A musical instrument configured to generate a scratching sound effect includes a rotatable platform configured to support a record thereon, and a pedal (such as, for example, a foot pedal) operably coupled to the platform. The foot pedal is actuatable from a first position to a second position to rotate the platform, and in turn, the record.

A musical instrument configured to generate a scratching sound effect includes a rotatable platform configured to support a record thereon, and a pedal (such as, for example, a foot pedal) operably coupled to the platform. The foot pedal is actuatable from a first position to a second position to rotate the platform, and in turn, the record.

A server box embodiment is disclosed that generally comprises an array of dummy HDDs that share a common set of universal disk drive components in a master components module, or power module. Each dummy HDDs is constructed without expensive onboard chipsets that control the normal functionality of a standard HDD. By sharing expensive chipsets in a master components module (power module) money can be saved in building and selling the dummy HDD server. Embodiments envision a power module possessing the needed chipset functionality that is missing in a dummy HDD. The power module can be made to move from dummy HDD to dummy HDD supplying the necessary chipset in a shared manner when data is being stored or retrieved for client or end-user.

A server box embodiment is disclosed that generally comprises an array of dummy HDDs that share a common set of universal disk drive components in a master components module, or power module. Each dummy HDDs is constructed without expensive onboard chipsets that control the normal functionality of a standard HDD. By sharing expensive chipsets in a master components module (power module) money can be saved in building and selling the dummy HDD server. Embodiments envision a power module possessing the needed chipset functionality that is missing in a dummy HDD. The power module can be made to move from dummy HDD to dummy HDD supplying the necessary chipset in a shared manner when data is being stored or retrieved for client or end-user.

A server box embodiment is disclosed that generally comprises an array of dummy HDDs that share a common set of universal disk drive components in a master components module, or power module. Each dummy HDDs is constructed without expensive onboard chipsets that control the normal functionality of a standard HDD. By sharing expensive chipsets in a master components module (power module) money can be saved in building and selling the dummy HDD server. Embodiments envision a power module possessing the needed chipset functionality that is missing in a dummy HDD. The power module can be made to move from dummy HDD to dummy HDD supplying the necessary chipset in a shared manner when data is being stored or retrieved for client or end-user.

A server box embodiment is disclosed that generally comprises an array of dummy HDDs that share a common set of universal disk drive components in a master components module, or power module. Each dummy HDDs is constructed without expensive onboard chipsets that control the normal functionality of a standard HDD. By sharing expensive chipsets in a master components module (power module) money can be saved in building and selling the dummy HDD server. Embodiments envision a power module possessing the needed chipset functionality that is missing in a dummy HDD. The power module can be made to move from dummy HDD to dummy HDD supplying the necessary chipset in a shared manner when data is being stored or retrieved for client or end-user.

A railway crossing programmable device includes a communication module in signal communication with a central server for authentication of a user to use the programmable device to modify the railway system circuit. The programmable device further includes a circuit modification module configured for electrical coupling to a railway system circuit for modifying an electrical connection of the railway system circuit in a programmed manner. The programmable device further includes a user interface configured to receive user data and display output information related to at least one of a user, a device, and a circuit modification.

A railway crossing programmable device includes a communication module in signal communication with a central server for authentication of a user to use the programmable device to modify the railway system circuit. The programmable device further includes a circuit modification module configured for electrical coupling to a railway system circuit for modifying an electrical connection of the railway system circuit in a programmed manner. The programmable device further includes a user interface configured to receive user data and display output information related to at least one of a user, a device, and a circuit modification.

A mechanism is provided for automatically controlling the operation of a media device based upon whether a portable presentation device coupled to the media device is currently being worn by a user. A portable presentation device may be any device that is meant to be worn by a user that is capable of presenting media content to the user (e.g. earphones, headphones, goggles or faceplates with video/audio capability, etc.). With this mechanism, a user can affect the operation of the media device by simply putting on or taking off the portable presentation device. The user does not need to manually manipulate the controls of the media device. By automatically controlling the operation of the media device in this manner, use of the media device and the portable presentation device as a unit is made much simpler and more convenient.

A mechanism is provided for automatically controlling the operation of a media device based upon whether a portable presentation device coupled to the media device is currently being worn by a user. A portable presentation device may be any device that is meant to be worn by a user that is capable of presenting media content to the user (e.g. earphones, headphones, goggles or faceplates with video/audio capability, etc.). With this mechanism, a user can affect the operation of the media device by simply putting on or taking off the portable presentation device. The user does not need to manually manipulate the controls of the media device. By automatically controlling the operation of the media device in this manner, use of the media device and the portable presentation device as a unit is made much simpler and more convenient.