Abstract: A housing for a computer system includes a conduit operable to protect a communication medium, such as a cable, that couples a peripheral device of the system to processing circuitry of the system. The conduit includes a bottom, a sidewall and a top that together define a passage in which the communication medium may be disposed. The passage includes a first opening and a second opening for allowing the communication medium disposed in the passage to extend through the passage. By disposing all or section of the communication medium in the passage, the conduit reduces the coupler's exposure between the interface of the processing circuitry and a peripheral device coupled to the interface, and thus protects the communication medium and the interface.

Abstract: A flash memory mass storage drive stores user files in a convenient credit card sized drive. Embodiments function as both a credit card and a mass storage drive. Communication may be through a host interface connector such as a USB connector, a magnetic interface, a smart card interface, and/or a near field communication interface. In certain embodiments the drive comprises a portion that is sufficiently thin to be swiped through a standard credit card, ATM, or point of sale device. The USB connector of the drive can easily be plugged into even a crowded receptacle of a host computing device.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: A flash memory mass storage drive stores user files in a convenient credit card sized drive. Embodiments function as both a credit card and a mass storage drive. Communication may be through a host interface connector such as a USB connector, a magnetic interface, a smart card interface, and/or a near field communication interface. In certain embodiments the drive comprises a portion that is sufficiently thin to be swiped through a standard credit card, ATM, or point of sale device. The USB connector of the drive can easily be plugged into even a crowded receptacle of a host computing device.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor featuring cassette assemblies that provide the blades for the retractor and include mechanisms for controlling the angulation and retraction of the blades. The use of such cassette assemblies allow for the addition or removal of blades on the retractor by attaching or detaching the cassette assemblies to a frame. The mechanisms for controlling angulation and retraction of the blades allow a surgeon greater flexibility for creating a surgical site.

Abstract: A method of renovating a ceiling tile and grid system includes lifting an old ceiling tile from the grid, placing a new ceiling tile in the grid where the old ceiling tile was positioned and placing the old ceiling tile on top of the new ceiling tile.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: A portable memory storage device is disclosed where access to information on the device is granted only upon proper biometric authentication of a user. The device includes a controller, a non-volatile memory which may be a flash memory, and a biometric scanner system for controlling access to the information within the non-volatile memory. Each of the controller, non-volatile memory and biometric scanner system may be mounted in a base of the portable device, with the biometric system having an exposed surface on a top portion of the base for accepting biometric data such as a fingerprint. A cover is provided which includes a USB connector capable of mating within a USB port of the host device to establish communications between the portable and host devices. The cover also covers the exposed portion of the biometric scanner to protect the sensor when the portable memory storage device is not in use.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: A storage compartment to store one or more items includes a body, a top, and a coupling element operable to couple the top to the body and allow the top to be moved relative to the body. The body includes a bottom and a sidewall that define an interior in which one or more items, such as a storage medium or a portable device, may be stored. The sidewall includes a passage to allow an item stored in the interior to be coupled to another item outside the interior. The top may be moved relative to the body to open and close the storage compartment. With the storage compartment, one may securely and safely store a PDA, for example, that is coupled with a processor of a computer system.

Abstract: A housing for a computer system includes a conduit operable to protect a communication medium, such as a cable, that couples a peripheral device of the system to processing circuitry of the system. The conduit includes a bottom, a sidewall and a top that together define a passage in which the communication medium may be disposed. The passage includes a first opening and a second opening for allowing the communication medium disposed in the passage to extend through the passage. By disposing all or section of the communication medium in the passage, the conduit reduces the coupler's exposure between the interface of the processing circuitry and a peripheral device coupled to the interface, and thus protects the communication medium and the interface.

Abstract: A storage compartment for storing a data storage disc and/or other items includes a side, and a post positionable relative to the side. With the positionable post, one may position the post to extend away from a bottom of the compartment to retain one or more discs in the storage compartment. Or one may recess the post to store other items, such as a camera and camera docking station, in the compartment. Thus, one can move the post out of the way when the compartment does not contain a storage disc, thus freeing up the compartment to better store other items.

Abstract: A manufacturing monitoring system and related methods for determining the efficiency of a production plant, of an assembly or process line, or of the components of the assembly or process line. Data relating to the efficiency of the plant, production line, or components of the production line are gathered, such as one or more of unit output values, downtime occurrences, downtime duration, downtime incident codes, downtime categorization, action items, minutes ran, hours scheduled, capable rate, actual output, idle time, total time and waste analysis values. The gathered data is stored and production efficiencies are calculated based upon the gathered data. The results are communicated, such as by the Internet or intranet, to computers, databases, servers or terminals. Related methods are also disclosed.