System for writing and dispensing solid-state storage devices

• US 9,002,509 B2
• Filed: 12/28/2011
• Issued: 04/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Optical Storage Solutions LLC (Strategic Intellectual Solutions, LLC)
• Original Assignee: Optical Storage Solutions LLC (Strategic Intellectual Solutions, LLC)
• Inventors: Fletcher, Gordon P., Fletcher, Lisbeth M.
• Primary Examiner(s): WAGGONER, TIMOTHY R
• Application Number:
  US13/338,546
• Publication Number:
  US 20130001240A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,196 Days
• Field of Search: 700/233, 700/234, 700/235, 700/240, 361/679.31
• US Class Current: 700/231
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 13/103 using mechanical means

Abstract

An apparatus for writing data to and dispensing one or more of solid-state devices is enclosed. A preferred device herein comprises a write port engageable with a solid-state storage device within a chamber via a hopper. The chamber is further provided for holding the solid-state storage device as the solid-state storage device engages with the write port. Additionally a transfer assembly is provided for moving the solid-state storage device from the chamber to dispense the solid-state storage device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices, comprising:

a first solid state storage device;

a write port engageable to an interior of the first solid-state storage device to write the electronic data to the solid-state device;

a transfer assembly for moving the solid-state storage device from engaging the write port to dispense the solid-state storage device

a first mechanical check valve fixed with respect to a base of the apparatus; and

a plurality of second and subsequent mechanical check valves coupled to the transfer assembly and not fixed with respect to the base, wherein the second and subsequent mechanical check valves assist in grasping the first solid state storage device, and wherein the first fixed mechanical check valve allows movement of the first solid state storage device in one direction while preventing movement in an opposite direction, thereby allowing the second and subsequent mechanical check valves to release the first solid state storage device to the retrieval bin as the transfer assembly moves back and forth.

2. The apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 1, further comprising:

second and subsequent solid state storage devices; and

a hopper configured to a chamber in the same footprint for containing the second and subsequent solid-state storage devices, the hopper further comprising asymmetrical sides in a top aspect.

3. The apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 1, further comprising:

a motor for driving movement of the transfer assembly; and

a gear for converting rotational movement to translational movement coupled to the motor and engaging a track at an underside of the transfer assembly.

4. The apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 1 further comprising a printed circuit board coupled to the write port, the printed circuit board further providing command and control functions to the apparatus.

5. The apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 1 further comprising a rail fixed to a base portion positioned lengthwise with respect to the transfer assembly, wherein the transfer assembly is configured to slide along the rail while dispensing the first solid state storage device.

6. The apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 1 further comprising:

a first sensor detecting movement of the transfer assembly in a first direction;

a second sensor detecting movement of the transfer assembly in a second direction, the second direction opposite from the first direction; and

a third sensor for detecting a number of solid state devices that remain in the apparatus.

7. A method for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices, comprising:

providing one or more solid state devices;

containing the one or more solid-state devices within a hopper, the hopper configured directly above a fixed chamber;

loading a solid state storage device to the chamber via the hopper;

resting the solid state storing device on a transfer assembly for writing and dispensing thereto;

moving the solid state storage device in a first direction via the transfer assembly;

engaging a write port with the solid-state storage device by the moving in the first direction;

writing the data by the write port to the solid-state device; and

moving, by the transfer assembly in a second reverse direction, the solid-state storage device from the chamber to a retrieval bin.

8. The method of claim 7, further wherein the moving the solid-state storage device to engage the write port is provided by the transfer assembly via a motor.

9. An apparatus for writing electronic data to and dispensing solid-state devices, comprising:

a first solid state storage device;

a write port engageable to an interior of the first solid-state storage device to write the electronic data to the solid-state device;

a transfer assembly for engaging to the write port and for transferring the first solid state storage device to a retrieval bin;

a first mechanical check valve fixed with respect to a base of the apparatus; and

a plurality of second and subsequent mechanical check valves coupled to the transfer assembly and not fixed with respect to the base, wherein the second and subsequent mechanical check valves assist in grasping the first solid state storage device, and wherein the first fixed mechanical check valve allows movement of the first solid state storage device in one direction while preventing movement in an opposite direction, thereby allowing the second and subsequent mechanical check valves to release the first solid state storage device to the retrieval bin as the transfer assembly moves back and forth

a plurality of second and subsequent solid state storage devices; and

a hopper configured substantially above the transfer assembly for containing the second and subsequent solid-state storage devices, the hopper further comprising asymmetrical sides in a top aspect.

10. The apparatus for writing electronic data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 9, further comprising:

a motor for driving movement of the transfer assembly; and

a gear for converting rotational movement to translational movement coupled to the motor and engaging a track at an underside of the transfer assembly.

11. The apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 9 further comprising:

a printed circuit board coupled to the write port, the further providing command and control functions to the apparatus; and

a first mechanical check valve fixed with respect to a base of the apparatus;

a plurality of second and subsequent mechanical check valves coupled to the transfer assembly and not fixed with respect to the base, wherein the second and subsequent mechanical check valves assist in grasping the first solid state storage device, and wherein the first fixed mechanical check valve allows movement of the first solid state storage device in one direction while preventing movement in an opposite direction, thereby allowing the second and subsequent mechanical check valves to release the first solid state storage device to the retrieval bin as the transfer assembly moves back and forth.

12. The apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 9 further comprising a rail fixed to a base portion positioned lengthwise with respect to the transfer assembly, wherein the transfer assembly is configured to slide along the rail while dispensing the first solid state storage device.

13. The apparatus for writing data to and dispensing solid-state devices of claim 9 further comprising:

a sensor detecting movement of the transfer assembly in a first direction;

a second sensor detecting movement of the transfer assembly in a second direction, the second direction opposite from the first direction; and

a third sensor for detecting a number of solid state devices that remain in the apparatus.