Abstract: A memory module assembly includes two-plate heat sink attached to one or more of the integrated circuits (e.g., memory devices) of a memory module PCBA by adhesive. The adhesive is either heat-activated or heat-cured. The adhesive is applied to either the memory devices or the heat-sink plates, and then compressed between the heat-sink plates and memory module using a fixture. The fixture is then passed through an oven to activate/cure the adhesive.

Abstract: Secure-digital (SD) type memory cards are produced using one or more prefabricated cover portions and a molded casing portion. A sub-assembly is formed by mounting a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) onto the cover portion such that the contact pads of the PCBA are exposed through associated windows defined in the cover. The sub-assembly is placed into a cavity formed in a mold assembly, and molten thermoplastic material is then injected into each cavity of the mold assembly under heat and pressure using known injection molding techniques, thereby forming a molded plastic casing portion that secures the PCBA to the cover and completes the memory card housing.

Abstract: A PC card frame kit for housing a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) including a board (PCB) and a connector mounted on a back edge of the PCB. The frame kit includes a frame including first and second parallel side rails and an end rail extending between first ends of the first and second side rails. The frame defines an open end and a longitudinal slot for slidably receiving the PCB. Side panels of the PC card frame kit are then snap-coupled onto the frame.

Abstract: A plug for coupling with an industry-standard EXPRESSCARD™ receptacle is described. The plug includes a plurality of plug-side metal contacts disposed on a bottom substrate. The plurality of plug-side metal contacts is configured to electrically couple with receptacle-side metal contacts in the industry-standard EXPRESSCARD™ receptacle. When the plug is disconnected from the industry-standard EXPRESSCARD™ receptacle, the surfaces of the plurality plug-side metal contacts are exposed by not being covered by a top housing.

Abstract: A computer peripheral device including a USB plug connector in which a reinforced connecting ring is mounted over the front flange of a two-part housing, and includes an opening through which the USB plug connector protrudes. The connecting ring includes a collar that is sized to mount over the front flange using an interference fit. The connecting ring also includes a front plate that protects a front of the housing from damage during use. An optional rear connecting ring is used to further secure the housing together.

Abstract: A memory card including a PCB assembly that is consistent with existing 13-pad MMC mechanical form factors, and a housing that is consistent with the SD mechanical form factor, thereby providing a single PCBA and housing arrangement that can be used to produce both MMC and SD memory cards. The thirteen contact pads support all MMC and SD contact pad patterns, but are modified to facilitate a write protect switch. The housing includes an enlarged window (or windows) that exposes two or more contact pads in each of the multiple rows, thereby facilitating slidable insertion of the memory card into a socket of a host system. Alignment notches are formed in the side edges of the PCB, and/or alignment pins are utilized for properly aligning the PCBA within the housing.

Abstract: A memory module assembly includes two-plate heat sink attached to one or more of the integrated circuits (e.g., memory devices) of a memory module PCBA by adhesive. The adhesive is either heat-activated or heat-cured. The adhesive is applied to either the memory devices or the heat-sink plates, and then compressed between the heat-sink plates and memory module using a fixture. The fixture is then passed through an oven to activate/cure the adhesive.

Abstract: A socket having thirteen contact springs arranged in a manner that supports existing MMC and SD form factors, and also supports a combination SD/MMC flash memory card. The combination memory card includes a PCB assembly that is consistent with existing 13-pad MMC mechanical form factors, and a housing that is consistent with the SD mechanical form factor, thereby providing a single PCBA and housing arrangement that can be used to produce both MMC and SD memory cards. The thirteen contact pads support all MMC and SD contact pad patterns, but are modified to facilitate a write protect switch. The contacts springs of the socket are arranged to make contact with the modified pad pattern, but to also be backward compatible with existing SD and MMC form factors. A system including the socket and combination SD/MMC flash memory card is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer peripheral device including a positioning mechanism for deploying and retracting a USB plug connector. The connector is retracted and locked into the housing while not in use. The housing provides protection from potential damage to the connector due to external contact. The positioning mechanism includes a handle that can be pressed down, slid along the housing surface, and locked into position to expose the plug connector when data transfer to and from the host is needed. The reverse motion will retract and secure the connector/PCBA to be locked completely inside the housing. The mechanism is engaged with features built in the housing to provide locking and unlocking functions. The engagement mechanism can be exposed or hidden from view. The mechanism can be mounted on top or side surfaces of the housing of the USB pen drive. Several design options are disclosed.

Abstract: A low-profile Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) connector includes a substantially flat base structure that is received in the lower section of a conventional female USB connector, and includes metal contacts formed on an upper surface of the base structure. Wobble or vertical play is reduced by rails extending along side edges of the base structure that are partially inserted into gaps formed between the metal case and base structure of the female USB connector. Between metal contacts on the low-profile USB connector are raised ribs (dividers) that prevent undesirable damage or contamination to the metal contacts. The connector base structure of the low-profile USB connector can be separate or can be integrated with a circuit board that holds a flash memory chip and a USB controller chip.

Abstract: A removable Flash integrated memory module card has a plastic shell and an integral Flash memory module. On the backside of the card, there are exposed contact pads. When the card is inserted into a card-hosting device, the card can communicate with the device through the exposed pads. The manufacturing method includes manufacturing of the memory module and utilizing plastic molding techniques for making the card outer body. The method involves preparing the substrate, mounting the components, testing the module, preparing the molding device, and molding the card body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing a flash memory assembly. The flash memory assembly includes a connector and a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the connector. The center of the PCB is positioned substantially at the center of the connector. An electronic component is coupled to one side of the PCB. In another aspect of the present invention, a second electronic component is coupled to a second side of the PCB. In another aspect of the present invention, the electronic components and the PCB are protected by covers joined using interference fitting or ultrasonic joining. In another aspect of the present invention, a cap protects the connector. The cap can be removably coupled to the connector.

Abstract: A memory card including a PCB assembly that is consistent with existing 13-pad MMC mechanical form factors, and a housing that is consistent with the SD mechanical form factor, thereby providing a single PCBA and housing arrangement that can be used to produce both MMC and SD memory cards. The thirteen contact pads support all MMC and SD contact pad patterns, but are modified to facilitate a write protect switch. The housing includes an enlarged window (or windows) that exposes two or more contact pads in each of the multiple rows, thereby facilitating slidable insertion of the memory card into a socket of a host system. Alignment notches are formed in the side edges of the PCB, and/or alignment pins are utilized for properly aligning the PCBA within the housing.

Abstract: A memory card having thirteen contact pads arranged on a PCB in a manner that supports an integrated SD/MMC system. Eight contact pads form a front row, four contact pads form a second row behind the front row, and a thirteenth contact pad is located between the front and back rows adjacent to a chamfer formed on the PCB. An L-shaped gap region is provided between the first and second rows, and between the second row and side edge of the PCB. An optional alignment notch is defined along the side edge adjacent the second row. An optional alignment hole is defined between adjacent contact pads of the second row that receives an alignment pin passing between two covers of a two-part housing. The memory card electronics are compatible with either the MMC or SD protocols, and the housing is consistent with either the MMC or SD mechanical form factors.

Abstract: A PC card frame kit for housing a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly including a PC board and a connector mounted on a back edge of the PCB. The frame kit includes a frame including first and second parallel side rails and an end rail extending between first ends of the first and second side rails. A pair of panels is connected to opposite sides of the frame by substantially identical (e.g., male-type) connection structures that are provided on both panels. A pair of ground contacts is provided on opposite sides of the PCB assembly connector that respectively contact the two panels. A metal support (shroud) is incorporated into the frame to receive the ends of the connection structures extending from both panels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating using various protocols through the Secured Digital (SD) physical interface are disclosed. The invention covers, among others, single-mode and multi-mode hosts, single-mode and multi-mode devices, as well as techniques for initializing these hosts and devices in order to facilitate the aforementioned communication.

Abstract: A temperature regulator provides thermoelectric temperature control in a X-ray detector. The temperature regulator maintains the temperature within the X-ray detector by controlling current through a thermoelectric device. The temperature regulator can both heat and cool the X-ray detector.

Abstract: A low-profile Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) connector includes a substantially flat base structure that is received in the lower section of a conventional female USB connector, and includes metal contacts formed on an upper surface of the base structure. Wobble or vertical play is reduced by rails extending along side edges of the base structure that are partially inserted into gaps formed between the metal case and base structure of the female USB connector. Between metal contacts on the low-profile USB connector are raised ribs (dividers) that prevent undesirable damage or contamination to the metal contacts. The connector base structure of the low-profile USB connector can be separate or can be integrated with a circuit board that holds a flash memory chip and a USB controller chip.