IP Library Granted Patent US 7,673,089
Granted Patent B2
US 7,673,089 · App. 11/935,572 · Granted Mar 2, 2010

Flash drive memory apparatus and method

Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,673,089
App. No.
11/935,572
Granted
Mar 2, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

A memory apparatus includes a non-volatile computer memory, a USB mass storage controller connected to the non-volatile computer memory, the USB mass storage controller including a daisy chain component, a male USB interface connected to the USB mass storage controller, and at least one other interface for a memory device, other than a USB interface, the at least one other interface being connected to the USB mass storage controller.

Claims (28)

1. A method of sharing memory apparatus, comprising:

providing at least a first and a second computer, each having at least one USB port;

providing a memory apparatus having a computer memory, a first USB mass storage controller connected to the computer memory of the memory apparatus, a first male USB interface connected to the first USB mass storage controller, a second USB mass storage controller connected to the computer memory of the memory apparatus and the first USB mass storage controller, and a second male USB interface connected to the second USB mass controller;

inserting the first male USB interface of the memory apparatus into the USB port of at least a first one of the computers;

inserting the second male USB interface of the memory apparatus into the USB port of at least a second one of the computers; and

accessing a computer memory of the at least first one of the computers through the memory apparatus using the at least second one of the computers bypassing the computer memory of the memory apparatus.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

accessing the computer memory of the memory apparatus using the at least first one of the computers.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

accessing the computer memory of the memory apparatus using the at least second one of the computers.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first USB mass storage controller includes a daisy chain component and the memory apparatus further comprises at least one additional memory device having a memory, the method further comprising:

accessing the computer memory of the memory apparatus and the computer memory of the at least one additional memory device as a single combined memory using the at least first one of the computers.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first USB mass storage controller includes a daisy chain component and the memory apparatus further comprises at least one additional memory device having a memory, the method further comprising:

accessing the computer memory of the memory apparatus and the computer memory of the at least one additional memory device as a single computer memory using the at least second one of the computers.

6. A method of sharing memory apparatus, comprising:

providing at least a first and a second computer, each having at least one USB port;

providing a memory apparatus having a computer memory, a first USB mass storage controller connected to the computer memory of the memory apparatus, a first male USB interface connected to the first USB mass storage controller, a second USB mass storage controller connected to the computer memory of the memory apparatus and the first USB mass storage controller, and a second male USB interface connected to the second USB mass controller;

inserting the first male USB interface of the memory apparatus into the USB port of at least a first one of the computers;

inserting the second male USB interface of the memory apparatus into the USB port of at least a second one of the computers; and

accessing a computer memory of the at least first one of the computers through the memory apparatus using the at least second one of the computers bypassing the computer memory of the memory apparatus.

7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:

accessing the computer memory of the memory apparatus using the at least first one of the computers.

8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:

accessing the computer memory of the memory apparatus using the at least second one of the computers.

9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the first USB mass storage controller includes a daisy chain component and the memory apparatus further comprises at least one additional memory device having a memory, the method further comprising:

accessing the computer memory of the memory apparatus and the computer memory of the at least one additional memory device as a single combined memory using the at least first one of the computers.

10. The method of claim 6 , wherein the first USB mass storage controller includes a daisy chain component and the memory apparatus further comprises at least one additional memory device having a memory, the method further comprising:

accessing the computer memory of the memory apparatus and the computer memory of the at least one additional memory device as a single computer memory using the at least second one of the computers.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 17, 2008
From: HINCHEY, MICHAEL G., MR.
To: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Reel/Frame 020377/0021 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 1153689500 · Sep 29, 2006
Related Publication 20080104291A1 · May 1, 2008