External desktop dock for a cartridge-based data storage unit
US7386868B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B33/122
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.