proposed method of intermittently bonding the plurality of optical fibers, a printable bonding pattern may be applied continuously across the XYZ axes with use of a printer. The printable bonding pattern can be decided using a specialized printer. The example of the specialized printer is VIDEOJETTM that is configured to print the bonding patterns on the plurality of optical fibers. The bonding patterns may be reconfigured. The printer may be an inkjet printer modified in such a way that uses the bonding material to print and form the pattern of intermittent bonds on the plurality of optical fibers (102). Alternatively, the bonding material may be combinedly used with the ink as well.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an intermittently bonded ribbon (100) obtained from the proposed method. The intermittently bonded ribbon may have a pitch of 250µm. Alternatively, the pitch may vary. The intermittently bonded ribbon may use a color-coded ribbon matrix, band stripe printing or the like for ribbon identification.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a flow chart (400) illustrating a method of defining the bonding pattern for intermittently bonding the plurality of optical fibers.
[0031] At step (402), the method includes inputting initial values (such as seed value, k, N) and generating the random number, wherein the random number is an integer.
[0032] At step (404), the method includes converting the integer into the binary series that corresponds to the width-bonding pattern to be applied along the width of the plurality of optical fibers arranged for intermittent bonding, wherein ‘1’ in the binary series represents one of the bonded region and the unbonded region and ‘0’ represents the unbonded region if ‘1’ represents the bonded region, and ‘0’ represents the bonded region if ‘1’ represents the unbonded region.
[0033] At step (406), the method includes applying the width-bonding pattern at the predefined position on the plurality of optical fibers arranged for intermittent bonding, wherein the predefined position is defined along the length of the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100).
[0034] At step (408), the method includes repeating above steps for subsequent predefined positions on the intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon (100).
[0035] Advantageously, by utilizing the above-mentioned techniques, each combination of bonding patterns is different and the combination is impossible to detect unless seed and increment is known. Further, it is possible to design infinite combinations of bonding patterns and every ribbon can be uniquely customized or coded. Furthermore, with the implementation of the present invention, it may be possible to use ink as an adhesive. Additionally, the present invention may use multiple printing wheel or programmable {Pn} sequences.
[0036] The invention disclosed herein can be implemented using at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements.
[0037] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific aspect, representation, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described aspect, representation, method, and examples, but by all aspects, alternatives and methods within the scope of the invention. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the claims.
[0038] The methods and processes described herein may have fewer or additional steps or states and the steps or states may be performed in a different order. Not all steps or states need to be reached. The methods and processes described herein may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated via, software code modules executed by one or more general purpose computers. The code modules may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all of the methods may alternatively be embodied in whole or in part in specialized computer hardware.
[0039] The results of the disclosed methods may be stored in any type of computer data repository, such as relational databases and flat file systems that use volatile and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., magnetic disk storage, optical storage, EEPROM and/or solid state RAM).
[0040] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, and algorithm steps described in connection with the invention disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosure.
[0041] Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the invention disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a general purpose processor device, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor device can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. Alternatively, a processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor device can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor device may also include primarily analog components. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.
[0042] The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the invention disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor device, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processor device can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor device. The processor device and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal.
[0043] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain implementations include, while other implementations do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more alternatives or that one or more alternatives necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular implementation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
[0044] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain alternatives require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0045] While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various aspects, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As can be recognized, certain aspects described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.
[0046] The foregoing description of the specific alternatives will so fully reveal the general nature of the alternatives herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific aspect without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed alternatives. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the representations herein have been described in terms of preferred representation, those skilled in the art will recognize that the representations herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the representations as described herein.