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  Data storage device reader and method of using sameThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070035918. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/575,776 filed May 22, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,903. BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention generally relates to data storage devices. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for ascertaining file directory information contained on the data storage devices. [0003] Data storage devices, which include but are not limited to floppy diskettes and recordable compact disks, are used to store information derived from a personal computer. Data storage devices make it possible to save data generated at one time to be retrieved at a later time for use on that personal computer or a different personal computer. Additionally, data storage devices allow the same data to be shared by multiple users by serving as a medium to relay information, archive information or serve as a medium for storing additional copies of the data. It is not uncommon for an individual user to have many of these data storage devices. [0004] Each data storage device may contain one or many data files. The names of the files stored on the data storage devices are easily deleted or replaced. The ease of deleting and replacing file names, coupled with the fact that the devices can be shared among several users, may lead to confusion as to what each individual data storage device contains. [0005] Conventionally, labels detailing the file contents of the data storage device can be affixed to the data storage devices. Problems arise, however, when the labels are not created initially or not updated every time a new file is added or deleted, or a file name is changed from the data storage device. This problem is compounded when the numbers of these storage devices in a home or office increase. The problem is further compounded when there are multiple users. The users are unable to visually determine the file directory contents of the individual data storage devices. Ultimately, the data on the data storage devices becomes useless to potential users since it is not readily apparent what is on the data storage device. [0006] Therefore, to determine the file contents of the data storage device, the user would have to first gain access to a personal computer, insert the data storage device into the personal computer, and run a software program to determine which files are contained on the data storage device. This task is inconvenient and time consuming when there are numerous data storage devices that are unlabeled or mislabeled, especially if the user cannot gain access to a personal computer. Additionally, if the personal computer is in use, for example, with a software application running, the running of the software must be interrupted to find out what is stored on the storage device. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,102 discloses an apparatus for viewing file information contained on a specific floppy diskette. The apparatus is mechanically attached to the diskette, and requires a specially designed disk drive and additional computer hardware to receive the diskette and download information to the apparatus and requires an interface with a personal computer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention is a portable apparatus for ascertaining file directory information contained on separately portable self contained data storage devices, such as floppy diskettes and recordable compact disks. The portable apparatus is of a size and weight that is capable of being held in a person's hands. The portable apparatus reads the data storage device. Upon reading the file directory contained on the data storage device, the directory information is viewable. The viewable information includes, but is not limited to, file names, file extensions, file sizes, date of last modification of each file, and remaining capacity of the storage device. The apparatus optionally includes a display and/or a printer that is capable of printing the file directory information onto a printout, such as a label. After printing, the label can then be attached to the data storage device for future reference. The portable apparatus does not require an interface with a personal computer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0010] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical view of a method of the printing labels using the present invention along with a perspective view of a printer. [0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention which includes printer functionality within the same housing as the data storage device reading capability. [0012] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 showing labels exiting from the housing of the present invention. [0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0014] The present invention includes a file reading apparatus generally indicated at 10 in FIG. 1. Like references will be used to indicate like elements throughout the drawings. The apparatus 10 is used for ascertaining file directory information from various portable self-contained data storage devices 12. By reading or ascertaining is meant the acquisition or interpretation of data from the self-contained data storage device, specifically file name and other identification data that identifies to a user at least the subject matter of the files located on the self-contained storage device, for purposes of only viewing, printing, or transporting such data with no capability of writing, modifying or otherwise manipulating the files. By self-contained is meant that once data is stored within the data storage device, no external power or maintenance is needed to maintain or retain the data on the data storage device. By portable with reference to the data storage device is meant that the data storage device includes its own discrete housing for protecting the storage medium and includes its own mechanism for presenting the storage medium for reading by a device or apparatus such as the apparatus 10. Such data storage devices 12 by example include, but are not limited to floppy diskettes and compact disks. [0015] The file reading apparatus 10 is hand-held and portable which allows users to conveniently determine file information contained on data storage devices 12. The file reading apparatus can be carried as easily as the data storage devices thereby facilitating the usefulness of the filing reading apparatus 10. It is emphasized that the file reading apparatus 10 is not a personal computer nor is the file reading apparatus 10 in communication with a personal computer or other type of computer. One of the primary attributes of the filing reading apparatus 10 is its portability and that it is not a personal computer. The file reading apparatus 10 is useful for determining what files are on the data storage device 12. [0016] By portability in relation to the file reading apparatus 10 is meant that the apparatus 10 is of a size and weight that is capable of being held in a person's hands. Preferably, the dimensions should be less than 6 inches in height, width and depth. The entire device should weigh no more than 2 pounds so that it may be easily handled even by a child. The file reading apparatus is a tool that is movable from work location to work location or can be used in transit between locations. [0017] In addition to its portability, the file reading apparatus 10 through the use of a printer 19 permits users to create accurate and current labels 18 to attach to the data storage devices 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2. [0018] The file reading apparatus 10 includes a drive component 14 capable of reading the file information of the data storage device 12, and a display screen 16 for the user to view the file information, as illustrated in FIG. 1. [0019] The housing 20 defines an exterior of the file reading apparatus 10. In a preferred embodiment, the drive component 14 and a display 16 are contained within the housing 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The printer may also be contained within the housing 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, or the printer 19 may be a printer that is electronically attachable to the housing 20 such as printer 19 in FIG. 2. Continue reading... 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