Data storage device reader and method of using same

• US 6,958,903 B1
• Filed: 05/22/2000
• Issued: 10/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cheryl Henry
• Original Assignee: Cheryl Henry
• Inventors: Henry, Cheryl
• Primary Examiner(s): Vortman, Anatoly
• Application Number:
  US09/575,776
• Time in Patent Office: 1,982 Days
• Field of Search: 361679-686, 369 1301- 16, 369/75.1, 369/77.1, 369/77.2, 360/1, 360/97.01, 360/98.01, 360/137, 360/69, 360/71, 360/72.1, 360/72.2, 712/220, 712/225, 711/100, 711/108, 711/111
• US Class Current: 361/679.21
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/218 Write-once discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2512 Floppy disks
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 23/40 Identifying or analogous means applied to or incorporated in the record carrier and not intended for visual display simultaneously with the playing-back of the record carrier, e.g. label, leader, photograph
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/11 by using information not detectable on the record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/10 Indicating arrangements; Warning arrangements G11B15/04, G11B19/04, G11B27/34, G11B27/36 take precedence

Abstract

File directory information contained on a portable self contained data storage device is read by a portable file reading apparatus that is not connected to nor is a personal computer. The file reading apparatus includes a housing of a size and weight capable of being held within the person'"'"'s hands. A drive component that reads the portable data storage device is contained within the housing. A display disposed on the housing provides the file directory content of the portable storage data device for viewing.

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for reading only file directory information stored on a separately portable self contained data storage device, the portable apparatus not in communication with a personal computer, the apparatus comprising:

a handheld housing;

a drive component for reading the file directory information on the data storage device;

a loading mechanism for receiving the data storage device and retaining the data storage device such that the drive component reads the file directory information on command;

a processor programmed to read and communicate only the file directory information; and

a visual display operably connected to the drive component through the processor for viewing only the file directory information contained on the data storage device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising a printer to print the file directory information retrieved from the data storage device by the drive component.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the visual display is a liquid crystal display.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drive component reads magnetic storage media.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drive component reads optical storage media.

6. A portable apparatus for reading only file directory contents of a separately portable data storage device, the portable apparatus not in communication with a personal computer, the apparatus comprising:

a handheld housing;

a drive component disposed within the housing to read the data storage device;

a processor programmed to read and communicate only the file directory content;

a display disposed on the housing and connected to the drive component through the processor for viewing the file directory contents; and

a printer operably connected to the drive component through the processor to print the file directory content contained on the display.

7. The portable apparatus of claim 6 wherein the printer is located within the housing.

8. The portable apparatus of claim 6 wherein the printer is an attachable unit.

9. A method of reading only file directory information contained on a portable data storage device, the method comprising:

inserting the data storage device into a loading mechanism of a portable handheld file reader apparatus;

with a processor, reading and communicating only the file directory information; and

viewing only the file directory information contained on the data storage device, as read and communicated by the processor, through a display screen.

10. The method of claim 9 and further comprising:

printing the file directory information.

11. The method of claim 10 in which the printing is onto an adhesive label.

12. A portable apparatus for reading only file directory information from a separately portable self contained data storage device, the portable apparatus comprising:

at least one data storage drive for reading the file directory information from at least one respective type of data storage device;

a processor connected to the data storage drive programmed to read and communicate only the file directory information; and

an output device connected to the processor for providing the file directory information contained on the data storage device.

13. The portable apparatus of claim 12, in which the output device is a visual display.

14. The portable apparatus of claim 12, in which the output device is a liquid crystal display.

15. The portable apparatus of claim 12, in which the output device is a printer.

16. The portable apparatus of claim 15, in which the printer is located within the apparatus.

17. The portable apparatus of claim 12, in combination with a portable printer which is separate from and attachable to the portable apparatus.

18. The portable apparatus of claim 12, in which at least one drive component is a magnetic storage drive.

19. The portable apparatus of claim 12, in which at least one drive component is an optical storage drive.

20. The portable apparatus of claim 12, in which there are two drive components.

21. The portable apparatus of claim 20, in which one drive component is a magnetic storage drive and another drive component is an optical storage drive.