Prograde Digital Incorporated

Wes Brewer

Francisco Pardorla

Various embodiments include, for example, a combination multi-port hub including at least two first connectors, at least two second connectors, an electronic circuit to detect a power level of the at least one type of electronic device, and a visible-light source. Each of the at least two first connectors is to couple electronically to a USB-based digital-card reader. Each of the at least two second connectors is to couple electronically to at least one type of electronic device type including devices types comprising one or more host computers and a power supply. The electronic circuit is to detect a level of sourced-power available without measuring a level of current present of at least one of the at least two second connectors without measuring a current level. The visible-light source is to indicate at least a predetermined level of power being detected. Other devices, apparatuses, and methods are described.

USB hub digital card reader with visible light source showing available-power indicator

Various embodiments include, for example, a memory-card holder including a one-piece, unitary tray formed entirely from a bio-degradable material. The tray has a cover portion and a bottom portion formed therein. At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion has an indentation to accept a digital memory-card. The tray further includes a protrusion area on at least three sides projecting outward from and substantially parallel to the cover portion and the bottom portion. A hinge is integrally formed into the unitary tray and between the cover portion and the bottom portion. The hinge is arranged to allow the cover portion to fold over the bottom portion of the tray. A closure tab and an insertion slot are formed on distal, opposing ends of the tray and arranged to latch the cover portion and the bottom portion to one another. Other devices, apparatuses, and arrangements are described.

Biodegradable memory-card holder

Various embodiments include, for example, a digital-card reader, a reader hub, and a method of determining a coefficient of friction for mounting the digital-card reader and the reader hub to a mounting surface. In one specific embodiment, the digital-card reader includes a card-reader frame having a circuit board including at least one memory-card reader to perform data transfer operations; a magnetic material coupled to at least one face of the card-reader frame; and a compliant-region mat coupled to the at least one face of the card-reader frame and positioned proximate to the magnetic material. The magnetic material compresses the compliant-region mat to increase friction against a mounting surface to at least partially overcome insertion forces associated with inserting the memory card into the digital-card reader to reduce or eliminate lateral movement of the digital-card reader with reference to the mounting surface. Other devices, apparatuses, and methods are described.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Wes Brewer