IL278928A - Pipe-to-pipe connector - Google Patents

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 71. 71. id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71" id="p-71"

[071] It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and various embodiments of the present invention may be devised, mutatis mutandis, and that the features described in the above-described embodiments, and those not described herein, may be used separately or in any suitable combination; and the invention can be devised in accordance with embodiments not necessarily described above.

Claims (4)

1. A pipe connector for connecting between a first pipe having a pipe threaded end, and a second pipe having a non-threaded pipe end and an 5. annular lip with a recessed groove, the connector comprising: a tubular body comprising an inner wall and an outer wall and extending between a threaded end and a non-threaded end, wherein the threaded end of the connector is configured for engagement with the pipe threaded end of the first pipe, and wherein the non-threaded end of the connector is configured 10. to receive the non-threaded pipe end of the second pipe; and at least two pipe connector engagement clips, wherein each pipe connector engagement clip has a free end with a hook and is pivotally connected to the tubular body such that the pipe connector engagement clips are openable/spreadable and configured to stably clasp the annular lip of the 15. second pipe via positioning of the hooks in the recessed groove.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the threaded end comprises a polygonal head having at least two parallel sides so as to correspond to a standard wrench or the like. 20. 3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the polygonal head is a hexagonal head. 4. The connector of claim 2, wherein the polygonal head is a square head. 25. 5The connector of claim 2, wherein the polygonal head is an octagonal head. 16. 6. The connector of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the pipe connector engagement clips comprise a projection configured for engagement with a user’s hand to facilitate spreading of the pipe connector engagement clips. 5 7. The connector of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the pipe connector engagement clips comprise raised strips for stable interface and traction with a user’s finger to facilitate spreading of the pipe connector engagement clips. 8. The connector of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the pipe connector 10 engagement clips comprise a resilient prong at a proximal end thereof configured to act as a spring to urge the engagement clips inward after being opened. 9. The connector of claim 9, wherein the resilient prongs comprise curved 15 free ends configured to aid in the interface of the prongs with tubular body. 10The connector of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the pipe connector engagement clips comprise a proximal end having a finger grip projection and/or grooves or raised strips configured to provide convenient interface and 20 traction with a user’s thumb and forefinger to spread pipe connector engagement clips. 11. The connector of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the non-threaded end of tubular body contains a seal therein. 25 12. The connector of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the inner wall of the tubular body contains at least one pipe stopper tooth configured to interface with the entering non-threaded end of the second pipe. 17. 13. The connector of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the engagement clips are configured to pass over the annular lip of the second pipe whereby respective free ends of the engagement clips are disposed over the annular lip.. 5 14. The connector of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the engagement clips are pivotally connected to the tubular body via connection wings attached to the outer wall thereof. 10 15The connector of claim 14, wherein each of the connection wings comprises a pair of connection wing apertures; and each of the at least two pipe connector engagement clips comprises a pipe connector engagement clip aperture, and the connection wing apertures and the pipe connector engagement clip aperture are configured to align with each other and be 15 pivotably associated via a pivot pin. 16The connector of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the non-threaded end comprises an outer annular ring configured to interface with the annular lip of the second pipe when the non-threaded end thereof is suitably inserted 20 into the tubular body. 17The connector of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the second pipe has a beveled body-entering end at its insertion end upon insertion into tubular body. 18. 1/8 22. 24. 28. 46. 20 52. 48. 40. 44. 56 38. 32. 58. 26. 34. FIG. 12/8 24 28 20 32 36. FIG. 23. /8 22 A A. 24 28 20 32 26 FIG. 34/8 30. c 30b 30a 30a 28 30c 30b FIG. 4 28 34 32 66. FIG. 55. /8 46 52 54. 64. 48 62. 50. 64 42. 36 32 34 FIG. 66/8 100. 102. 22 20 38 32 58 34 60. 26 66 104. 106. 108. FIG. 7A7/8 100 20 36 32 34 108 106 104 FIG. 7B8/8 24 28 70. 20 68. 56. 58 66 26 FIG. 8 PIPE-TO-PIPE CONNECTOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 [001] The present invention is in the field of piping, in particular pipe connectors. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 [002] Pipe connectors or fittings are widely used in industry. Convenience, simplicity of design and rapid connections are desirable characteristics of such connectors. [003] US 10,082,232 discloses a quick-connect fitting that includes a 15 polymeric first connector in fluid communication with a first component, and a polymeric second connector in fluid communication with a second component. The first connector is either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting and female fitting is the second connectorThe female fitting includes a longitudinal cylindrical cavity having therein a retaining ring retaining an O-ring, 20 and the male fitting includes a cylindrical body and a tubular sealing element extending longitudinally therefrom positionable within the polymeric female fitting and O-ring in sealing engagementThe quick connect fitting includes a clip pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned 25 within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting. [004] US 8,480,134 discloses a pipe fitting and associated piping joint assembly package to allow re-use and repair of push-fit, formed piping elements 30 without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of partsIn one embodiment, the present 1 invention includes a pipe fitting having first and second radial housing elements for receiving one or more sealing members and a fastening ring, respectivelyIn. one embodiment, the present invention further includes a sealing member stabilizer element, a housing divider element and a snap ring support member 5 cooperatively engageable so as to facilitate a secure retention and optional removal of an inserted piping element. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 10 [005] The present invention relates to a pipe connector for facilitating the quick and convenient connection between pipesThe pipe may be metallic or polymeric (e.gplastic)One end of the connector is configured for connection to a threaded pipe and can be tightened to the threaded pipe using a standard wrench (i.ethere is no need for a pipe wrench)The other end of the connector 15 includes two or more connector engagement clips so as to be configured to connect to a rigid or semi-rigid pipe that has an annular lip to which the connector engagement clips clasp. [006] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided 20 a pipe- to-pipe connector for connecting between a first pipe having a pipe threaded end, and a second pipe having a non-threaded pipe end and an annular lip with a recessed groove, the connector comprising: a tubular body comprising an inner wall and an outer wall and extending between a threaded end and a non-threaded end, wherein the 25 threaded end of the connector is configured for engagement with the pipe threaded end of the first pipe, and wherein the non-threaded end of the connector is configured to receive the non-threaded pipe end of the second pipe; and at least two pipe connector engagement clips, wherein each pipe 30 connector engagement clip has a free end with a hook and is pivotally connected to the tubular body such that the pipe connector engagement clips 2 are openable/spreadable and configured to stably clasp the annular lip of the second pipe via positioning of the hooks in the recessed groove. [007] In one or more embodiments, the threaded end comprises a 5 polygonal head having at least two parallel sides so as to correspond to a standard wrench or the like. [008] In one or more embodiments, the polygonal head is a hexagonal head. In one or more embodiments, the polygonal head is a square headIn one 10 or more embodiments, the polygonal head is an octagonal head. [009] In one or more embodiments, the pipe connector engagement clips comprise a projection configured for engagement with a user’s hand to facilitate spreading of the pipe connector engagement clips. 15 [010] In one or more embodiments, the pipe connector engagement clips comprise raised strips for stable interface and traction with a user’s finger to facilitate spreading of the pipe connector engagement clips. 20 [011] In one or more embodiments, the pipe connector engagement clips comprise a prong with an angled surface configured to interface with the tubular body to limit spread and/or allow spring-like property of the pipe connector engagement clips. 25 [012] In one or more embodiments, the non-threaded end of tubular body contains a seal therein. [013] In one or more embodiments, the inner wall of the tubular body contains at least one pipe stopper tooth configured to interface with the entering 30 non-threaded end of the second pipe. 3 [014] In one or more embodiments, the engagement clips are configured to pass over the annular lip of the second pipe whereby respective free ends of the engagement clips are disposed over the annular lip. 5 [015] In one or more embodiments, the engagement clips are pivotally connected to the tubular body via connection wings attached to the outer wall thereof. [016] In one or more embodiments, the pipe connector engagement 10 clips comprise a resilient prong at a proximal end thereof configured to act as a spring to urge the engagement clips inward after being opened. [017] In one or more embodiments, the pipe connector engagement clips comprise a proximal end having a finger grip projection and/or grooves or 15 raised strips configured to provide convenient interface and traction with a user’s thumb and forefinger to spread pipe connector engagement clips. [018] In one or more embodiments, each of the connection wings comprises a pair of connection wing apertures; and each of the at least two pipe 20 connector engagement clips comprises a pipe connector engagement clip aperture, and the connection wing apertures and the pipe connector engagement clip aperture are configured to align with each other and be pivotably associated via a pivot pin. 25 [019] In one or more embodiments, the non-threaded end comprises an outer annular ring configured to interface with the annular lip of the second pipe when the non-threaded end thereof is suitably inserted into the tubular body. [020] In one or more embodiments, the second pipe has a beveled 30 body-entering end at its insertion end upon insertion into tubular body. 4 [021] In one or more embodiments, the resilient prongs comprise curved free ends configured to aid in the interface of the prongs with tubular body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 5 [022] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 10 [023] Fig 1 is a perspective view of a pipe connector in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. [024] Fig 2 is a front view of the pipe connector of Fig 1. 15 [025] Fig 3 is a side of the pipe connector of Fig 1. [026] Fig 4 and Fig 5 are end views of the pipe connector of Fig 1. 20 [027] Fig 6 is a perspective view of a pipe connector engagement clip of the pipe connector in accordance with embodiments of the invention. [028] Figs 7A and 7B are respective views of the pipe connector about to connect between two pipes; and connecting two pipes. 25 [029] Fig 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of Fig

3. [030] The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings referred to aboveDimensions of 30 components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scaleWherever 5 possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 5 [031] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described belowIn. the interest of clarity, not all features/components of an actual implementation are necessarily described. 10 [032] The present invention pertains to a pipe connector for connecting between a first pipe and a second pipeThe pipe connector comprising a threaded end for allowing an engagement with the first pipe having corresponding internal pipe threaded endThe pipe connector further comprising a non-threaded end for allowing an engagement by insertion with a 15 second pipe having an external non-threaded pipe endThe connector further comprising one or more pipe connector engagement clips configured to clasp an annular lip of the second pipe. [033] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe connector 20 comprising a tubular body extending between a first threaded end and a second non-threaded end and comprising an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the external threads of the threaded end configured for engagement with pipe threaded end of a first pipe, and the non-threaded end configured to receive a non-threaded pipe end of a second pipe. 25 [034] The connector is useful for various applications, particularly, but not necessarily for agriculture piping systems, plumbing systems, oil or gas systems and the like. 30 [035] In one or more embodiments, the connector further comprises at least two pipe connector engagement clips for securing the engagement with the second pipe. 6 [036] In one or more embodiments, the engagement clip of the pipe connector has a free end with a hook. 5 [037] In one or more embodiments, the engagement clip is pivotally connected to the tubular body of the connector via connection wings attached to the outer wall of the tubular body. [038] In one or more embodiments, the pipe connector engagement clips 10 are openable/spreadable and can pass over and clasp an annular lip of the second pipe. [039] The pipe connector engagement clips may comprise a prong with an angled surface configured to interface with the tubular body to limit spread 15 and/or allow spring-like elasticity of the pipe connector engagement clips. [040] The pipe connector engagement clips may comprise a projection and/or one or more raised strips configured for engagement with a user’s hand to facilitate spreading of the pipe connector engagement clips. 20 [041] In one or more embodiments, when engaged with the second pipe, the free ends of the engagement clips are disposed over the annular lip and the hooks are disposed in the recessed groove of the second pipe. 25 [042] Optionally, the threaded end of the pipe connector comprises a polygonal head having at least two parallel sides so as to correspond to a standard wrench or the likeOptionally, the polygonal head is a hexagonal head, a square head, or an octagonal head. 30 [043] The pipe connector may comprise one or more seals made of a rubber material and disposed on or extend from the inner wall thereof for allowing a leak proof engagement with the second pipe. 7 [044] Optionally, the inner wall of the tubular body of the connector contains at least one pipe stopper tooth configured to interface with the entering non-threaded end of the second pipe. 5 [045] As used herein the term "pipe" refers to a hollow cylindrical element used for the conveyance of fluid or gasThe pipe may include any suitable cylindrical hollow structure and may encompass a tube, a pipe connector, a pipe portion and an elongated pipeThe pipe may, but not 10 necessarily be used for agriculture purposes, such as for irrigation purposes. The pipe may be made from various materials such as rigid or resilient, or semi- resilient materialsExemplary suitable materials include, for example, canvas cloth, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, silicone, rubber, or the like. 15 [046] The engagement of the connector with the first and/or second pipes provides for a substantially sealed connection with no or minimal fluid leakageThe connector is configured to provide a connection that is stable and resistant to high pressure forcesThe connector is configured so that the 20 engagement with the first and/or second pipe(s) is sturdy allowing fluid passageway resisting a pressure of up to about 10 atm or higher pressures, including withstanding a pressure resistance of up to 9 atm, for example, up to 8 atm, up to 7 atm, up to 6 atm, up to 5 atm, or up to 4 atmIn some implementations, the engagement with the pipe(s) allows pressure resistance of 25 at least about 2.5 atmFor example, above 1 atm, at least about 1.5 atm, at least about 2 atm, at least about 2.5 atm, at least about 3 atm, at least about 4 atm, at least about 5 atm, at least about 6 atm, at least about 7 atm, at least about 8 atm, at least about 9, or at least about 10 atm. 30 [047] The connector may advantageously facilitate water saving by reducing leakage and providing a quick and convenient and sturdy coupling thereby increasing efficiency and usage simplicity. 8 [048] In some embodiments, the connector is manufactured as a single pieceVarious materials may be used for manufacturing the connectorIn one or more embodiments, the material used to manufacture the connector includes a polymeric materialVarious types of polymeric materials are suitable, for 5 example, polypropylene, polyethylene, silicone or the like. [049] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the connector is substantially constant along the entire length thereofIn some embodiments, the inner diameter may be variable presenting a reduced inner diameter toward the 10 threaded end or toward the non-threaded endIn some such embodiments, the inner diameter is continuously reduced along the length of the connector toward the threaded end or toward the non-threaded endThe diameter may be reduced along the length of the connector toward the non-threaded end or toward the non-threaded end by up to about 30%For example, by up to about 25% or up 15 to about 20%, up to about 15%, or up to about 10%The inner diameter may thus have a conical shapeIn an exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter of the connector may be about 30 mm to about 90 mmFor example, about 40 mm to about 80 mm, about 40 mm to about 70 mm, about 40 mm to about 60 mm, or about 30 mm to about 60 mmIn one exemplary embodiment, the inner 20 diameter may be about 48 mm, or about 50 mm, or about 55 mm. [050] In one or more embodiments, the outer most diameter of the connector is substantially constant along the entire length thereofIn an. embodiment of the invention, the outer diameter may be variable presenting a 25 reduced diameter toward the threaded end or toward the non-threaded endIn. some embodiments, the diameter is continuously reduced along the length of the connector toward the threaded end or toward the non-threaded endIn an. exemplary embodiment, the outer most diameter may be about 30 mm to about 100 mmFor example, about 40 mm to about 90 mm, about 40 mm to about 80 30 mm, about 40 mm to about 70 mm, about 40 mm to about 60 mm, or about 30 mm to about 60 mmIn an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of the tube may be about 50 mm, or about 55 mm. 9 [051] In an embodiment of the invention, the connector may have a length of about 20 mm to about 70 mmFor example, about 30 mm to about 60 mm, about 40 mm to about 55 mm, or about 45 mm to about 55 mm. 5 [052] Referring now to the drawings, Figs 1-5 show a pipe connector in accordance with embodiments of the present inventionFigs. 7A- 7B show the herein pipe connector prior to and following an engagement with pipesAs can be seen in Figs 7A- 7B, The pipe connector is configured to connect between a 10 first threaded pipe 100 (illustrated as having internal threads 102) and a second smooth pipe 104 having an annular lip 106 with an annular moat-like recess or groove 108, and a non-threaded end. [053] The pipe connector includes a tubular body 20 with a threaded 15 end 22, illustrated as having external threads 24 and a non-threaded or smooth end 26Alternatively, threaded end 22 may have internal threads for threading to external threads of a threaded pipe (such as threaded pipe 100 shown in Figs. 7A – 7B). 20 [054] The pipe connector may include a polygonal head 28, for example, in the shape of a square, hexagon, or octagonSuch a design allows for use of a regular standard wrench, rather than requiring a pipe wrench or the like, to tighten the connector’s polygonal head 28 to threaded pipe 100. Polygonal head 28 has at least two parallel sides 30 (designated in pairs of 25 parallel sides 30a, 30b, 30c; and best illustrated in Fig 4). [055] With reference to Fig 6, along the outer wall 56 of tubular body 20 are pipe connector engagement clips 32, typically a pair thereof (as illustrated), however the pipe connector may include more than two pipe connector 30 engagement clips 32Each pipe connector engagement clip 32 has a free end 34 with a hook 36 configured to engage with annular lip 106 of smooth pipe 10

4. At an inner position of pipe connector engagement clips 32, the connector 10 engagement clips 32 are pivotally connected to tubular body 20 via connection wings 38For such purpose, connection wings 38 and pipe connector engagement clips 32 may have corresponding (aligning) apertures, for example each of the connection wings includes connection wing apertures 40 and each 5 pipe connector engagement clip 32 includes a pipe connector engagement clip aperture 42Each pipe connector engagement clip 32 may be pivotably connected to an associated connection wing 38 via a pivot pin 44. [056] To facilitate spreading or opening of pipe connector engagement 10 clips 32 (Fig 7A) to allow smooth pipe 104 to be inserted into smooth end 26 of the pipe connector, up to annular lip 106 thereof, the pipe connector engagement clips 32 have a proximal end 46Proximal end 46 may have a finger grip projection 48 and/or grooves or raised strips 50 for convenient interface and traction with a user’s thumb and forefinger to spread pipe 15 connector engagement clips 32Proximal end 46 may also include an angled surface 52 that can interface with tubular body 20 to limit spread of pipe connector engagement clips 32With continued reference to Fig 6, each pipe connector engagement clip 32 preferably include a resilient prong 54 at its proximal end 46 that acts like a spring to close the engagement clips 32, as will 20 be understood below. [057] Referring to Fig 7A, coupling threaded pipe 100 to smooth pipe 104 is accomplished as followsThreaded end 22 of tubular body 20 is screwed into threaded pipe 100, typically using a wrench interfacing with polygonal head 25 28Pipe connector engagement clips 32 are then spread open, for example, with one of the user’s hands pressing inwardly on grooves or raised strips 50 and/or backward and inward on finger grip projection 48 causing clips 32 to pivot at pivot pin 44Smooth pipe 104 can then be slid into tubular body 20, for example with the user’s other handSmooth end 26 may have an outer annular 30 ring 58 that interfaces with annular lip 106 when smooth pipe 104 is suitably inserted into tubular body 20For convenience, smooth pipe 104 may have a beveled body-entering end 60 at the insertion end of tubular body 20.The 11 inward/backward pressure at strips 50 and/or finger grip projection 48 pushes resilient prongs 54 into the outer wall 56 of tubular body 20 producing a push- back spring force due to the resilience of the prongs 54The free end 62 of resilient prongs 54 may be angled, as illustrated, to aid in the interface with 5 tubular body 20 and help the clip’s prongs 54 to bend in the direction of arrow 64Thus, resilient prongs 54 act like a leaf spring. [058] Referring to Fig 7B, pipe connector engagement clips 32 are then closed, which may be conveniently accomplished merely by releasing pressure 10 on strips 50 / projection 48As a result, free ends 34 of clips 32 are disposed (closed) over annular lip 106 and hooks 36 become disposed in groove 108 of the smooth pipe’s annular lipAs understood, the resiliency of prongs 54 of connector engagement clips 32 (or an alternative design, for example including a coil spring or the like) aids in, or is completely the driving force for, closing free 15 end 34 of the connector engagement clips over annular lip 106. [059] Fig 8 is a cross-sectional view of tubular body 20 showing optional internal components thereofFor instance, tubular body 20 may include a seal 66 at its smooth end 26 to interface with smooth pipe 104 at the connecting end 20 thereof to reduce or prevent fluid leakageAdditionally, one or more inner teeth 70 may be disposed at the inner wall 68 of tubular body 20 and configured to engage with beveled end 60, when smooth pipe 104 is inserted into the connector, and act as an additional stopper and/or provide a squeezing force on the beveled end 60 to help secure smooth pipe 104Due to the angle/bevel of 25 beveled end 60, teeth 70 may provide a backward force on pipe 104, which can help secure hook 36 in groove 108 of annular lip 106. [060] Each of the following terms: 'includes', 'including', 'has', 'having', 'comprises', and 'comprising', and their linguistic equivalents, as used herein, 30 means 'including, but not limited to', and is to be taken as specifying the stated component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), 12 and does not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof. [061] The term 'consisting essentially of'’ as used herein means that the 5 scope of the claim is limited to the specified elements and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed device and materials. [062] Each of the phrases 'consisting of' and 'consists of', as used 10 herein, means 'including and limited to'. [063] The term 'method', as used herein, refers to steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, 15 either known to, or readily developed from known steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, by practitioners in the relevant field(s) of the disclosed invention. [064] Throughout this disclosure, a numerical value of a parameter, 20 feature, characteristic, object, or dimension, may be stated or described in terms of a numerical range formatSuch a numerical range format, as used herein, illustrates implementation of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, and does not inflexibly limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the inventionAccordingly, a stated or described numerical range also refers to, and 25 encompasses, all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values (where a numerical value may be expressed as a whole, integral, or fractional number) within that stated or described numerical rangeFor example, a stated or described numerical range 'from 1 to 6' also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-ranges, such as 'from 1 to 3', 'from 1 to 4', 'from 1 to 5', 'from 2 to 30 4', 'from 2 to 6', 'from 3 to 6', etc., and individual numerical values, such as '1', '1.3', '2', '2.8', '3', '3.5', '4', '4.6', '5', '5.2', and '6', within the stated or described 13 numerical range of 'from 1 to 6'This applies regardless of the numerical breadth, extent, or size, of the stated or described numerical range. [065] All ranges disclosed herein include the endpointsThe use of the 5 term “or” shall be construed to mean “and/or” unless the specific context indicates otherwise. [066] Moreover, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase 'in a range of between about a first numerical value and about a second 10 numerical value', is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as, the phrase 'in a range of from about a first numerical value to about a second numerical value', and thus, the two equivalently meaning phrases may be used interchangeably. 15 [067] The term 'about', is some embodiments, refers to ±30 % of the stated numerical valueIn further embodiments, the term refers to ±20 % of the stated numerical valueIn yet further embodiments, the term refers to ±10 % of the stated numerical value. 20 [068] It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention, which are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presented in any suitable combination or sub- combination in the context or format of a single embodimentConversely, 25 various aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention which are illustratively described and presented in combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment, may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments. 30 [069] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the artAccordingly, it is 14 intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. [070] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this 5 specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by referenceIn addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is 10 available as prior art to the present inventionTo the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.