WO2001015514A1

WO2001015514A1 - Seed processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2001015514A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2000/000171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Cosgrove Hayes
Original assignee: ZERO GRASS INTERNATIONAL Ltd
Current assignee: ZERO GRASS INTERNATIONAL Ltd
Priority date: 1999-09-02
Filing date: 2000-08-31
Publication date: 2001-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2002-03-02
Also published as: AU775826B2; AU7461600A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for proceessing and washing seeds the method involved includes the steps of: (a) supplying seeds to a tank in communication with a source of treatment fluid, and (b) immersing the seeds in treatment fluid contained within the tank, and (c) supplying treatment gas to the tank, and (d) agitating the seeds in the tank through the interaction of the treatment fluid contained within the tank and treatment gas entering the tank through a treatment gas supply associated with the tank.

Description

SEED PROCESSING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for processing seeds. Specifically the present invention may be adapted for use in a method or apparatus used to produce plant growth from seeds. The present invention may be adapted to both prepare seeds before germination and also nurture and promote the growth of the resulting plant material after germination. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the present invention may be used in other applications and need not be used to both prepare seeds and also nurture growing plants concurrently.

BACKGROUND ART

As discussed above this invention relates to methods and apparatus used to produce plants from seeds. Similar prior art systems that illustrate the area in which this invention is preferably used are discussed in US patent specification numbers 2971290 to Coral et. al and US 3664061 to Oepen.

Such plant cultivation systems optimise growing conditions for seeds and are adapted to produce large volumes of vegetative matter in short periods of time. These systems supply moisture, nutrients and warmth to seeds at optimum levels through varying treatment stages.

However, these optimum growing conditions are also favourable for the growth of fungi, bacteria and other micro-organisms. These organisms can infect a batch of seeds and plants, and effectively ruin the output of such devices.

Precautions need to be taken against the entry of such organisms into the system to ensure the growing environment is as clean as possible.

One entry point for these organisms is through the seeds sown into the first stage of the cultivation device. Bacteria, fungi and other unwanted organisms may be carried into the growing environment on the surface of seeds and may also be nourished and grown while the cultivation apparatus germinates the seeds. To eliminate this entry point seeds have previously been washed in large vats or tubs. In this instance the seeds are usually agitated by hand or with a mechanical actuator.

The applicants believe that these existing methods of washing seeds are relatively slow and inefficient. Washing seeds by hand substantially increases labour costs associated with the production of the plant materials, and the use of mechanical actuator systems has the potential to bruise or damage seeds during the washing cycle.

Another existing problem with such types of cultivation apparatus appears in instances where seeds are sown into an enclosing support tray. Water loaded with nutrients is sprayed onto the tray to promote the growth of plants from the seeds as the tray progresses through different stages of the cultivation apparatus. One problem with this approach is that the enclosure formed by the tray also traps pools of water. This water can stagnate in the trays and again have a harmful effect in the quality of the plants produced.

A seed processing apparatus which solved any or all of the above problems would be of advantage. Specifically a system which could adequately and effectively wash seeds before germination and which prevented stagnant water collecting around seeds and germinated plants would be of advantage.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a seed processing apparatus which includes:

a tank in communication with a source of treatment fluid, the tank being adapted to directly or indirectly contain seeds, and

a treatment gas supply adapted to supply treatment gas to the tank, the arrangement and construction of the apparatus being such that treatment fluid and treatment gas supplied to the tank are adapted to treat seeds contained directly or indirectly within the tank.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a seed processing apparatus which includes,

a tank in communication with a source of treatment fluid, and

at least one container housed within the tank and adapted to contain seeds, said at least one container including at least one inlet, and

a treatment gas supply adapted to supply treatment gas to the tank,

the arrangement and construction of the apparatus being such that in use the treatment fluid and treatment gas supplied to the tank enters said at least one container through said at least one inlet to treat seeds contained within said at least one container.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of processing seeds, characterised by the steps of:

(a) supplying seeds to a tank in communication with the source of treatment fluid, and

(b) immersing the seeds in treatment fluid contained within the tank, and

(c) supplying treatment gas to the tank, and

(d) agitating the seeds in the tank through the interaction of the treatment fluid contained within the tank and treatment gas entering the tank through a treatment gas supply associated with the tank.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of processing seeds characterised by the steps of:

a) supplying seeds to at least one container, and

b) immersing or partially immersing said at least one container in treatment fluid supplied to a tank, and c) supplying treatment gas to the tank, and

d) agitating the seeds in the said at least one container through the action of the treatment fluid and treatment gas entering the container through a container inlet.

Reference throughout this specification shall now be made to the present invention being used as a seed processing apparatus to wash and treat seeds before the seeds are encouraged to germinate and grow into plant material. In addition further embodiments of the present invention may also incorporate improvements and modifications to apparatus used to germinate and cultivate the washed seeds. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the present invention may encompass both functions or may alternatively be used selectively only to wash or alternatively to germinate and cultivate seeds if required.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may include a tank. This tank is adapted to contain a volume of treatment fluid used in the processing of a number of seeds. A tank may be configured from any appropriate material and in any required shape to perform this function, as should be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

For example, in some embodiments a tank may be configured or shaped as a substantially rectangular body with four side walls and a base, where the volume defined by the rectangular tank is adapted to receive one or more containers used to contain seeds. However, in other embodiments different shapes or configurations of a tank may be employed. For example, in one further embodiment where containers are not to be used to contain seeds a tank may be shaped as a substantially conical or cylindrical body. In such an embodiment the tank provided may be used to contain treatment fluid and seeds directly without containers, and may also have a source of treatment gas connected to the base or the bottom of the tank. The provision of the supply of treatment gas at the base of the tank will allow the treatment gas to agitate the mixed seeds and treatment fluid, thereby washing and treating same.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may employ a treatment fluid to process seeds.

In a further preferred embodiment the treatment fluid used may be water which can effectively clean and wash seeds before germination, and reference throughout this specification will also be made to the treatment fluid used being water. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other treatment fluids may be used in conjunction with the present invention, and reference to the above only should in no way be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment the source of the water used to process the seeds may be a water pumping and heating system connected to or associated with the tank. Such a system may pump any volume of water required into the tank. Furthermore, water supplied to the tank may also be heated to aid in the cleaning of seeds.

In some embodiments the present invention may not employ a container housed within the tank where this container is used to contain seeds. For example, in some alternative embodiments seeds may be contained directly within the walls of a tank without any need for a container. In such cases the present invention may be adapted to process large volumes of seed where the provision of one or more containers for the seed would significantly increase the complexity and time required to process the seeds. In such instances seeds may be processed without the use of any containers simply through the provision of treatment fluid, seeds and treatment gas being supplied to the tank

However, reference throughout this specification will now be made to the present invention including or using at least one container to process seeds. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other configurations of the present invention are envisioned and reference to the above only throughout this specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may employ at least one container adapted to contain seeds. Such a container may be loaded with a number of seeds and be removably housed within the tank. In such an embodiment a container may be housed within the tank so that the container may be at least partially immersed in the treatment water supplied to the tank.

In a preferred embodiment a plurality of containers may be used in conjunction with the present invention to contain and aid in the washing of seeds. In such an embodiment a large number of containers may be supplied with seeds and partially immersed in water within the tank. Reference throughout this specification will also be made to the present invention employing a plurality of containers but those skilled in the art should appreciate that this should in no way be seen as limiting. For example in one alternative embodiment a single large container may be used with the present invention to contain and wash a large number of seeds.

In a preferred embodiment a container may include at least one inlet to allow water and treatment gas to enter the container. Any number of inlets may be provided in a container in its bottom or sidewalls under the level of water supplied to the tank. However, in a preferred embodiment, a single inlet only may be provided in the form of a mesh or wire grid used to form a base for the container. The mesh or wires used may be configured to retain seeds within the container and to allow the treatment gas and water to enter the bottom of the container.

In a preferred embodiment a container may also include at least one outlet. An outlet may be provided to prevent the build up of gas supplied through the inlet in the container. An outlet will allow treatment gases to escape and thereby allow more treatment gas to easily enter the container.

In a further preferred embodiment a container may include a single outlet only formed by a mesh or wire grate located on one side or end of the container. Preferably such an outlet may be positioned at a location on the container above the normal level of water within the tank. This configuration of the invention allows gas to easily escape from a container and also may be implemented relatively easily with inexpensive materials.

In a preferred embodiment a treatment gas supplied may be air at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The applicants have found that pressurised air can function effectively as a treatment gas with the present invention and can also be forced into the tank using well-known air compressor technology. Reference throughout this specification will also now be made to the treatment gas supplied to the tank being air. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of treatment gas may also be used in conjunction with the present invention and reference to the above only should in now way be seen as limiting. For example, in alternative embodiments any gas that contains oxygen may be used as a treatment gas with the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment the treatment gas supply may be configured as a pressurised air supply manifold run along the bottom of the tank. The manifold in this embodiment may consist of a number of tubes that contain multiple outlets through which pressurised air may be driven and supplied into the bottom of a tank. This configuration of the air supply means that air can be supplied at a location where it has to bubble through the entire height of a tank before it can escape to the atmosphere. Furthermore, as the containers are also positioned near the surface of the water, a significant amount of air supplied into the tank will be directed towards and into the inlets of containers.

In a further preferred embodiment the outlets from the air supply manifold may also be located substantially underneath the inlets to containers provided within the tank. This configuration of the invention means that a high proportion of the air supplied to a tank will end up bubbling through and into the inlets of containers.

However in alternative embodiments the treatment gas supply may not be configured as a pressurised air supply manifold which runs along the bottom of the tank. For example, in one alternative embodiment where large volumes of seeds to be processed without the use of a container or containers, the treatment gas supply may be provided by a single pressurised air supply inlet port near the bottom or base of the tank. This single supply point may be used to distribute pressurised air into the bottom of a cylindrical or conical tank to agitate and therefore wash and treat seeds contained within the tank.

In a preferred embodiment the containers used may include a guiding skirt or flange extending from the bottom of the container below the level of the mesh inlet base. Such a flange or skirt may be adapted to channel and guide air bubbling up from below towards the inlet and into the container.

In a preferred embodiment air and water supplied to the tank may enter a container through its inlet bottom and agitate the seeds contained within the container. Agitation of the seeds by air bubbling through the container will wash the seeds and preferably remove any harmful fungi and bacteria or other unwanted micro organisms. Furthermore, the present invention is adapted to aerate the seeds during this washing process. The applicants believe that aerating the seeds at this stage significantly increases the speed at which the seeds will germinate when supplied to a cultivation apparatus. In addition the washing process discussed above also performs the function of pre soaking seeds, readying them for a cultivation apparatus and germination within same.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a seed processing apparatus that includes a growth tray, wherein an area on the bottom surface of the tray is inclined with respect to other areas of the bottom surface of the tray.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may also employ growth trays. In such an embodiment the growth trays may form a part or portion of a cultivation apparatus to be loaded with seeds and used to germinate and rapidly cultivate these seeds into plants. The applicants are aware of similar systems such as those described in, for example, US Patent Specification No. 2971290 and also US Patent Specification No. 3662061. Furthermore, these trays may also form an improved version of the cultivation apparatus described in a patent specification filed by the applicants, published under the number WO 96/15661.

Such growth trays may be used to house and retain a number of seed and also to carry these seeds through several processing stages of a cultivation apparatus.

In preferred embodiment the seed processing apparatus may include a number of guides or tracks onto which a growth tray may be placed and which can be used to transport the growth tray along the length of the apparatus. Preferably in this embodiment the apparatus may be adapted to aid in the germination and cultivation of seeds and plant material and a plurality of growth trays and tracks may be provided within the single apparatus. Growth trays may be added to the tracks and transported through the apparatus into different treatment stages to promote the growth of plant material.

With similar known systems the applicants have found that the use of substantially flat enclosing trays promotes the build up of stagnant water. The occurrence of stagnant water within a tray is to be avoided as it can cause the growing plant matter to rot and decay within the cultivation apparatus.

For this reason in a preferred embodiment the growth trays used may include at least one area on its bottom surface which is inclined with respect to a substantially horizontal plane or other areas of the bottom surface. Inclining a surface or surfaces of the growing tray means that water sprayed onto the tray will run down to the lower ends or edges of the tray, at which point may be provided drainage holes or apertures. Therefore large amounts of water may be sprayed or otherwise applied to a drainage tray and any water not taken up by the plants will be drained off from the tray.

In a further preferred embodiment at least one drainage aperture may be provided at the bottom or ends of the inclined sections of a tray, where this aperture or apertures may be shaped substantially as a slot or slots. Such slots may have a relatively small width compared to their lengths, with the length of the slot running perpendicular to the incline provided in the tray. The applicants have found that slot shaped apertures are less susceptible to blockage by the growing plant matter than round drainage holes, thereby leaving the growing tray able to drain freely.

In a further preferred embodiment growth trays may be configured or designed with a tapering bottom face with respect to the top of the tray which is adapted to allow multiple trays to be stacked or nested together for easy storage and transportation.

In a preferred embodiment where the present invention is configured to aid in the cultivation of plant materials, the apparatus involved may also include air circulation system or device. Such a system may be adapted to maintain a constant airflow through the apparatus, and also preferably completely change the air present in the container at least twice per minute. Furthermore, such air circulating apparatus may also include filtering mechanisms well known in the art which can absorb and remove unwanted air borne organisms from the air surrounding the germinating seeds and plants background art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a seed washing apparatus configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 shows a container to be used with the seed washing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 3 shows a treatment gas supply apparatus to be used with seed washing system configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 4 shows a growth tray adapted for use with a cultivation apparatus configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows a plurality of the same growth tray shown in Figure 4 nested or stacked together.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which does not employ or use any containers to contain the seeds to be processed.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a seed washing apparatus 1 configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus 1 includes a tank 2 in which a plurality of containers 3 (not fully shown) are removably housed. As can be seen from Figure 1 a large number of containers adapted to contain and wash seeds may be housed within the tank 2. In use, each container is partially immersed in water contained within the tank. Figure 2 shows more clearly a container 13 that can be used in another embodiment of the present invention.

The container 13 encloses a central area 14 that is adapted to contain a quantity of seeds to be washed. The container 13 may form an enclosure for the seeds and also include a mesh inlet base 15 and an outlet grate 16.

In a preferred embodiment treatment gas in the form of pressurised air may be supplied to a tank into which the container 13 is housed. Air may be supplied into the tank below the container 13 and may bubble up into the container through the inlet grate 15. To guide the passage of air bubbles towards the inlet 15, a depending flange or skirt 17 is also provided on the bottom of the container. Once an air bubble is within the area enclosed by the skirt 17 it is guided upwards through the inlet 15 in the main body 14 of the container.

To ensure that air travelling into the container does not become trapped and build up within the enclosure 14 an outlet grate 16 is provided on one wall or side of the container. As shown in Figure 2, the outlet 16 is provided near the top portion of side of the container 13 so at least a portion of this outlet will be above the level of water supplied into the tank in which the container 13 is to be housed. This configuration of the outlet means that air bubbled into the container can also easily exit same.

Also provided is a handle 18 that can be collapsed to lie against one side of the container 13 and which can be pivoted upwards and be used to pull the container up and out of its housing tank.

In use the container may be housed within a tank also holding a volume of water. Air may be then driven into the bottom of the tank to bubble up and travel into the main body of each container 14. The mixture of air and water entering the container through the inlet grate 15 will agitate and wash the seeds within the container and also aerate the seeds to promote rapid g ee"-rmination of same.

Preferably water supplied as a treatment fluid in this embodiment may be initially heated to approximately 26° Celsius and the seeds to be washed may be left in the containers and tank to be agitated, aerated and soaked for approximately eight hours. After this step the containers may then be removed from the tank by a handle 17 and left in a dry location for approximately 16 hours before the seeds are supplied to the initial feeding in stages of a cultivation apparatus.

Figure 3 shows a treatment gas supply 1 configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The gas supply is provided in the form of a manifold with four separate arms 22. Located along the length of each arm are a number of outlet ports 23. In use the manifold is placed in the bottom of the tank shown in Figure 1 so that each of the outlet ports 23 are positioned substantially underneath a container containing a volume of seeds. This configuration of the invention ensures that a large amount of air supplied from the manifold will travel almost directly upwards into the inlet of a container, thereby agitating and washing the seeds contained within same.

Figure 4 shows a growth tray 31 configured for use with a cultivation apparatus. As can be seen from Figure 4 the tray 31 has a pair of incline surfaces with respect to the horizontal plane. This configuration of the growing tray ensures that any liquid sprayed or applied to the tray 31 will drain easily towards its ends 32 and out through the drainage slots 33. The applicants have found that the slots shown work more effectively than rounded holes, as they are less likely to become blocked with seeds or vegetative matter.

Figure 5 shows a plurality of growing trays 31 stacked together. Each of the bottom faces of the trays are tapered inwards compared to the top edge of the tray so that a number of trays may be stacked tidily and compactly together for easy storage and transportation.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention that does not employ any containers to contain seeds to be processed or washed.

In the embodiment shown the invention includes a tank 40 with a top cylindrical section and a bottom conical section. A seed supply conduit 41 is connected to the top of the tank 40 and is adapted to supply large volumes of seed into the tank. Also connected to the top of the tank 40 is a source of treatment fluid, shown in this embodiment as a water supply pipe 42. The water supply pipe 42 is adapted to spray or otherwise distribute water into the interior of the tank 40. The present invention in this embodiment also includes a treatment gas supply 43 that supplies pressurised air through a valve assembly 44 to a single point in the bottom or base of the tank 40. The supply of pressurised gas from the air supply conduit 43 to the bottom of the tank 40 will cause turbulence and an agitation effect in water and seeds contained within the tank. This will in turn thoroughly wash and treat the seeds contained.

The valve assembly 44 is also be used to drain excess water from the tank through drain line 45 once the seeds have been washed by the apparatus. Water flows through a mesh guard 46 out of the base of the tank and down the drain line. Air from the air supply conduit 43 is also be driven through this mesh guard 46 to agitate the seed and water mix within the tank 40.

This system provides for an air supply centrally at the bottom of the tank which causes a "volcano" type turbulence with the central seed-water mix rising and the outer edge seed-water mix being forced down to replace the rising seeds and water. This gives all seeds continuous movement without the necessity of contact with a mechanical agitator that bruises and damages the seed.

The base of the tank 40 is associated with a seed delivery system which incorporates a pair of grain shut-off valves 47,48, a water shut-off valve 49 and a movable outlet sleeve and distribution shute 50. The seed shut-off valves 47,48 are used to trap a specific volume of seeds between them within the volume defined by the top of the outlet sleeve 50 relative to the bottom of the tank 40. By changing the position of the sleeve 50 with respect to the tank 40 the volume of seed trapped by the shut-off valves 47,48 and dispensed in a single operation may be controlled.

To dispense a set volume of seeds valve 48 may firstly be closed and valve 47 may be opened to allow seeds to flow from the tank into the distribution sleeve. The shut-off valve 47 may then be closed and shut-off valve 48 opened to dispense the set volume of seeds contained between the two shut-off valves out of the bottom of the sleeve 50.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1 A seed processing apparatus which includes:

a treatment gas supply adapted to supply treatment gas to the tank,

the arrangement and construction of the apparatus being such that treatment fluid and treatment gas supplied to the tank are adapted to treat seeds contained directly or indirectly within the tank.

2 A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the treatment fluid is water used to wash seeds.

3 A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the water is heated before being supplied to the tank.

4 A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the tank is formed as a substantially rectangular body with four side walls and a base where the volume defined by the tank is adapted to receive one or more containers.

5 A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the tank is shaped as a substantially conical or cylindrical body.

6 A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the seeds to be treated are contained directly within the walls of the tank.

7 A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any previous claim which includes,

a tank, in communication with a source of treatment fluid, and

at least one container housed within the tank and being adapted to contain seeds, said at least one container including at least one inlet, and a treatment gas supply adapted to supply treatment gas to the tank,

the arrangement and construction of the apparatus being such that in use the treatment fluid and treatment gas supplied to the tank enters said at least one container through at said at least one inlet to treat seeds contained within said at least one container.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein a container is adapted to be at least partially immersed in treatment fluid contained within the tank.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 or 8 wherein a container includes a single inlet only formed by a wire grid used to form the base of the container.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein a container includes at least one outlet.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein a container outlet is formed through a wire mesh located on one side or end of the container where in use this outlet is positioned at a location on the container above the level of treatment fluid contained within the tank.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 1 1 wherein a container includes a skirt extending from the base of the container below the level of the inlet of the container.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the treatment gas is air supplied at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the treatment gas is supplied by a single pressurised air supply inlet port provided at the bottom or base of a cylindrical or conical tank.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the treatment gas supply is a pressurised air supply manifold running along the bottom of the tank. A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the outlets of the air supply manifold are located substantially underneath the inlets of containers provided within the tank.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any previous claim that includes a growth tray, wherein an area on the bottom surface of the tray is inclined with respect to other areas of the bottom surface of the tray.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein a growth tray includes at least one drainage aperture provided at one end of the tray.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 or 18 wherein growth trays are configured with tapering bottom faces adapted to allow the trays to be stacked together.

A seed processing apparatus as claimed in any previous claim that includes an air circulation system adapted to maintain a constant air flow through the apparatus.

A method of processing seeds, characterised by the steps of:

(a) supplying seeds to a tank in communication with a source of treatment fluid, and

(b) immersing the seeds in treatment fluid contained within the tank, and

(c) supplying treatment gas to the tank, and

A method of processing seeds using a seed processing apparatus as claimed in any previous claim characterised by the steps of:

(a) supplying seeds to at least one container, and (b) immersing or partially immersing said at least one container in treatment fluids supplied to a tank, and

(c) supplying treatment gas to the tank, and

(d) agitating the seeds in the said at least one container through the action of the treatment fluid and treatment gas entering a container through the container inlet.

A seed processing apparatus substantially as described above with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

A method of processing seeds substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.