Patents by Inventor Lance W. Shelton

Lance W. Shelton 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: 9513830
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for providing efficient and enhanced protection of data stored in a nonvolatile memory system. The methods and apparatuses involve a system controller for a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices in the nonvolatile memory system that is capable of protecting data using two layers of data protection, including inter-card card stripes and intra-card page stripes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Kenneth Scianna, Lance W. Shelton
  • Patent number: 9501235
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system comprise a controller configured to organize FLASH memory devices into blocks, each block having a plurality of pages, and each page defining an individually addressable physical memory location. The controller is further configured to accumulate a Block READ Count corresponding to the number of times any pages in a first block of pages have been read since the first block was last erased. Once the READ count reaches a predetermined number, the controller responds to subsequent READ requests for pages within the first block by moving data associated with a requested page to a page in a second, different block without moving data associated with other pages in the first block, and modifying a logical-to-physical translation table to associate the moved data with the physical address of the page in the second block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Timothy J. Fisher, James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20160283327
    Abstract: A Flash-based memory system comprises a plurality of Flash memory devices, a Flash controller communicating independently with each Flash memory device to perform memory operations, a power circuit providing power the Flash memory devices, and a CPU configured to perform a controlled powering down procedure upon detecting a power failure. In some embodiments, the Flash-based memory system includes a backup power source having a charge storage device and charging circuitry, the CPU configured to perform one or more test procedures on the charge storage device to provide an indication of a charge storage capacity of the charge storage device. A plurality of Flash-based memory systems may be mounted on a Flash-based memory card, and multiple such Flash-based memory cards may be combined into a Flash-based memory module. A number of Flash-based memory modules may then be removably mounted in a rack-mountable housing to form unitary Flash-based memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Holloway H. FROST, Don D. DAVIS, Adrian P. GLOVER, Lance W. SHELTON
  • Publication number: 20160162211
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system comprise a controller configured to organize FLASH memory devices into blocks, each block having a plurality of pages, and each page defining an individually addressable physical memory location. The controller is further configured to accumulate a Block READ Count corresponding to the number of times any pages in a first block of pages have been read since the first block was last erased. Once the READ count reaches a predetermined number, the controller responds to subsequent READ requests for pages within the first block by moving data associated with a requested page to a page in a second, different block without moving data associated with other pages in the first block, and modifying a logical-to-physical translation table to associate the moved data with the physical address of the page in the second block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Timothy J. Fisher, James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton
  • Patent number: 9361984
    Abstract: A Flash-based memory system comprises a plurality of Flash memory devices, a Flash controller communicating independently with each Flash memory device to perform memory operations, a power circuit providing power the Flash memory devices, and a CPU configured to perform a controlled powering down procedure upon detecting a power failure. In some embodiments, the Flash-based memory system includes a backup power source having a charge storage device and charging circuitry, the CPU configured to perform one or more test procedures on the charge storage device to provide an indication of a charge storage capacity of the charge storage device. A plurality of Flash-based memory systems may be mounted on a Flash-based memory card, and multiple such Flash-based memory cards may be combined into a Flash-based memory module. A number of Flash-based memory modules may then be removably mounted in a rack-mountable housing to form unitary Flash-based memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Don D. Davis, Adrian P. Glover, Lance W. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20160034218
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for providing efficient and enhanced protection of data stored in a nonvolatile memory system. The methods and apparatuses involve a system controller for a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices in the nonvolatile memory system that is capable of protecting data using two layers of data protection, including inter-card card stripes and intra-card page stripes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Holloway H. FROST, Charles J. CAMP, Kenneth SCIANNA, Lance W. SHELTON
  • Patent number: 9250991
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system comprise a controller configured to organize FLASH memory devices into blocks, each block having a plurality of pages, and each page defining an individually addressable physical memory location. The controller is further configured to accumulate a Block READ Count corresponding to the number of times any pages in a first block of pages have been read since the first block was last erased. Once the READ count reaches a predetermined number, the controller responds to subsequent READ requests for pages within the first block by moving data associated with a requested page to a page in a second, different block without moving data associated with other pages in the first block, and modifying a logical-to-physical translation table to associate the moved data with the physical address of the page in the second block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Timothy J. Fisher, James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton
  • Patent number: 9158708
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for providing efficient and enhanced protection of data stored in a nonvolatile memory system. The methods and apparatuses involve a system controller for a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices in the nonvolatile memory system that is capable of protecting data using two layers of data protection, including inter-card card stripes and intra-card page stripes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Kenneth Scianna, Lance W. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20150113341
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system comprise a controller configured to organize FLASH memory devices into blocks, each block having a plurality of pages, and each page defining an individually addressable physical memory location. The controller is further configured to accumulate a Block READ Count corresponding to the number of times any pages in a first block of pages have been read since the first block was last erased. Once the READ count reaches a predetermined number, the controller responds to subsequent READ requests for pages within the first block by moving data associated with a requested page to a page in a second, different block without moving data associated with other pages in the first block, and modifying a logical-to-physical translation table to associate the moved data with the physical address of the page in the second block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Timothy J. Fisher, James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20150113211
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for providing efficient and enhanced protection of data stored in a nonvolatile memory system. The methods and apparatuses involve a system controller for a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices in the nonvolatile memory system that is capable of protecting data using two layers of data protection, including inter-card card stripes and intra-card page stripes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Holloway H. FROST, Charles J. Camp, Ken Scianna, Lance W. Shelton
  • Patent number: 8943263
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system comprise a controller configured to organize FLASH memory devices into blocks, each block having a plurality of pages, and each page defining an individually addressable physical memory location. The controller is further configured to accumulate a Block READ Count corresponding to the number of times any pages in a first block of pages have been read since the first block was last erased. Once the READ count reaches a predetermined number, the controller responds to subsequent READ requests for pages within the first block by moving data associated with a requested page to a page in a second, different block without moving data associated with other pages in the first block, and modifying a logical-to-physical translation table to associate the moved data with the physical address of the page in the second block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Timothy J. Fisher, James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton
  • Patent number: 8930622
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for providing efficient and enhanced protection of data stored in a FLASH memory system. The methods and apparatuses involve a system controller for a plurality of FLASH memory devices in the FLASH memory system that is capable of protecting data using two layers of data protection, including inter-card card stripes and intra-card page stripes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Ken Scianna, Lance W. Shelton
  • Patent number: 8775772
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced READ and WRITE operations in a FLASH-based solid state storage system that includes a logical to physical translation table where the logical to physical translation table can include entries associating a logical block address with one or more data identifiers, where each data identifier is associated with a data string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton, Justin C. Haggard
  • Publication number: 20130294163
    Abstract: A Flash-based memory system comprises a plurality of Flash memory devices, a Flash controller communicating independently with each Flash memory device to perform memory operations, a power circuit providing power the Flash memory devices, and a CPU configured to perform a controlled powering down procedure upon detecting a power failure. In some embodiments, the Flash-based memory system includes a backup power source having a charge storage device and charging circuitry, the CPU configured to perform one or more test procedures on the charge storage device to provide an indication of a charge storage capacity of the charge storage device. A plurality of Flash-based memory systems may be mounted on a Flash-based memory card, and multiple such Flash-based memory cards may be combined into a Flash-based memory module. A number of Flash-based memory modules may then be removably mounted in a rack-mountable housing to form unitary Flash-based memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Holloway H. FROST, Don D. DAVIS, Adrian P. GLOVER, Lance W. SHELTON
  • Patent number: 8495423
    Abstract: A Flash-based memory system comprises a plurality of Flash memory devices, a Flash controller communicating independently with each Flash memory device to perform memory operations, a power circuit providing power the Flash memory devices, and a CPU configured to perform a controlled powering down procedure upon detecting a power failure. In some embodiments, the Flash-based memory system includes a backup power source having a charge storage device and charging circuitry, the CPU configured to perform one or more test procedures on the charge storage device to provide an indication of a charge storage capacity of the charge storage device. A plurality of Flash-based memory systems may be mounted on a Flash-based memory card, and multiple such Flash-based memory cards may be combined into a Flash-based memory module. A number of Flash-based memory modules may then be removably mounted in a rack-mountable housing to form unitary Flash-based memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Don D. Davis, Adrian P. Glover, Lance W. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20130124788
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for providing efficient and enhanced protection of data stored in a FLASH memory system. The methods and apparatuses involve a system controller for a plurality of FLASH memory devices in the FLASH memory system that is capable of protecting data using two layers of data protection, including inter-card card stripes and intra-card page stripes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS MEMORY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Holloway H. FROST, Charles J. CAMP, Ken SCIANNA, Lance W. SHELTON
  • Publication number: 20120233391
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system comprise a controller configured to organize FLASH memory devices into blocks, each block having a plurality of pages, and each page defining an individually addressable physical memory location. The controller is further configured to accumulate a Block READ Count corresponding to the number of times any pages in a first block of pages have been read since the first block was last erased. Once the READ count reaches a predetermined number, the controller responds to subsequent READ requests for pages within the first block by moving data associated with a requested page to a page in a second, different block without moving data associated with other pages in the first block, and modifying a logical-to-physical translation table to associate the moved data with the physical address of the page in the second block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS MEMORY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Timothy J. Fisher, James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton
  • Patent number: 8190842
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reduction of Read Disturb errors in a NAND FLASH memory system comprise a controller configured to organize FLASH memory devices into blocks, each block having a plurality of pages, and each page defining an individually addressable physical memory location. The controller is further configured to accumulate a Block READ Count corresponding to the number of times any pages in a first block of pages have been read since the first block was last erased. Once the READ count reaches a predetermined number, the controller responds to subsequent READ requests for pages within the first block by moving data associated with a requested page to a page in a second, different block without moving data associated with other pages in the first block, and modifying a logical-to-physical translation table to associate the moved data with the physical address of the page in the second block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Memory Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Charles J. Camp, Timothy J. Fisher, James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20110219259
    Abstract: A Flash-based memory system comprises a plurality of Flash memory devices, a Flash controller communicating independently with each Flash memory device to perform memory operations, a power circuit providing power the Flash memory devices, and a CPU configured to perform a controlled powering down procedure upon detecting a power failure. In some embodiments, the Flash-based memory system includes a backup power source having a charge storage device and charging circuitry, the CPU configured to perform one or more test procedures on the charge storage device to provide an indication of a charge storage capacity of the charge storage device. A plurality of Flash-based memory systems may be mounted on a Flash-based memory card, and multiple such Flash-based memory cards may be combined into a Flash-based memory module. A number of Flash-based memory modules may then be removably mounted in a rack-mountable housing to form unitary Flash-based memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: TEXAS MEMORY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Holloway H. Frost, Don D. Davis, Adrian P. Glover, Lance W. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20110040927
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced READ and WRITE operations in a FLASH-based solid state storage system that includes a logical to physical translation table where the logical to physical translation table can include entries associating a logical block address with one or more data identifiers, where each data identifier is associated with a data string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: TEXAS MEMORY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Fuxa, Lance W. Shelton, Justin C. Haggard