Abstract: A storage controller comprising a first interface to exchange data with an appliance, such as a cell phone; a second interface to exchange data with a host system and receive power from the host system to provide power to the appliance; and a solid state memory to provide the appliance with storage for data.

Abstract: A memory card reading apparatus is described including a plurality of memory card interfaces, with at least of subset of the plurality memory card interfaces configured to interface with a memory card of a first type, the plurality of memory card interfaces accessible in parallel. In one embodiment, at least on of the memory card interfaces is configured to interface with a plurality of different memory card types. In another embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of memory card interfaces are configured to interface with a memory card of a first type and a second subset of the plurality of memory card interfaces are configured to interface with a memory card of a second type, wherein the first and second subset of memory card interfaces are accessible in parallel.

Abstract: A method for recovering data from corrupted flash media and regenerated damaged flash media have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises accessing data on a flash media, searching the data for file indicia corresponding at least one predetermined file type, reading the data based on information in the file indicia, the data including a recovered file, and storing the recovered file on a storage medium. Other embodiments have been claimed and described.

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 another alternative embodiment, the apparatus 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: 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: 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 tower 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. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a third separate storage area configured to store a memory card.

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: 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 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 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 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: 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: 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 device for allowing secure identification of an individual when accessing information is disclosed. The device comprises a serial port and a controller coupled to the serial port. The device further includes a storage medium coupled to the controller; the storage medium including security information which can be accessed by the controller. A device in accordance with the present invention may take a variety of physical forms. In a preferred embodiment, a USB (universal serial bus) connection is utilized for connecting the device to a computer. Such a device has a unique ID embedded in an integrated circuit inside the device. The device can optionally store in excess of 1 gigabyte of information. Information within the device can be protected by various layers of security (password layer, unique ID layer, encryption layer). The level of security can include all of these layers, as well as any subset of these layers.

Abstract: A controller chip for coupling a computer system with a flash storage system is disclosed. The controller chip comprises an interface mechanism for determining whether the Flash storage system includes a controller and an adapter for providing the appropriate interface to the computer system to allow the computer system to communicate with the Flash storage system. In a preferred embodiment, the flash storage system comprising at least a portion of a medium ID section; and a flash section, wherein the medium ID section contains specifications of the medium ID. Through the use of this system a plurality of different adapters and a flash storage system can be managed while utilizing the same hardware components.

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 multi-flash-card reader is disclosed. The multi-flash-card reader comprises an active adapter chip for converting multiple flash-card interfaces to a plurality of output interfaces for a device. The multiple flash-card interfaces include a CompactFlash interface and smaller interfaces having fewer pins that the CompactFlash interface. The reader includes a CompactFlash connector, coupled to the active adapter chip, for receiving a CompactFlash card through a single slot in the single slot multi-flash-card reader. The CompactFlash connector makes electrical connection with the CompactFlash card for signals in the CompactFlash interface. The reader also includes an adapter, having a physical shape to removably insert into the CompactFlash connector. The adapter has a mating CompactFlash connector that fits the CompactFlash connector. The adapter also has a smaller connector. The smaller connector is for fitting to other flash-memory cards having the smaller interfaces.

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.