Abstract: A data storage device includes a NAND flash memory, an executable interface and a controller for receiving, from a host, via the executable interface, an instruction to access the NAND flash memory at a virtual address and for translating the virtual address to a physical address of the volatile memory. Preferably, the controller also provides boot functionality to the host.

Abstract: A computerized system including: a processor; and a flash memory device including memory cells grouped into blocks, wherein one or more of the blocks stores in M bits per cell an initialization program, e.g boot code, which is retrieved and executed by the processor; and wherein the processor accesses one or more of the remaining blocks storing N bits per cell, wherein N is greater than M. N and M are integral numbers. Preferably, M equals 1 and N equals 2; or M equals 1 and N equals 4; or M equals 2 and N equals 4. Preferably, the blocks storing M bits per cell is only one block. Preferably, the flash memory device is a NAND flash memory device.

Abstract: A memory, that is erased in units of physical blocks, is presented as though the memory is erased in units of pseudo-blocks that are smaller than the physical blocks. One of the physical blocks is designated spare. In one embodiment, to erase a pseudo-block, all other valid data in the corresponding physical block are copied to the spare physical block, the target physical block is erased, and either the other valid data are copied back or the target physical block becomes the spare. In another embodiment, to erase a pseudo-block that is logically associated with a virtual block, the virtual block is marked as logically erased and the pseudo-block is logically associated with a blank virtual block. If necessary, a blank virtual block is created by swapping the spare with an appropriate other physical block.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-volatile flash memory device, including setting a first number of bits stored per cell for at least one first cell less than a second number of bits stored per cell for at least one second cell such that the setting permanently fixes the first number and the second number prior to shipping the device for use. Preferably the setting is based on predicted reliabilities of the cells. Preferably, the predicted reliability of the first cells is less than the predicted reliability of the second cells. Preferably, the setting is based on respective locations within the device of the first cells and the second cells.

Abstract: A method of sending data from a memory to a host, and a data storage device that uses the method. The controller of the data storage device sends the data directly from the memory to a buffer in an interface to the host while simultaneously checking the data for errors. If sufficiently few errors are found, the data are sent from the buffer to the host. Otherwise, the data are corrected, the data in the buffer are replaced with the corrected data, and the corrected data are written to the memory. If the data are stored by segments, the simultaneous sending and checking is effected segmentwise. When a bad segment is found, an error flag is set. When all the data have been sent and checked, or when the buffer is full, if the error flag has not been set, the data in the buffer are sent to the host.

Abstract: A method of accessing control information of a non-volatile solid state memory storage, including reading said control information; reading error correction code data shared by said control information and by other associated data; analyzing said error correction code data to determine if said control information is erroneous; and if erroneous, correcting said control information based on said error correction code data.

Abstract: An impact test apparatus includes a barrel adapted to contain pressurized gas and having a sealed end and an opposed open end. A shuttle including a bore for carrying a test sample is positioned for translation within the barrel. A seal is provided on the shuttle for sealingly engaging the barrel. The seal divides the interior of the barrel into a portion open to the atmosphere and a sealed portion. A trigger element selectively retains the shuttle in a fixed position within the barrel and permits the shuttle to be released to accelerate toward the open of the barrel as the pressurized gas in the sealed portion of the barrel expands. Brake rings are located proximate the open end of the barrel to decelerate the shuttle and retain the shuttle substantially within the barrel while allowing the test sample to travel towards a target aligned with the open end of the barrel. The impact test apparatus permits reliable and reproducible impact testing of projectiles without the use of towers or explosive charges.

Abstract: A rotational brake member controls the rotational velocity of an electric generator assembly housed within a projectile. The assembly includes an air-driven turbine and an electric generator. The brake member is affixed to the turbine which drives a rotatable element of the generator to produce electric power. The brake member is formed from an elastically deformable material and is adapted to contact the stationary surface proximate the periphery of the brake member at a predetermined angular velocity. In addition, a shock absorbing member formed from an inelastically deformable material is positioned to absorb shock to the turbine when the projectile is fired. Preferably, the generator further includes an elastomeric seat for biasing the turbine away from the shock absorbing member after the projectile has been fired.