Patent US5280398A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5280398A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Removable data storage drive security module with lockable write protect feature
Assignee: Z Microsystems Inc
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Filing: 1993-01-25
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Granted: 1994-01-18
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Expires: 2013-01-25
Abstract
Abstract A security module for a removable disk drive having a lockable hardware write protect feature for use with docking base. Additional features provided by the invention are an enclosure and electrical connection interface designed to reduce or eliminate radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), a removal mechanism that provides for orderly powering down of a disk drive before removal of the security module from a docking base, and a module latching and lock mechanism that provides for positive, lockable securement of the module into a docking base.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack P. Wade
- 👤 Raymond Lederer
- 👤 Norman D. Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:13
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B33/00; G11B33/12; G11B33/121; G11B33/122; G11B19/00; G11B19/02; G11B19/04; G11B33/123; G11B33/124
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storage drive such that the data storage drive is removable, the system including: a. removable module means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means, the removable module means further including: i. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removable module means, the base unit means including second connector means for coupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external to the base unit means; and c. counting means, actuatable by insertion of the removable module means into the base unit means, for providing a count value indicative of the number of insertions of the removable module means into the base unit means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
240 words
A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storage drive such that the data storage drive is removable, the system including: a. removable module means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means, the removable module means further including: i. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removable module means, the base unit means including second connector means for coupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external to the base unit means; and c. counting means, actuatable by insertion of the removable module means into the base unit means, for providing a count value indicative of the number of insertions of the removable module means into the base unit means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1, further including display means, coupled to the counting means, for indicating the count value of the counting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 2, further including non-volatile memory means, coupled to the counting means, for storing the count value of the counting means.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
244 words
A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storage drive such that the data storage drive is removable, the system including: a. removable module means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means, the removable module means further including: i. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removable module means, the base unit means including second connector means for coupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external to the base unit means; and c. counting means, actuatable by a change in the application of power to the data storage drive within the removable module means, for providing a count value indicative of the number of applications of power to the data storage drive.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
244 words
A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storage drive such that the data storage drive is removable, the system including: a. removable module means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means, the removable module means further including: i. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removable module means, the base unit means including second connector means for coupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external to the base unit means; and c. counting means, actuatable by a change in the application of power to the data storage drive within the removable module means, for providing a count value indicative of the number of applications of power to the data storage drive.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 4, further including display means, coupled to the counting means, for indicating the count value of the counting means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 5, further including non-volatile memory means, coupled to the counting means, for storing the count value of the counting means.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
236 words
A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storage drive such that the data storage drive is removable, the system including: a. removable module means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means, the removable module means further including: i. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; and b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removable module means, the base unit means including: i. second connector means for coupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external to the base unit means; and ii. encryption circuit means, electrically connected to the signal lines, for encrypting data to be stored on the data storage drive, and for decrypting data stored on the data storage drive.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
236 words
A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storage drive such that the data storage drive is removable, the system including: a. removable module means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means, the removable module means further including: i. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; and b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removable module means, the base unit means including: i. second connector means for coupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external to the base unit means; and ii. encryption circuit means, electrically connected to the signal lines, for encrypting data to be stored on the data storage drive, and for decrypting data stored on the data storage drive.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
182 words
A removable module for a data storage drive adapted to be received in a base unit, including: a. means for receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means; b. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines of a base unit; c. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; d. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; e. counting means, actuatable by insertion of the removable module into the base unit, for providing a count value indicative of the number of insertions of the removable module into the base unit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
182 words
A removable module for a data storage drive adapted to be received in a base unit, including: a. means for receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means; b. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines of a base unit; c. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; d. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; e. counting means, actuatable by insertion of the removable module into the base unit, for providing a count value indicative of the number of insertions of the removable module into the base unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 8, further including display means, coupled to the counting means, for indicating the count value of the counting means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 9, further including non-volatile memory means, coupled to the counting means, for storing the count value of the counting means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
191 words
A removable module for a data storage drive adapted to be received in a base unit, including: a. removable receiving means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means; b. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines of a base unit; c. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; d. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; e. counting means, actuatable by a change in the application of power to the data storage drive within the removable module, for providing a count value indicative of the number of applications of power to the data storage drive.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
191 words
A removable module for a data storage drive adapted to be received in a base unit, including: a. removable receiving means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means; b. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines of a base unit; c. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; d. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; e. counting means, actuatable by a change in the application of power to the data storage drive within the removable module, for providing a count value indicative of the number of applications of power to the data storage drive.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 11, further including display means, coupled to the counting means, for indicating the count value of the counting means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 12, further including non-volatile memory means, coupled to the counting means, for storing the count value of the counting means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
204 words
A removable module for a data storage drive adapted to be received in a base unit, including: a. removable receiving means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means; b. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines of a base unit; c. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; d. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; e. a handle attached to the removable module and having a retracted position and at least one extended position; f. means for securing the data storage drive within the removable module such that the data storage drive cannot be removed from the removable module when the handle is in its retracted position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
204 words
A removable module for a data storage drive adapted to be received in a base unit, including: a. removable receiving means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means; b. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines of a base unit; c. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; d. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; e. a handle attached to the removable module and having a retracted position and at least one extended position; f. means for securing the data storage drive within the removable module such that the data storage drive cannot be removed from the removable module when the handle is in its retracted position.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 14, wherein the handle is lockable by means of the lockable control means.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
281 words
A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storage drive such that the data storage drive is removable, the system including: a. removable module means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means, the removable module means further including: i. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; iv. releasable latch means for securing the removable module means to a base unit means, the releasable latch means including a handle coupled to a latch having a catch flange, the handle having a retracted position and at least one extended position, and wherein the releasable latch is released when the handle is extended from its retracted position to at least one extended position; and b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removable module means, the base unit means including: i. second connector means for coupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external to the base unit means; and ii. a latch recess for receiving the catch flange of the latch.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
281 words
A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storage drive such that the data storage drive is removable, the system including: a. removable module means for removably receiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protect means for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowing reading of data from the data storage drive during data transfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control input for accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling the write-protect means, the removable module means further including: i. first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power and signal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means, coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive, for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input for selectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the data storage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removable module means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means; iv. releasable latch means for securing the removable module means to a base unit means, the releasable latch means including a handle coupled to a latch having a catch flange, the handle having a retracted position and at least one extended position, and wherein the releasable latch is released when the handle is extended from its retracted position to at least one extended position; and b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removable module means, the base unit means including: i. second connector means for coupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external to the base unit means; and ii. a latch recess for receiving the catch flange of the latch.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-01-17 | 1997-07-19 | 1998-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-17 | 2001-07-19 | 2002-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-17 | 2005-07-19 | 2006-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |