Physical memory handling for handheld field maintenance tools

• US 8,874,402 B2
• Filed: 05/16/2003
• Issued: 10/28/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Mathiowetz, Brad N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Huynh, Phuong
• Application Number:
  US10/439,764
• Publication Number:
  US 20040228184A1
• Time in Patent Office: 4,183 Days
• Field of Search: 702/127, 702184-189, 710/301
• US Class Current: 702/127
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203

Abstract

Removable memory card handling for handheld field maintenance devices is provided. In one aspect, a memory card is attached to an extension tab that is larger than the card to facilitate handling and provide a larger printable surface than the card. In another aspect, a removable memory module includes a memory card permanently affixed therein. The removable module includes a locking mechanism to lock the module into the tool to maintain the environmental rating of the tool.

Claims

1. A removable memory module for a handheld field maintenance tool, the module comprising:

a housing removably engageable with the tool;

an electronic non-volatile memory card permanently affixed to the housing and disposed to electrically couple directly to the handheld field maintenance tool when the housing is engaged with the tool; and

wherein the housing includes a locking mechanism to engage a cooperative feature of the handheld field maintenance tool to maintain the module within the handheld field maintenance tool.

2. The module of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is a notch.

3. The module of claim 1, wherein the electronic non-volatile memory card is a Secure Digital card.

4. The module of claim 1, wherein the removable memory module is securely engaged with the handheld field maintenance tool during normal operation of the tool such that the environmental rating of the tool is maintained.

8. The removable memory module of claim 1, wherein the housing has a unique identifier.

9. The removable memory module of claim 8, wherein the unique identifier is a serial number.

10. The removable memory module of claim 9, wherein the module is configured such that when the module is inserted into the tool, the tool requires the user to enter the serial number of the housing.

5. A blank removable memory module for a handheld field maintenance tool, the module comprising:

a housing removably engageable with the handheld field maintenance tool;

an electronic non-volatile memory card region filled with a hard material instead of an electronic non-volatile memory card, the hard material being permanently affixed to the housing; and

wherein the housing includes a locking mechanism to engage a cooperative feature of the handheld field maintenance tool to maintain the module within the handheld field maintenance tool.

6. The module of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism is a notch.

7. The module of claim 5, wherein the hard material is a resin.