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).

  • 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: 7909611
    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: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110052187
    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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Robert M. Snyder, Lenny Roland, Robert C. Miller, Anton Poeltl, Michael Mendik
  • Patent number: 7862381
    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: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Patent number: 7822883
    Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be manually rotated out of the way when that set of contacts is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Miller, Hem P. Takiar, Joel Jacobs, Robert A. Howard, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert F. Wallace, Edwin J. Cuellar, Eliyahou Harari
  • Patent number: 7784240
    Abstract: A modular exterior decorative track molding assembly including a securing track having a base section including a first channel portion, and a securing section including a second channel portion; the securing section having securing lips and a narrowed width relative to the base section; a trim module having a support rail carrying a decorative trim element received in the securing track; the support rail having a complementary shape to the base section and the securing section and including retaining channels receiving the securing lips of the securing track to resist separation between the securing track and the support rail; and, a trim element base included in the support rail carrying a decorative trim element and disposed between the retaining channels, wherein the trim element base extends through a trim module opening of the securing track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Patent number: 7772686
    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: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Ning Ye, Robert C. Miller, Cheemen Yu, Hem Takiar, Andre McKenzie
  • Patent number: 7710736
    Abstract: An enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory card includes a cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover a set of external contacts to which the memory is connected but which can be rotated out of the way by hand to expose that set of contacts for connection with a mating receptacle of a host device. A second set of electrical contacts having a different pattern than the covered set may also be provided on the card. The covered set of contacts may be in accordance with the universal serial bus (USB) plug standards. A latching mechanism built into the hinged cover holds it firmly in a closed position but allows its manual release to expose the covered set of contacts. One exemplary release mechanism utilizes a resiliently held element that is moveable by hand against the resilience, and another employs a hand slideable latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Warren Middlekauff, Robert C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100081297
    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: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100081315
    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: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Miller
  • Patent number: 7680974
    Abstract: Very small non-volatile memory cards are modified to include a connector to which a connector on a separate data input-output card electrically and mechanically mates when pushed together. The input-output card transfers data directly between an external device and the non-volatile memory, without having to go through the host to which the memory card is connected. The input-output card communicates with the external device through a wired or a wireless communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley G. Brewer, Michael L. Gifford, Yoram Cedar, Leonard L. Ott, Robert F. Wallace, Kevin J. Mills, Robert C. Miller
  • Patent number: 7581967
    Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus flash memory unit having an electrically conductive housing includes a spring that provides an electrically conductive, low-resistance pathway between the housing and the metal shell of the Universal Serial Bus connector so that electrostatic charge can directly discharge from the housing to the metal shell instead of discharging through electronic components within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sandisk Corporation
    Inventors: Patricio Collantes, Jr., Robert C. Miller, Steven T. Sprouse, Dhaval Parikh
  • Publication number: 20090165294
    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: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Suresh Upadhyayula, Robert C. Miller, Hem Takiar, Steven Sprouse, Ka Ian Yung
  • Patent number: 7554813
    Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Sandisk Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Miller, Hem P. Takiar, Joel Jacobs, Robert Howard, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert F. Wallace, Edwin J. Cuellar, Eliyahou Harari, Matt Peterson
  • Publication number: 20090134228
    Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be manually rotated out of the way when that set of contacts is being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Robert C. Miller, Hem P. Takiar, Joel Jacobs, Robert Howard, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert F. Wallace, Edwin J. Cuellar, Eliyahou Harari
  • Patent number: 7537169
    Abstract: A flash memory mass storage drive stores user files in a convenient credit card sized drive. Embodiments function as both a credit card and a mass storage drive. Communication may be through a host interface connector such as a USB connector, a magnetic interface, a smart card interface, and/or a near field communication interface. In certain embodiments the drive comprises a portion that is sufficiently thin to be swiped through a standard credit card, ATM, or point of sale device. The USB connector of the drive can easily be plugged into even a crowded receptacle of a host computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Gonzalez, Edwin J. Cuellar, Joel Jacobs, Robert C. Miller, Ronald LaPedis
  • Publication number: 20090132763
    Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be manually rotated out of the way when that set of contacts is being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Robert C. Miller, Hem P. Takiar, Joel Jacobs, Robert Howard, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert F. Wallace, Edwin J. Cuellar, Eliyahou Harari
  • Patent number: 7487265
    Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sandisk Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Miller, Hem P. Takiar, Joel Jacobs, Robert Howard, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert F. Wallace, Edwin J. Cuellar, Eliyahou Harari
  • Publication number: 20090004776
    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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Ning Ye, Robert C. Miller, Cheemen Yu, Hem Takiar, Andre McKenzie
  • Patent number: D628202
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Itzhak Pomerantz, Robert C. Miller