Static information storage and retrieval – Hardware for storage elements
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-09
2001-10-30
Mai, Son (Department: 2818)
Static information storage and retrieval
Hardware for storage elements
C365S063000, C257S685000, C257S686000, C257S723000, C257S777000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06310794
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to an upgradable storage system. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an upgradable storage system that uses a vertical stacking connection scheme.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The miniaturization of electronic components has enabled similar miniaturization of many electronic devices such as mobile telephones, personal organizers, cameras, and so forth. As demand for smaller and smaller electronic devices increases, less and less space is available within the devices for electronic components needed to operate the devices.
Many electronic devices include memory devices that are used to store information such as contact information, word processor files, image files, etc. Normally, electronic devices such as those mentioned above include one or more memory devices (e.g., solid-state devices) that provide for storage of this information. Typically, however, the amount of storage in these devices typically is fixed in that no provision is made for adding or replacing existing memory. Although it would be possible to provide this functionality by enabling the user to, for instance, replace an internal circuit board within the device as with personal computers, the user would be required to disassemble the electronic device to add or replace the memory. Moreover, due to the small size of handheld devices, there may not be enough room for extra memory in that such memory normally requires a larger printed circuit board.
From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have an upgradable storage system with which the user can increase the available memory of an electronic device both quickly and easily.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to an upgradable storage system. The storage system comprises a memory device compartment that is adapted to receive memory devices in a stacked orientation, and at least one memory device disposed within the memory device compartment. Typically, each of the memory devices has electrical contacts disposed on its top and bottom surfaces. The electrical contacts permit the memory devices to electrically connect to each other. In a preferred arrangement, each memory device comprises an ARS device.
The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 1
is a schematic side view of an upgradable storage system of the present invention.
FIG. 2
is schematic top view of the storage system of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of a memory device used in the system of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 4
is a top view of the memory device of FIG.
3
.
FIG. 5
is a bottom view of the memory device of FIG.
3
.
FIGS. 6A-6C
various views of an ARS device that can be used as the memory device of
FIGS. 2-4
.
FIG. 7
a schematic view illustrating field emitters reading from storage areas of an ARS device.
FIG. 8
is a schematic view illustrating a storage medium of an ARS device.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5281852 (1994-01-01), Normington
patent: 5481133 (1996-01-01), Hsu
patent: 5963430 (1999-10-01), Londa
patent: 6093029 (2000-07-01), Kwon et al.
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Mai Son
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