Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a connector interface frame comprising a plurality of detachable limbs. When one or more specified limbs are detached, the connector interface frame accommodates a particular one of a plurality of host processing system connector interfaces. Depending on which limbs are detached, the frame can accommodate either a CF card or a PCMCIA card. In alternative embodiments, the frame accommodates other host processing system connector interfaces. Embodiments of the invention, therefore, allow a production run that allow the production of a standard frame kit that can be used for multiple types of host processing system connector interfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a serial port configured to interface with a separate host, one serial interface engine (SIE) connected to the serial port, and at least a first interface unit and a second interface unit connected to the one serial interface engine. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a virtual hub comprising a firmware unit configured to emulate a hub having multiple ports. In an alternative embodiment, the first interface unit is a keyboard interface, and the second interface unit is a flash media drive interface. In another alternative embodiment, is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) peripheral and the serial port is a Universal Serial Bus port. In another alternative embodiment, apparatus is housed within a keyboard.

Abstract: A multi-memory media adapter comprised of a first planar element having an upper surface and a lower surface, a second planar element having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a spacer disposed between them. The two planar elements form a port capable of receiving a memory media card. The adapter has at least one set of contact pins protruding from the lower surface of the first planar element or the upper surface of the second planar element such that the at least one set of contact pins are disposed within the port. The at least one set of contact pins are capable of contacting the contacts of a memory media card inserted into the port. A third planar element, having a standard system connector surface-mounted thereon, is adjacent to the second planar element. The standard system connecter is electrically connected to the at least one contact pin set.

Abstract: A memory card interface apparatus including a bay to receive a memory card for accessing data stored on the card, and a separate storage cavity configured to store a memory card. In one embodiment, the cavity includes an aperture providing access to remove a card from the storage cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity includes an element protruding out a side of the storage cavity to retain a card within the storage cavity. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a second separate storage cavity configured to store a memory card. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a third separate storage cavity configured to store a memory card. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a toner configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to attach to a separate add-on configuration, the separate add-on configuration providing storage for additional memory cards.

Abstract: A field-operable stand-alone apparatus for recovering data from corrupted flash media and regenerated damaged flash media. The apparatus enables users in the field to recover data from and/or regenerate damaged flash media without requiring the use of a computer. In one aspect, recovery comprises using a low-level access scheme that enables data to be recovered when high-level interfaces, such as file systems, are damaged. The type of flash media is determined, and a corresponding access scheme is employed. Depending on the type of damage to the media, a physical-to-logical table may be built and employed to sequentially access the flash media in search of indicia from which selectable file-types can be identified, or the media may be accessed using normal operating system commands. Once the file indicia are found, the location of corresponding file data is identified, whereupon the file data are read and stored.

Abstract: A single-slot multi-flash-card reader is disclosed. The flash card reader includes an Integrated Device Electronics (IDE) interface for transferring data to a personal computer; and an IDE converter, coupled to the IDE interface, for converting multiple flash-card interfaces to a format used by the personal computer interface. The multiple flash-card interfaces include a CompactFlash interface and smaller interfaces having fewer pins that the CompactFlash interface. The flash card reader includes a CompactFlash connector, coupled to the IDE converter, for receiving a CompactFlash card through a single slot in the single-slot multi-flash-card reader, the CompactFlash connector making electrical connection with the CompactFlash card for signals in the CompactFlash interface. The flash card reader also includes an adapter, having a physical shape to remove or insert into the CompactFlash connector. The adapter has a mating CompactFlash connector that fits the CompactFlash connector.

Abstract: A parity generating circuit that can replace the parity bit DRAM on a 9-bit SIMM. The parity generating circuit includes a parity generating tree which outputs the resulting even parity from the 8 data bits on a read. A 9th data input from another parity generator on the system mother board is compared to the generator tree output when DRAM is written to. If a mismatch occurs, the type of parity generated by the generator tree is opposite to the type of parity that the mother board generates, and the parity tree output must be inverted on subsequent reads. A latch is provided to store the compare result, which also indicates the type of parity required, even or odd, on the particular system the SIMM is installed on. The latch is loaded when the DRAM is written to. The state of the latch is used to output the correct type of parity on a read from DRAM by inverting the output of the parity generating circuit if needed.