TURBINE BRUSH CLIP FOR SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This applicant claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/688,709, filed on Aug. 29, 2024, and entitled TURBINE BRUSH CLIP FOR SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]This invention relates to cleaners for water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas, and more particularly to automatic swimming pool cleaners for swimming pools and spas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003]Numerous cleaning devices capable of autonomous movement within swimming pools and spas currently exist. The most common of these devices are APCs, which often are either hydraulic or robotic in type. Hydraulic cleaners vary water flow for movement, while robotic cleaners typically employ electric motors to cause motion. Hydraulic APCs, furthermore, subdivide into “pressure-side” and “suction-side” cleaners, with pressure-side cleaners being fluidly connected to outputs of pumps of pool water circulation systems and suction-side cleaners being fluidly connected to inputs of such pumps.

SUMMARY

[0004]The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0005]According to certain embodiments, a pool cleaner assembly includes a domed turbine and a brush clip which is attachable to and detachable from the domed turbine. The brush clip includes a clip body and a scrubber extending from the clip body.

[0006]According to various embodiments, a pool cleaner assembly includes a domed turbine and a brush clip which is attachable to and detachable from the domed turbine in a direction of an axis of the domed turbine.

[0007]According to some embodiments, a brush clip for a domed turbine of a pool cleaner includes a first end configured to be proximate to a center of the domed turbine and a second end configured to be distal from the center of the domed turbine, wherein a height of the brush clip at the first end is greater than a height of the brush clip at the second end.

[0008]According to certain embodiments, a brush clip for a domed turbine of a pool cleaner includes an upper surface with a curvature conforming to a curvature of the domed turbine.

[0009]According to some embodiments, a pool cleaner assembly includes a domed turbine with at least one vane, and the at least one vane includes a keyhole for engaging a brush clip.

[0010]According to various embodiments, a pool cleaner assembly includes a brush clip for a turbine. The brush clip includes a leading edge and a perimeter edge, where the leading edge of the brush clip is configured to wrap around a leading edge of a vane of the turbine, and where the perimeter edge of the brush clip is configured to wrap around a perimeter edge of the vane of the turbine.

[0011]According to certain embodiments, a pool cleaner assembly includes a brush clip for a turbine with a rigid substrate and a flexible overmold, wherein the flexible overmold overlaps a leading edge of the rigid substrate in a direction of rotation of the brush clip.

[0012]According to various embodiments, a brush clip for a pool cleaner turbine includes an upper surface which is sloped (i) upwards from a leading edge to a trailing edge and (ii) downwards from a first side to a second side.

[0013]According to some embodiments, a brush clip for a domed turbine includes at least one scrubber with a leading side and a trailing side in a direction of rotation of the brush clip, wherein the trailing side comprises at least one visual indicator.

[0014]According to certain embodiments, a brush clip for a pool cleaner turbine includes a clip body, at least one scrubber extending from the clip body, an orientation feature configured to (a) engage a keyhole of the turbine and (b) defining an axis of the brush about which the brush clip is configured to rotate, and a retention feature configured to selectively engage an engagement feature within the keyhole of the turbine based on rotation of the brush clip about the axis.

[0015]According to various embodiments, a method of installing a brush clip with a turbine of a pool cleaner includes inserting the brush clip into the turbine in a direction of an axis of the turbine and rotating the brush clip about an axis of the brush clip such that the brush clip engages an engagement feature on the turbine.

[0016]According to some embodiments, a method of removing a brush clip with a turbine of a pool cleaner includes rotating a brush clip about an axis of the brush clip such that the brush clip disengages an engagement feature on the turbine and removing the brush clip from the turbine in a direction of an axis of the turbine.

[0017]Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0019]FIG. 1 illustrates a pool cleaner with a turbine and a brush clip according to embodiments.

[0020]FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0021]FIG. 3 illustrates a turbine of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 with the brush clip according to embodiments.

[0022]FIG. 4 is another view of the turbine of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 with the brush clip according to embodiments.

[0023]FIGS. 5A-E are views of the brush clip of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0024]FIG. 6 is another view of the turbine of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 with the brush clip according to embodiments.

[0025]FIG. 7 is another view of the turbine of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 with the brush clip according to embodiments.

[0026]FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the turbine and brush clip of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0027]FIG. 9 is another view of the portion of the turbine and brush clip of FIG. 8 according to embodiments.

[0028]FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of the turbine and brush clip of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0029]FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of the turbine and brush clip of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030]Described herein are pool cleaners, and more particularly improved turbines (or scrubbers) of such pool cleaners. In certain embodiments, a pool cleaner assembly includes a brush clip attachable to and detachable from a turbine of a pool cleaner, such as but not limited to a domed turbine. Optionally, the brush clip may be installed and removed without requiring disassembly of the pool cleaner. Brush clip installation and removal optionally may be toolless.

[0031]In some embodiments, the brush clip may be inserted into a corresponding keyhole in the turbine to install the brush clip on the turbine. In some cases, the brush clips described herein may include a retention feature facilitating engagement with the turbine while also increasing the distribution of stress acting on the brush clip during installation and/or removal.

[0032]Optionally, the brush clips described herein include an orientation feature, which may align the brush clip with the turbine and/or guide the brush clip into place on the turbine. Optionally, the brush clips described herein may at least partially wrap or extend around (i) a leading edge of a turbine vane on which the brush clip is installed and/or (ii) a perimeter edge of the turbine. In some embodiments, the brush clips described herein include a leading edge at least partially covered by a non-abrasive material such that contact between the brush clip and a pool surface will contact the non-abrasive material. In various embodiments, the brush clips described herein may have configurations dependent upon a sweep of the turbines they attach to (e.g., a clockwise configuration and a counter-clockwise configuration). Optionally, the brush clips described herein may include a visual indicator on a side of the brush clip opposite a leading edge of the brush clip.

[0033]With one or more of the aforementioned features (and/or including additional features and/or combinations of features), the brush clips described herein may provide improved cleaning capabilities to a pool cleaner while also being easily assembled or disassembled (e.g., for maintenance or repair) as desired. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0034]FIGS. 1-11 illustrate an example of a pool cleaner 10 with one or more turbines 12 and at least one brush clip 14 according to embodiments.

[0035]As best illustrated in FIG. 1, in addition to the one or more turbines 12, the pool cleaner 10 generally includes a body 16, one or more motive assemblies 18, and a drive assembly that utilizes a pump of the pool cleaner 10 for driving the one or more motive elements 18 and/or the one or more turbines 12. Optionally, the pool cleaner 10 may include a lid 20 and/or one or more skirts 22. In some embodiments, the pool cleaner 10 may include fewer and/or additional components as desired, such as but not limited to a controller, a filter assembly, a communication module, combinations thereof, and/or other components as desired.

[0036]The body 16 of the pool cleaner 10 may have various shapes, sizes, and/or profiles as desired. As non-limiting examples, in some embodiments, the body 16 may have a generally cylindrical profile or shape as illustrated in FIG. 1, although in other embodiments, the body 16 may have other shapes or profiles as desired. The body 16 may include one or more inlets for receiving water of a swimming pool or spa and one or more outlets 24 through which water may exit the pool cleaner 10. Conduit and/or other hosing optionally may be attachable to the outlet 24 using various mechanisms as desired.

[0037]The motive assemblies 18 of the pool cleaner 10 may be supported on the body 16 at various locations, such as but not limited to opposing ends of the body 16 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The motive assemblies 18 may be various suitable devices or mechanisms for enabling movement of the pool cleaner 10 along a surface, such as but not limited to wheels, tracks, rollers, feet, combinations thereof, and/or other suitable motive assemblies 18 as desired.

[0038]As illustrated in FIG. 1, the one or more turbines 12 may be provided on a bottom portion of the body 16 of the pool cleaner 10 (e.g., the portion of the pool cleaner 10 proximate to a surface along which the pool cleaner 10 is travelling). While two turbines 12 are illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of turbines 12 may be provided on the pool cleaner 10 as desired. In use, the turbines 12 rotate so as to move water and/or debris towards the inlets of the pool cleaner 10. Such rotation may be caused by interaction with various gears and/or driving members as desired.

[0039]Each turbine 12 generally includes a turbine body 28 and a shaft 30 defining an axis 32 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). The turbine body 28 generally includes a center 36 and a perimeter edge 38 but may have various shapes as desired. One or more vanes 34 may be provided on the turbine body 28 that extend outwards from the center 36 of the turbine body 28. While the turbines 12 are illustrated with six vanes 34, the number of vanes 34 on a particular turbine 12 should not be considered limiting, and embodiments with a plurality of turbines 12, each turbine 12 need not include the same number and/or type of vanes 34.

[0040]The vanes 34 may have various shapes or provides as they extend outwards from the center 36. As non-limiting examples, the vanes 34 may have a non-linear shape or profile, a linear shape or profile, and/or as other profiles as desired. although other shapes and profiles may be used. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the one or more vanes 34 may have a sweeping profile as they extend outwards from the center 36, meaning that the vanes 34 extend outwards both radially and circumferentially. In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the one or more vanes 34 may have a clockwise sweep. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more vanes 34 may have a counter-clockwise sweep (e.g., a sweep in the direction opposite from that illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3). In other embodiments, the one or more vanes 34 need not have a sweeping profile, and instead may extend generally radially from the center 36. In embodiments with a plurality of vanes 34, the vanes may have the same profile or different profiles as desired.

[0041]In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, at least one of the vanes 34 includes a keyhole 76 for engaging one of the brush clips 14 (described in detail below). In various embodiments, the keyhole 76 includes an inner end 78 and an outer end 80. In certain embodiments, the inner end 78 includes an engagement profile 92 configured to engage an orientation feature 70 of the brush clip 14. Optionally, the engagement profile 92 may allow for at least some pivoting of the brush clip 14 relative to the vane 34 (e.g., to rotate between a locked and unlocked configuration) while the orientation feature 70 is engaged with the engagement profile 92.

[0042]As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer end 80 of the keyhole 76 may have a flared portion 82 which increases a width of the keyhole 76 compared to the inner end 78. In certain embodiments, the flared portion 82 of the keyhole 76 may allow for the keyhole 76 to accommodate a retention feature 68 of the brush clip 14 while also allowing the brush clip 14 to rotate within the keyhole 76. In certain embodiments, the flared portion 82 may allow for the retention feature 68 to rotate between an unlocked configuration (see FIG. 9) and a locked configuration (see FIG. 8) relative to an engagement feature 74 within the keyhole 76. In other embodiments, the keyhole 76 may have other shapes, profiles, and/or features as desired, and the keyhole 76 illustrated should not be considered limiting.

[0043]As best illustrated in FIG. 4, in certain embodiments the turbines 12 are shaped with a non-uniform height (e.g., in a direction of axis 32) across its width (e.g., in a direction transverse to the axis 32 as illustrated in FIG. 4). In certain embodiments, the turbine 12 is shaped such that a maximum height is at the center 36 of the turbine body 28 and/or at the axis 32. Various non-linear profiles and/or non-uniform heights may be utilized as desired. As non-limiting examples, one or more turbines 12 may be domed with a convex curvature (see, e.g., FIG. 4), a shape of a truncated cone, a shape of a frustum, etc. Thus, as used herein, a “domed” turbine refers to any turbine with a non-uniform height and with a maximum height at the center 36 and/or at the axis 32.

[0044]In some embodiments, one or more turbines 12 optionally include one or more blades 40 supported on the one or more turbines 12. Optionally, the one or more blades 40 may be supported on the one or more vanes 34 of a turbine 12. In certain embodiments, the one or more blades 40 may be semi-rigid such that they have sufficient flexibility to accommodate passage of at least some debris often found in swimming pools or spas into and/or about the inlets of the pool cleaner 10, without blockage, while having sufficient rigidity to move volumes of water towards the inlets as the turbines 12 rotate. A non-limiting example of semi-rigid material suitable for the blades 40 may include molded thermoplastic polyurethane, although other materials may be utilized alternatively and/or in combination.

[0045]As mentioned, in various embodiments, one or more brush clips 14 may be provided with the one or more turbines 12. As described in detail below, the one or more brush clips 14 generally may be attachable to and detachable from the one or more turbines 12 as desired. In various embodiments, the one or more brush clips 14 may be attachable to one or more vanes 34 of the turbine 12. In certain embodiments, the one or more brush clips 14 may be installed on or removed from the turbine 12 without disassembly of the pool cleaner 10 (e.g., disassembly of the turbine 12 from the pool cleaner 10), thereby allowing for improved modification and control of the turbines 12 as desired.

[0046]Each brush clip 14 generally includes a clip body 42 and one or more scrubbers 44 extending from the clip body 42. In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E, for example, the clip body 42 includes a first end 46, a second end 48, an upper surface 50, a leading edge 52, and a trailing edge 54. When the brush clip 14 is installed with the turbine 12, the first end 46 may be proximate to the center 36 while the second end 48 may be distal from the center 36, and the leading edge 52 is facing a direction of rotation of the turbine 12.

[0047]In certain embodiments, the upper surface 50 and/or the clip body 42 may have a shape or profile complimentary to the profile of the turbine 12. As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E, the clip body 42 may have a non-uniform height along a length of the clip body 42 (e.g., in a radial direction when installed on the turbine 12) such that a height at the first end 46 is greater than a height at the second end 48. In such embodiments, the upper surface 50 may have a linear or non-linear curvature between the first end 46 and the second end 48, optionally sloping downwards (and/or as otherwise desired) between the first end 46 and the second end 48.

[0048]Optionally, in addition to being sloped in the radial direction, the clip body 42 may be sloped in a circumferential direction, or between the leading edge 52 and the trailing edge 54. As a non-limiting example and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E, a height at the leading edge 52 may be less than a height at the trailing edge 54, and the clip body 42 may be sloped upwards form the leading edge 52 to the trailing edge 54. However, in other embodiments, the clip body 42 need not be sloped between the leading edge 52 and the trailing edge 54 and/or the clip body 42 may have other shapes or profiles as desired.

[0049]As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E, in some embodiments the leading edge 52 and/or the trailing edge 54 of the clip body 42 may have a non-linear curvature. Optionally, the curvature of the leading edge 52 and/or the trailing edge 54 may be similar to the profile of the vanes 34 to which the clip body 42 is attached. As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the clip body 42 may have a clockwise curvature for attachment to vanes 34 with a clockwise sweeping profile or a counter-clockwise curvature for attachment to vanes 34 with a counter-clockwise sweeping profile. In a similar manner, the leading edge 52 and/or trailing edge 54 may or may not include a non-linear curvature for attachment to vanes 34 which only extend radially.

[0050]The one or more scrubbers 44 may generally extend away from the upper surface 50, although in other embodiments the one or more scrubbers 44 may extend away from other portions of the clip body 42 and/or in other directions as desired. The number of scrubbers 44 included with a brush clip 14 should not be considered limiting, and thus while two scrubbers 44 are illustrated, in other embodiments, a brush clip 14 may include a single scrubber 44 or a plurality of scrubbers 44, such as two scrubbers 44, three scrubbers 44, more than three scrubbers 44, etc.

[0051]Each scrubber 44 generally includes a leading side 56 and a trailing side 57 in a direction of rotation of the brush clip 14. In certain embodiments, the leading side 56 may include various cleaning profiles, features, components, etc. (collectively referred to as “cleaning profiles 58”) as desired to facilitate cleaning, direction of debris, and/or direction of water. The trailing side 57 may or may not include a cleaning profile 58 as desired. As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5A-E, for example, in various embodiments the curvature and/or non-linear profile of the clip body 42 may cause the scrubbers 44 to be arranged at different heights along the clip body 42.

[0052]Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 5B for example, the trailing side 57 of one or more scrubbers 44 may include at least one visual indicator 60. The at least one visual indicator 60 may be various types of visual indicators as desired, such as but not limited to various shapes, patterns, letters, colors, features, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired. When visual indicators 60 are included, the visual indicators 60 may provide various information about the brush clip 14, such as but not limited to a status, wear information, brush clip source, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired.

[0053]In some embodiments, the clip body 42 and the one or more scrubbers 44 are monolithic and/or integrally formed. In other embodiments, the one or more scrubbers 44 may be attached, adhered, and/or otherwise coupled to the clip body 42. As a non-limiting example, the clip body 42 may be a relatively rigid substrate 62 and the one or more scrubbers 44 may be an overmold 64 adhered to the clip body 42 and/or mechanically interlocked with the clip body 42. As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E, the overmold 64 may include one or more tabs 66 for mechanically interlocking with the rigid substrate 62. In various embodiments, the overmold 64 may be various materials as desired. Optionally, the overmold 64 may be a relatively flexible material and/or a non-abrasive material. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E, the overmold 64 with the one or more scrubbers 44 may be provided on the clip body 42 such that the overmold 64 at least partially wraps around and/or covers the leading edge 52 of the clip body 42. In such embodiments, the positioning of the overmold 64 on the clip body 42 may ensure that any contact between the brush clip 14 and a pool surface will only be with the overmold 64.

[0054]As mentioned, in certain embodiments the brush clips 14 are attachable to a corresponding vane 34 of the turbine 12. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 7-9, the brush clip 14 may include one or more retention features 68 and/or one or more orientation features 70 to facilitate engagement between the brush clip 14 and the vane 34.

[0055]The orientation feature 70 of the brush clip 14 may extend from the clip body 42 and is configured to engage the keyhole 76 in the vane 34. In various embodiments, the orientation feature 70 may engage the engagement profile 92 of the keyhole 76 to align the brush clip 14 with the vane 34 and to guide the brush clip 14 into engagement with the vane 34. In certain embodiments, the orientation feature 70 defines an axis 84 about which the brush clip 14 may pivot or rotate when the orientation feature 70 is positioned within the keyhole 76.

[0056]The one or more retention features 68 may be a compliant hook or clip 72. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5B-D and 7-9, the clip 72 may be detached from the orientation feature 70. In such embodiments, the compliant clip 72 detached from the orientation feature 70 may increase the distribution of stress due to deflection when the clip 72 is engaged with or disengaged from the engagement feature 74, thereby increasing reliability of the clip 72.

[0057]In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a width of the clip 72 is less than a width of the keyhole 76 and/or a width of the orientation feature 70. In some embodiments, such relative widths may facilitate rotation of the brush clip 14 about the axis 84. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the clip 72 may be positioned at least partially within the flared portion 82 of the keyhole 76. Referring to the brush clip 14 in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the brush clip 14 may be engaged with the vane 34 such that the clip 72 is an unlocked configuration and disengaged from the engagement feature 74. Referring to the broken line brush clip 14 in FIG. 9, the brush clip 14 may then be rotated about the axis 84 such that the clip 72 rotates into engagement with the engagement feature 74 within the keyhole 76. In certain embodiments, the clip 72 may deflect around and engage the engagement feature 74 on the vane 34 to retain the brush clip 14 on the turbine 12.

[0058]Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in various embodiments, when the brush clip 14 is assembled with the turbine 12, the brush clip 14 may wrap around and/or at least partially cover a leading edge 86 of the vane 34 and/or may wrap around and/or at least partially cover the perimeter edge 38 of the turbine 12.

[0059]Referring back to FIGS. 6 and 7, a method of installing the brush clip 14 with the turbine 12 may include inserting the brush clip 14 into the turbine 12 in a direction of the axis 32 (represented by arrow 88). In some embodiments, inserting the brush clip 14 into the turbine 12 in the direction of the axis 32 includes (i) inserting the orientation feature 70 into the engagement profile 92 of the keyhole 76 and (ii) inserting the retention feature 68 at least partially into the flared portion 82 of the keyhole 76 and in the unlocked configuration relative to the engagement feature 74. In certain embodiments, such positioning may position the brush clip 14 in place in direction of the axis 32 of the turbine 12.

[0060]In various embodiments, and once the brush clip 14 is in place in the direction of the axis 32, the method includes rotating the brush clip 14 about the axis 84 of the brush clip 14 (represented by arrow 90). In various embodiments, rotating the brush clip 14 about the axis 84 may cause the retention feature 68 to move into engagement with the engagement feature 74, thereby retaining the brush clip 14 on the turbine 12.

[0061]Removal of the brush clip 14 from the turbine 12 may be achieved by reversing the order of the aforementioned steps.

[0091]These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with swimming pools or spas, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could be employed in connection with other water containing vessels and in other manners, particularly but not limited to underwater installations. Finally, references to “pools” and “swimming pools” herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation, training, or therapy.

[0092]The subject matter of embodiments is described herein with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0093]Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

[0094]Throughout this disclosure, a reference numeral with a letter refers to a specific instance of an element and the reference numeral without an accompanying letter refers to the element generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown in the drawings), device “102A” refers to an instance of a device class, which may be referred to collectively as devices “102” and any one of which may be referred to generically as a device “102”. In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements.

[0095]As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0096]The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims that follow.