Abstract: A system and method for data storage are disclosed. In a first aspect, the system comprises a printed circuit board, a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the printed circuit board, an USB connector coupled to the CPU, and an USB receptacle connector coupled to the CPU. In a second aspect, the system is a smart USB device that includes a smart USB module and a USB drive coupled to the smart USB module.

Abstract: A system and method for data storage are disclosed. In a first aspect, the system comprises a printed circuit board, a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the printed circuit board, an USB connector coupled to the CPU, and an USB receptacle connector coupled to the CPU. In a second aspect, the system is a smart USB device that includes a smart USB module and a USB drive coupled to the smart USB module.

Abstract: A multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier is about the same size as a thick credit card and fits into a wallet. The multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier has bays that accept flash-memory cards. Larger bays on one side receive SD cards and a Memory Stick Duo card, while micro bays on another side of the carrier receive microSD cards and Memory Stick Micro cards. A carrier spine sandwiched between top and bottom covers has openings forming the bays. Spring-clip tabs on spring-clip fingers fit into notches on the side of the flash-memory cards to secure the flash-memory cards into the multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier to prevent loss. The spring-clip fingers are movable parts of the carrier spine that are deformed during insertion of the flash-memory cards. Both micro and standard flash-memory cards can be carried in the same multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier that can be placed in plastic sleeves for credit cards in a person's wallet.

Abstract: A management hub is disclosed. The management hub comprises an interface; a master hub controller coupled to the interface; a plurality of ports coupled to the master hub controller; a microcontroller coupled to the master hub controller; and hub setting switch and a slave hub controller coupled to the microcontroller and the plurality of ports. The management hub also includes a memory device coupled to the microcontroller, the memory device including a hidden drive information partition and a hidden drive organizer partition for managing and identifying information in various drives coupled to the plurality of ports, wherein when the management hub is first connected to a host system the drives are displayed in an inactive state.

Abstract: A solid state disk system is disclosed. The system comprises a user token and at least one level secure virtual storage controller, coupled to the host system. The system includes a plurality of virtual storage devices coupled to at least one secure virtual storage controller. A system and method in accordance with the present invention could be utilized in flash based storage, disk storage systems, portable storage devices, corporate storage systems, PCs, servers, wireless storage, and multimedia storage systems.

Abstract: A solid state disk system is disclosed. The system comprises a user token and at least one level secure virtual storage controller, coupled to the host system. The system includes a plurality of virtual storage devices coupled to at least one secure virtual storage controller. A system and method in accordance with the present invention could be utilized in flash based storage, disk storage systems, portable storage devices, corporate storage systems, PCs, servers, wireless storage, and multimedia storage systems.

Abstract: A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. There are guide rails that allow the middle carrier to remain in an appropriate position. There is also a metal spring clip coupled to the middle carrier for contacting a connector of a device coupled to the drive to provide for improved EMI and ESD protection.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides a protected area for software to execute on a separate hardware firewall adaptor when a storage device is operating in an unprotected environment when connected to an uncontrolled or unmonitored host system. This software provides security through a plurality of security, access management and monitoring (SAMM) applications when a USB storage device is connected to a computer in an uncontrolled, unprotected environment.

Abstract: A USB connector including a metal shield for holding at least a portion of a printed circuit board having a plurality of connector contacts on a top side of the at least a portion of the printed circuit board, the metal shield including prongs which are attachable to the printed circuit board. A top support is separate from the printed circuit board and is provided within the metal shield above the at least a portion of the printed circuit board, the top support supporting the top side of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A solid state disk system is disclosed. The system comprises a user token and at least one level secure virtual storage controller, coupled to the host system. The system includes a plurality of virtual storage devices coupled to at least one secure virtual storage controller. A system and method in accordance with the present invention could be utilized in flash based storage, disk storage systems, portable storage devices, corporate storage systems, PCs, servers, wireless storage, and multimedia storage systems.

Abstract: A management hub is disclosed. The management hub comprises an interface; a master hub controller coupled to the interface; a plurality of ports coupled to the master hub controller; a microcontroller coupled to the master hub controller; and hub setting switch and a slave hub controller coupled to the microcontroller and the plurality of ports. The management hub also includes a memory device coupled to the microcontroller, the memory device including a hidden drive information partition and a hidden drive organizer partition for managing and identifying information in various drives coupled to the plurality of ports, wherein when the management hub is first connected to a host system the drives are displayed in an inactive state.

Abstract: A USB connector including a metal shield for holding at least a portion of a printed circuit board having a plurality of connector contacts on a top side of the at least a portion of the printed circuit board, the metal shield including prongs which are attachable to the printed circuit board. A top support is separate from the printed circuit board and is provided within the metal shield above the at least a portion of the printed circuit board, the top support supporting the top side of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides a protected area for software to execute on a separate hardware firewall adaptor when a storage device is operating in an unprotected environment when connected to an uncontrolled or unmonitored host system. This software provides security through a plurality of security, access management and monitoring (SAMM) applications when a USB storage device is connected to a computer in an uncontrolled, unprotected environment.

Abstract: A special USB connector which can accommodate PCBA with discrete components soldered on the frontal portion of PCBA is disclosed. The components can be positioned inside the USB connector. A carrier is utilized for PCBA support within a special USB connector used for compact USB devices and sliding motion.

Abstract: A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. There are guide rails that allow the middle carrier to remain in an appropriate position. There is also a metal spring clip coupled to the middle carrier for contacting a connector of a device coupled to the drive to provide for improved EMI and ESD protection.

Abstract: A multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier is about the same size as a thick credit card and fits into a wallet. The multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier has bays that accept flash-memory cards. Larger bays on one side receive SD cards and a Memory Stick Duo card, while micro bays on another side of the carrier receive microSD cards and Memory Stick Micro cards. A carrier spine sandwiched between top and bottom covers has openings forming the bays. Spring-clip tabs on spring-clip fingers fit into notches on the side of the flash-memory cards to secure the flash-memory cards into the multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier to prevent loss. The spring-clip fingers are movable parts of the carrier spine that are deformed during insertion of the flash-memory cards. Both micro and standard flash-memory cards can be carried in the same multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier that can be placed in plastic sleeves for credit cards in a person's wallet.

Abstract: A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. There are guide rails that allow the middle carrier to remain in an appropriate position. There is also a metal spring clip coupled to the middle carrier for contacting a connector of a device coupled to the drive to provide for improved EMI and ESD protection.

Abstract: A multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier is about the same size as a thick credit card and fits into a wallet. The multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier has bays that accept flash-memory cards. Larger bays on one side receive SD cards and a Memory Stick Duo card, while micro bays on another side of the carrier receive microSD cards and Memory Stick Micro cards. A carrier spine sandwiched between top and bottom covers has openings forming the bays. Spring-clip tabs on spring-clip fingers fit into notches on the side of the flash-memory cards to secure the flash-memory cards into the multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier to prevent loss. The spring-clip fingers are movable parts of the carrier spine that are deformed during insertion of the flash-memory cards. Both micro and standard flash-memory cards can be carried in the same multi-standard flash-memory-card carrier that can be placed in plastic sleeves for credit cards in a person's wallet.

Abstract: A special USB connector which can accommodate PCBA with discrete components soldered on the frontal portion of PCBA is disclosed. The components can be positioned inside the USB connector. A carrier is utilized for PCBA support within a special USB connector used for compact USB devices and sliding motion.

Abstract: A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. A positioning device on the middle carrier has a portion that protrudes outside the casing and operates like a button. The location of the positioning device where the button is located has two key attributes. First, there is a protrusion that acts as a lock with the casing. Second, the area below the button is not rigid and so it gives way when pressure is applied to the button. The top and bottom casings provide a casing structure which includes two detents. One detent is for locking the device with the connector in the extended position, and one detent for locking the device with the connector retracted in the in position. This allows for just one press of the extended portion of the positioning device to unlock it from its present position. When the device reaches its new position it will automatically lock.