Patents by Inventor Robert C. Miller

Robert C. Miller 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: 9462705
    Abstract: A USB memory assembly, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. The USB memory assembly includes a USB memory device within a carrier. The carrier may in turn be received within a connector shell and lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Patent number: 9218953
    Abstract: A low profile USB flash memory device, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. The USB flash memory device includes an integrated circuit memory portion and a USB connector. The memory portion and the USB connector may be integrally formed on the same substrate. The USB flash memory device includes a substrate on which is mounted one or more flash memory die, a controller die, passive components and an LED for indicating when the memory is being accessed. In contrast to prior art USB memory devices which used TSOP packages mounted on a printed circuit board, the semiconductor die of the present invention are affixed to the substrate and wire bonded in a SIP configuration. Omitting the encapsulated TSOP packages allows a reduction in the overall thickness of the USB flash memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh Upadhyayula, Robert C. Miller, Hem Takiar, Steven Sprouse, Ka Ian Yung
  • Publication number: 20150155156
    Abstract: A low profile USB flash memory device, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. The USB flash memory device includes an integrated circuit memory portion and a USB connector. The memory portion and the USB connector may be integrally formed on the same substrate. The USB flash memory device includes a substrate on which is mounted one or more flash memory die, a controller die, passive components and an LED for indicating when the memory is being accessed. In contrast to prior art USB memory devices which used TSOP packages mounted on a printed circuit board, the semiconductor die of the present invention are affixed to the substrate and wire bonded in a SIP configuration. Omitting the encapsulated TSOP packages allows a reduction in the overall thickness of the USB flash memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Suresh Upadhyayula, Robert C. Miller, Hem Takiar, Steven Sprouse, Ka Ian Yung
  • Patent number: 8986050
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a connector includes a connector module and a set of conductive connectors coupled to the connector module. The set of conductive connectors is configured to electrically couple to a set of contacts of a memory module. The connector also includes a ground contact coupled to the connector module. The ground contact is configured to be coupled to a ground of the memory module and to a conductive shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sandisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony King, Robert C. Miller, Suresh Upadhyayula
  • Patent number: 8947883
    Abstract: A low profile USB flash memory device, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. The USB flash memory device includes an integrated circuit memory portion and a USB connector. The memory portion and the USB connector may be integrally formed on the same substrate. The USB flash memory device includes a substrate on which is mounted one or more flash memory die, a controller die, passive components and an LED for indicating when the memory is being accessed. In contrast to prior art USB memory devices which used TSOP packages mounted on a printed circuit board, the semiconductor die of the present invention are affixed to the substrate and wire bonded in a SIP configuration. Omitting the encapsulated TSOP packages allows a reduction in the overall thickness of the USB flash memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh Upadhyayula, Robert C. Miller, Hem Takiar, Steven Sprouse, Ka Ian Yung
  • Patent number: 8852999
    Abstract: A system-in-a-package based flash memory card including an integrated circuit package occupying a small overall area within the card and cut to conform to the shape of a lid for the card. An integrated circuit may be cut from a panel into a shape that fits within and conforms to the shape of lids for a finished memory card, such as for example an SD Card. The integrated circuit package may be a system-in-a-package, a multi-chip module, or other arrangement where a complete electronic system is formed in a single package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Hem Takiar, Robert C. Miller, Warren Middlekauff, Michael W. Patterson, Shrikar Bhagath
  • Publication number: 20140273558
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a connector includes a connector module and a set of conductive connectors coupled to the connector module. The set of conductive connectors is configured to electrically couple to a set of contacts of a memory module. The connector also includes a ground contact coupled to the connector module. The ground contact is configured to be coupled to a ground of the memory module and to a conductive shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: ANTHONY KING, ROBERT C. MILLER, SURESH UPADHYAYULA
  • Patent number: 8728864
    Abstract: A portable memory card formed from a multi-die assembly, and methods of fabricating same, are disclosed. One such multi-die assembly includes an LGA SiP semiconductor package and a leadframe-based SMT package both affixed to a PCB. The multi-die assembly thus formed may be encased within a standard lid to form a completed portable memory card, such as a standard SD™ card. Test pads on the LGA SiP package, used for testing operation of the package after it is fabricated, may also be used for physically and electrically coupling the LGA SiP package to the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Ye, Robert C. Miller, Cheemen Yu, Hem Takiar, Andre McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20140098483
    Abstract: A USB memory assembly, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. The USB memory assembly includes a USB memory device within a carrier. The carrier may in turn be received within a connector shell and lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Patent number: 8637978
    Abstract: A system-in-a-package based flash memory card including an integrated circuit package occupying a small overall area within the card and cut to conform to the shape of a lid for the card. An integrated circuit may be cut from a panel into a shape that fits within and conforms to the shape of lids for a finished memory card, such as for example an SD Card. The integrated circuit package may be a system-in-a-package, a multi-chip module, or other arrangement where a complete electronic system is formed in a single package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Hem Takiar, Robert C. Miller, Warren Middlekauff, Michael W. Patterson, Shrikar Bhagath
  • Patent number: 8525511
    Abstract: A system monitors alternating current and includes a magneto-optical current transducer (MOCT) adapted to modulate an optical signal corresponding to magnitude of the alternating current. Beam splitters are in communication with the MOCT which are in turn connected to respective channels. Each channel includes an LED that is powered by a constant current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Robert M. Synder, Lenny Roland, Robert C. Miller, Anton Poeltl, Michael Mendik
  • Patent number: 8318535
    Abstract: A portable memory card formed from a multi-die assembly, and methods of fabricating same, are disclosed. One such multi-die assembly includes an LGA SiP semiconductor package and a leadframe-based SMT package both affixed to a PCB. The multi-die assembly thus formed may be encased within a standard lid to form a completed portable memory card, such as a standard SD™ card. Test pads on the LGA SiP package, used for testing operation of the package after it is fabricated, may also be used for physically and electrically coupling the LGA SiP package to the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Ye, Robert C. Miller, Cheemen Yu, Hem Takiar, Andre McKenzie
  • Patent number: 8167659
    Abstract: A memory card connector, within a slot of a host device, for receiving a first memory card having a first row of contact fingers and a second row of contact fingers and a second memory card having only a single row of contact fingers. The memory card connector includes a first row of contact pins, a second row of contact pins and a protrusion. The first row of contact pins are configured to mate with the first row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The second row of contact pins are configured to mate with the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The protrusion is received within a contact finger in the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card to allow full insertion of the first memory card into the connector, and abuts against a distal end of one of the contact fingers of the second memory card to prevent full insertion of the second memory card into the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120007226
    Abstract: A system-in-a-package based flash memory card including an integrated circuit package occupying a small overall area within the card and cut to conform to the shape of a lid for the card. An integrated circuit may be cut from a panel into a shape that fits within and conforms to the shape of lids for a finished memory card, such as for example an SD Card. The integrated circuit package may be a system-in-a-package, a multi-chip module, or other arrangement where a complete electronic system is formed in a single package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Hem Takiar, Robert C. Miller, Warren Middlekauff, Michael W. Patterson, Shrikar Bhagath
  • Publication number: 20120009732
    Abstract: A system-in-a-package based flash memory card including an integrated circuit package occupying a small overall area within the card and cut to conform to the shape of a lid for the card. An integrated circuit may be cut from a panel into a shape that fits within and conforms to the shape of lids for a finished memory card, such as for example an SD Card. The integrated circuit package may be a system-in-a-package, a multi-chip module, or other arrangement where a complete electronic system is formed in a single package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Hem Takiar, Robert C. Miller, Warren Middlekauff, Michael W. Patterson, Shrikar Bhagath
  • Patent number: 8022519
    Abstract: A system-in-a-package based flash memory card including an integrated circuit package occupying a small overall area within the card and cut to conform to the shape of a lid for the card. An integrated circuit may be cut from a panel into a shape that fits within and conforms to the shape of lids for a finished memory card, such as for example an SD Card. The integrated circuit package may be a system-in-a-package, a multi-chip module, or other arrangement where a complete electronic system is formed in a single package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Hem Takiar, Robert C. Miller, Warren Middlekauff, Michael W. Patterson, Shrikar Bhagath
  • Patent number: 8000502
    Abstract: A portable memory storage device is disclosed where access to information on the device is granted only upon proper biometric authentication of a user. The device includes a controller, a non-volatile memory which may be a flash memory, and a biometric scanner system for controlling access to the information within the non-volatile memory. Each of the controller, non-volatile memory and biometric scanner system may be mounted in a base of the portable device, with the biometric system having an exposed surface on a top portion of the base for accepting biometric data such as a fingerprint. A cover is provided which includes a USB connector capable of mating within a USB port of the host device to establish communications between the portable and host devices. The cover also covers the exposed portion of the biometric scanner to protect the sensor when the portable memory storage device is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjay Dave, Kevin M. Conley, Michael Morganstern, Wesley G. Brewer, Robert C. Miller, Yishai Kagan, Jean-Christophe Klein, Jeff Salazar, Daniel Kennedy, Robert Howard, Matt Peterson, Joel Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20110097938
    Abstract: A memory card connector, within a slot of a host device, for receiving a first memory card having a first row of contact fingers and a second row of contact fingers and a second memory card having only a single row of contact fingers. The memory card connector includes a first row of contact pins, a second row of contact pins and a protrusion. The first row of contact pins are configured to mate with the first row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The second row of contact pins are configured to mate with the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card. The protrusion is received within a contact finger in the second row of contact fingers of the first memory card to allow full insertion of the first memory card into the connector, and abuts against a distal end of one of the contact fingers of the second memory card to prevent full insertion of the second memory card into the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Patent number: D638431
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Itzhak Pomerantz, Robert C. Miller
  • Patent number: D936508
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller