Abstract: Peripheral devices store data in non-volatile phase-change memory (PCM). PCM cells have alloy resistors with high-resistance amorphous states and low-resistance crystalline states. The peripheral device can be a Multi-Media Card/Secure Digital (MMC/SD) card. A PCM controller accesses PCM memory devices. Various routines that execute on a CPU in the PCM controller are activated in response to commands in the host-bus transactions. The PCM system increases the throughput of one or more phase-change memory devices by performing one or more of a read-ahead memory operation, a write-ahead memory write operation, a larger page memory write operation, a wider data bus memory write operation, a multi-channel concurrent multi-bank interleaving memory read or write operation, a write-cache memory write operation, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A flash memory has multi-level cells (MLC) that can each store multiple bits per cell. Blocks of cells can be downgraded to fewer bits/cell when errors occur, or for storing critical data such as boot code. The bits from a single MLC are partitioned among multiple pages to improve error correctability using Error Correction Code (ECC). An upper reference voltage is generated by a voltage reference generator in response to calibration registers that can be programmed to alter the upper reference voltage. A series of decreasing references are generated from the upper reference voltage and are compared to a bit-line voltage. Compare results are translated by translation logic that generates read data and over- and under-programming signals. Downgraded cells use the same truth table but generate fewer read data bits. Noise margins are asymmetrically improved by using the same sub-states for reading downgraded and full-density MLC cells.

Abstract: A restrictive multi-level-cell (MLC) flash memory prohibits regressive page-writes. When a regressive page-write is requested, an empty block having a low wear-level count is found, and data from the regressive page-write and data from pages stored in the old block are written to the empty block in page order. The old block is erased and recycled. A two-level look-up table is stored in volatile random-access memory (RAM). A logical page address from a host is divided by a modulo divider to generate a quotient and a remainder. The quotient is a logical block address that indexes a first-level look-up table to find a mapping entry with a physical block address that selects a row in a second-level look-up table. The remainder locates a column in the row in the second-level look-up table. If any page-valid bits above the column pointed to by the remainder are set, the write is regressive.

Abstract: Content on a storage medium is protected from unauthorized use, such as excessive copying or expired playback. A storage medium contains encrypted content and an encrypted content key with rules such as usage and copy rules. An interface between a record/playback device and the storage medium has enhanced security by not passing unprotected encryption keys that might be intercepted by external hackers. A content key is combined with usage and copy rules and then encrypted with a unique key, and may be doubly-encrypted with a control key before transmission over the interface. The unique key is generated from a key matrix on the record/playback device using row and columns received from the storage medium. The storage medium stores a pre-loaded copy of the unique key. The control key is generated from a random number on the record/playback device and storage medium avoiding transmission over the interface.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is provided to enable a wireless communication interface configured to communicate with a wireless device, then to further communicate with a network interface configured to facilitate communication between the communication interface and a network, where the network is configured to facilitate communication among devices that communicate with the network. The system is able to establish communication link with the application server retrieving wireless user related information and content from the wireless device; and communicate with the application server to transmit user information received from the wireless device and related content.

Abstract: An umbrella, having a cover stretched over a plastic folding radial frame which comprises upper, intermediate and lower nest plates respectively mounted on a main shaft for securing a plurality of ribs. The nest plates are identical in structure, each comprised an upper circular member having a plurality of pawls and retaining holes at the bottom respectively engaged with a plurality of retaining holes and pawls on the top of a lower circular member for securing the ribs. The cover comprises a plurality of fastening caps at the corners around its periphery and a plurality of snap fastening elements on each radial line thereof for securing the ribs. Because all the parts are made of plastic material, the umbrella is not electrically conductive and can protect against lightning.

Abstract: A needle assembly and cylindrical cover housing which are usable with a conventional hypodermic syringe. The needle assembly has a circular mount on it with catch slots and slanted surfaces. The cover housing has inward projections which are flexible so that the hypodermic syringe can be received in the cover housing and also for frictionally engaging in the catch slots so as to secure the needle assembly completely in the cover housing after usage.