Patent Publication Number: US-2020279545-A1

Title: Battery powered devices with electrically isolated outputs

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/144,291, filed Sep. 27, 2018, entitled “Power Plate Pedal Board Disclosure for Musical Instrument Electronics,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/565,614, filed Sep. 29, 2017, entitled “Power Plate Pedal Board Disclosure for Musical Instrument Electronics,” each disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The field relates generally to battery powered devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     To meet a growing demand for “clean” power, manufacturers of high power isolated DC power supplies have begun to emerge. These DC power supplies were designed to provide multiple isolated DC power outputs but only required access to one AC outlet. Despite a number of advances and developments in AC/DC power supplies, battery power still remains the desired source of power for pedals and other devices. With battery power, pedals in the signal chain, for example, are not connected to an AC source and are not connected to each other, so every pedal in the signal chain is isolated and substantially clean. Unfortunately, when a battery is depleted, the pedal stops working (often, without notice) and, in some instances, one depleted pedal may render the signal chain substantially useless. When using batteries, musicians often mitigate the risk by replacing batteries significantly before the old battery depletes or decays. 
     A need remains for improved battery devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a battery device comprises at least one battery; and control electronics configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, wherein the plurality of outputs comprise at least one output that is electrically isolated from at least one other output of the plurality of outputs that each provide power to one or more of a plurality of loads. 
     In some embodiments, a battery device comprises at least one battery; and control electronics configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, wherein the plurality of outputs comprise at least one output that is electrically isolated from at least one other output of the plurality of outputs that each provide power to one or more of a plurality of loads; and a housing assembly comprising at least two surfaces, wherein the at least two surfaces have a space therebetween configured to house the control electronics and the at least one battery. 
     In another embodiment, a battery device comprises at least one battery; and control electronics configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, wherein the plurality of outputs comprise at least one output that is electrically isolated from at least one other output of the plurality of outputs that each provide power to one or more of a plurality of loads; and a housing assembly comprising a tubular structure configured to house the control electronics and the at least one battery. 
     Other illustrative embodiments include, without limitation, apparatus, systems, and methods. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary pedal board structure, according to one embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a pedal board structure, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the control printed circuit board of  FIG. 2  providing multiple isolated power outputs from a single battery source, in further detail, according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an alternate implementation of the control printed circuit board of  FIG. 2  providing multiple isolated power outputs and non-isolated power outputs from a single battery source, in further detail, according to a further embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5 through 8  illustrate exemplary alternate implementations of the pedal board structure of  FIG. 1 , according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary implementation of a battery management process, according to one embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary implementation of a battery depletion monitoring process, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  is a system diagram of an exemplary computer system on which at least one embodiment of the invention can be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein with reference to exemplary communication, storage and processing devices. It is to be appreciated, however, that the disclosure is not restricted to use with the particular illustrative configurations shown. One or more embodiments of the disclosure provide a power plate pedal board for musical instrument electronics. 
     In one or more embodiments, a battery powered pedal board is provided that comprises a plate assembly that mounts a plurality of musical effects pedals and supports a load applied to the plate assembly by one or more musicians; at least one battery; and control electronics that provide a plurality of outputs from one battery. The outputs are electrically isolated from each other and provide power to the plurality of musical effects pedals. While the pedal boards described herein are primarily illustrated for use with guitar electronics, the disclosed pedal boards can be used with electronics for any musical instrument, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     One or more aspects of the present disclosure recognize that the ability to make rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in thin large surface area geometries allows for the creation of a thin composite plate structure to house the batteries and to serve as the pedal board. In some embodiments, a hollow, rigid plate structure is created utilizing spaced plate technology to support the mechanical loads applied by musicians during use of the pedal board. The hollow space inside the pedal board structure is optionally used to house the lithium-ion battery and the control electronics. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a pedal board structure  100  according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the disclosed pedal board structure  100  allows for the creation of a thin, lightweight, small footprint design that is desirable, particularly in portable and space constrained applications. This structure further benefits the user as it eliminates the need for an underside-mounted external power supply, which means that the pedal board structure  100  does not need to be raised up and can thus be made flat which is often a preferred orientation for users. 
     The exemplary pedal board structure  100  comprises a plate assembly  110  that mounts a plurality of musical effects pedals  120 - 1  through  120 -N. 
     Alternative constructions of the exemplary pedal board structure  100  are discussed further below in conjunction with  FIGS. 5 through 8 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a pedal board structure  200  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mechanical assembly of the disclosed exemplary pedal board structure comprises a Top Plate  210 , a Bottom Plate  220 , a plurality of plate attachment posts  230 , a plurality of spacers  240 - 1  through  240 -M, and a plurality of screws  250 . Attaching the plates in this exemplary way rigidly connects the top and bottom plates  210 ,  220 , so that when subjected to bending loads, the upper and lower surfaces cannot bend independently of the other. The exemplary assembly method shown in  FIG. 2  substantially increases the stiffness of the composite assembly of the pedal board structure  200  over that of the individual plates  210 ,  220 . When constructed in this manner, the composite assembly stiffness of the pedal board structure  200  can approach the stiffness of a solid plate with a thickness equal to the thickness of the total plate assembly of the pedal board structure  200  (e.g., 2 inches or less). An assembly built in this way can be designed to withstand the loads applied in a pedal board environment as used by a musician. 
     Additional benefits of this exemplary construction shown in  FIG. 2  are a lightweight design and a hollow core. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the hollow core allows for the placement of thin Lithium-ion batteries  260 , in the space between the plates  210 ,  220 . Flat lithium-ion batteries  260  can optionally be made in custom sizes, so creating batteries to work within the mechanical requirements of the attachment post locations can be accomplished. This space can also optionally be used to house the control printed circuit board (PCB)  270  comprising control electronics, as discussed further below in conjunction with  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The lightweight construction of the exemplary pedal board structure  200  of  FIG. 2 , in one or more embodiments, aids in the portability of the design. 
     While the embodiment of  FIG. 2  shows the plates  210 ,  220  in a substantially parallel configuration, the plates  210 ,  220  can have a relative angle between them, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the plates  210 ,  220  are at an angle of not more than 45 degrees relative to each other. 
     In one or more embodiments, the disclosed control electronics in the PCB  270  includes circuitry to support multiple isolated and/or non-isolated power outputs from a single DC power source. Additionally, in some embodiments, by providing multiple isolated power outputs from a single battery source, the array of pedals on the board can share all available battery capacity. In this way, no single pedal would cause the entire board signal chain setup to stop working. All pedals would stop working at substantially the same time, when the battery is depleted. In this manner, the worry of any single pedal losing power during usage and potentially rendering the entire pedal board signal chain useless is substantially eliminated. 
     Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the disclosed battery management circuitry provides data about current draw from each output, battery charge status, and importantly, how much time is left in the battery under the current load from all pedals being powered. Knowing how much time remains in the battery is an important concern when using battery power. Additional features of the electronics optionally include, for example, switchable output voltages to accommodate the power requirements of commonly available effects pedals. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram  300  of the control PCB  270  of  FIG. 2  providing multiple isolated power outputs from a single battery source, in further detail, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one or more embodiments, a single DC battery source  310  is applied to a DC to AC conversion circuit  320 . The battery DC voltage is converted by the conversion circuit  320  into a high frequency AC waveform that is fed into a plurality of isolation transformers (only one is shown in  FIG. 3  for an exemplary channel  325 - 1 ), designed to handle the frequency and amplitude of the applied AC signal. The transformer  330  magnetically transfers the input power from the primary side of the transformer  330  to the secondary side of the transformer  330 . Since there is no electrical connection between the two sides of the transformer  330 , the output of the transformer  330  is electrically isolated from the input of the transformer  330 . An additional function of the transformer can be to optionally boost the battery voltage to the required output voltage, for example, by adjusting the transformer turns ratio. The transformer output is applied to regulator circuitry  332  to provide the required regulated output voltages. A switch  334  can optionally be incorporated to allow the user to select the output voltage for their particular application. The final block in the exemplary signal chain of the channel  325 - 1  is a current monitor  336 . The current monitor  336  monitors the current draw of each individual isolated DC output  338 - i . The current draw is optionally presented to the user to aid in pedal board setup and to ensure that maximum power draw limits are not exceeded. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the functions and circuitry inside the dotted line associated with channel  325 - 1  can be duplicated one or more times to achieve additional channels  325 - 2  through  325 - n , based on the number of isolated outputs required for the application. Power and output voltage for each channel  325 - i  can be optionally adjusted, as required by the application. 
     One benefit of the implementation shown in  FIG. 3  is that each isolated circuit  325  block draws power from the same battery source  310 . It is noted that a single battery source can be implemented comprised of multiple cells in parallel or in series, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. With one battery source  310  supporting multiple isolated power outputs  338 , all of the outputs  338  share all of the available power. This, in turn, means that the accessories drawing power from any of the isolated outputs of the channels  325  will have the same time remaining for use. Knowledge of the remaining battery time allows for accurate fuel gauging and reporting of the remaining battery power. This benefit is useful in a pedal board environment, as all pedals in the signal chain will stop working at the same time and no single pedal will disrupt the signal chain due to power loss. 
     Other circuit functions shown in  FIG. 3  include charge control circuitry  340  with a micro Universal Serial Bus (USB) input charge jack  345  for charging the battery  310  and an optional courtesy USB output charge jack  350  for charging USB powered devices. A State of Charge (SOC) controller  360  keeps track of power used by the isolated outputs of each channel  325  and the power replaced by the charge control circuit  340 , as discussed further below. 
     In one or more embodiments, the exemplary battery charge control circuit  340  is responsible for the following two exemplary functions: 
     1. to charge the battery  310  when an appropriate power source is connected to the charge jack  345 , such as a Micro USB charge jack; and 
     2. to supply power to the pedal board  200  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The second function is of significant benefit to the user, as it is optionally capable of powering the pedal board load while charging the battery  310  with any excess available power. This feature provides the user with a backup power source, when the charge level of the battery  310  is too low to complete the current session. The user does not need to wait for the battery  310  to recharge before continuing use. Among other benefits, the battery charge control circuit  340  supplies power to the pedal board  200  while maintaining isolation of the various channels  325  (since there is no electrical connection between the two sides of the transformer  330 , the output of the transformer  330  is electrically isolated from the input of the transformer  330 , where the battery charge control circuit  340  is connected). 
     The SOC controller  360  is responsible for substantially continuously monitoring the charge level of the battery  310 . With the battery charge level known, a Micro Controller Unit (MCU)  370  can calculate the power available to deliver to the load (e.g., in Watt-hour). The SOC controller  360  keeps track of how much power is removed from the battery  310  and how much power is replaced by the charge control circuit  340 . This information, in conjunction with the known maximum capacity of the battery  310 , allows the amount of power (e.g., in Watt-hours) remaining in the battery  310  to be calculated at any given time. As noted above, each output circuit includes a current monitor  336  that continually measures the load current of each isolated DC output  338 - i . The output current measurement provided by the current monitor  336 , in conjunction with the output voltage selected by switch  334 , allows the MCU  370  to calculate the output power being drawn by each output. The MCU  370  sums the total power being drawn by all outputs and compares this value to the available power remaining of the battery  310 . This comparison allows the calculation of the estimated time remaining for use at that particular power draw. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the exemplary MCU  370  receives a number of feedback signals  375  from other components of the control PCB  300  of  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the MCU  370  receives the following exemplary feedback signals  375 : a charge feedback signal from the charge control circuitry  340 , an SOC feedback signal from the SOC  360 , a USB feedback signal from the switching regulator and a current sense feedback signal from the current monitor  336  of each channel  325 . The MCU  370  additionally optionally monitors all of the circuit functionality and feedback signals  375  and reports the status to the user on a digital display  372 , as optionally directed by user inputs, for example, on a keypad  374 . 
     Further refinements to the PCB control electronics  270  of the pedal board structure  200  can be made so that commonly used musical effects (such as tuners, delay, and equalizers) are included. In this manner, the user does not need to allocate space on the top surface of the pedal board structure  200  for these functions. This reduces the size and weight of the complete pedal board or it allows for more room for other signal chain devices. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram  400  of an alternate implementation of the control PCB  270  of  FIG. 2  providing multiple isolated power outputs and non-isolated power outputs from a single battery source, in further detail, according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. The like-numbered elements in  FIG. 4  operate in substantially the same manner as the corresponding elements described above in conjunction with  FIG. 3 . 
     In addition, the DC output of battery  310  is directly applied to an exemplary non-isolated channel  425 - 1  (only one is shown in  FIG. 4 ). As shown in  FIG. 4 , the exemplary non-isolated channel  425 - 1  comprises regulator circuitry  432  to provide the required regulated output voltages. A switch  434  can optionally be incorporated to allow the user to select the output voltage for their particular application. The final block in the exemplary signal chain of the exemplary channel  425 - 1  is a current monitor  436 . The current monitor  436  monitors the current draw of each individual isolated DC output  438 - i . The current draw is optionally presented to the user to aid in pedal board setup and to ensure that maximum power draw limits are not exceeded. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the functions and circuitry inside the dotted line associated with non-isolated channel  425 - 1  can be duplicated one or more times to achieve additional channels  425 - 2  through  425 - j , based on the number of non-isolated outputs required for the application. Power and output voltage for each channel  425 - i  can be optionally adjusted, as required by the application. 
     Further variations of the control PCB  270  of  FIG. 2  can provide multiple non-isolated power outputs  425  from a single battery source  310 , without any isolated power outputs  325 , as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     As noted above, alternate implementations of the exemplary pedal board structure  100  of  FIG. 1  are discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 5 through 8 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an alternate pedal board structure  500  according to at least one tubular embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the disclosed pedal board structure  500  allows for the creation of a thin, lightweight, small footprint design where a battery  540  and control electronics  510  slide into a tube structure  520  attached to a pedal board  530 . This structure also benefits the user, in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as it eliminates the need for an underside-mounted external power supply, which means that the pedal board structure  500  does not need to be raised up and can thus be made flat which is often a preferred orientation for users. 
     The exemplary pedal board  530  of the pedal board structure  500  is configured to mount a plurality of musical effects pedals (not shown in  FIG. 5 ), in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a further alternate pedal board structure  600  according to a tubular embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the disclosed pedal board structure  600  allows for the creation of a thin, lightweight, small footprint design where a battery  630  and control electronics  610  slide into a single piece tube structure  620  (comprising a tube structure  624  and pedal board  628  in one integrated structure). This structure also benefits the user, in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as it eliminates the need for an underside-mounted external power supply, which means that the pedal board structure  600  does not need to be raised up and can thus be made flat which is often a preferred orientation for users. 
     The exemplary pedal board  628  of the pedal board structure  600  is configured to mount a plurality of musical effects pedals (not shown in  FIG. 6 ), in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates yet another alternate pedal board structure  700  according to a tubular embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the disclosed pedal board structure  700  allows for the creation of a thin, lightweight, small footprint design where a battery  740  and control electronics  710  are installed from the bottom (in the example of  FIG. 7 ) into a tube structure comprised of a top plate  720  and a bottom plate  730  (where the top plate  720  and the pedal board  725  are in one integrated structure). This structure also benefits the user, in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as it eliminates the need for an underside-mounted external power supply, which means that the pedal board structure  700  does not need to be raised up and can thus be made flat which is often a preferred orientation for users. 
     The exemplary pedal board  725  of the pedal board structure  700  is configured to mount a plurality of musical effects pedals (not shown in  FIG. 7 ), in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a further alternate pedal board structure  800  according to a tubular embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the disclosed pedal board structure  800  allows for the creation of a thin, lightweight, small footprint design where a battery  830  and control electronics  810  slide into a tube of a single tube type structure  820  (comprising four tube structures arranged in a square to form a pedal board  825 ). This structure also benefits the user, in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as it eliminates the need for an underside-mounted external power supply, which means that the pedal board structure  800  does not need to be raised up and can thus be made flat which is often a preferred orientation for users. 
     The exemplary pedal board  825  of the pedal board structure  800  is configured to mount a plurality of musical effects pedals (not shown in  FIG. 8 ), in a similar manner as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary implementation of a battery management process  900 , according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a test is initially performed during step  910  to determine if an appropriate power source is connected to the charge jack  345 . 
     If it is determined during step  910  that an appropriate power source is not connected to the charge jack  345 , then the exemplary battery management process  900  continues to monitor the charge jack  345  until a power source is detected. 
     If, however, it is determined during step  910  that an appropriate power source is connected to the charge jack  345 , then the exemplary battery management process  900  charges the battery  310  and supplies power to the pedal board  300  during step  920 . 
     Thereafter, the exemplary battery management process  900  monitors (i) the amount of power removed from the battery  310 , as discussed further below in conjunction with  FIG. 10 , and (ii) the amount of power replaced by the charge control circuit  340 , during step  930 . 
     Using the information obtained during step  930  and the known maximum capacity of the battery  310 , the battery management process  900  estimates the amount of power available to deliver to the load (e.g., in Watt-hours) and/or the amount of time (for the particular power draw) remaining in battery  310  during step  940 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary implementation of a battery depletion monitoring process  1000 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As noted above, the exemplary battery depletion monitoring process  1000  is executed during step  930  by the battery management process  900  to monitor the amount of power removed from the battery  310 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the exemplary battery depletion monitoring process  1000  initially obtains the load current of each isolated DC output  338 - i  from the current monitor  336  during step  1010 . As noted above, each output circuit includes a current monitor  336  that continually measures the load current of each isolated DC output  338 - i.    
     Thereafter, using the load current of each isolated DC output  338 - i  and the selected voltage (e.g., via switch  334 ), the exemplary battery depletion monitoring process  1000  calculates the output power drawn by each output  338 - i  during step  1020 . 
     The exemplary battery depletion monitoring process  1000  then sums the total power drawn by all of the outputs  338  during step  1030 , as an estimate of the power removed from the battery  310 . 
     Finally, the time remaining on the battery charge is estimated during step  1040  based on the power being drawn (from the previous step) and the battery SOC  360 . 
     CONCLUSION 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to illustrations and/or block diagrams of structures and apparatus (systems) according to embodiments of the invention. It is to be appreciated that each block of the block diagrams, for example, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     As further described herein, such computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. Accordingly, as further detailed below, at least one embodiment of the invention includes an article of manufacture tangibly embodying computer readable instructions which, when implemented, cause a computer to carry out techniques described herein. An article of manufacture, a computer program product or a computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals, such as electromagnetic waves. 
     The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     An aspect of the invention or elements thereof can be implemented in the form of an apparatus including a memory and at least one processor that is coupled to the memory and operative to perform the techniques detailed herein. Also, as described herein, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in a computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied thereon. 
     By way of example, an aspect of the present invention can make use of software running on a general purpose computer.  FIG. 11  is a system diagram of an exemplary computer system on which at least one embodiment of the invention can be implemented. As depicted in  FIG. 11 , an example implementation employs, for example, a processor  1102 , a memory  1104 , and an input/output interface formed, for example, by a display  1106  and a keyboard  1108 . The term “processor” as used herein includes any processing device(s), such as, for example, one that includes a central processing unit (CPU) and/or other forms of processing circuitry. The term “memory” includes memory associated with a processor or CPU, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a fixed memory device (for example, a hard drive), a removable memory device (for example, a diskette), a flash memory, etc. Further, the phrase “input/output interface,” as used herein, includes a mechanism for inputting data to the processing unit (for example, a mouse) and a mechanism for providing results associated with the processing unit (for example, a printer). 
     The processor  1102 , memory  1104 , and input/output interface such as display  1106  and keyboard  1108  can be interconnected, for example, via bus  1110  as part of a data processing unit  1112 . Suitable interconnections via bus  1110 , can also be provided to a network interface  1114  (such as a network card), which can be provided to interface with a computer network, and to a media interface  1116  (such as a diskette or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive), which can be provided to interface with media  1118 . 
     Accordingly, computer software including instructions or code for carrying out the techniques detailed herein can be stored in associated memory devices (for example, ROM, fixed or removable memory) and, when ready to be utilized, loaded in part or in whole (for example, into RAM) and implemented by a CPU. Such software can include firmware, resident software, microcode, etc. 
     As noted above, a data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing program code includes at least one processor  1102  coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements  1104  through a system bus  1110 . The memory elements can include local memory employed during actual implementation of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during implementation. Also, input/output (I/O) devices such as keyboards  1108 , displays  1106 , and pointing devices, can be coupled to the system either directly (such as via bus  1110 ) or through intervening I/O controllers. 
     Network adapters such as network interface  1114  (for example, a modem, a cable modem or an Ethernet card) can also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. 
     In light of the above descriptions, it should be understood that the components illustrated herein can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, or combinations thereof, for example, application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASICS), functional circuitry, an appropriately programmed general purpose digital computer with associated memory, etc. 
     Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of another feature, integer, step, operation, element, component, and/or group thereof. Additionally, the corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. 
     Also, it should again be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration only. Many variations and other alternative embodiments may be used. For example, the techniques are applicable to a wide variety of other types of musical pedals that can benefit from improved pedal boards described herein. Accordingly, the particular illustrative configurations of system and structural elements detailed herein can be varied in other embodiments. These and numerous other alternative embodiments within the scope of the appended claims will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.