Abstract:
An electronic air pump pressurizes object in either manual or automatic mode. In automatic mode, the electronic air pump determines air pressure needed to adjust an object to a set target pressure. The electronic air pump inflates or deflates the ball automatically until the air pressure inside the ball matches the preset value. In manual mode regulation of the air pressure is adjusted by a user.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/084,523, filed Nov. 25, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of Art 
         [0003]    The disclosure generally relates to the field of air pumps, and more specifically to an electronic air pump that operates in multiple modes. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Sports balls (such as basketballs, soccer ball, footballs, and the like) are the focal element in their sporting environment. Improperly inflated sports balls diminish the quality of a sports game leading to an unsatisfactory player experience, ball damage, or injury. Hand held air pumps pressurize slowly and if no pressure gauge is incorporated, it is difficult to determine if a sports ball is inflated to the correct pressure. Additionally, hand held pumps have a tendency to introduce torsion while pressurizing causing inflation needles to bend and/or snap off. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0007]    Figures ( FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate an electronic air pump in a closed position, according to one embodiment. 
           [0008]      FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate the electronic air pump in an open position, according to one embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating components of the electronic air pump, according to one embodiment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a process performed by the electronic air pump operating while operating in manual mode, according to one embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a process performed by the electronic air pump while operating in automatic mode, according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    The Figures (FIGS.) and the following description relate to preferred embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed. 
         [0013]    Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. 
         [0014]      FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate an electronic air pump  100  in a closed position (may also be referred to as the off position) and  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate the electronic air pump  100  in an open position (may also be referred to as the on position). In the closed position, the electronic air pump  100  is off, meaning that there is a break in the circuitry of the electronic air pump  100  and the electronic pump  100  is inoperable for purposes of filling an object with air. In the open position, the electronic air pump  100  is on, meaning that the components of the electronic air pump  100  are receiving electricity and the electronic air pump  100  can be used to fill an object. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of the electronic air pump  100  in the closed position,  FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the electronic air pump  100  in the closed position, and  FIG. 1C  illustrates a forward view of the electronic air pump  100  in the closed position. The electronic air pump  100  includes a main body casing  110 , a recessed casing  116 , and a cap  120 . In one embodiment, the main body casing  110  is in a cylindrical shape and is structured to form a cavity that includes electronic and mechanical components. The main body casing  110  is coupled to the recessed casing  116 . The recessed casing  116  is structured in a substantially similar cylindrical shape to the main body casing  110  but with a small diameter than that of the main body casing  110  and of the cap  120 . The recessed casing  116  includes a threaded aperture  118  (not shown in  FIG. 1A , but shown in  FIG. 2A  as described below) used to securely attach a needle  117 . 
         [0016]    The recessed casing  116  is coupled to the cap  120 . The cap  120  is hollow cylindrical covering with a similar diameter as the main body casing  110 . As illustrated by  FIG. 1A , in the closed position (off position), the cap  120  encloses the needle  117 , thereby protecting the needle  117  when the electronic air pump  100  is not being used. This allows a user, for example, to place the electronic air pump  100  in a bag (e.g., sports equipment bag) without having to be concerned that the needle  117  will bend or break. 
         [0017]    By the recessed casing  116  having a smaller diameter than that of the cap  120 , the cap  120  is able to slide along and over the recessed casing  116  towards the main body casing  110 . In one embodiment, for the cap  120  to slide towards main body casing  110 , a user has to perform a twisting motion with the cap  120  as if the user was screwing on the cap. The cap  120  can be slid along the recessed casing  116  until the cap  120  is flush (joined) with the main body casing  110 . 
         [0018]    When the cap  120  is flush with the main body casing  110 , the electronic air pump  100  is in the open position (on position).  FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of the electronic air pump  100  in the open position,  FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of the electronic air pump  100  in the open position, and  FIG. 2C  illustrates a forward view of the electronic air pump  100  in the open position. As illustrated by  FIG. 2A , a bottom surface  124  of the cap  120  includes a circular aperture  122  that allows the needle  117  to become exposed when the electronic air pump  100  goes from the closed position to the open position.  FIG. 2A  illustrates a portion of the threaded aperture  118  used to securely attach the needle  117  to the recessed casing  116   
         [0019]    In the open position, the needle  117  can be inserted into an object (e.g., a sports ball) for pressurizing. In one embodiment, bottom surface  124  of the cap  120  creates a seal when flush against an object being pressurized. In one embodiment, the bottom surface  124  is made of a pliable material (e.g., foam or rubber) that allows the bottom surface  124  to take the shape of the object being pressurized for forming the seal. In one embodiment, the bottom surface  124  is in a concave shape. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the electronic air pump  100  includes a pair of magnets. In one embodiment, the first magnet from the pair is included on the main body casing  110  and the second magnet from the pair is included on the cap  120 . In the open position, the magnets are coupled and this causes the electronic air pump  100  to turn on. When the electronic air pump  100  goes from the open position to the closed position, the magnets become separated, which causes the electronic air pump  100  to turn off. 
         [0021]    As illustrated by  FIGS. 1A and 2A , the main body casing  110  includes a dead front display  111  and input mechanisms  112 ,  113 , and  114 . In one embodiment, the dead front display  111  includes a transmissive film and an LED matrix. When the electronic air pump  100  is in the open position (on), the LED matrix emits light which is directed outwardly through the transmissive film improving clarity, brightness, and readability in low light or under direct sunlight conditions. When the electronic air pump  100  is in the closed position (off) and the LED matrix is de-energized, the dead front display  111  is indistinguishable from the main body casing  110  (the dead front display  111  is not visible to a user). 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the LED matrix includes three  7 -segment displays configured to indicate up to three digits of pressure indication. In one embodiment, the pressure is displayed in imperial units of pounds per square inch (PSI) from 0.0 to 15.0 PSI and metric units of bar from 0.00 to 1.03 bars. The resolution for imperial units is in tenths of PSI increments while bars are in increments of hundredths. 
         [0023]    The input mechanisms  112 ,  113 , and  114  are configured to allow a user of the electronic air pump  100  to use the electronic air pump  100  for pressurizing an object to a desired pressure. The input mechanisms  112 ,  113 , and  114  are structured on the front face of the electronic air pump  100  and align below the dead front display  111 . The input mechanisms  112 ,  113 , and  114  protrude from analogous shaped openings in the main body casing  110  and are made from a material (e.g. polymer plastic) that gives a user a tactile impression. 
         [0024]    Input mechanism  114  (also referred to as the setting button) allows a user to set the electronic air pump  100  in different modes. In one embodiment, through input mechanism  114 , when the electronic air pump  100  is in the open position, the electronic air pump  100  can be set in manual mode or in automatic mode. The dead front display  111  indicates the current mode of the pump  100 . If the user wishes to switch between modes, the user presses on the input mechanism  114  twice consecutively. For example, if the electronic air pump  100  is in manual mode and the user presses on the input mechanism  114  twice consecutively, the electronic air pump  100  switches to automatic mode. If the user wishes to change back to manual mode, the user presses he input mechanism  114  again twice consecutively. 
         [0025]    In manual mode, a user manually indicates how long the electronic air pump  100  should inflate or deflate using input mechanisms  112  and  113 . If the user wishes to inflate an object (increase the pressure of the object), the user holds down input mechanism  112 . The electronic air pump  100  will continue to inflate the object as long as the input mechanism  112  is pressed. Once the input mechanism  112  is released, the electronic air pump  100  stops inflating the object. On the other hand if the user wishes to deflate an object (decrease the pressure of the object), the user holds down input mechanism  113 . The electronic air pump  100  will continue to deflate the object as long as the input mechanism  113  is pressed. Once the input mechanism  113  is released, the electronic air pump  100  stops deflating the object. 
         [0026]    In automatic mode, a user sets a target pressure for an object into which the needle  117  has been inserted and the electronic air pump  100  automatically pressurizes (inflates or deflates) the object to the target pressure. The user sets the target pressure using input mechanisms  112  and  113 . The dead front display  111  displays a current value of the target pressure. In one embodiment, the display automatically displays the target pressure that it was previously set to, for example, when pressurizing another object. If the user wishes to increase the target pressure, the user presses on input mechanism  112  until the desired pressure is reached. If the user wishes to decrease the target pressure, the user presses on input mechanism  113  until the desired pressure is reached. The dead front display  111  shows the current value of target pressure as it increased or decreased. Once the desired target pressure has been set (desired value has been reached), the user provides an input indicating that the pressurization to the target pressure start. In one embodiment, the user provides the input by pressing on input mechanism  114  once. When the input is provided, the electronic air pump  100  automatically pressurizes the object to the target pressure. When the target pressure is reached, the electronic air pump  100  outputs an audio signal to indicate the target pressure has been reached. The audio signal may be a specific sound or audio pattern. 
         [0027]    Input mechanism  112  (also referred to as an inflate button  112 ) is in the shape of a plus symbol. As described above, when pressed and held in manual mode, it causes an object connected to the electronic air pump  100  via the needle  117  to be inflated until the user releases the input mechanism  112 . In automatic mode, the input mechanism  112  is pressed to increase the value of the target pressure being set. 
         [0028]    Input mechanism  113  (also referred to as a deflate button  113 ) is in the shape of a minus symbol. Similar to input mechanism  112 , when pressed and held in manual mode, it causes an object connected to the electronic air pump  100  via the needle  117  to be deflated until the user releases the input mechanism  113 . In automatic mode, the input mechanism  113  is pressed to decrease the value of the set target pressure. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, pump  100  has a small form factor (e.g., a height of 20 to 30 centimeters and a diameter of 5 to 10 centimeters), and is lightweight (e.g., 170 to 340 grams). The electronic air pump  100  can be rigid (e.g., plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc.) or pliable (e.g., neoprene, etc.). The pump  100  may be configured for use in various elements. For example, the pump electronic air  100  may comprise a water resistant enclosure. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the components of the electronic air pump  100 , according to one embodiment. One or more of the components are included within the electronic air pump  100  (e.g., within the main body casing  110 ). In the embodiment, the electronic air pump  100  includes a microcontroller  310 , an audio output device  315 , LED matrix  320 , solenoid valve  325 , pump motor  330 , pressure sensor  335 , power control  345 , input mechanisms  340 , and a battery  345 . 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the microcontroller  310  is an integrated circuit containing one or more processors and one or more memories. The microcontroller  310  manages functionality for the electronic air pump  100 . As part of the functionality, the microcontroller  310  manages the pump&#39;s pressurization process through operational algorithms stored in memory and by coordinating the activity between components. The processes for pressurization may vary depending on the operational mode (manual, automatic) selected by a user. These operational algorithms will be further described below in conjunction with  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . 
         [0032]    The microcontroller  310  controls the behavior of the various components of the electronic air pump  100  through, for example, general purpose input/output (GPIO) buses or by pulse width modulation (PWM). An audio output device  315  is electronically coupled to the microcontroller  310 . In one embodiment, the audio output device  315  is a speaker. When the electronic air pump  100  is in automatic mode and a target pressure is reached, the audio output device  315  receives a signal from the microcontroller  310 . In response to the signal, the audio output device  315  outputs an audible alarm. 
         [0033]    The LED matrix  320  is connected to the microcontroller  310 , for example, through a GPIO bus. The LED Matrix  320  receives instructions to display pressure measurement data. In other embodiments, other types of visual output devices may be used other than an LED matrix  320 . The solenoid valve  325  is used to deflate an object (e.g., a sports ball). The solenoid valve  325  can be precisely opened and closed by the microcontroller  310 . When it is necessary to deflate an object, the microcontroller  310  provides a signal (e.g., pulse width modulation signal) to the solenoid valve  325  indicating that that the solenoid value  325  be opened. In response to the signal, the solenoid valve  325  is opened. When microcontroller  310  provides a signal indicating that the solenoid valve  325  close, the solenoid valve  325  is closed. 
         [0034]    The pump motor  330  provides airflow into an object being pressurized. When the pump motor  330  is turned on by the microcontroller  310 , the pump motor  330  forces air into the object being pressurized via the needle  117 . 
         [0035]    The pressure sensor  335  measures air pressure inside the electronic air pump  100 . In one embodiment, the pressure sensor  335  takes ten air pressure sample measurements at 0.5 milliseconds intervals then averages them together to generate a usable air pressure measurement that is provided to the microcontroller  310 . 
         [0036]    When the pump motor  330  is turned off, the solenoid valve  325  is closed, and the needle  117  is inserted into an object, the pressure measured by the sensor in the pump will be the same or near the same as that of the object because the pump and the object will have pressure equilibrium, however, when the pump is on and the solenoid valve  325  is closed, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor  335  and the pressure inside the object will be different. Therefore since measured pressure is different, the pressure inside the object is estimated based on the sensor measurement. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, to estimate the air pressure of the object, the microcontroller  310  uses multivariate linear regression. The predicted air pressure allows the microcontroller  310  to regulate air flow so it can accurately set target pressure without user intervention. To estimate the air pressure inside the object, first a pressure difference is calculated with the following linear equation: PD=a 0 +a 1 xP+a 2 xV, where PD=pressure difference, P=Pressure in pump motor  330 , V=Battery Voltage, Ax=Fixed coefficients. The pressure difference between the electronic air pump motor  100  and the object is a function of pressure of air in the electronic air pump, size of needle  117  orifice, air flow rate and temperature. The effect of temperature is relatively small, therefore ignored for the purposes of calculation. The needle  117 orifice is assumed to be constant. Air flow rate is determined by the pump motor  330  and pump flow rate is a function of air pressure and pump motor  330  speed. Motor speed is a function of drive voltage and load. In this case, the load is the pump motor  330 , is a function of air pressure. Motor drive voltage is derived from a voltage of the battery. Once the pressure difference is calculated the estimated pressure of the difference is calculated by adding the pressure difference to the pressure rate measured by the sensor. In another embodiment a table of measurements is used to calculate the pressure difference through interpolation of the measurements. In yet another embodiment, the multivariate linear regression is used to generate a higher-order approximation. 
         [0038]    In instances of deflation, the pump motor  330  is deactivated and the solenoid valve  325  is opened. The measurements taken by the pressure sensor  335  will not reflect the actual air pressure inside the object because of active airflow out from the object. Therefore, to allow for pressure difference stabilization, in one embodiment, the solenoid valve  325  should be closed for a period of time of 0.5 seconds before the pressure sensor  335  measures the air pressure deflation. In another embodiment, the pressure inside the object is estimated during/using the multivariate linear equations is similar to the one described above. 
         [0039]    Input mechanisms  340  refer to the input mechanisms  112 ,  113 , and  114  described above for  FIGS. 1A and 2A . In one embodiment, the input mechanisms are coupled electrically over a GPIO bus to the microcontroller  340 . A power control device  345  connects and regulates electricity flow for the electronic components of the electronic air pump  100 . Electricity flows to the components when a magnetic pair located in the main body casing  110  and protective cap  120  are coupled. In another embodiment, one magnet from the pair is included in the recessed portion  116  and the other is located on cap  120 . The magnets become coupled when the electronic air pump  100  is in the open position. Electricity flows from the battery  345  to the electronic components of the electronic air pump  100 . The battery  345  is composed of a rechargeable lithium-ion material and is accessible through a removable flip cap on the top surface of the electronic air pump  100 . In one embodiment, the battery  345  is connected and charged through a mini-USB connector and in another embodiment through a micro-USB connector. The battery  345  provides power to the microcontroller  300  and the other electronic components of the electronic air pump  100 . Additionally, the voltage level of the battery  345  is measured and used by the microcontroller  310  in pressure difference calculations, as described above. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a process performed the electronic air pump  100  when operating in manual mode, according to one embodiment. Assume for purposes of this example that the electronic air pump  100  is in manual mode and the needle  117  has been inserted into an object for pressurizing. The electronic air pump  100  starts the process by waiting to receive  410  an input control signal from input control mechanisms  112  or  113 . When an input control signal is received, the electronic air pump  100  measures  415  pressure at the pump motor  330 . The electronic air pump  100  displays  420  the pressure on the dead front display  111 . The electronic air pump  100  then determines whether the input control signal is a request  425  to inflate or deflate. 
         [0041]    If the input control signal is an inflation request, the electronic air pump  100  actuates  435  the pump motor  330  forcing air through the needle  117 . While air is flowing through the needle  117 , the electronic air pump  100  again measures  445  the pressure at the pump motor  330  and displays  455  a pressure value on the dead front display. In one embodiment, the value displayed is an estimated pressure value determined based on the measured value and the previously described multivariate linear equation. In another embodiment, the value displayed is solely the value measured at the pump motor  330 . 
         [0042]    The pump  100  determines  465  whether the input control signal is still being received (if the inflate button remains pressed). If the input control signal is still present, the electronic air pump  100  will repeat steps  445 ,  455 , and  465 . If the input control signal is not present (the inflate button is no longer being pressed), the electronic air pump  100  deactivates  470  the pump motor  330 , halting air flow through the needle  117 . The pump  100  takes a final pressure measurement and displays the measure pressure on the dead front display  111 . 
         [0043]    Returning to step  425 , if the input control signal is determined to be a request  425  to deflate, the electronic air pump  100  opens  430  the solenoid valve  325  allowing air to flow out from the object. The electronic air pump  100  then determines  440  if the input control signal is still being received (deflate button is still being pressed). If so, the electronic air pump  100  keeps  430  the solenoid valve  325  open and repeats steps  430  and  440 . If the input control signal is no longer present (deflate button no longer being pressed), the electronic air pump  100  closes  450  the solenoid valve  325 , stopping the deflation of the ball. In one embodiment, the electronic air pump  100  waits  460  500 milliseconds for pressure stabilization before the electronic air pump  100  measures  475  the pressure. The pump  100  displays the measure pressure on the dead front display  111 . In other embodiment, the stabilization period may be a different amount of time. In another embodiment, while the solenoid valve  325  is open, the pump  100  periodically measures the pressure via the pressure sensor  335  and estimates the pressure inside the object. The estimated pressure is displayed on the dead front display  111  while the solenoid valve  325  is open. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a process performed by the electronic air pump  100  when operating in automatic mode, according to one embodiment. Assume for purposes of this example that the electronic air pump  100  is in automatic mode and the needle  117  has been inserted into an object for pressurizing. A target pressure is received  510  by the electronic air pump  100 . The target pressure is set using input mechanisms  112  and  113 . The air pump  110  stores  515  the target pressure in memory. The electronic air pump  100  then measures  520  the air pressure. The electronic air pump  100  displays the measured air pressure on the dead front display  111 . The electronic air pump  100  determines  530  whether measured air pressure is below the target pressure. 
         [0045]    If the measured air pressure is below the target pressure then the object is under inflated (object needs to be inflated) and the electronic air pump  100  actuates  535  the pump motor  330 . While air is flowing through the needle  117 , the electronic air pump  100  measures  545  the air pressure and displays  560  a pressure value on the dead front display  111 . In one embodiment, the value displayed is an estimated pressure value of the object determines based on the measured value and the previously described multivariate linear equation. In another embodiment, the value displayed is the value measured. The electronic air pump  100  determines  565  whether the value displayed is within a threshold of the target pressure. If the displayed value is not within the threshold (object is still underinflated), steps  535 ,  545 ,  560 , and  565  are repeated. 
         [0046]    If the air pressure in the object is initially determined  530  to be above the set target pressure (object over inflated), the electronic air pump  100  opens  540  the solenoid valve  325  for a predetermined time period, allowing the object to deflate. When the time period expires, the electronic air pump  100  closes  550  the solenoid valve  325 . The electronic air pump  100  measures  555  the pressure and displays  560  the measured pressure on the dead front display  111 . In one embodiment, after closing the valve  550 , the pump  100  waits a set period of time (e.g., 0.5 millisecond) for pressure stabilization prior to measuring the pressure. The electronic air pump  100  determines  565  whether the value displayed is within a threshold of the target pressure. If the displayed value is not within the threshold, steps  540 ,  550 , and  555  are repeated. On the other hand, if the pressure value displayed is within the threshold target pressure  565 , the electronic air pump  100  outputs  570  an audio signal. 
       Additional Configuration Considerations 
       [0047]    Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein. 
         [0048]    Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms, for example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2C, 3, 4 , and  5 . Modules may constitute either software modules (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium or in a transmission signal) or hardware modules. A hardware module is tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computer system) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein. 
         [0049]    In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations. 
         [0050]    The various operations of example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors, e.g., processor  102 , that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in some example embodiments, comprise processor-implemented modules. 
         [0051]    The one or more processors may also operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples of machines including processors), these operations being accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., application program interfaces (APIs).) 
         [0052]    The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed across a number of geographic locations. 
         [0053]    Some portions of this specification are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits or binary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g., a computer memory). These algorithms or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an “algorithm” is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operations involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine. It is convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals using words such as “data,” “content,” “bits,” “values,” “elements,” “symbols,” “characters,” “terms,” “numbers,” “numerals,” or the like. These words, however, are merely convenient labels and are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities. 
         [0054]    Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information. 
         [0055]    As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0056]    Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context. 
         [0057]    As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
         [0058]    In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
         [0059]    Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a system and a process for an electronic air pump through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.