Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080241636 | SEALED WATER VAPOR TRANSFER UNIT ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED LOAD TRANSFERRING STRUCTURE - A water vapor transfer unit assembly is disclosed, the water vapor transfer unit assembly including a plurality of water vapor transfer units having a fluid permeable membrane and a plurality of supports disposed within a sealing frame adjacent an end plate of a fuel cell stack, wherein the sealing frame is adapted to provide support to the end plate and a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell stack system. | 10-02-2008 |
20090092863 | FUEL CELL MEMBRANE HUMIDIFIER PLATE DESIGN - A plate for a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system is disclosed, wherein the plate includes a top layer formed from a diffusion medium and a bottom layer formed from a diffusion medium with an array of substantially planar elongate ribbons disposed therebetween. | 04-09-2009 |
20090188872 | WATER TRANSFER DEVICE EMPLOYING A WATER BUFFER TO INCREASE WATER FLUX - A water transfer device can include first and second flow paths separated by a water transfer membrane and a hydrophilic diffusion medium. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is disposed between the water transfer membrane and the first flow path. Water content of a first fluid stream flowing through the first flow path is transferred through the diffusion medium and water transfer membrane and into a second fluid stream flowing through the second flow path. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is operable to absorb liquid water in the first fluid stream and hold the absorbed liquid water in contact with the water transfer membrane. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is also operable to diffuse water vapor in the first fluid stream and transport the water vapor to the water transfer membrane. The water transfer membrane transfers the water in contact therewith to the second fluid stream flowing through second flow path. | 07-30-2009 |
20090208795 | THREE-WAY DIVERTER ASSEMBLY FOR A FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A three-way diverter assembly with a contoured valve is provided. The three-way diverter assembly includes a housing having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet and the second inlet are adapted to receive a fluid. The contoured valve is disposed in the housing adjacent the first inlet. The contoured valve is rotatable about an axis from a first positional limit to a second positional limit, and to a plurality of positions therebetween. Fuel cell systems having the three-way diverter assembly for regulating temperature and humidity of a fuel cell stack are also provided. | 08-20-2009 |
20090239106 | INTEGRATED CHARGE AIR HEAT EXCHANGER - An integrated charge air heat exchanger for use in a vehicle fuel cell system is provided. The integrated charge air heat exchanger includes a plurality of coolant conduits adapted for a coolant fluid to flow therethrough. The integrated charge air heat exchanger further includes a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of fin elements. One heating element is disposed on a first surface of each of the coolant conduits, and one of the fin elements is disposed on a second surface of each of the coolant conduits. A method for heating the coolant fluid in a first operational mode and cooling a charge air stream in a second operational mode is also provided. | 09-24-2009 |
20100273070 | APPARATUS FOR HYDROGEN-AIR MIXING IN A FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A fuel cell assembly and method is disclosed for the mixing and heating of hydrogen and air in the fuel cell assembly and introducing the heated hydrogen and air to the fuel cell assembly during a starting operation to heat the fuel cell assembly to militate against vapor condensation and ice formation in the fuel cell assembly. | 10-28-2010 |
20110039167 | MEMBRANE HUMIDIFIER FOR A FUEL CELL - A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell with a wet side plate having a plurality of flow channels formed therein and a dry side plate having a plurality of flow channels formed therein, the flow channels of the wet side plate adapted to facilitate a flow of a wet gas therethrough and the flow channels of said dry side plate adapted to facilitate a flow of a dry gas therethrough, wherein a pressure drop in the humidifier is minimized and a humidification of a proton exchange membrane in the fuel cell is optimized. | 02-17-2011 |
20110207024 | FUEL CELL STACK DISCRETE HEADER - A fuel cell system comprises a main body including a first partial header and a fastening point. The main body is adapted to be coupled to a plurality of plates forming a fuel cell stack, allowing a single plate design to be used for multiple fuel cell stack lengths having a large differential of energy requirements, affording a durable alignment mechanism for the fuel cell stack, and providing integration flexibility for components and configurations of the fuel cell system. | 08-25-2011 |
20110244355 | FUEL CELL STACK COMPRESSION ENCLOSURE APPARATUS - A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack including at least one fuel cell, a first compression plate disposed adjacent the fuel cell stack, a second compression plate disposed adjacent the fuel cell stack, and a compression enclosure apparatus. The compression enclosure apparatus comprises a unitary main body having first and second fastening points and an intermediate portion, wherein the first fastening point and the second fastening point are coupled to the first compression plate and the intermediate portion is disposed adjacent the second compression plate. The fuel cell system minimizes a number of components required to retain compression of the fuel cell stack, minimizes a mass of the fuel cell system, and simplifies a design of the fuel cell system. Also provided is a method for assembling the fuel cell system. | 10-06-2011 |
20110293982 | CORRUGATED FIN AND FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR BATTERY COOLING - A cooling module for a battery pack assembly is disclosed. The cooling module includes a frame having a plurality of legs forming an opening through a central portion of the frame, at least one of the plurality of legs including a slot formed therethrough. A cooling fin is coupled to the frame. The cooling fin includes a corrugated plate interposed between a first plate and a second plate forming a plurality of fluid flow channels between the first plate and the second plate. The cooling modules are disposed in a stack having at least one battery cell disposed between adjacent cooling modules. The battery cell is in heat transfer communication with the cooling fin of at least one cooling module, wherein the cooling fin facilitates a transfer of heat energy between the battery cell and the flow channels formed in the cooling fin. | 12-01-2011 |
20120202132 | DEVICE TO MINIMIZE THE BUOYANCY DRIVEN FLOWS IN VERTICALLY ORIENTED HEADERS - A device for minimizing a buoyancy driven convective flow inside a manifold of a fuel cell stack includes a plurality of spaced apart baffle walls. The spaced apart baffle walls are configured to be disposed inside the manifold of the fuel cell stack. The spaced apart baffle walls increase a viscous resistance to the buoyancy driven convective flow inside the manifold. | 08-09-2012 |
20120264028 | SEMI-PASSIVE BACKPRESSURE CONTROL VALVE - Backpressure control valves, methods of controlling backpressure, and fuel cell systems. In one form, the backpressure control valve is mountable in a body that defines an asymmetrical fluid passage. The backpressure control valve may include a shaft cooperative with the body, an asymmetrical blade cooperative with the shaft, and a biasing device operatively connected to the asymmetrical blade, wherein the asymmetrical blade is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. In another form, the method of controlling backpressure may include providing a backpressure control valve including an asymmetrical blade, and rotating the asymmetrical blade between a closed position and an open position. In still another form, the fuel cell system may include a fuel cell, a body that defines an asymmetrical oxidant passage, and a backpressure control valve mountable in the body. | 10-18-2012 |
20120308904 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM HAVING A FLUID FLOW DISTRIBUTION FEATURE - A fuel cell system includes a water vapor transfer unit and a fluid flow distribution feature, the water vapor transfer unit including a first plate having a plurality of first flow channels for receiving a flow of a first fluid therein, and a second plate having a plurality of second flow channels for receiving a flow of a second fluid therein. The fluid flow distribution feature is configured to control at least one of a volume of flow of the first fluid through the first flow channels and a volume of flow of the second fluid through the second flow channels, wherein at least one of a flow distribution of the first fluid across the first plate and a flow distribution of the second fluid across the second plate is varied. | 12-06-2012 |
20130045434 | FORM AND FILL SUBGASKET - A method for manufacturing a subgasket for a fuel cell stack having a pair of plates disposed in a stack includes the step of positioning a membrane between the plates. The membrane includes an inboard portion and a tortuous form portion. The inboard portion abuts a proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell, and the tortuous form portion abuts each of the plates. The tortuous form portion defines at least one cavity between one of the plates and the membrane. A viscous sealant is injected into the cavity. The sealant is cured to form a compliant bead seal on the membrane. | 02-21-2013 |
20130309594 | METHODS FOR MAKING A THERMOFORMED SUBGASKET AND PRODUCTS THEREOF - Methods of making an integrated subgasket assembly, a unitized electrode assembly, an integrated fuel cell assembly, and products thereof. The methods include forming the subgasket by providing a base sheet having an initial thickness, stretching a first region of the base sheet a first distance, and forming an active area window in the base sheet. | 11-21-2013 |
20140065509 | COMPRESSIBLE FUEL CELL SUBGASKET WITH INTEGRATED SEAL - Fuel cell subgaskets made of extrusion based, microcellular polymeric foam; fuel cell stacks comprising the provided subgaskets; methods of sealing between plates of a fuel cell stack using the provided subgaskets; and methods of manufacturing such subgaskets. | 03-06-2014 |
20140370407 | FUEL CELL STACK DISCRETE HEADER - A fuel cell system comprises a main body including a first partial header and a fastening point. The main body is adapted to be coupled to a plurality of plates forming a fuel cell stack, allowing a single plate design to be used for multiple fuel cell stack lengths having a large differential of energy requirements, affording a durable alignment mechanism for the fuel cell stack, and providing integration flexibility for components and configurations of the fuel cell system. | 12-18-2014 |
20150111131 | SEALED WATER VAPOR TRANSFER UNIT ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED LOAD TRANSFERRING STRUCTURE - A water vapor transfer unit assembly is disclosed, the water vapor transfer unit assembly including a plurality of water vapor transfer units having a fluid permeable membrane and a plurality of supports disposed within a sealing frame adjacent an end plate of a fuel cell stack, wherein the sealing frame is adapted to provide support to the end plate and a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell stack system. | 04-23-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100233660 | Pulsed Laser-Based Firearm Training System, and Method for Facilitating Firearm Training Using Detection of Laser Pulse Impingement of Projected Target Images - The invention provides a method for automatic calibration and subsequent correlation of the position of a pulsed laser on a projected image in a system having a projector for projecting images onto a surface and a camera for sensing laser pulses on the surface. The automatic calibration method sets the camera exposure, allowing the system to operate in normal room-lighting conditions, and correlates camera pixel positions to projected image pixel positions by use of projected calibration images formed by sets of horizontal and vertical lines, with automatic calibration completing in less than 5 seconds. After calibration, the system determines two-dimensional camera pixel centroids of laser beam pulses on the projection surface to sub-pixel accuracy, and the calibration data is used to correlate the camera pixel centroids to the exact positions of the laser pulses on the projected image. | 09-16-2010 |
20110204632 | Synchronous Induced Wind Power Generation System - A synchronous induced wind power generation system is provided, which is comprised of a rotatable turbine-generator section and a control system operable to rotate same in a direction corresponding to optimal wind conditions. The turbine-generator section has a horizontally disposed turbine therein in an interior area thereof, and orifices formed at either end thereof, with wider areas than the interior area, so as to form a funnel-like shape at either of the turbine-generator section. These funnel-shaped sections optimally funnel wind to the turbine, which is connected to a synchronous generator that runs at synchronous speed with an external power line in connection therewith. Further, turbine brakes are employed to modulate turbine power and speed, and the control system is operable to orient the turbine-generator section with respect to the direction of the wind and generation of power via control of the turbines and synchronous generator, and via receipt of sensor/detector data received from a plurality of sensors/detectors in communication therewith. | 08-25-2011 |
20110204634 | Synchronous Induced Wind Power Generation System - A synchronous induced wind power generation system is provided, which is comprised of a horizontally rotatable turbine-generator section that wind vanes into the prevailing wind direction. The turbine-generator section has a horizontally disposed turbine therein, and air induction shrouds at either end thereof, the anterior areas of the air induction shrouds having larger areas than the interior area of the turbine-generator section, so as to induce a large differential air pressure across the turbine. The turbine is directly coupled to a synchronous AC generator that is synchronized with an external power line in connection therewith, and directly generates synchronous AC power. Further, turbine magnetic brakes are employed 1) during synchronization with the electrical line, 2) to modulate turbine power, and 3) to protect against overspeed during high wind and loss of load. | 08-25-2011 |
20120038157 | Synchronous Induced Wind Power Generation System - A synchronous induced wind power generation system is provided, comprised of a horizontally rotatable turbine-generator section that wind vanes into the prevailing wind direction. The turbine-generator section has a horizontally disposed turbine shaft therein, and air induction shrouds at either end thereof, the anterior areas of the air induction shrouds having larger areas than the interior area of the turbine-generator section, so as to induce a larger differential air pressure across the turbine. The turbine is directly coupled to a synchronous AC generator that is synchronized with an external power line in connection therewith, and directly generates synchronous AC power. Further, turbine magnetic brakes and/or adjustable pitch directrix blades are employed to control the speed of rotation of the turbine 1) during synchronization with the electrical line, 2) to modulate turbine power, and 3) to protect against overspeed during high wind and loss of load. | 02-16-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090038797 | Proppants With Carbide and/or Nitride Phases - The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants. | 02-12-2009 |
20090288820 | Method Of Manufacture And The Use Of A Functional Proppant For Determination Of Subterranean Fracture Geometries - Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation. | 11-26-2009 |
20110077176 | Composition And Method For Making A Proppant - The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants. | 03-31-2011 |
20110143969 | Cordierite Having An Increased alpha-Cordierite Phase And A Proppant Containing The Same - A cordierite material having an increased α-cordierite phase and a reduced β-cordierite phase is described. Methods of making the cordierite material are further described, and a proppant containing the cordierite is further described, as well as use of the proppant. | 06-16-2011 |
20120003136 | Proppants With Carbide And/Or Nitride Phases - The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants. | 01-05-2012 |
20120181020 | Method Of Manufacture And The Use Of A Functional Proppant For Determination Of Subterranean Fracture Geometries - Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation. | 07-19-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120190597 | Extrusion Process For Proppant Production - An extrusion method and apparatus are described for producing ceramics, glass, glass-ceramics, or composites suitable for use as proppants. The method includes forming one or more green body materials, extruding the green body materials to form a green body extrudate, separating and shaping the green body extrudate into individual green bodies, and sintering the green bodies to form proppants. The apparatus includes a means for forming an intimate mixture of green body materials, means to produce a green body extrudate, means for separating and shaping the green body extrudate into individual green bodies, and means to sinter the green green bodies to form proppants. | 07-26-2012 |
20130014945 | Low Surface Friction Proppants - A proppant having low surface friction is described, which is useful in hydrocarbon recovery. Methods of making low surface friction proppants are further described, as well as uses thereof. | 01-17-2013 |
20140038859 | Synthetic Proppants And Monodispersed Proppants And Methods Of Making The Same - Synthetic ceramic proppants are described. Proppants having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower are also described, including methods to make these proppants and methods of using these proppants. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038860 | Synthetic Proppants And Monodispersed Proppants And Methods Of Making The Same - Synthetic ceramic proppants are described. Proppants having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower are also described, including methods to make these proppants and methods of using these proppants. | 02-06-2014 |
20140318778 | Methods For Fracturing Subterranean Formations - Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation are described wherein sintered ceramic proppants are used in at least two different stages. Each stage can utilize the same or a different type of proppant relative to one or more of the other stages, and the same or a different type of fracturing fluid relative to one or more of the other stages. At least one of the stages uses a proppant having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower. A first stage can be used that exhibits at least one proppant performance property having a first value. A second stage can be used that exhibits the same proppant performance property as the first stage but at a value that differs from the first value by at least 10%. | 10-30-2014 |
20160083645 | Extrusion Process for Proppant Production - An extrusion method and apparatus are described for producing ceramics, glass, glass-ceramics, or composites suitable for use as proppants. The method includes forming one or more green body materials, extruding the green body materials to form a green body extrudate, separating and shaping the green body extrudate into individual green bodies, and sintering the green bodies to form proppants. The apparatus includes a means for forming an intimate mixture of green body materials, means to produce a green body extrudate, means for separating and shaping the green body extrudate into individual green bodies, and means to sinter the green green bodies to form proppants. | 03-24-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100332923 | SYSTEM AND METHOD RESPONSIVE TO A RATE OF CHANGE OF A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF A MEMORY - Systems and methods are disclosed that are responsive to a rate of change of a performance parameter of a memory. In a particular embodiment, a rate of change of a performance parameter of a non-volatile memory is determined. The rate of change is compared to a threshold, and an action is performed in response to determining that the rate of change satisfies the threshold. | 12-30-2010 |
20100332943 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SELECTIVELY REFRESHING A REGION OF A NON-VOLATILE MEMORY OF A DATA STORAGE DEVICE - A method and device for selectively refreshing a region of a non-volatile memory of a data storage device is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes comparing a time stamp received from a host device to a first time stamp retrieved from a data storage device for a first region of a non-volatile memory, the first region including a least recently accessed region of a memory array within the data storage device. The method also includes selectively refreshing the first region based on a comparison of a difference between the time stamp received from the host device and the first time stamp as compared to a threshold, where the threshold is adjusted based on a first error count corresponding to a number of errors detected by an error correction code (ECC) engine with respect to data retrieved from the first region. | 12-30-2010 |
20100332949 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRACKING ERROR DATA WITHIN A STORAGE DEVICE - Systems and methods of tracking error data are disclosed. A method includes receiving a first checksum associated with error locations of a first error correction code operation and receiving a second checksum associated with error locations of a second error correction code operation. The first checksum is compared to the second checksum and an action is initiated on a region of a memory array based on a result of the comparison. | 12-30-2010 |
20110185251 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CORRECT DATA ERRORS USING A STORED COUNT OF BIT VALUES - In a particular embodiment, at a controller coupled to a memory array, a method includes receiving an indication that a first group of data bits read from the memory array includes errors that are uncorrectable by an error correction coding (ECC) engine. A count of the first group of data bits having a particular bit value may be compared to a prior count of data bits having the particular bit value. In response to determining that the count exceeds the prior count, a bit of the first group of data bits that has the particular bit value and that corresponds to a same memory cell as a corrected data bit of a second group of data bits is identified. A value of the identified bit of the first group may be changed to generate an adjusted group of data bits. The adjusted group of data bits may be provided to the ECC engine. | 07-28-2011 |
20120084622 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DATA ENCODING - A method includes reading data from a data area of a word line and reading first ECC data from an ECC area of the word line. The method also includes, in response to determining that an error indicator exceeds a threshold, storing second ECC data in the ECC area. The second ECC data corresponds to a subsection of the data area. | 04-05-2012 |
20120102379 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INTERLEAVING DATA ACCORDING TO AN ADJUSTABLE PARAMETER - A method in a data storage device with a memory includes receiving bit values to be stored at a set of cells of the memory and interleaving the received bit values to form multiple interleaved groups of data bits according to an adjustable parameter. The method also includes writing the multiple interleaved groups of data bits to the set of cells. | 04-26-2012 |
20120110417 | HYBRID ERROR CORRECTION CODING TO ADDRESS UNCORRECTABLE ERRORS - A method in a memory device includes receiving data including a data block and main error correction coding (ECC) data for the data block. The data block includes a first sub-block of data and first ECC data corresponding to the first sub-block. An ECC operation is initiated to process the data block using the main ECC data. In response to the ECC operation indicating uncorrectable errors in the data, a first sub-block ECC operation is initiated to process the first sub-block of data using the first ECC data. | 05-03-2012 |
20120204077 | DATA RECOVERY USING ADDITIONAL ERROR CORRECTION CODING DATA - A method in a data storage device receiving data including a data block and main error correction coding (ECC) data for the data block. The data block includes a first sub-block of data and a second sub-block of data. The method also includes initiating an ECC operation to process the data block using the main ECC data. In response to the ECC operation indicating uncorrectable errors in the data block, first additional ECC data that is external to the data block is retrieved and a second ECC operation is initiated to process the first sub-block of data using the first additional ECC data. | 08-09-2012 |
20120223721 | System and Method for Bonded Configuration Pad Continuity Check - A continuity test circuit for a boundary pad includes a pull-up transistor electrically connected between the boundary pad and a first power supply, and a pull-down transistor electrically connected between the boundary pad and a first reference ground potential. A normal output conductor is electrically connected to have a same electrical state as the boundary pad during normal operation. A continuity test output conductor is electrically connected to have a same electrical state as the boundary pad during continuity test operation. Continuity testing control circuitry is defined to control the pull-up transistor, the pull-down transistor, and the normal output conductor during continuity test operation such that an electrical state present on the continuity test output conductor indicates a status of electrical continuity between the boundary pad and either a second power supply or a second reference ground potential to which the boundary pad should be electrically connected. | 09-06-2012 |
20130003480 | SMART BRIDGE FOR MEMORY CORE - An apparatus includes a first memory die including a first memory core, a second memory die including a second memory core, and a periphery die coupled to the first memory die and to the second memory die. The periphery die includes periphery circuitry corresponding to the first memory core and periphery circuitry corresponding to the second memory core. The periphery die is responsive to a memory controller and configured to initiate a first memory operation at the first memory core and a second memory operation at the second memory core. | 01-03-2013 |
20130007349 | SMART BRIDGE FOR MEMORY CORE - An apparatus includes a first semiconductor device including a NAND flash memory core. The apparatus also includes a second semiconductor device including periphery circuitry associated with the NAND flash memory core. | 01-03-2013 |
20130007350 | SMART BRIDGE FOR MEMORY CORE - An apparatus includes a first semiconductor device including a memory core. The apparatus also includes a second semiconductor device including periphery circuitry associated with the memory core. The second semiconductor device includes a second serializer/deserializer communication interface coupled to a first serializer/deserializer communication interface of a memory controller. | 01-03-2013 |
20130073924 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD TO CORRECT BIT VALUES USING MULTIPLE READ VOLTAGES - A data storage device includes a memory including a plurality of storage elements. The memory is configured to read a group of the storage elements using a first read voltage to obtain a first plurality of bit values. A controller is coupled to the memory. The controller is configured to initiate a first error correction code (ECC) procedure on the first plurality of bit values. In response to the first ECC procedure determining that the first plurality of bit values is not correctable, the controller is further configured to instruct the memory to read the group of the storage elements using a second read voltage to obtain a second plurality of bit values, and to change one or more values of the first plurality of bit values to corresponding values of the second plurality of bit values to generate a first plurality of corrected bit values. | 03-21-2013 |
20130080853 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DATA ENCODING - A method includes, after data is stored at a data area of a memory device and error correction code (ECC) data corresponding to the data is stored at an ECC area corresponding to the data area, detecting a triggering condition. In response to detecting the triggering condition, the method also includes storing second ECC data in the ECC area, where the second ECC data includes redundant information for a first portion of the data area and storing third ECC data at the memory device. The third ECC data includes redundant information for a second portion of the data area. | 03-28-2013 |
20130159766 | WEAR LEVELING OF MEMORY DEVICES - A method of managing wear leveling in a data storage device includes determining whether a reliability measurement associated with a first portion of a first nonvolatile memory die satisfies a threshold. The first nonvolatile memory die is included in a plurality of memory dies. The method includes, in response to determining that the reliability measurement associated with the first portion of the first nonvolatile memory die satisfies the threshold, transferring first data from the first portion of the first nonvolatile memory die to a second nonvolatile memory die of the plurality of memory dies. | 06-20-2013 |
20130223151 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETERMINING A PROGRAMMING STEP SIZE FOR A WORD LINE OF A MEMORY - A method includes determining a programming step size for a word line of a memory in a data storage device. The programming step size is determined at least partially based on a count of memory elements of the word line to be programmed to a particular state. | 08-29-2013 |
20130238955 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DECODE DATA SUBJECT TO A DISTURB CONDITION - A method includes initiating a first decode operation of data at an error correction code (ECC) hard bit decoder in a data storage device that includes a controller and a memory. The method further includes, in response to the first decode operation indicating that the data is uncorrectable by the first decode operation, identifying one or more bits of the data that correspond to a disturb condition test pattern, changing a value of the one or more identified bits of the data to generate modified data, and initiating a second decode operation at the ECC hard bit decoder using the modified data. | 09-12-2013 |
20130246878 | STATISTICAL DISTRIBUTION BASED VARIABLE-BIT ERROR CORRECTION CODING - A method may be performed at a data storage device that includes a memory and a controller. The method includes providing user data to a variable-bit error correction coding (ECC) encoder. The ECC encoder generates a first set of parity bits. A first number of parity bits in the first set of parity bits is determined based on stored counts of read errors. The method also includes storing the user data and the first set of parity bits to a memory of the data storage device. | 09-19-2013 |
20130275651 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING A PROGRAMMING STEP SIZE FOR A BLOCK OF A MEMORY - A method includes decreasing a programming step size from a first value to a second value for a block of a memory device. The programming step size is decreased at least partially based on determining that an error count corresponding to the block satisfies a threshold. | 10-17-2013 |
20130275832 | DATA RECOVERY USING ADDITIONAL ERROR CORRECTION CODING DATA - A method in a data storage device including a memory and an error correction coding (ECC) engine. A first ECC page including a data block and first main ECC data is stored to the memory. The first main ECC data is usable by the ECC engine to correct errors in the first ECC page. A second ECC page including first additional ECC data is also stored to the memory. The first additional ECC data is usable by the ECC engine to correct errors in a single sub-block of multiple sub-blocks within the data block. | 10-17-2013 |
20140029336 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF UPDATING READ VOLTAGES - A method includes, in a data storage device that includes a non-volatile memory, selecting an updated reference voltage as one of a reference voltage, a first alternate reference voltage and a second alternate reference voltage. The first alternate reference voltage and the second alternate reference voltage are calculated based on the reference voltage and based on a voltage increment. Selection of the updated reference voltage is based on a comparison of error counts, each error count associated with a unique one of the reference voltage, the first alternate reference voltage, and the second alternate reference voltage. The method includes resetting the reference voltage to the updated reference voltage, resetting the voltage increment to a reset voltage increment that is smaller than the voltage increment, and selecting an additional updated reference voltage based on the reset reference voltage and based on the reset voltage increment. | 01-30-2014 |
20140068382 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO INITIATE UPDATING OF REFERENCE VOLTAGES - In a data storage device that includes a non-volatile memory, a method includes determining that a current error correction code page count (CEC) is at least as large as a target error correction code page count (TEC). The CEC is a page count of error correction code (ECC) pages of data read from the memory during a time period from a previous time to a particular time using a set of reference voltages. In response to the CEC being at least as large as the TEC, the method includes updating a subset of the set of reference voltages conditioned upon a difference between a current mean error count (CMEC) and a previous mean error count being at least as large as a target mean delta error. The CMEC is based on a count of read errors associated with the ECC pages read during the time period. | 03-06-2014 |
20140173180 | TRACKING READ ACCESSES TO REGIONS OF NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - A data storage device includes a memory and a controller and may perform a method that includes updating, in the controller, a value of a particular counter of a set of counters in response to a read access to a particular region of the non-volatile memory that is tracked by the particular counter. Read accesses to a first region of the non-volatile memory are tracked by a first counter of the set of counters and read accesses to a second region of the non-volatile memory are tracked by a second counter of the set of counters. The method includes, in response to the value of the particular counter indicating that a count of read accesses to the particular region equals or exceeds a first threshold, initiating a remedial action to the particular region of the non-volatile memory. | 06-19-2014 |
20140201580 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO UPDATE REFERENCE VOLTAGES IN RESPONSE TO DATA RETENTION IN NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - A data storage device includes non-volatile memory and a controller. The controller is configured to, at a first time, determine a first count of storage elements having threshold voltages within a voltage range that corresponds to a first reference voltage. The controller is further configured to, at a second time, determine a second count of storage elements having threshold voltages within the voltage range. The controller is further configured to calculate an updated first reference voltage at least partially based on the first reference voltage, the first count, and the second count. | 07-17-2014 |
20140218996 | SMART BRIDGE FOR MEMORY CORE - An apparatus includes a semiconductor device that includes a three-dimensional (3D) memory. The 3D memory includes multiple memory cells arranged in multiple physical levels above a substrate. The 3D memory includes circuitry associated with operation of the multiple memory cells and includes a serializer/deserializer interface. | 08-07-2014 |
20140218997 | SMART BRIDGE FOR MEMORY CORE - An apparatus includes a semiconductor device including a three-dimensional (3D) memory. The 3D memory includes multiple memory cells arranged in multiple physical levels above a substrate. The 3D memory includes circuitry associated with operation of the multiple memory cells and includes a differential signaling interface. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219022 | SMART BRIDGE FOR MEMORY CORE - An apparatus includes a semiconductor device that includes a multi-ported three-dimensional (3D) memory. The multi-ported 3D memory includes multiple memory cells arranged in multiple physical levels above a substrate. The multi-ported 3D memory includes circuitry associated with operation of the multiple memory cells. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219031 | SMART BRIDGE FOR MEMORY CORE - An apparatus includes a first semiconductor device including a three-dimensional (3D) memory. The 3D memory includes multiple memory cells arranged in multiple physical levels above a substrate. The 3D memory further includes circuitry associated with operation of the multiple memory cells. The apparatus includes a second semiconductor device coupled to the first semiconductor device. The second semiconductor device includes a charge pump, and the 3D memory does not include a charge pump. | 08-07-2014 |
20140269067 | TRACKING ERASE OPERATIONS TO REGIONS OF NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - A data storage device includes a memory and a controller and may perform a method that includes updating, in the controller, a value of a particular counter of a set of counters in response to an erase operation to a particular region of the non-volatile memory that is tracked by the particular counter. The method includes, in response to the value of the particular counter indicating that a count of erase operations to the particular region satisfies a first threshold, initiating a remedial action to the particular region of the non-volatile memory. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269068 | TRACKING ERASE PULSES FOR NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - A data storage device includes a memory and a controller and may perform a method that includes comparing, in the controller, a count of erase pulses to an erase pulse threshold. The count of erase pulses corresponds to a particular region of the non-volatile memory. The method includes, in response to the count of erase pulse satisfying the erase pulse threshold, initiating a remedial action with respect to the particular region of the non-volatile memory. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269069 | TRACKING CELL ERASE COUNTS OF NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - A data storage device includes a memory and a controller and may perform a method that includes updating, in a controller of the data storage device, a value of a particular write/erase (W/E) counter of a set of counters in response to an erase operation to a particular region of the non-volatile memory that is tracked by the particular W/E counter and that includes a storage element that is tracked by a particular cell erase counter of the set of counters. The method includes, in response to the value of the particular W/E counter indicating that a count of erase operations to the particular region satisfies a first threshold, initiating a remedial action to the particular region of the non-volatile memory at least partially based on the value of the particular cell erase counter. | 09-18-2014 |