External desktop dock for a cartridge-based data storage unit
First Claim
1. A dock for a cartridge, comprisinga frame adapted to receive a cartridge;
- first and second lateral cartridge ejection assemblies, each comprisinga latch pivotally attached to the frame and movable from an open position to a locking position, wherein the latch comprises a latch cam surface;
a spring biasing the latch to the open position;
an eject lever arm pivotally attached to the frame, wherein the eject lever arm comprises a latch actuation member, wherein the eject lever arm is pivotable from a pre-eject position to an eject position, wherein the latch actuation member is disposed to engage the latch cam surface to actuate the latch to the locking position during movement from the eject position to the pre-eject position; and
a motor assembly operably connected to respective first ends of the eject lever arms to drive the eject lever arms from the pre-eject position to the eject position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An external docking station for a removable data storage unit, allowing it to communicate with a computer system via a standard interface connection, such as a USB connector. In one implementation, the present invention provides a docking station that, in a locked or closed mode, locks a removable data storage unit into place via a latch. In one implementation, the docking station includes a motorized, geared lever assembly that simultaneously unlocks and ejects the removable data storage unit from the docking station. In one implementation, a spring biases the latch to maintain the docking station in an open position for receipt of a removable data storage unit. In one implementation, after the user presses the eject button, the present invention delays ejection of the removable data storage unit until the hard disk drive is no longer in use, thereby preventing possible damage to the drive media and/or read-write heads.
64 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A dock for a cartridge, comprising
a frame adapted to receive a cartridge; -
first and second lateral cartridge ejection assemblies, each comprising a latch pivotally attached to the frame and movable from an open position to a locking position, wherein the latch comprises a latch cam surface; a spring biasing the latch to the open position; an eject lever arm pivotally attached to the frame, wherein the eject lever arm comprises a latch actuation member, wherein the eject lever arm is pivotable from a pre-eject position to an eject position, wherein the latch actuation member is disposed to engage the latch cam surface to actuate the latch to the locking position during movement from the eject position to the pre-eject position; and a motor assembly operably connected to respective first ends of the eject lever arms to drive the eject lever arms from the pre-eject position to the eject position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A lateral cartridge ejection assembly attached to a frame in a dock for a removable cartridge, comprising
a latch pivotally attached to the frame and movable from an open position to a locking position, wherein the latch comprises a latch cam surface; -
a spring biasing the latch to the open position; an eject lever arm pivotally attached to the frame, wherein the eject lever arm comprises a latch actuation member, wherein the eject lever arm is pivotable from a pre-eject position to an eject position, wherein latch actuation member is disposed to engage the latch cam surface to actuate the latch to the locking position during movement from the eject position to the pre-eject position. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification