Patents by Inventor Christopher P. Dudte

Christopher P. Dudte has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9361987
    Abstract: Systems and processes may use a first memory, a second memory, and a memory controller. The second memory is at least as large as a block of the first memory. Data is received and stored in the second memory for further writing to the second memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 9245616
    Abstract: A system and method for storing data uses multiple flash memory dies. Each flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. A charge pump is adapted to supply charge at a predetermined voltage to each flash memory die of the flash memory dies, and an interface is adapted to receive instructions for controlling the charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20150380083
    Abstract: A system and method for storing data uses multiple flash memory dies. Each flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. A charge pump is adapted to supply charge at a predetermined voltage to each flash memory die of the flash memory dies, and an interface is adapted to receive instructions for controlling the charge pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 9202573
    Abstract: A partial voltage level read is made on memory cells of a solid state memory device during a voltage settling time after the memory cells are charged (e.g., by a pulse from a charge pump). Digital values representing partial voltage levels are checked for errors (e.g., by an error correction code (ECC) engine). If the values can be corrected, then the values are released for host access. If the values cannot be corrected, then a full voltage read is performed on the memory cells after the voltage levels have substantially settled. Digital values corresponding to the full voltage reads can be released for host access. The use of partial voltage reads results in faster read of solid state memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 9158608
    Abstract: Systems and processes may be used to retrieve metadata from a nonvolatile memory of a portable device and transmit the retrieved metadata to an external host. Metadata may be analyzed using the external host and/or at least a portion of the metadata may be modified based on the analysis. Modified metadata may be transmitted from the external host to a memory controller of the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Nir Jacob Wakrat
  • Patent number: 9110787
    Abstract: Systems and processes may use a host and an external host. The host may be a portable device that includes a memory, a memory controller, and a communication interface for communication with the external host. The portable device may receive a command signal from the external host and initiate a predetermined amount of wear leveling in response to the command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Nir Jacob Wakrat
  • Patent number: 9075763
    Abstract: Systems and processes may include a memory coupled to a memory controller. Command signals for performing memory access operations may be received. Attributes of the command signals, such as type, time lapsed since receipt, and relatedness to other command signals, may be determined. Command signals may be sequenced in a sequence of execution based on the attributes. Command signals may be executed in the sequence of execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Thomas R. Colligan
  • Patent number: 9063728
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for storing hibernation data in a non-volatile memory (“NVM”). Hibernation data is data stored in volatile memory that is lost during a reduced power event, but is needed to restore the device to the operational state it was in prior to entering into the reduced power event. When a reduced power event occurs, the hibernation data is stored in the NVM. When the device “wakes up” the hibernation data is retrieved and used to restore the device to its prior operational state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Nir Wakrat, David J. Yeh, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 9042170
    Abstract: A system and method for storing data uses multiple flash memory dies. Each flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. A charge pump is adapted to supply charge at a predetermined voltage to each flash memory die of the flash memory dies, and an interface is adapted to receive instructions for controlling the charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 8964469
    Abstract: A system and method for storing data uses multiple flash memory dies. Each flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. A charge pump is adapted to supply charge at a predetermined voltage to each flash memory die of the flash memory dies, and an interface is adapted to receive instructions for controlling the charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20140313826
    Abstract: A system and method for storing data uses multiple flash memory dies. Each flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. A charge pump is adapted to supply charge at a predetermined voltage to each flash memory die of the flash memory dies, and an interface is adapted to receive instructions for controlling the charge pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20140307506
    Abstract: A system and method for storing data uses multiple flash memory dies. Each flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. A charge pump is adapted to supply charge at a predetermined voltage to each flash memory die of the flash memory dies, and an interface is adapted to receive instructions for controlling the charge pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20140281176
    Abstract: Systems and processes may be used to retrieve metadata from a nonvolatile memory of a portable device and transmit the retrieved metadata to an external host. Metadata may be analyzed using the external host and/or at least a portion of the metadata may be modified based on the analysis. Modified metadata may be transmitted from the external host to a memory controller of the host.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Nir Jacob Wakrat
  • Patent number: 8830747
    Abstract: A system and method for storing data uses multiple flash memory dies. Each flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. A charge pump is adapted to supply charge at a predetermined voltage to each flash memory die of the flash memory dies, and an interface is adapted to receive instructions for controlling the charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 8775721
    Abstract: Systems and processes may include a first memory and a second memory. A driver and/or an application may be stored in the first memory. Flash memory type data of the first memory may be stored in the second memory. The driver may control the first memory at least partially based on the flash memory type data. The first memory may be exchanged for a third memory. The driver may be stored on the third memory. The flash memory type data for the third memory may be stored on the second memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 8774951
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced media playback are disclosed. According to one aspect, during media playback, auxiliary (or secondary) media can be integrated with primary media. For example, an electronic device offering media playback can not only play back media item data but can also play back other auxiliary media data. In one implementation, presentation of a media group can involve not only presentation of media items of the media group but also presentation of auxiliary media. Another aspect pertains to how and when auxiliary media data is to be presented (e.g., played) by an electronic device. Another aspect pertains to updating or refreshing auxiliary media data. Still another aspect pertains to restricting presentation of primary media by an electronic device unless auxiliary data is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Lee, Jay F. Hamlin, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Patent number: 8745328
    Abstract: Systems and processes may be used to retrieve metadata from a nonvolatile memory of a portable device and transmit the retrieved metadata to an external host. Metadata may be analyzed using the external host and/or at least a portion of the metadata may be modified based on the analysis. Modified metadata may be transmitted from the external host to a memory controller of the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Nir Jacob Wakrat
  • Publication number: 20140146604
    Abstract: A partial voltage level read is made on memory cells of a solid state memory device during a voltage settling time after the memory cells are charged (e.g., by a pulse from a charge pump). Digital values representing partial voltage levels are checked for errors (e.g., by an error correction code (ECC) engine). If the values can be corrected, then the values are released for host access. If the values cannot be corrected, then a full voltage read is performed on the memory cells after the voltage levels have substantially settled. Digital values corresponding to the full voltage reads can be released for host access. The use of partial voltage reads results in faster read of solid state memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte
  • Publication number: 20140136771
    Abstract: Systems and processes may use a host and an external host. The host may be a portable device that includes a memory, a memory controller, and a communication interface for communication with the external host. The portable device may receive a command signal from the external host and initiate a predetermined amount of wear leveling in response to the command signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Nir Jacob Wakrat
  • Patent number: 8726004
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer software for operating a device can be used to operate the device in multiple modes. The device can be operated in a first operating mode adapted for processing data, in which a first processor executes a driver for a nonvolatile memory and a second processor performs processing of data stored in files on the nonvolatile memory. An instruction can be received to switch the device to a second operating mode adapted for reading and/or writing files from or to the nonvolatile memory. The driver for the nonvolatile memory can be switched from the first processor to the second processor in response to the instruction, and the driver for the nonvolatile memory can be executed on the second processor after performing the switch. A communications driver can be executed on the first processor in response to the instruction to switch the device to the second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J Cornwell, Christopher P Dudte