Abstract: A method and system for achieving compliance for a fire-rated door assembly. To comply with fire rated door assembly codes and compliance, all components, including hardware must be listed and labeled by a certification agency, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The disclosure may include a hardware preparation filler solution which allows fire-rated doors to maintain fire rating and compliance when removing or modifying hardware, or converting between hardware types.

Abstract: A memory card of one published standard, such as the Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Secure Digital Card (SD), is modified to include the function of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) according to another published standard. The controller of the memory card communicates between electrical contacts on the outside of the card and both the memory and the SIM. In one specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current Plug-in SIM card with a few external contacts added to accommodate the memory controller and data memory. In another specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current SD card, including external contacts.

Abstract: Non-volatile data memory cards, flash drives and other memory devices are customized by manufacturing core memory units all the same and then covering them by outer skins which may be made to have different appearances and/or tactile characteristics. The skins are slid over the core memory units by hand from one end. End users of such memory devices may then select how they will look and feel by separately purchasing covers. Sellers of such memory devices may more easily control how their products look and feel.

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.

Abstract: Electronic systems, such as automobile radios, portable and other computing devices, and global positioning system receivers, often require that a correct security code be inputted from a small memory card that is removably inserted into a card slot of the system before the system is rendered operable in total or in part, or before certain data can be retrieved. The same type of memory card is also used to store digital data that is utilized by the system in conjunction with its function that is enabled by the security code, such data cards being removably inserted into the same card slot as the card containing the security code. Alternately, both the utilization data and the security code are included on a single card. An example application is an automobile radio wherein data supplied by the second card are of music that is reproduced through the radio's audio system.

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.

Abstract: Non-volatile data memory cards, flash drives and other memory devices are customized by manufacturing core memory units all the same and then covering them by outer skins which may be made to have different appearances and/or tactile characteristics. The skins are slid over the core memory units by hand from one end. End users of such memory devices may then select how they will look and feel by separately purchasing covers. Sells of such memory devices may more easily control how their products look and feel.

Abstract: A memory card that adapts its operation according to the application to which it applied or the conditions under which it is operated. This allows the card to dynamical self optimize. In a first set of embodiments, the card uses host profiling where it will learn about the host during host-card interactions and the card's controller will optimize its algorithms accordingly. In another set of embodiments, the host and card will report to one another their capabilities for a quality of service negotiation. A further set of embodiments allows the storage device to memorize access sequences issued by the host under various predefined conditions, such as host reset or a power on boot sequence. The storage device can use this information to optimize operation for the expected commands. On deviation from an expected sequence, the device would memorize the new command sequence and save it, thus operating in a self-adaptive manner.

Abstract: Surface optical characteristics, alpha-numeric markings and other design features of memory cards, flash drives and similar devices combine to provide the devices with unique outer appearances. In one example, markings are held a distance from a reflective surface such that reflections of the markings off the surface are visible adjacent the markings. In another example, a diffusely reflecting rainbow hologram is combined with such markings or other design features.