Inhalation device including substance usage controls

BACKGROUND

The disclosure in question relates generally to the field of smoke inhalers, and in particular to the control mechanisms of smoke inhalers.

Smoke inhalers, commonly known as e-cigarettes, can be used to simulate a cigarette or cigar. For example, a smoke inhaler may evaporate liquids including nicotine. The user of the smoke inhaler can inhale the vapor and have an experience similar to smoking a traditional cigarette or cigar. Document WO 95/01137 A2 discloses a dispenser with a tank and an ejection device for discharging substances from the tank. SUMMARY

One illustrative embodiment relates to an apparatus comprising a first cartridge, a sensor and a controller. The first cartridge may contain a first release device configured to discharge the first substance into the housing. The controller can be configured to receive data from the sensor. Based on the data, the controller can determine the amount of the first substance released by the first cartridge. The first release device can be controlled based on the determined amount of the first substance.

Another illustrative embodiment relates to a method of measuring an inhalation device. The procedure may involve receiving data from the sensor. The amount of the first substance released from the first cartridge can be determined from the data. The first cartridge may contain a first release device configured to discharge the first substance into the housing. The first release device can be controlled based on the determined amount of the first substance.

[0005] Another illustrative embodiment relates to a medium that cannot be transferred from a reading computer and on which instructions are stored which, if executed by a computer device, cause the computer device to perform operations for measuring the inhalation device. Procedure

62320 Bl may involve receiving data from the sensor. The amount of the first substance released from the first cartridge can be determined from the data. The first cartridge may contain a first release device configured to discharge the first substance into the housing. The first release device can be controlled based on the determined amount of the first substance.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF IMAGES

The above and other characteristics of the subject disclosure will become clearer from the following description and additional requirements, taken together with the accompanying drawings. Recognizing that these drawings show only a few embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore not considered to be limiting in scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings.

SI. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

SI. 2 is a schematic of an inhalation device control system according to an illustrative embodiment.

SI. 3 is a schematic of the control system of an inhalation device with SI. 2 with additional sensors in accordance with the illustrative embodiment.

SI. 4 is a diagram of a first inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment. SI. 5 is a diagram of a second inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

SI. 6 is a diagram of a third inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment. SI. 7 is a diagram of a fourth inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

SI. 8 is a diagram of a fifth inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment. SI. 9 is a diagram of a sixth inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form an integral part of this document. In drawings, similar symbols usually identify similar components, unless they find the context otherwise. Illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings and claims are not limited. Other embodiments as well as other variations may be used, without departing from the spirit or scope of the tern presented herein. It will be readily understood that aspects of the subject disclosure, as generally described and illustrated herein, may be arranged, replaced, combined and designed in a wide range of different configurations, all of which are explicitly considered and form part of the subject disclosure.

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The disclosure in question is directed to an inhalation device that includes a mechanism for controlling the use of substances. The inhalation device may comprise a housing for holding and holding the part, at least one cartridge containing a substance such as nicotine, at least one release device, such as heaters or nebulizers for working with the cartridge, a power source such as a battery and a controller. The controller can collect data and control the cartridge and release device to deliver a predetermined amount of the substance to the user. The inhalation device may be of a long cylindrical shape similar to a cigarette or cigar. Advantageously, the inhalation device can control and / or limit the amount of substance delivered to help the user limit the consumption of a particular substance such as nicotine. Preferably, the inhalation device can control and / or limit the amount of substance delivered so that the user can set a limit on the amount of substance ingested per use or for a certain period by the user.

Preferably, the inhalation device can receive and transmit data related to settings and use. Conveniently, the inhalation device can monitor the amount of substance delivered to the user.

Referring to SI. 1, a cross-section of an inhalation device 100 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The inhalation device 100 may comprise housings 112, a first cartridge 114, a second cartridge 116, a power supply 122, a controller 124, a communication device 146, and a light device 126. In other embodiments, one or any number of cartridges may be used.

The housing 112 may be of a long cylindrical shape, for example, the shape and size of a cigar, cigarillos or cigarette. In other embodiments, the inhalation device 100 may be configured as other smoking or evaporating items, such as a hookah, pipe, inhaler, or humidifier. The housing 112 may have an output MPU 128 at the first end (i.e., the end of the mouth), where the user can place the lips to inhale the vapor or gas generated by the inhalation device 100. The housing 112 may include an inlet hole 130 that allows air to enter the housing 112 when the user sucks in the first end. The housing 112 may be made of paper (for example, paper rolled into a tube), plastic, metal, wood, glass or any other material.

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The first cartridge 114 may be configured to retain and release the first substance, such as nicotine. For example, the first cartridge 114 may include a medium such as a cotton cloth or comparative material rolled or shaped to fit in the housing 112. The cotton cloth may be soaked with the first substance. The first substance may include any drug, odor, vehicle, dye, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first substance is configured so that the substance can be evaporated or gasified. The first cartridge 114 may include a first release device 118. The first release device 118 may be installed in or placed near the medium of the first cartridge 114. The first release device 118 may include one or a combination of a heating element, a vibration generator such as an ultrasonic or piezoelectric transducer, a nebulizer or any other actuator for feeding particles of the first substance so that the particles are released from the first cartridge 114 in the form of gas or microscope droplets. can be vented by, for example, an air stream between the inlet 130 and the outlet 128. The first release device 118 may be configured to control or measure the amount or amount of the first substance released from the first cartridge 114. In some embodiments, the inhalation device includes a single cartridge.

The second cartridge 116 may be configured to retain and release another substance, such as an odor. For example, the second cartridge 16 may include a medium such as a cotton cloth or comparative material rolled or shaped to fit in the housing 112. The cotton cloth may be soaked with another substance. The second substance may include any drug, odor, vehicle, dye, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first substance and the second substance are different substances. In the second embodiment, the first substance and the second substance are the same substances. In one embodiment, the second substance is configured so that the substance can be evaporated or gasified. The second cartridge 116 may include a second release device 120. The second release device 120 may be installed in or placed near the medium of the second cartridge 116. The second release device 120 may include one or a combination of a heating element, a vibration generator such as an ultrasonic or piezoelectric transducer, a nebulizer or any other actuator for feeding particles of another substance so that the particles are released from the second gas cartridge 116 in the form of gas or microscopic droplets. can be vented by, for example, an air stream between the inlet 130 and the outlet 128. The second release device 120 may be configured to control or measure the amount or rate of the second substance released from the second cartridge 116. The first cartridge 114 and the second cartridge 116 may be arranged so that the air

62320 The bl stream passes through and / or through the first cartridge 14 and the second cartridge 116. In other embodiments, the inhalation device may comprise a plurality of cartridges.

The power supply 122 may power the first cartridge 114, the first release device 118, the second cartridge 116, the second release device 120, the controller 124, the communication device 146, and the light device 126. The power source 122 may be a battery such as an alkaline battery, nickel metal -hydride battery, lithium-ion battery, rechargeable battery or any other energy source. In other embodiments, the power source 122 may be external to the housing 112.

The light device 126 is configured to simulate burning on top of a cigar or cigarette. The light device 126 may include a light emitting diode (LED), an auxiliary lamp, an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or any other light emitting device. The light device 126 may be configured to vary the intensity based on the amount of air flow between the inlet 130 and the outlet 128.

The controller 124 may be configured to control a first release device 118, a second release device 120, a communication device 146, a power supply 122, and a lighting device 126. The controller 124 may be operatively and communicatively connected to the first release device 118, the second device. for release 120, communication device 146 and light device 126. The controller 124 may be a processor such as a central processing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a state machine, or any other controller. Controller 124 may include memory that may be any type of permanent or removable computer memory known to those skilled in the art. The memory of the controller 124 may be a computer readable storage medium. The controller 124 may include software for controlling the first release device 118, the second release device 120, the communication device 146, and the light device 126, which may be implemented as reading instructions on a computer configured to be stored in the memory of the controller 124.

The communication device 146 may be configured to allow the user to change and monitor the settings and state of the inhalation device 100. For example, in one embodiment, the communication device 146 may be used to reprogram part of the controller control logic 124 to limit the use of the inhalation device. 100. Communication

62320 The Bl device 146 may include at least one switch, keyboard, display, input / output port, and wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the input / output port and the wireless transceiver can be used to establish a communication link between the controller 124 and an external computer, such as a mobile phone or a personal computer.

Referring to SI. 2 shows a schematic of an inhalation device control system 200 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The control system 200 of the inhalation device may include a first release device 218 connected to the first cartridge 214, a second release device 220 connected to the second cartridge 216, a power source 222, a controller 224, a timer 248, a counter 242, sensors 240, a communication device 246, and light device 226. The controller 224 can be operatively and communicatively connected to the first release device 218, the second release device 220, the power source 222, the sensors 240, the communication device 246 and the light device 226. The control system of the inhalation device 200 may be, for example, discrete , integrated as a chip or skiop printed circuit board.

The first cartridge 214 and the second cartridge 216 may each contain a single substance or mixture of two or more substances, and the composition of the mixture for one cartridge differs from the other. For this reason, each release device 218 and other release device 220 may be used in a unique manner to optimize the effect of the substance for the user. Moreover, different techniques can be used to release the substances of different cartridges.

The sensors 240 may be, for example, a flow sensor, a thermocouple or a pressure sensor for detecting air flow passing through a device or group of sensors for detecting any or combination of air flow, temperature change, pressure change, lighting light, current change, voltage change and other physical and electrical properties. The sensors 240 may be housed within them on a housing connected to the control system of the inhalation device 200.

The controller 224 may be configured to control and monitor the first release device 218, the second release device 220, the sensor 240, the communication device 246, the power supply 222, and the light device 226. The controller 224 may be a processor such as a CPU , an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), finite state machine or any other controller. The controller 224 may include memory 280 which may be any type of permanent or removable computer memory known to those skilled in the art. The memory 280 of the controller 224 may be a computer readable storage medium. Controller 224

62320 Bl may include software for controlling the first release device 218, the second release device 220, the communication device 246, and the light device 226, which may be implemented as read instructions on a computer configured to be stored in the memory of the controller 224.

The communication device 246 may include at least one of the switches 271, a keyboard 273, a display 250, an input / output port 277, and a wireless transceiver 279.

The input / output port 277 may be, for example, a serial port. The wireless transceiver 279 may be, for example, an IEEE 802.11 compliant Wi-Fi transceiver or a Bluetooth transceiver.

In one embodiment, the switch 271 may be a simple manual switch on the housing for sending reprogramming instructions to the controller 224 by clicking on the switch 271 (e.g., five switches by pressing the switch at a rate of one click per second or quickly the controller 224 may be reprogrammed indent in a given period, and then switch off the device). In another embodiment, the switch 271 may be a dial located on or in the middle of the housing for sending reprogramming instructions to the controller 224 so that by turning the dots the user can set a limit amount of the substance to be ingested or inhaled. The dial can also be part of the housing itself. In another embodiment, the switch 271 may be a shock or sound sensor, such as a microphone that the user can reach to send reprogramming instructions to the controller 224. The user can touch the device at a certain speed to adjust the desired amount of substance for intake or inhalation in a given period. In another embodiment, the switch 271 may be a light sensor for detecting energy emitted by a laser, infrared or other visible or invisible light source. Instructions for reprogramming the controller 224 signals from the light source may be on or off.

The user may use the communication device 246 to reprogram the limit value in the controller 224. For example, a simple form of the communication device 246 may be a manual switch that the user can press or turn around or around the housing. By manually clicking or turning the switch, the user can change the limit setting in the controller 224. For example, if you press the switch four times with a frequency of 1 Hz or higher, the user can smoke one substance equivalent to a cigarette in each cycle or 10 each time, and two presses of the switch will give a substance worth half a cigarette in each cycle. If the manual wheel switch is on the housing, the dial can set a limit. E.g,

62320 Bl number canik has indicator lines around it on a fixed part of the housing, and setting the counter to one can be equivalent to one dose of a cigarette per cycle, and setting it to half means half the dose of a cigarette.

The display 250 may be located inside or on a housing connected to the inhalation device control system 200. Displays indicating use may be displayed on the display 250 to help the user monitor their use of the device. The display 250 may be, for example, a light, a series of lights, a segmented display or a pixelated display. The display 250 can be made, for example, of LEDs, LED panels, a liquid crystal display, a group of small light bulbs or electronic ink. The display 250 can show the user indications, for example, as letters, dots, symbols, a series of lines, figures, images, shapes or signals. The 250 display can be solid or multicolored.

Display 250 may display the usage level for the user to monitor the use of the device and may send messages to encourage the user to reduce usage based on the progress they make. The message on the display may include a number of cigarette equivalents used or left on the inhaler control system 200, a number of fumes (i.e., covers) used or left on the inhalation control system 200, and may include an indication of the real - time number of breaths the user is allowed to take in each cycle while using the inhaler control system 200. In this way, the device warns the user, while he or she is using it, how many equivalent cigarettes he / she takes in a given period from a longer use of the same device, which can lead to a false sense of substance use. For example, an inhaler control system 200 with a full first cartridge 214 and a second cartridge 216 may be equivalent to a single pack of cigarettes, and the display 250 may clearly show the number of cigarette equivalents or puffs remaining in the first cartridge 214 and the second cartridge 216 while or it uses the control system of the inhalation device 200.

Timer 248 may be configured to measure the amount of substance consumed and / or to measure a predetermined amount of substance to the user. The timer 248 may be separate or integrated with the controller 224. The timer 248 may be configured to measure, for example, the amount of time elapsed between user sets, the activation time of the first release device 218 and the second release device 220, and the time between uses.

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Timer 248 may be configured to measure the amount of substance consumed and / or to measure a predetermined amount of substance to the user. Timer 248 may be separate or integrated with controller 224. Timer 248 may be configured to measure, for example, the amount of time elapsed between user sets, the activation time of the first release device 218 and the second release device 220, and the time between uses. Timer 248 can be activated, for example, by means of an air flow sensor or a pressure switch. Timer 248 can be configured to measure effort duration while sensors 240 are activated.

Counter 242 may be configured to count the number of user entries in a given period. Counter 242 may be separate or integrated with controller 224. Counter 242 may be configured to measure, for example, the number of inflated users during a smoking session, day, week, month, or any other time period. The counter 242 can be activated, for example, by the sensor 240.

For more precise control of the amount of substance allowed in a given period, timer 248 can be used to measure the air flow through the device. Each time sensors 240, such as flow sensors or pressure switches, are activated by air flow, timer 248 may measure air flow duration, and duration may accumulate in a given period to activate a limit function according to substance distribution limits set in control logic. The counter 242 can also be used to count the number of activations of the sensor 240.

The counter 242 and timer 248 may provide usage data on the number of blows in a given period, and the timer 248 may provide a time duration of air flow for each inhalation and a total time accumulated for air flow in a given period. Therefore, when the limit of distribution of a substance is set by the user or set at the factory, the limit can be set to the actual amount of the substance in terms of the total time allowed for air flow in a given period of use, not just the number of inhalations. Because the amount of airflow for one breath varies from person to person, setting a certain number of breaths as a limit may allow for a different amount of target substance delivered to each different user or even the same user, depending on the duration of each breath. Thus, the use of a usage timer 248 in conjunction with the counter 242 may provide a more accurate estimate of the total air flow measurement.

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The control system of the inhalation device 200 may have factory settings for the allowable amount of the substance contained in the cartridges (214, 216) for release. Different users have different usage habits: One person may prefer long deep breaths and another person may prefer short shallow breaths. A person who has long large puffs usually ends up smoking a cigarette in fewer breaths than a person who has short shallow puffs. For this reason, the permissible amount of the substance can be set as the total duration, ie the value of the accumulation of total sediments in a given period. Another sensor, such as a current sensor for the release agent or power supply or a flow sensor with air velocity measurement, can be used to estimate the amount of substance used whenever the user draws air through the device, and this information can be used in conjunction with a timer to calculate more precisely the amounts of substance use. Once the limit value is set as the time accumulation, timer 248 measures the duration of each indentation and sends the data to the control logic in the controller 224, and the controller 224 accumulates and compares the accumulated data with the set limit value. When the accumulated time value or the value calculated from the combination with the accumulated time and the amount of substance data from the sensor reaches or exceeds the limit value, the controller 224 switches off the inhaler control system 200 or switches off the inhalation. to control the inhalation device releases the substance at a slower rate than in the previous period. The limit value can be set in cycles. For example, when the device is switched on, the user may be allowed to set the first time limit for the total inhalation time within five minutes, which is approximately equal to smoking one cigarette, and in a given period, such as twelve hours or daily, the user may be allowed to use the device for inhalation 200 a certain number of times. When the limit is reached, the controller 224 may descend from the release means (218, 220) to stop the flow of the substance to the user until the next cycle begins after the no smoking time has elapsed between two consecutive cycles or controls the release means (218, 220). ) so that the flow of the substance to the user is more limited per intake until the beginning of the next cycle.

Referring to SI. 3, system diagram for controlling the inhalation device system 200 with SI. 2 with additional sensors in accordance with an illustrative embodiment is shown. The control system 200 of the inhalation device may include a first release device 218 connected to the first cartridge 214, a second release device 220 connected to the second cartridge 216, a power source 222, a controller 224, a timer 248, a counter 242, sensors 240, a communication device 246, and light device 226. The 224 controller can be operational and communication

62320 B1 is connected to a first release device 218, a second release device 220, a power source 222, sensors 240, a communication device 246 and a light device 226. The communication device 246 may include at least one of the switches 271, keyboard 273, display 250, input / output port 277 and wireless transceiver 279. As further explained below, the control system of the inhalation device 200 may measure the consumption of the substance in ways other than by means of a flow sensor or a pressure switch.

The first release device 218 and the second release device 220 may release the first substance from the first cartridge 214 and the second substance from the second cartridge 216 using, for example, heat and / or vibration. The temperature sensor 291 located on the second cartridge 216 can be used to detect the temperature of the second cartridge 216. The controller 224 can estimate the amount of substance released by the second cartridge 216 based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor 291, together with data from the timer 248. The vibration sensor 292 located on the second cartridge 216 can be used to detect mixing of the second cartridge 216. The controller 224 can estimate the amount of substance released by the second cartridge 216 based on the mixing information from the vibration sensor 292, together with the data from the timer 248. The current sensor 293 located on the power supply of the first release device 218 may be used to determine the current used by the first release device 218. The controller 224 may estimate the amount of substance discharged by the first cartridge 214 based on current information from the current sensor 293. a voltage sensor can be used.

In another embodiment, the current sensor 294 located on the power supply from the power supply 222 may be used to estimate the current used by the first release device 218 and the second release device 220. The controller 224 may estimate the amount of substance released by the first cartridge 214 and the second cartridge 216 based on the current information from the current sensor 294. Alternatively, a voltage sensor may be used. In another embodiment, a light sensor 295 located near the light device 226 may be used to assess the use of the first release device 218 and the second release device 220. The controller 224 can estimate the amount of substance released by the first cartridge 214 and the second cartridge 216 based on the activation time of the light sensor 295, as well as the intensity detected by the light sensor 295. Alternatively, other sensors may be used as known in the art. Alternatively, sensors 291-295 may be located at various locations known in the art.

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An illustrative package of inhalation devices for the market may be, for example, a cigarette-shaped smoking device that comes with a smoking capacity of about twenty cigarettes. The factory settings can be preloaded on the smoking device to allow approximately fifteen inhalations per use within five minutes, and after it has finished smoking for some time, it must wait at least 30 minutes before using the device again. The display on the inhaler may show the number of cigarette equivalents remaining to be used, and may also show the user the number of inhalations remaining before the current use expires while using the inhaler. In such a setting, the inhalation device can be programmed to monitor the use of the substance contained in the cartridge by measuring the number of intakes or calculating the amount of substance consumption from the data collected by the timer during each air intake and another sensor, such as electric current sensor or air flow sensor for the flow rate of the substance. The number of inhalations can then be translated into the substance actually used based on a calculated estimate from the data provided by the timer and sensor. A counter in the system can also be used to count the number of entries to provide data to the control means to simplify the calculation. The user can use the button or dial to change the factory settings, such as the number of allowable insertions per use (eg, from fifteen settings to twenty blows) and the duration of the switch-off time after use before the next use is allowed (eg, 30 minutes factory set to 45 minutes or 15 minutes). There may be one or more buttons or dots on the inhaler to reprogram the inhaler settings. The first button or dial to adjust the duration of the shutdown and the second button or dial to adjust the number of indents per use or other settings depending on the user's preferences and preferences.

FIG. 4 to 8 show a number of different illustrative embodiments of an inhalation device. Referring to SI. 4, a diagram of a first inhalation device 400 according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. The first inhalation device 400 may comprise a housing 412, a communication device 446 and a light device 426. The communication device 446 may include a display 450 and buttons 471 and 472. The first inhalation device 400 has two separate programming modes. In the first mode, button 471 can be used to change the limit on the number of inhalations allowed per use. In the second mode, button 472 can be used to change the amount of shutdown time required before next use. The display 450 can show the setting indication. (e.g., 10, 30, 60, 120, 10, 15, 20, 25)

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Referring to SI. 5, a diagram of a second inhalation device 500 according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. The second inhalation device 500 may include a housing 512, a communication device 546, and a lighting device 526. The communication device 546 may include a first display 550, a button 571, and a second display 551. The button 571 may be used to change the amount of shutdown time before next use. The first display 550 can show the setting indication. (e.g., 10, 30, 60, 90) the second display 551 may include lights 552. The lights 552 may indicate the number of residual cigar equivalents remaining in the second inhalation device 500.

Referring to SI. 6, a diagram of a third inhalation device 600 according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. The third inhalation device 600 may comprise a housing 612, a communication device 646 and a lighting device 626. The communication device 646 may include a first display 650, a button 671 and a second display 651. The button 671 may be used to change the amount of shutdown time required before next use. The first display 650 can show the setting indication. (e.g., 10, 30, 60, 90) the second display 651 may show an indication (e.g., 385) showing the number of puffs or the amount of substance remaining or available in the second inhalation device 600.

Referring to SI. 7, a diagram of a fourth inhalation device 700 according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. The fourth inhalation device 700 may comprise a housing 712, a communication device 746 and a lighting device 726. The communication device 746 may include a first display 750 and a number 771. The number 771 may be implemented as part of the housing 712. For example, the dial frame 771 may be located in the housing filter area 712. The housing 712 may contain graduation marks (eg, 10, 30) near the dial 771. The dial 771 can be used to change the amount of shutdown time required before the next use. The first display 750 may show an indication (e.g., 20) showing the number of cigarette equivalents remaining or available in the fourth inhalation device 700.

Referring to SI. 8, a diagram of a first inhalation device 800 according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. The fifth inhalation device 800 may include a housing 812, a communication device 846, and a lighting device 826. The communication device 846 may include a first display 850, a button 871, and a second display 851. The button 871 may be used to change user usage restriction settings. The first display 850 can show the setting indication. (e.g., 10, 30, 60, 90) the second display 851 may show an indication (e.g.

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20) showing the number of cigarette equivalents remaining or available in the fifth inhalation device 800.

Referring to SI. 9, a diagram of a sixth inhalation device 900 according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. The sixth inhalation device 900 may comprise a housing 912, a communication device 946 and a light device 926. The communication device 946 may include a first display 950, buttons 971 and 972 and a second display 951. The sixth inhalation device 900 has two separate programming modes. In the first mode, the button 971 can be used to change the limit on the number of inhalations allowed per use. In the second mode, the 972 button can be used to change the amount of shutdown time required before the next use. The first display 950 may show an indication of the setting a. (E.g., 10, 30, 60, 120, 10, 15, 20, 25) the second display 951 may show an indication (e.g., 20) showing the number of cigarette equivalents remaining or available in the sixth inhalation device 900.

One or more flowcharts may be used here. The use of flowcharts is not restrictive with respect to the order of operations performed. The topic described here sometimes illustrates the various components that are inside or are related to various other components. It should be understood that such presented architectures are only examples and that many other architectures that achieve the same functionality can in fact be implemented. Conceptually, each component layout to achieve the same functionality is efficiently linked so as to achieve the desired functionality. Thus, any two components that are combined here to achieve a particular functionality can be viewed as related to each other, so that the desired functionality is achieved, regardless of the architectures or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so connected can be viewed as being operatively connected or operationally connected to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components that can be so connected can also be viewed as operationally interconnected, in order to achieve desired functionality. Specific examples of operably paired functions include, but are not limited to, physically paired and / or physically interconnected components and / or wirelessly interconnected and / or wirelessly interacting components and / or logically interactive and / or logically interactive components.

Given the essential use of any plural and / or singular terms, those skilled in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural.

62320 Bl as appropriate to the context and / or application. Different permutations in the singular / plural can be explicitly mentioned here for clarity.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in general, the terms used herein, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the bodies of the appended claims), are generally considered to be open terms (e.g., the term including should be construed as including but not limited to , the term have should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes, but is not limited to, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that, if a number of claims are intended, such intent will be expressly stated in the patent claim, and in the absence of such recitation, such intent is not present. For example, to aid in understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of introductory terms at least one and one or more to introduce recitation of claims. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the introduction of a patent claim cites indefinite articles a or an restricts any particular claim containing such an introduced citation to an invention containing only one such citation, even when the same claim includes introductory phrases. or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an (e.g., ai / or an should usually be interpreted as at least one or one or more); the same applies to the use of certain articles used to introduce recitations of lawsuits. In addition, even if a number of introduced recitations of an assertion are explicitly uttered, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such recitation should normally be construed to denote at least the uttered number (e.g., a bare recitation of "two recitations, without other modifiers" usually means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Moreover, in those cases where there is a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” it is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense that someone with expertise would understand the convention (e.g. A, B and C would include, but are not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together and / or A, B and C together, and so on. ). In those cases where there is a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B or C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense that someone with expertise understands the convention (eg, a system having at least one of A, B or C would include, but not be limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, band C together and / or A, B and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase representing two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims or drawings, should be understood in order to consider the possibility of including one of the terms, either term, or both.

62320 Bl term. For example, the term A or B will be understood to include the possibilities of A or B or A and B.

The foregoing description of the illustrative embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting in terms of the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be derived from the practice of disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended thereto and their equivalents.