Data storage device reader and method of using same

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.

1 . A portable apparatus for reading only file directory information, the portable apparatus not in communication with a personal computer, the apparatus comprising: 
 a drive for reading the file directory information;    a processor programmed to read and communicate only the file directory information; and    a visual display operably connected to the drive through the processor for viewing only the file directory information.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , 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 2  in which the printer is located within the housing.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the printer is an attachable unit.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which the visual display is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, and active matrix display.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which the drive reads magnetic storage media.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which the drive reads optical storage media.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which the drive reads a separately portable self-contained data storage device, on which the file directory information is stored.  
     
     
         9 . A method of identifying subject matter of a file located on a portable data storage device, without modifying the file, the method comprising: 
 receiving the data storage device into a slot of a portable handheld file reader apparatus;    with a processor, reading and communicating only file information that identifies to the user the subject matter of the file; and    identifying to the user, through an output device, only the subject matter of the file based on only the file information read and communicated by the processor.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , in which the output device is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal display screen, light emitting diode display screen, and active matrix display screen.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , in which the output device is a printer.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , in which the apparatus receives a magnetic data storage device into the slot.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , in which the apparatus receives an optical data storage device into the slot.  
     
     
         14 . 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 slot for receiving at least one respective type of data storage device into the apparatus;    a processor programmed to read and communicate only the file directory information from the data storage device; and    an output device connected to the processor for providing the file directory information contained on the data storage device.    
     
     
         15 . The portable apparatus of  claim 14 , in which the output device is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, and active matrix display.  
     
     
         16 . The portable apparatus of  claim 14 , in which the output device is a printer.  
     
     
         17 . The portable apparatus of  claim 14 , in which at least one type of data storage device is magnetic data storage.  
     
     
         18 . The portable apparatus of  claim 14 , in which at least one type of data storage device is optical data storage.  
     
     
         19 . The portable apparatus of  claim 14 , in which the apparatus receives two different types of data storage device.  
     
     
         20 . The portable apparatus of  claim 19 , in which only one type of data storage device is selected from the group consisting of magnetic data storage and optical data storage.