Patent Publication Number: US-2017366032-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for communicating data and power with electronic devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 USC section 120 as a Continuation of application Ser. No. 13/348,592, Attorney Docket TN009US1, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR POWERING MOBILE DEVICES”, and filed on Jan. 11, 2012, which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 12/572,276, Attorney Docket TN001US1, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR POWERING MOBILE DEVICES”, and filed on Oct. 2, 2009 and claims priority under 35 USC section 119 to application Ser. No. 61/453,114, Attorney Docket TN009US, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POWER TO AND COMMUNICATING DATA WITH ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, and filed on Mar. 15, 2011, Application Ser. No. 61/158,735, Attorney Docket TN001US, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWERING A MOBILE DEVICE”, and filed on Mar. 9, 2009, and application Ser. No. 61/180,836, Attorney Docket TN003US, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWERING A MOBILE DEVICES”, and filed on May 22, 2009, each application is considered as being part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The present application is also related to PCT Application PCT/US10/26573, Attorney Docket TN001PCT, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWERING ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, and filed on Mar. 8, 2010, this application is considered as being part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various embodiments described herein relate to apparatus for communicating electrical power or data with electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     It may be desirable to be able to communicate power and data with one or more electronic devices using a single device coupled or uncoupled to an independent or external power source. The present invention provides devices for same. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a simplified diagram of an electronic device power and data communication architecture with two power and data communication elements decoupled according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  is a simplified diagram of an electronic device power and data communication architecture with two power and data communication elements coupled according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1C  is a front view of a simplified diagram of an electronic device power and data communication architecture according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1D  is a back view of a simplified diagram of electronic device power and data communication architecture according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1E  is another back view of a simplified diagram of an electronic device power and data communication architecture and external power source cavity according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1F-1I  are simplified diagrams of electronic device power and data communication architecture external power source mechanical interfaces according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2C  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 2D  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 4A  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 4B  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 5A  is a block diagram of an architecture including a first electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 5B  is a block diagram of an architecture including a second electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-6E  are flow diagrams illustrating several methods according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an architecture including a first and a second electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an architecture including an electronic device power and data communication element according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front view of a simplified diagram of an electronic device power and data communication apparatus according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front view of a simplified diagram of another electronic device power and data communication apparatus according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a communication architecture comprising electronic devices, an EDPDC apparatus, and base station according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C  are isometric diagrams of architecture including electronic device power and data communication apparatus according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 11D  is an exposed diagram of architecture including electronic device power and data communication apparatus according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 11E  is a partial diagram of an electrical connector of an electronic device power and data communication apparatus according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  are diagrams of an electrical power connector assembly and components of the apparatus according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  are diagrams of another electrical power connector assembly of an electronic device power and data communication apparatus according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial diagram of an electrical connector of an electronic device power and data communication apparatus according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  are flow diagrams illustrating several methods according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are simplified diagrams of electronic device power and data communication architecture  500 A according to various embodiments. The architecture  500 A includes two, separable electronic device power and data communication (EDPDC) apparatus  520 A,  520 B where the second EDPDC apparatus  520 B may be couplable with the first EDPDC apparatus  520 A. In an embodiment the second EDPDC apparatus  520 B may be recessed in at least a portion  550  of the first EDPDC apparatus  520 A as shown in  FIG. 1B . In an embodiment the first EDPDC apparatus  520 A may include a first external or independent power input coupling  530 A and a second external power input mechanical coupling  42 A, an electronic device power and data interface (“EDPDI”)  540 A, a second EDPDC apparatus power output interface  550 , a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68  (shown in  FIG. 2A  and others), an internal transceiver/modem module (TMM)  67 A, an internal antenna  67 B, and a plurality of user perceptible signal generation devices  58 A. 
       FIG. 1F-1I  are simplified diagrams of EDPDC architecture external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B according to various embodiments. Each external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B may be removably couplable to an external power source cavity ( 42 B in  FIG. 1E ). The cavity  42 B may have a plurality of electrical contacts  42 C- 42 F that may couple various electrical contacts  43 C- 43 F of the external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B. In an embodiment, the external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B may be configured to couple to an external alternating current (AC) power source where power characteristics of the external AC power source may vary geographically as well known to one of skill in the art, e.g., the operating voltage may be about 100, 110, and 220 volts. In order to prevent potential damage to AC powered devices, different external AC power sources may require different mechanical interfaces ( 44 A,  44 B). 
     In an embodiment the external power source mechanical interface  43 A may have electrical contacts  43 E,  43 F that engage contacts  42 E,  42 F when the interface  43 A is inserted into the cavity  42 B. Similarly, the external power source mechanical interface  43 B may have electrical contacts  43 C,  43 D that engage contacts  42 C,  42 D when the interface  43 B is inserted into the cavity  42 B. Contacts  42 E,  42 F may be configured to receive external AC power having one of a voltage about 100 or 110 volts and about 220 volts. Similarly, Contacts  42 C,  42 D may be configured to receive external AC power having one of a voltage about 220 volts and about 100 or 110 volts. In an embodiment an external power source mechanical interface  43 A,  43 B may be rotatably inserted into the cavity  42 B. Further, the external power source mechanical interface  43 A,  43 B prongs  44 A,  44 B may be foldable within the interface  43 A,  43 B. 
     In an embodiment, the interface  43 A prongs  44 A may be straight blades that are designed to couple to an external AC power source having about a 100 or 110 voltage and the contacts  42 E,  42 F may be configured to be coupled to an AC power source having about a 100 or 110 voltage. The interface  43 B prongs  44 B may be cylindrical and designed to be coupled to an external AC power source having about a 220 voltage and the contacts  42 C,  42 D may be configured to be coupled to an AC power source having about a 220 voltage. 
     The second EDPDC apparatus or module  520 B may include a power input coupling  530 B, an EDPDI (EDPI)  540 B, and a plurality of user perceptible signal generation devices  58 B. In an embodiment the first EDPDC apparatus  520 A via interface  550  may provide one of AC or direct current (DC) power to the second EDPDC apparatus  520 B via the power input coupling  530 B. In the first and the second EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B, the user perceptible signal generation devices  58 B may provide an indication of the device&#39;s operation including whether the device is coupled to an external power source, an internal power storage unit level ( 56 A,  56 B,  FIGS. 2A, 2B ), charging status of an internal power storage unit, discharge state of an internal power storage unit, data communication between the EDPDC apparatus  520 A or  520 B and another device  30 , and the EDPDC apparatus receiving power from another device  30  (see  FIG. 2A ). 
     The EDPDC architecture  500 A may include a data memory storage interface (“DMSI”) module  66  that may interface with one or more memory devices including a compact flash card, secure digital (SD), mini SD, microSD, SD high capacity (SDHC), mini SDHC, microSDHC, SD extended capacity, and memory stick. The DMSI  66  may conform to the SD input-output (SDIO) standard to enable a data memory card and other devices to communicate electronic data with via the electronic device power and data interface (EDPDI)  540 A. The other devices may include a Bluetooth interface and broadband data interface. The EDPDC architecture  500 A may also include internal, non-volatile and volatile electronic data internal memory modules (“IDM”)  68  where the electronic data may be communicated via the EDPDI  540 A. 
     The EDPDC architecture  500 A may also include a transceiver and modulator/demodulator module (TMM)  67 A ( FIG. 2A ) coupled to an internal antenna  67 B ( FIG. 2A ). The TMM  67 A may be any device capable or communicating data in one or more data communication formats including wireless and wired formats. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the TMM  67 A may be included in an EDPDC apparatus  520 A. The EDPDC apparatus  520 A may be part of a wireless architecture  902  that may include one or more wireless or wired devices  30 A to  30 D and a wireless data or voice provider base station  904 . In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  520 A may include a TMM  67 A and antenna  67 B coupled to the TMM  67 A. The TMM  67 A may include a transceiver and modem that may communicate digital data or voice signals with one or more electronic devices ( 30 A to  30 D) and the digital data and voice signal base station  902 . The base station  904  may be part of a larger network that may communicate with other base stations, electronics devices  30 , EDPDC apparatus  520 A  500 A,  500 B,  500 B,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A,  900 B,  900 C, computers, and networks of networks (commonly termed the “Internet”). In an embodiment the base station  904  may communicate data with the EDPDC apparatus  520 A TMM  67 A using one or more known digital communication formats including a cellular protocol such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), cellular digital packet data (CDPD), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), satellite format (COMSAT) format, and local protocol such as wireless local area network (commonly called “WiFi”) and Bluetooth. 
     In an embodiment, the EDPDC apparatus  520 A TMM  67 A may communicate digital signals with the base station  904  using a first digital communication protocol and the electronic devices  30 A to  30 D using a second, different communication protocol. For example, the EDPDC apparatus  520 A TMM  67 A may communicate with the base station  904  using a cellular protocol such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) or COMSAT protocol and communicate with the electronic devices  30 A to  30 D using a local protocol including WiFi and Bluetooth. 
     As known to one skilled on the art the Bluetooth protocol includes several versions including v1.0, v1.0B, v1.1, v1.2, v2.0+EDR, v2.1+EDR, v3.0+HS, and v4.0. The Bluetooth protocol is an efficient packet-based protocol that may employ frequency-hopping spread spectrum radio communication signals with up to 79 bands, each band 1 MHz in width, the respective 79 bands operating in the frequency range 2402-2480 MHz. Non-EDR (extended data rate) Bluetooth protocols may employ a Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK) modulation. EDR Bluetooth may employ a differential quadrature phase-shift keying (DQPSK) modulation. 
     The WiFi protocol may conform to an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol. The IEEE 802.11 protocols may employ a single-carrier direct-sequence spread spectrum radio technology and a multi-carrier orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) protocol. In an embodiment, one or more electronic devices  30 A to  30 D may communicate with the EDPDC apparatus  520 A TMM  67 A via a WiFi protocol. 
     The cellular formats CDMA, TDMA, GSM, CDPD, and WiMax are well known to one skilled in the art. It is noted that the WiMax protocol may be used for local communication between the one or more electronic devices  30 A to  30 D and the EDPDC apparatus  520 A TMIVI  67 A. The WiMax protocol is part of an evolving family of standards being developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) to define parameters of a point-to-multipoint wireless, packet-switched communications systems. In particular, the 802.16 family of standards (e.g., the IEEE std. 802.16-2004 (published Sep. 18, 2004)) may provide for fixed, portable, and/or mobile broadband wireless access networks. Additional information regarding the IEEE 802.16 standard may be found in IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Part 16: Air Interface for Fixed Broadband Wireless Access Systems (published Oct. 1, 2004). See also IEEE 802.16E-2005, IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Part 16: Air Interface for Fixed and Mobile Broadband Wireless Access Systems—Amendment for Physical and Medium Access Control Layers for Combined Fixed and Mobile Operation in Licensed Bands (published Feb. 28, 2006). Further, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) Forum facilitates the deployment of broadband wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.16 standards. For convenience, the terms “802.16” and “WiMAX” may be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure to refer to the IEEE 802.16 suite of air interface standards. 
     In an embodiment, one or more electronic devices  30 A to  30 D may be coupled the the EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A,  900 B,  900 C TMIVI  67 A via a physical connection such as  540 A,  540 B shown in  FIG. 1A . The TMM  67 A may employ one or more wired digital data communication protocols to communicate with an electronic device  30 A to  30 D in such an embodiment including the Ethernet protocol or Internet protocol (IP), IEEE 802.3. Using wired or wireless communication, an EDPDC apparatus  520 A may enable an electronic device  30 A to  30 D to communicate digital with the Internet and corresponding act as a “mobile hotspot” or mobile broadband device. In an embodiment the antenna  67 B may be circular antenna with multiple, selectable connections to elect the wavelength/frequency of signals to be communicated with an electronic device  30 A to  30 D and base station  920 . 
       FIG. 1C  is a front view of a simplified diagram of another EDPDC architecture  500 B according to various embodiments and  FIG. 1D  is a back view of the simplified diagram of the EDPDC architecture  500 B according to various embodiments. The architecture  500 B may include a first external or independent power input coupling  530 B and a second external power input mechanical coupling  42 A, an EDPDI  540 B, a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68  (shown in  FIG. 2A  and others), TMM  67 A, an antenna  67 B, and a plurality of user perceptible signal generation devices  58 B.  FIG. 1E  is a back view of a simplified diagram of the EDPDC architecture  500 B external power source cavity  42 B according to various embodiments where the EDPDC architecture external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B may be removably couplable to the external power source cavity  42 B. 
     The cavity  42 B may have a plurality of electrical contacts  42 C- 42 F that may couple various electrical contacts  43 C- 43 F of the external power source mechanical interfaces  43 A,  43 B. The user perceptible signal generation devices  58 B may provide an indication of the architecture&#39;s  500 B operation including whether the device is coupled to an external power source, an internal power storage unit level ( 56 B,  FIG. 2B ), charging status of an internal power storage unit, discharge state of an internal power storage unit, and power received from an EDPDI  540 B. 
       FIG. 2A  is a block diagram of an EDPDC architecture  10 A according to various embodiments. The EDPDC architecture  10 A may include an external power source  20 A, an EDPDC apparatus  520 A, and an electronic device  30  that may be DC powered. The electronic device  30  may be powered by an interface  32 , including a USB interface  32  ( FIG. 1C, 1D ) or a device specific power interface ( 132  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). An electronic device  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  may be coupled to a EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C via cable(s)  64 ,  164 ,  64 A,  64 B coupling the electronic device  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B to a EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C interface  152 A,  152 B,  252 A,  252 B,  352 A,  540 A,  540 B,  552 A,  552 B. The EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C may provide electrical energy to one or more electrically powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B where the electrical energy may DC electrical energy. It is noted that a one or more electrically powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D may provide power to an EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B. 
     In an embodiment a powered device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D may include a rechargeable electrical storage element  36 . The EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C may communicate (provide or receive) electrical energy to one or more electrically powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B that is sufficient to a) power devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D, b) charge an electrical storage element  36  of devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D, and c) simultaneously power devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and charge an electrical storage element  36  of devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D, and power and/or charge an EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C or its electrical energy storage element  56 A (receiving power from devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D). The electrical signal may have a DC or AC format in an embodiment. 
     The electrical storage element  36  may be a re-chargeable battery, capacitor, or other device capable of temporarily storing electrical energy. The electronic devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D may include an antenna  37  to wirelessly communicate signals with an EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A,  900 B,  900 C another electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D, or base station  920 . In an embodiment electrical energy may be communicated between an EDPDC apparatus  520 A and electronic device  30  via magnetic energy (no direct wiring) such as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  520 A of  FIG. 2A  may include an external electrical power coupling  42 A, transformer/inverter  44 A, switch controller module  46 A, charging module  48 A, universal serial bus (USB) interface  540 A, multiple position switch  54 A, electrical storage element  56 A, second EDPDC apparatus interface  550 , a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , a TMM  67 A, an antenna  67 B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A. The interface  540 A may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power including a USB interface  540 A. The interface  540 A may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  520 A and the electronic device  30  including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . The EDPDC apparatus  520 A may be part of the architecture  500 A and  500 B where the second EDPDC apparatus interface  550  may be optionally excluded in the architecture  500 B. The external power source  20 A may supply AC or DC power. 
     In an embodiment, the external power source  20 A may be an AC power source. The external power source  20 A may be part of an electrical distribution network, independent electrical source, or localized electrical source including a battery  36 , generator, or solar generation module. The AC coupling  42 A may include multiple electrical contacts that enable an EDPDC apparatus  520 A to receive AC from an external power source  20 A. In an embodiment the external power source  20 A may supply AC power to the AC coupling  42 A via a standard outlet where the AC coupling includes two for a non-grounded application and three prongs for a grounded application. 
     The transformer/inverter  44 A may receive external power and convert the received power to a power format/signal having a predetermined voltage and amperage as needed or required by one or more powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C, and  30 D including a DC powered signal in an embodiment. The transformer/inverter  44 A may also provide electrical energy to a charging module  48 A where the electrical energy may be the same as the DC power provided to or to be provided to DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C, and  30 D or another electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveforms. The transformer/inverter  44 A may also provide electrical energy or an indication of energy generation to a switch controller module  46 A where the electrical energy may be the same as the DC power provided to be provided to a DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C, and  30 D or another electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveforms that provide an indication of whether sufficient energy is being provided by the transformer/inverter  44 A to power the DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C, and  30 D. 
     It is noted in an embodiment the transformer/inverter may receive electrical energy from the power coupling and the USB interface  540 A (from an electronic device (ED)  30 ). In such an embodiment an ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230 , via a wired or wireless interface may provide power to the electrical storage element  56 A via the switch  54 A, transformer/inverter  44 A, and charging module  48 A. As noted conversely, the electrical storage element  56 A via the switch  54 A or power source  20 A via power coupling  42 A, transformer/inverter  44 A and switch  54 A may provide power to a device  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230 . Accordingly power may be communicated between the an EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A,  900 B,  900 C and ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230 . 
     In an embodiment the charging module  48 A may receive electrical energy from the transformer/inverter  44 A and charge one or more electrical storage elements  56 A. The charging module  48 A may provide an electrical signal to the one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A to inform a user when the electrical storage element  56 A is being charged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C, and  30 D are electrically coupled to a EDPDC apparatus  540 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A. In an embodiment a charging module  48 A,  48 B may determine a storage element  56 A,  56 B level and fast charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when the determined level is below a first predetermined level, slow or trickle charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when the determined level is below a second level and above the first level, the second level greater than the first level, and not charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when the determined level is above a second level. In an embodiment the second level may be about 95% of the maximum level and the second level may be about 80% of the maximum level. 
     The electrical storage element  56 A,  56 B may include one or more batteries, capacitors, or other electrical energy storage devices including a lithium ion, NiCad, or other rechargeable medium based element. The switch controller module  46 A may work in conjunction with the multiple position switch  54 A to direct one of energy from the transformer/inverter  44 A and the electrical storage element  56 A to/from the USB interface  540 A via the coupling  62 A and the second EDPDC apparatus interface  550 . The switch controller module  46 A may control the switch  54 A as a function of the signal received from or sent to the transformer/inverter  44 A via the switch control line  47 A. 
     As noted, the EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B may provide DC electrical energy to one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B. In an embodiment the USB interface  540 A may receive the electrical signal  62 A from the switch  54 A and provide the electrical signal on the appropriate USB contacts of the USB interface to provide DC electrical power via an electrical coupling  64  to the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32 . As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  520 A to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol. 
       FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of an architecture  10 B including a second EDPDC apparatus  520 B according to various embodiments. The architecture  10 B may include an external power source  20 B, a second EDPDC apparatus  520 B, and a direct current (DC) powered electronic device  30 . The electronic device  30  may communicate power via a USB interface  64  or a device specific power interface ( 132  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  520 B of  FIG. 1D  may include an electrical power coupling  530 B, switch controller module  46 B, charging module  48 B, universal serial bus (USB) interface  540 B, multiple position switch  54 B, electrical storage element  56 B, a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , a TMM  67 A, an antenna  67 B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 B. The interface  540 B may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power including a USB interface  540 B. The interface  540 B may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  520 B and the electronic device  30  including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . The external power source  20 B may supply AC or DC power. In an embodiment, the external power source  20 B may be a DC power source. In another embodiment the first EDPDC apparatus  520 A via the electronic device interface (MDI)  550  may provide electrical power (DC power in one embodiment) to the second EDPDC apparatus  520 B via the power coupling  530 B. The external power source  20 B may be part of an electrical distribution network, independent electrical source, or localized electrical source including a battery  36 , generator, or solar generation module. The power coupling  530 B may include multiple electrical contacts that enable an EDPDC apparatus  520 A to receive power from an external power source  20 B including a MDI  550  of a EDPDC apparatus  520 A. 
     In an embodiment the external power source  20 B may supply DC power to the power coupling  42 B via a standard accessory or cigarette outlet where the DC coupling  530 B is shaped to interface with such a standard outlet (see  FIG. 11D, 932A ). In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  520 A MDI  550  may be configured as standard accessory or cigarette outlet to receive the corresponding DC coupling  530 B of an EDPDC apparatus  520 B. The DC coupling  530 B may communicate electrical energy with a charging module  48 B where electrical energy may be the same as the DC power communicated with DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B or another electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveforms. The power coupling  530 B may also provide electrical energy or an indication of energy generation to a switch controller module  46 B where the electrical energy may be the same as the DC power communicated with a DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B or another electrical signal including an AC or DC signal having various waveforms that provide an indication of whether sufficient energy is being provided by the transformer/inverter  44 A to power the DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B. As above a DC powered device  30  may also provide power to the EDPDC apparatus  520 B and thus power may be communicated between the ED  30  and EDPDC apparatus  520 B. 
     The charging module  48 B may receive electrical energy from the power coupling  530 B (or USB interface  540 B where the ED  30  provides power) and charge one or more electrical storage elements  56 B. The charging module  48 B may provide an electrical signal to the one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 B to inform a user when the electrical storage element  56 B is being charged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A, and  30 B are electrically coupled to a EDPDC apparatus  540 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C. The electrical storage element  56 B may include one or more batteries, capacitors, or other electrical energy storage devices. The switch controller module  46 B may work in conjunction with the multiple position switch  54 B to direct one of energy from the power coupling  530 B and the electrical storage element  56 B to the USB interface  540 B via the coupling  62 B. The switch controller module  46 B may control the switch  54 B as a function of the signal received from the power coupling  530 B (or USB interface  540 B) via the switch control line  47 B. 
     As noted, an EDPDC apparatus  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C may communicate DC electrical energy with one or more DC powered devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B via the interface  32 ,  132 ,  32 A,  32 B. In an embodiment the USB interface  540 B may communicate electrical signals  62 B from the switch  54 B and communicate the electrical signal on the appropriate USB contacts of the USB interface to communicate DC electrical power via an electrical coupling  64  with the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32 . As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  520 B to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol 
       FIG. 2C  is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture  100 A according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  130  in the architecture  100 A may have a device specific power or data communication interface  132 . The EDPDC apparatus  140 A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 A, transformer/inverter  44 A, a switch controller module  46 A, a charging module  48 A, a device specific interface  152 A, a multiple position switch  54 A, an electrical storage element  56 A, a EDPDC apparatus interface  550  (for  500 A), a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A. The interface  152 A may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power including a USB interface  540 A. The interface  152 A may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  140 A and the electronic device  130  including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . The EDPDC apparatus  140 A is similar to EDPDC apparatus  520 A other than the device specific interface  152 . In an embodiment the device specific interface  152 A may receive an electrical signal  62 A from the switch  54 A and provide the electrical signal on the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface  152 A to communicate DC electrical power via an electrical coupling  164  with the DC powered device  130  device specific interface  132 . As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  140 A to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol. The device specific interface  152 A may receive electrical energy from the ED  130  and provide electrical energy (power) to the ED  130 , accordingly communicate power with the ED  130 . 
       FIG. 2D  is a block diagram of another EDPDC apparatus architecture  100 B according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  130  in the architecture  100 A may have a device specific power supply interface  132 . The EDPDC apparatus  140 B may include an electrical power coupling  42 B, a switch controller module  46 B, a charging module  48 B, a device specific interface  152 B, a multiple position switch  54 B, an electrical storage element  56 B, a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 B. The interface  152 B may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power including a USB interface  540 A. The interface  152 B may also enable communication of data and power between the EDPDC apparatus  520 A and the electronic device  130  including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . The EDPDC apparatus  140 B is similar to EDPDC apparatus  520 B other than the device specific interface  152 . In an embodiment the device specific interface  152 B may receive an electrical signal  62 B from the switch  54 B and communicate the electrical signal on the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface  152 B with provide DC electrical power via an electrical coupling  164  to the DC powered device  130  device specific interface  132 . As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  140 B to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol 
       FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture  200 A according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  230  in the architecture  200 A may have a device specific power supply interface  232 . The EDPDC apparatus  240 A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 A, transformer/inverter  44 A, a switch controller module  46 A, a charging module  48 A, a device specific interface  252 A, a multiple position switch  54 A, an electrical storage element  56 A, a EDPDC apparatus interface  550  (for  500 A) a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , a TMM  67 A, an antenna  67 B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A. The interface  252 A may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power including a USB interface  540 A. The interface  252 A may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  240 A and the electronic device  230  including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . The EDPDC apparatus  240  is similar to EDPDC apparatus  40 ,  140  other than the device specific interface  252 A. In an embodiment the device specific interface  252  may communicate an electrical signal  62  from the switch  54  via the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface  252  directly with the device specific interface  232  of the DC powered device  230 . In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  240 A device specific interface  252 A may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DC powered device  230  device specific interface  232  may be one of a female or male based electrical contact interface, respectively. As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  240 A to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol. 
       FIG. 3B  is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture  200 B according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  230  in the architecture  200 B may have a device specific power supply interface  232 . The EDPDC apparatus  240 B may include an electrical power coupling  42 B, a switch controller module  46 B, a charging module  48 B, a device specific interface  252 B, a multiple position switch  54 B, an electrical storage element  56 B, a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , a TMM  67 A, an antenna  67 B, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  58 A. The interface  252 B may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power including a USB interface  540 A. The interface  252 B may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  240 B and the electronic device  230  including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . The EDPDC apparatus  240  is similar to EDPDC apparatus  40 ,  140  other than the device specific interface  252 . In an embodiment, the device specific interface  252  may communicate an electrical signal  62 B from the switch  54 B via the appropriate contacts of the device specific interface  252 B directly with the device specific interface  232  of the DC powered device  230 . In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  240 B device specific interface  252 A may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DC powered device  230  device specific interface  232  may be one of a female or male based electrical contact interface, respectively. As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  240 B to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol 
       FIG. 4A  is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture  300 A according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  30  in the architecture  300 A may have a USB interface  32  or device specific interface  232 ,  132 . The EDPDC apparatus  340 A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 A, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)  350 A, an antenna  67 B, and an electrical storage element  56 A. The ASIC  350 A may include a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , the TMM  67 A and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 A as part of or coupled to the ASIC  350 A. The interface  352 A may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power. The interface  352 A may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  340 A and the electronic device  30  including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . The ASIC  350 A may perform the functions of the transformer/inverter  44 A, switch controller module  46 A, charging module  48 A, a USB interface  52 A, the TMM  67 A, and a multiple position switch  54 A. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus USB interface  352 A may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32  may be one of a female or male USB interface, respectively. 
     In embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  340 A ASIC  350 A may receive an electrical signals from the AC/DC power coupling  42 A, ED  30 , and the electrical storage element  56 A. The ASIC  350 A may determine whether the electrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 A is sufficient to provide power one or more DC powered device(s)  30  and may direct energy from the electrical storage element  56 A alone in combination with the AC/DC coupling electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide an electrical signal on an USB interface  352 A built into the ASIC  350 A. An electrical cable  64  may couple the ASIC  350 A USB interface  352 A to the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32 . The ASIC  350 A may also control the charging of the electrical storage element  56 A when sufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC coupling  42 A (or by the ED  30  in an embodiment). The ASIC  350 A may include an EDPDC apparatus interface  550  (in  500 A) where the second EDPDC apparatus  550  power coupling  42 B may be coupled to the EDPDC apparatus interface  550 . 
     The ASIC  350 A may further transform or invert the electrical energy provided by the AC/DC coupling  42 A to the DC voltage/amperage rating needed to charge the electrical storage element  56 A and provide power to the DC powered device  30 . The ASIC  350 A via one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 A may inform a user when the electrical storage element  56 A is being charged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DC powered devices  30  are electrically coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  340 A. In an embodiment a user detectable signal generation module  58 ,  358 ,  558  may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), other light generation devices, vibration modules, or audible generation devices (speakers). As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  340 A to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol. In an embodiment the ASIC  350 A may enable the electrical storage element  56 A to be charged from energy received from the ED  30  and provide electrical energy from the element  56 A to the ED  30  and thus enable communication of energy between the ED  30  and EDPDC  340 A. 
       FIG. 4B  is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture  340 B according to various embodiments. The DC powered device  30  in the architecture  340 B may have a USB interface  32  or device specific interface  232 ,  132 . The EDPDC apparatus  340 B may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 B, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)  350 B, an antenna  67 B, and an electrical storage element  56 B. The ASIC  350 A may include a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , an TMM  67 A, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 A as part of or coupled to the ASIC  350 B. The interface  352 B may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power. The interface  352 B may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  340 B and the electronic device  30  including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . The ASIC  350 B may perform the functions of the switch controller module  46 B, charging module  48 B, a USB interface  52 B, and a multiple position switch  54 B. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus USB interface  352 B may be one of a male or female based electrical contact interface and the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32  may be one of a female or male USB interface, respectively. 
     In embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  340 B ASIC  350 B may receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC power coupling  42 B and the electrical storage element  56 B. The ASIC  350 B may determine whether the electrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 B is sufficient to provide power one or more DC powered device(s)  30  and may direct energy from the electrical storage element  56 B alone in combination with the AC/DC coupling electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide an electrical signal on an USB interface  352 B built into the ASIC  350 B. An electrical cable  64  may couple the ASIC  350 B USB interface  352 B to the DC powered device  30  USB interface  32 . The ASIC  350 B may also control the charging of the electrical storage element  56 B when sufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC coupling  42 B. 
     The ASIC  350 B may further transform or invert the electrical energy provided by the AC/DC coupling  42 B to the DC voltage/amperage rating needed to charge the electrical storage element  56 B and provide power to the DC powered device  30 . The ASIC  350 B via one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 B may inform a user when the electrical storage element  56 B is being charged, discharged, external power is present, and when one or more DC powered devices  30  are electrically coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  340 B. As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  340 B to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol. The ASIC  350 B may also receive power from an ED  30  where power may be sufficient to charge the electrical storage element  56 B. Accordingly the EDPDC  340 B may communicate power between the ED  30  and electrical storage element  56 B. 
       FIG. 5A  is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture  600 A according to various embodiments. Multiple electrically powered devices  30 A,  30 B in the architecture  600 A may have a USB interface  32 A,  32 B or device specific interface  232 ,  132 . The EDPDC apparatus  640 A may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 A, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)  650 A, an antenna  67 B, and an electrical storage element  56 A. The ASIC  650 A may include a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , a TMM  67 A, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 A as part of or coupled to the ASIC  650 A. The interfaces  552 A, B may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power. The interfaces  552 A, B may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  640 A and the electronic devices  30 A, B including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66 . In embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  640 A ASIC  650 A may receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC power coupling  42 A and the electrical storage element  56 A. 
     The ASIC  650 A may determine whether the electrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 A is sufficient to provide power to the two or more DC powered device(s)  30 A,  30 B and may direct energy from the electrical storage element  56 A alone in combination with the AC/DC power coupling  42 A electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide an electrical signal on multiple USB interfaces  552 A,  552 B built into the ASIC  650 A. Electrical cables  64 A,  64 B may couple the ASIC  650 A USB interfaces  552 A,  552 B to the DC powered device  30 A,  30 B USB interfaces  32 A,  32 B. The ASIC  650 A may also control the charging of the electrical storage element  56 A when sufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 A. As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  640 A to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  640 A may also receive power from the ED  30 A,  30 B where the power may be sufficient to operate the EDPDC apparatus  640 A or charge the electrical storage element  56 A. The EDPDC apparatus  640 A may also enable the passage of power from one ED  30 A to another ED  30 B. Accordingly in an embodiment, the EDPDC apparatus  640 A may enable communication of power of between the ED  30 A, ED  30 B, and itself. 
       FIG. 5B  is a block diagram of another EDPDC architecture  600 B according to various embodiments. Multiple DC powered devices  30 A,  30 B in the architecture  600 B may have a USB interface  32 A,  32 B or device specific interface  232 ,  132 . The EDPDC apparatus  640 B may include an Alternating Current (AC) or DC electrical power coupling  42 B, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)  650 B, an antenna  67 B, and an electrical storage element  56 B. The ASIC  650 B may include a data memory storage interface module (DMSI)  66 , an internal memory module (IMM)  68 , a TMM  67 A, and one or more user detectable signal generation modules  358 B as part of or coupled to the ASIC  650 B. The interfaces  552 A, B may be any electronic interface that can communicate at least power. The interfaces  552 A, B may also enable communication of data between the EDPDC apparatus  640 A and the electronic devices  30 A, B including with the IMM  68  and DMSI  66  In embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  640 B ASIC  650 B may receive an electrical signal from the AC/DC electric power coupling  42 B and the electrical storage element  56 B. 
     The ASIC  650 B may determine whether the electrical signal provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 B is sufficient to provide power to the two or more DC powered device(s)  30 A,  30 B and may direct energy from the electrical storage element  56 B alone in combination with the AC/DC power coupling  42 B electrical signal (if present and insufficient) to provide an electrical signal on multiple USB interfaces  552 A,  552 B built into the ASIC  650 B. Electrical cables  64 A,  64 B may couple the ASIC  650 B USB interfaces  552 A,  552 B to the DC powered device  30 A,  30 B USB interfaces  32 A,  32 B. The ASIC  650 B may also control the charging of the electrical storage element  56 B when sufficient electrical energy is provided by the AC/DC power coupling  42 B. As noted the TMM  67 A and the antenna  67 B may enable the EDPDC apparatus  640 B to communicate with an electronic device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D and base station  920  using a wired or wireless protocol. In an embodiment the EDPDC apparatus  640 B may also receive power from the ED  30 A,  30 B where the power may be sufficient to operate the EDPDC apparatus  640 B or charge the electrical storage element  56 B. The EDPDC apparatus  640 A may also enable the passage of power from one ED  30 A to another ED  30 B. Accordingly in an embodiment, the EDPDC apparatus  640 B may enable communication of power of between the ED  30 A, ED  30 B, and itself. 
       FIG. 6A  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  400 A according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 A,  650 A may employ the method  400 A illustrated by the  FIG. 6A  flow diagram. The method  400 A may determine whether sufficient power is being provided by an external power source  20 A to power one or more devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A,  30 B (activity  402 A). When the power is insufficient and at least one device is coupled to a EDPDC apparatus  340 A,  640 A,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C (activity  404 A), the method  400 A may communicate energy between the one or more devices  30 ,  30 A,  30 B and an electrical storage element  56 A (activity  406 A) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element  56 A discharge or charge status via the user detectable signal generation device  358 A (activity  406 A,  408 A). As noted, an EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C may provide power to a coupled ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  from an internal electrical storage element  56 A,  56 B and receive power from an ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  to charge an internal electrical storage element  56 A,  56 B. 
     When sufficient power is provided by the external power source  20 A and the electrical storage device  56 A is not fully charged (activity  412 A) the method  400 A may charge the electrical storage element  56 A (activity  414 A) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element  56 A charge level via the user detectable signal generation device  358 A (activity  416 A). Further when sufficient power is provided by the external power source  20 A (activity  402 A) and at least one device  30 ,  30 A,  30 B is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  340 ,  540  (activity  422 A) the method  400 A may provide energy to the one or more devices  30 ,  30 A,  30 B from the external power source  20 A (activity  424 A) and provide an indication of the existence of power from the external power source  20 A via the user detectable signal generation device  358 A (activity  426 A). 
     Further when sufficient power is provided by the external power source  20 A (activity  402 A) and a second EDPDC apparatus  140 B,  240 B,  640 B is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  520 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C (activity  428 ) the method  400 A may provide energy to the 2nd EDPDC apparatus  500 B,  520 B,  140 B,  240 B,  640 B from the external power source  20 A (activity  432 ) and provide an indication of the existence of power from the external power source  20 A via the user detectable signal generation device  358 A,  58 A (activity  434 ). 
       FIG. 6B  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  400 B according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 B,  650 B may employ the method  400 B illustrated by the  FIG. 6B  flow diagram. The method  400 B may determine whether sufficient power is being provided by an external power source  20 B to power one or more devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D (activity  402 B). When the power is insufficient and at least one device is coupled to a EDPDC apparatus  340 B,  640 B (activity  404 B), the method  400 B may communicate energy between one or more devices  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D and an electrical storage element  56 B (activity  406 B) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element  56 B status via the user detectable signal generation device  358 B (activity  406 B,  408 B). As noted, an EDPDC apparatus  500 B,  520 B,  140 B,  240 B,  340 B,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C may provide power to a coupled ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  from an internal electrical storage element  56 B and receive power from an ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  to charge an internal electrical storage element  56 B. 
     When sufficient power is provided by the external power source  20 B and the electrical storage device  56 B is not fully charged (activity  412 B) the method  400 B may charge the electrical storage element  56 B (activity  414 B) and provide an indication of the electrical storage element  56 B charge level via the user detectable signal generation device  358 B (activity  416 B). Further when sufficient power is provided by the power source  2 B 0  (activity  402 B) and at least one device  30 ,  30 A,  30 B is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  340 B,  640 B (activity  422 B) the method  400 B may provide energy to the one or more devices  30 ,  30 A,  30 B from the external power source  20 B (activity  424 B) and provide an indication of the existence of power from the external power source  20 B via the user detectable signal generation device  358 B (activity  426 B). 
       FIG. 6C  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  402 A according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 A,  650 A may employ the method  402 A illustrated by the  FIG. 6C  flow diagram. The method  402 A shown in  FIG. 6C  may be employed by the ASIC  350 A,  650 A in an embodiment to reduce energy consumption when a device  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  is not connected. The method  402 A may set a sleep timer to a predetermined level (or time) (activity  440 A). The method  402 A may determine whether adequate external power is provided to the ASIC  350 A,  650 A (activity  442 A) and may transfer control to section A of  FIG. 6A  when inadequate power is available. When adequate external power is detected, the method may determine whether a device  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  is coupled to the ASIC  350 A,  650 A or second EDPDC apparatus  520 B,  140 B,  240 B,  340 B, or  640 B is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  340 A,  640 A including the ASIC  350 A,  650 A (activities  444 A and  446 A). 
     When a device  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  is coupled to the ASIC  350 A,  650 A or second EDPDC apparatus  520 B,  140 B,  240 B,  340 B, or  640 B is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  340 A,  640 A including the ASIC  350 A,  650 A, control may be transferred to section B of  FIG. 6A . Otherwise the method  402 A may determine whether a predetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer equal to zero) activity  448 A. When the time interval has not passed then an external power source may be decoupled (activity  454 A) to reduce un-necessary power consumption. When the predetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer zero), the method  402 A may determine whether the storage element  56 A,  56 B needs charging by comparing its storage level to a predetermined level or percentage of total capacity (activity  452 A). When the internal level is less than the predetermined level or percentage, the method  402 A may charge the storage element (activity  414 C). The method  402 A may then decouple the external power source (activity  454 A) to save un-necessary power consumption and reset the sleep timer to the predetermined level or time (activity  440 A). 
       FIG. 6D  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  402 B according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 B,  650 B may employ the method  402 B illustrated by the  FIG. 6D  flow diagram. The method  402 B shown in  FIG. 6D  may be employed by the ASIC  350 B,  650 B in an embodiment to reduce energy consumption when a device is not connected. The method  402 B may set a sleep timer to a predetermined level or time (activity  440 B). The method  402 B determine whether adequate external power is provided to the EDPDC apparatus  340 B,  640 B (activity  442 B) and may transfer control to section C of  FIG. 6B  when inadequate power is available or detected. When adequate external power is detected, the method may determine whether a device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  340 B,  640 B (activity  444 B). 
     When a device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D is coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  340 B,  640 B, control may be transferred to section D of  FIG. 6B . Otherwise the method  402 B may determine whether a predetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer zero) activity  448 B. When the time interval has not passed then the external power source may be decoupled (activity  454 B) to reduce un-necessary power consumption. When the predetermined time interval has passed (sleep timer zero), the method  402 B may determine whether the storage element  56 A,  56 B needs charging by comparing its storage level to a predetermined level or percentage of total capacity (activity  452 B). When the storage element  56 A,  56 B internal level is less than the predetermined level or percentage, the method  402 B may charge the storage element (activity  414 C). The method  402 B may then decouple the external power source (activity  454 B) to reduce un-necessary power consumption and reset the sleep timer to the predetermined level or time (activity  440 B). 
     In method  402 A and  402 B the internal power element  56 A,  56 B may provide energy to the EDPDC apparatus  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B when the external power is optionally decoupled. In an embodiment when the storage element  56 A,  56 B is depleted to a predetermined percentage X (activity  452 A,  452 B) the external power may be engaged to charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B (activity  414 C). In an embodiment the predetermined percentage X may range from about 95% to 80%. 
       FIG. 6E  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  414  according to various embodiments. An ASIC  350 A,  350 B,  650 A,  650 B or EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A,  640 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A to  900 C may employ the method  414  illustrated by the  FIG. 6E  flow diagram. The method  414  shown in  FIG. 6E  may be employed by the methods  400 A,  400 B,  402 A,  402 B in an embodiment to optimize storage element  56 A,  56 B charging. In the method  414  a storage element  56 A,  56 B may not charged when the determined energy level is greater than X percentage (activity  460 ). The method  414  may fast charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when the determined level is less than Y % (activity  462 ,  464 ). The method  414  may slow or trickle charge the storage element  56 A,  56 B when storage level is greater than Y % and less than X %. In an embodiment X may be about 95% of maximum storage capacity and Y may be about 80% of maximum storage capacity. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of EDPDC architecture  700  including a first and a second EDPDC apparatus according to various embodiments. The EDPDC architecture  700  may include a first EDPDC apparatus  710  and a second EDPDC apparatus  750 . The first EDPDC apparatus  710  may have a housing  720 C including a right  720 A and a left  720 B side cap and a recess  714 . The first EDPDC apparatus  710  may include a circuit board  730  that functions as an ASIC  650 A,  350 A. The second EDPDC apparatus  750  may also include a circuit board  770 , user detectable devices  756 , housing  754 A, power interface  752 , battery  772 , an antenna  707 , right  760 A and left  760 B side cap. The circuit board  770  may function as an ASIC  650 B,  350 B. The power interface  752  may function as a power coupling  20 B. The user detectable devices  756  may function as a user detectable device  358 B,  58 B. The second EDPDC apparatus  750  power interface  752  may fit in the first EDPDC apparatus  710  recess  714 . A wire  780  may be coupled to the EDPDC apparatus  710 ,  750  to provide power or couple an EDPDC apparatus  710 ,  750  to an electronic device  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230 . 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded diagram of an EDPDC apparatus  800  according to various embodiments. The EDPDC apparatus  800  may be employed in various embodiments including EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  520 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A. In an embodiment EDPDC apparatus  800  may include a back body  802 , a front body  804 , a battery cover  806 , electrical power source contacts  812 , spring prongs  814 , a contact plate  808 , a circuit board  816 , a universal serial bus (USB) module  822 , an antenna  807 , and a battery pack  824 . The circuit board  816  may include one or more LEDs  818  and a processor  817 . The processor  817  may function as ASIC  650 A,  350 A. The back cover  802  may include an electrical prong module holder  803 . The electrical contacts  812 , spring prongs  814 , and contact plate  808  may form a prong module and the prong module may be coupled to the prong module holder  803 . The USB module  822  may be coupled to the circuit board  816 . The front cover  804  may have one or more openings  805  for the LEDs  818 . The battery  824  may be coupled to the circuit board  816  and may be located under the battery cover  806 . In an embodiment the battery cover  806  may be removable so the battery  824  may be replaced. 
       FIG. 9A  is a front view of a simplified diagram of an EDPDC apparatus  900 A according to various embodiments. The EDPDC apparatus  900 A may include EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  520 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A and a solar panel  910 A. The solar panel  910 A may be coupled to an EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  520 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A and provide another energy or power source. 
       FIG. 9B  is a front view of a simplified diagram of an EDPDC apparatus  900 B according to various embodiments. The EDPDC apparatus  900 B may include EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  520 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A and a hand crank electrical generator  910 B. The hand crank electrical generator  910 B may include a crank  912  and electrical generator  914  coupled to the crank  912 . The electrical generator  914  may be coupled to EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  520 A,  140 A,  240 A,  340 A,  640 A and provide another energy source. The electrical generator  914  may be a magnetic induction charging generator  914  in an embodiment. 
       FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C  are isometric diagrams of an EDPDC apparatus  900 C according to various embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C , architecture  900 C may include a first electrical power source connector  930 A, a second electrical power source connector  932 A, a first data and power electrical connector  940 A ( FIG. 11C ), a second data and power electrical connector  942 A, a data device connector  944 A, a user detectable module  958 A, and a user input module  958 B. In an embodiment the first electrical power connector  930 A may include one or more prongs or male connectors  930 C and a tab  930 B for exposing the prongs at various angles relative to its seated/stored position (as shown in  FIG. 11B ) to about 180 degrees (in an embodiment). The first electrical power connector  930 A may be coupled to an external power supply including an on-grid AC power source. 
     In an embodiment the second electrical power connector  932 A may include a single prong with electric contacts  932 C,  932 D ( FIG. 11D ) and a tab  932 B for exposing or rotating the prong at various angles relative to its seated/stored position (as shown in  FIG. 11B ) to about 180 degrees (in an embodiment). The second electrical power connector  932 A may be coupled to an external power supply including a DC power source (such as a car lighter accessory). The electric contacts  932 C,  932 D may be coupled to positive and negative contacts of an external DC power source. 
     The first data and power electrical connector  940 A may be a USB type connector or other data/power connector  940 A configured to be coupled to a male data/power connector (in an embodiment). The second data and power electrical connector  942 A may be a mini or micro USB type connector or other data/power connector  942 A configured to be coupled to a female data connector (in an embodiment). In an embodiment, the electrical data/power connector  940 A may include a slot  944 A configured to receive a data module including a memory module. The memory module may be a SDHC module as described above. The slots  944 A may also function as the alignment tab common in a USB female connector. 
     The slot  944 A may include one or more electrical contacts that may mate with corresponding electrical contacts of a memory module upon insertion into the slot  944 A. The user detectable module  958 A may be a light based module (ring) in an embodiment. The light frequency (color) may vary as a function or the operation or state of architecture  900 C. The user input module  958 B may be a multi-function button in an embodiment. The module  958 B may be able to control various functions of the architecture  900 C as described above with reference to EDPDC apparatus  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  340 A,  340 B,  640 A, and  604 B. As shown in  FIGS. 11A to 11C  the casing  910 B may include curved surfaces  910 C,  910 A,  910 F. The casing  910 B may also include recesses  910 D,  910 E to hold the second and first electrical power source connectors in a recessed and exposed positions, respectively. The casing  910 B may also enable the second data connector  942 B to be recessed in the case when not in use and flexibly and restorably extend from the case when in use. In particular the connector  942 B male electrical connector  942 C may be stored within the casing  910 B. 
       FIG. 11D  is an exposed diagram of an EDPDC apparatus with the case  910 B removed according to various embodiments.  FIG. 11D  shows the spaced relationship of the first and second electrical power source connectors  930 A,  932 A, the first and second data/power connectors  942 A,  940 A, a main control module  950 A, and the user detectable module  958 A and the user input module  958 B. In an embodiment the main control and electrical energy storage module  950 A may include the elements of the modules  520 A,  520 B,  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  650 A, and  650 B. The module  950 A may include a DMSI  66  that enables communication with a memory module inserted in the slot  944 A. 
       FIG. 11E  is a partial diagram of a data/power electrical connector  942 A of an EDPDC apparatus  900 C according to various embodiments. The data/power electrical connector  942 A includes a deployment tab  942 B and a male connector  942 C with a flexible cable  942 D. The connector  942 A flexible cable  942 D may enable the connector to be restorably removed and inserted into the apparatus  900 C body  910 B. In an embodiment the connector  942 A may a mini or micro USB connector. In an embodiment the data/power connectors  940 A and  942 C may be used to communicate data and power with the main control and electrical energy storage module  950 A. The connectors  940 A and  942 C may be receive power from an ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  where the power is used to charge the main control and electrical energy storage module  950 A. The connectors  940 A and  942 C may be also provide power to an ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230  where the power is used to charge or power the ED  30 ,  30 A to  30 D,  130 ,  230 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  are diagrams of an electrical power connector assembly  930 A and components of the assembly  930 A according to various embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , the electric power connector assembly  930 A may include an outer, rotatable base  930 D, an inner rotatable section  930 E, and prongs  930 C. The base  930 D and section  930 E may include one or more cams  930 G. The inner rotatable section  930 E may be nested in a recess  930 F of the outer, rotatable base  930 D. The recess  930 F may include recesses for the inner rotatable section  930 E cams  930 G and slots for the prongs  930 C. 
     In an embodiment the inner, rotatable section  930 E may rotate about 90 degrees within the outer, rotatable base  930 D recess  930 F. EDPDC apparatus  900 C casing  910 B may include recesses for the outer, rotatable base  930 D, its corresponding cam(s)  930 G and the prongs  930 C. The outer, rotatable base  930 A may be rotated about 90 degrees within the casing  910 B. Accordingly the prongs  930 C may be rotated up to 180 degrees due the rotation capability of the inner, rotatable section  930 E and the outer, rotatable base  930 D. Such a configuration may enable coupling of the EDPDC apparatus  900 C prongs  930 C in limited space environments including a power strip via the deployment tab  930 B. 
       FIGS. 13A-13B  are diagrams of the electrical power connector assembly  932 A according to various embodiments. The connector assembly  932 A may include electrical contacts  932 D (on the side) and a contact  932 C on the tip, deployment tab  932 B, and cams  932 E. The electrical contact  932 C may be configured to be coupled to positive polarity and the contacts  932 D may be coupled to a negative polarity of a DC electrical signal of a DC signal female accessory in an embodiment. EDPDC apparatus  900 C casing  910 B may include recesses for the connector  932 A, its corresponding cam(s)  932 E and contacts  932 D,  932 C. The connector  932 C may be rotated up to 180 degrees due to its shape and casing  910 B in an embodiment. Such a configuration may enable coupling of the EDPDC apparatus  900 C connector  932 A in limited space environments via the deployment tab  932 B. 
       FIG. 14  is a partial diagram of an electrical connector assembly  940 A of an EDPDC apparatus  900 C according to various embodiments. As noted the connector  940 A may be a female USB connector. In place of the registration tab, the connector  940 A may include a slotted tab  944 A. The slotted tab  944 A may be configured to enable a memory module or other sized electrical module to be inserted therein. The slot  944 A may include one or more electrical contacts that communicate electrical signals between an inserted module and the controller module  950 A. 
       FIG. 15A  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  260  according to various embodiments. An EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C may employ the method  260  illustrated by the  FIG. 15A  flow diagram to backup data or selectively backup data or data types stored on a device  130 ,  30 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D (such in the device  130 ,  30 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D memory  39 ). In the backup method  260 , when passive backup is active (configured by a user to be active (activity  262 )), the method  260  may first determine the type of backup to be performed, incremental or full (activity  264 ). A user may elect to backup all data for selected data types (full) or only the data for selected data types that has changed since the last backup (incremental backup). When the selected data types such as operating system data, multimedia data (including music, video, and pictures), and business or personal data (such as contracts, calendars, word, spreadsheet, and presentation files) includes changed data and incremental is selected, the method  260  may update backup data with the new or changed data (activity  264 ,  266 ,  268 ). 
     The backup data may be stored locally on an EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C or on a networked device where the data is communicated from a device  130 ,  30 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D to the networked device via a EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C modem/transceiver  67 A. Similarly when a full backup has been configured, the data represented the selected data types may be backed up locally on an EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C or on a networked device where the data is communicated from a device  130 ,  30 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D to the networked device via an EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C modem  67 A (activity  272 ,  274 ). 
       FIG. 15B  is a flow diagram illustrating several methods  280  according to various embodiments. An EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C may employ the method  280  illustrated by the  FIG. 15B  flow diagram to enable a user to configure the backup options for data stored on a device  130 ,  30 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D (such in the device  130 ,  30 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D memory  39 ) or restore data previously backed up to a device. The method  280  may enable a user to configure one or more backup options for an EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C (activity  282 ,  284 ). As noted a user may configure various data backup options or to restore data from one or more backups (activity  288 ). 
     A user may select the data type(s) to be backed up and the backup mode (full, incremental) (activity  284 ,  286 ). A user may also designate multiple backup destinations including networked (via the modem  67 A) locations or local on an EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C (activity  284 ). The method  280  may also enable a user to select the device  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D data types to be protected or backed up where the data types may include operating system data, multimedia data (including music, video, and pictures), and business or personal data (such as contracts, calendars, word, spreadsheet, and presentation files) (activity  286 ). 
     The method  280  may also enable a user to restore data (or selected data) from one or more backups to a device  130 ,  30 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D or other computer device (activity  292 ). The method  280  may enable data from several locations including local (on an EDPDC apparatus  140 A,  140 B,  240 A,  240 B,  350 A,  350 B,  500 A,  500 B,  520 A,  520 B,  650 A,  650 B,  700 ,  800 ,  900 A- 900 C) or networked to be used to restore data on a device  130 ,  30 ,  230 ,  30 A to  30 D, other coupled device, or to a networked device (activity  292 ). 
     Any of the components previously described can be implemented in a number of ways, including embodiments in software. Any of the components previously described can be implemented in a number of ways, including embodiments in software. Thus, the AC/DC coupling  42 A,  42 B, transformer/inverter  44 A, switch controller module  46 A,  46 B, charging module  48 A,  48 B, USB interface  52 A,  352 A,  552 A,  52 B,  352 B,  552 B device specific interface  152 A,  152 B, device specific interface  252 A,  252 B, ASIC  350 A,  350 B,  650 A,  650 B may all be characterized as “modules” herein. 
     The modules may include hardware circuitry, single or multi-processor circuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects, firmware, and combinations thereof, as desired by the architect of the architecture  10  and as appropriate for particular implementations of various embodiments. The apparatus and systems of various embodiments may be useful in applications other than a sales architecture configuration. They are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. 
     Applications that may include the novel apparatus and systems of various embodiments include electronic circuitry used in high-speed computers, communication and signal processing circuitry, modems, single or multi-processor modules, single or multiple embedded processors, data switches, and application-specific modules, including multilayer, multi-chip modules. Such apparatus and systems may further be included as sub-components within a variety of electronic systems, such as televisions, cellular telephones, personal computers (e.g., laptop computers, desktop computers, handheld computers, tablet computers, etc.), workstations, radios, video players, audio players (e.g., mp3 players), vehicles, medical devices (e.g., heart monitor, blood pressure monitor, etc.) and others. Some embodiments may include a number of methods. 
     It may be possible to execute the activities described herein in an order other than the order described. Various activities described with respect to the methods identified herein can be executed in repetitive, serial, or parallel fashion. A software program may be launched from a computer-readable medium in a computer-based system to execute functions defined in the software program. Various programming languages may be employed to create software programs designed to implement and perform the methods disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in an object-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Java or C++. Alternatively, the programs may be structured in a procedure-orientated format using a procedural language, such as assembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number of mechanisms well known to those skilled in the art, such as application program interfaces or inter-process communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or environment. 
     The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.