USB solid state storage device casing for automated writing and dispensing

摘要

A storage device has a casing with physical and mechanical features that enable an automated dispenser to reliably move the storage device through a loading and dispensing process therewithin. The casing's physical and mechanical features reduce the chance of a user loading the storage device in an automated dispenser incorrectly. The casing may also improve the stacking of storage devices in a dispenser. The features herein additionally assist a free fall while loading to the automated dispenser. The storage devices may be, for example, USB solid state drives (also referred to as flash drives, thumb drives, or the like), Secure Digital (SD) cards, CompactFlash (CF) cards and the like.

主权项

1. A storage device comprising:
a connector adapted to enable digital content to be transferred onto or from the storage device; a housing encasing electronics of the storage device; at least one grasping feature configured to the housing, the grasping feature further provided to permit an automated machine to move the storage device thereabout, further wherein the grasping feature including a pair of rectilinear protrusions spaced apart and having a defined indentation therebetween and extending from at least one side of the housing; and a guiding feature configured to the housing, the guiding feature comprising a first straight angled ledge for assisting a free fall to the automated machine.