Abstract:
The present invention involves a networked device that protects electronically stored data in case of impact, fire, flood, or other damaging condition. The invention includes a hard disk drive enclosed within a waterproof enclosure that is encapsulated within a fire resistant ceramic box. A vent assembly is used to cool the disk drive, and insulation including phase change materials is used to maintain the internal temperature of the drive during normal operation and fire conditions. In addition, a second drive which is user removable is provided (the removable hard disk drive) that is used to mirror the data stored in the sealed drive. The two drives are configured in RAID1 configuration providing redundancy and protection against data corruption. The invention utilizes electronic sensors to detect potential damaging conditions, and upon such detection, power to the device is disconnected and software automatically causes an alarm message to be displayed at a host computer. The invention contains software to provide a graphical user interface that allows authorized personnel to monitor the device and enable security features such as when the disk drive can be removed, who can remove it, and when it can be accessed.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/443,625, filed on May 22, 2003. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to the field of data storage protection devices. More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a network-attached waterproof, fireproof, and theft and impact resistant device that allows for safe storage and protection of electronic data, while providing multiple user access and protection of the electronically stored data.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     As society continues to generate increasingly more electronic data through the use of computers and other electronic devices for everyday affairs, the need for secure, reliable, convenient, and affordable protection of electronic data has increased exponentially. For quite some time there has been a need for a device that can fully protect data stored in an electronic format from potential damaging conditions such as fire, flooding, and impact. Prior attempts to provide a practical and device that satisfies the full range of current needs in data storage protection have fallen short of the mark in several aspects.  
         [0006]     As an example, there exist commercially available “safes” that can be used to store removable data media such as floppy discs, tapes, magnetic tape optical CDs, and removable drives. However, these devices require that the user continuously make a copy of the data they wish to secure from the operating computer or other data collection device, and then secure it in the safe each time the user wishes to save the data. This cumbersome and time consuming process is likely to be ignored in many cases and uses. For example, where the data is manipulated on a computer, the user would be required to open the safe and retrieve the media each time the data is to be accessed in order to keep the most recent data secured.  
         [0007]     Because previous devices for storing data have not enabled the simultaneous dynamic storage capability and protection of electronic data, it would be highly desirable to provide a single waterproof, fireproof, and theft and impact resistant device that allows for the safe storage and protection of electronic data captured from a host computer without having to utilize several storage mediums and continuously manually update stored data.  
         [0008]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The principle advantage of this invention is to provide a device that protects electronically stored data in the event of fire, flood, theft, or other potential damaging condition.  
         [0010]     Another advantage of this invention is to provide an electronic data storage device that can protect against damage while being connected to a network.  
         [0011]     Another advantage of this invention is to provide an electronic data storage device that can support a variety of standard electronic interfaces.  
         [0012]     Another advantage of this invention is to provide a system that can sense imminent danger to a data storage device and cause the electronic data storage device to carry out predetermined instructions with respect to stored data.  
         [0013]     And still another advantage of this invention is to provide an electronic data storage device that can maintain its internal temperature during both normal operation and fire conditions.  
         [0014]     A further advantage is to create an electronic storage device that, upon detection of potentially dangerous conditions, can transmit information to a host computer and cause notification messages to be displayed on the host computer.  
         [0015]     And yet a further advantage is to create an electronic storage device that contains software for displaying a graphical user interface on a host computer for the purpose of allowing an administrator to monitor and control the electronic storage device.  
         [0016]     And still a further advantage of this invention is to add a new and unique device to the field of electronic data storage.  
         [0017]     These advantages, and other advantages of the invention, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure of the present invention as set forth herein.  
         [0018]     The present invention involves a networked device that protects electronically stored data in case of impact, fire, flood, or other damaging condition. The invention includes a hard disk drive enclosed within a waterproof enclosure that is encapsulated within a fire resistant ceramic box (the sealed hard disk drive). In addition, a second drive which is user removable is provided (the removable hard disk drive) that is used to mirror the data stored in the sealed drive. The two drives are configured in RAID 1 configuration providing redundancy and protection against data corruption. The removable drive is not fire or water proofed. A vent assembly is used to cool the sealed disk drive and insulation including phase change materials is used to maintain the internal temperature of the drive during normal operation and fire conditions. The invention utilizes electronic sensors to detect potential damaging conditions, and upon such detection, power to the device is disconnected and software automatically causes an alarm message to be displayed at a host computer. The invention contains software to provide a graphical user interface that allows authorized personnel to monitor the device and enable security features such as when the removable disk drive can be removed, who can remove it, and when it can be accessed.  
         [0019]     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of this invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a vertical cross-section of the data storage protection device with the ceramic cover open, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the sealed hard disk drive box, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3A  depicts a side view the sealed hard disk drive box, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3B  depicts a partially cut away top perspective view of the sealed hard disk drive box, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  depicts a detailed perspective view of a cross-section of transition printed circuit board assembly mounted in the sealed hard disk drive box, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  depicts a partially cut away perspective view of the cooling process of the sealed hard disk drive box, showing the sealed hard disk drive connected to the vent assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  depicts a partially cut away perspective view of the Styrofoam box illustrating the flexible printed circuit in proximity to the flex connector, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  depicts a cross-section view of the data storage protection device, illustrating the air flow through the data storage protection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of a vertical cross-section of the data storage protection device under fire conditions with the ceramic cover closed, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of the ceramic cover in the open position and attached to the spring assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  depicts a detailed view of the ceramic cover in the open position and attached to the spring assembly, illustrating the preferred embodiment for keeping the ceramic cover in the open position using a fusible alloy clip, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 11A  depicts a side view of the thermal fuse, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 11B  depicts a front view of the thermal fuse, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  depicts there is shown a side view of the ceramic cover in the open position and attached to the spring assembly, illustrating an alternative embodiment for keeping the ceramic cover in the open position using a thermal fuse, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 13A  depicts a perspective view of the data storage protection device with the ceramic cover in the open position, illustrating the connection of the flexible printed circuit to the main controller electronic board and the sealed hard disk drive, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 13B  depicts a detailed perspective view of the connection of the flexible printed circuit to the cavity in the top cover of the sealed hard disk drive box, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 14A  depicts a detailed view of an alternative method for preventing the flexible printed circuit from becoming a potentially destructive thermal conduction path to the sealed hard disk drive, illustrating the combined flexible printed circuit partially within the ceramic box (represented by dotted lines), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 14B  depicts a detailed view of an alternative method for preventing the flexible printed circuit from becoming a potentially destructive thermal conduction path to the sealed hard disk drive, illustrating the separation of the flexible printed circuit into segments, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 15A  depicts a partial front view of the preferred embodiment of the data storage protection device, illustrating the exterior casing with removable hard drive access door closed, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 15B  depicts a partial front view of the preferred embodiment of the data storage protection device, illustrating the exterior casing with the removable hard drive access door open and showing the removable hard disk drive in place, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 16  depicts an exploded view of the thermal fuse, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 17  depicts a perspective view of the thermal fuse outside of the data storage protection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 18  depicts a detailed view the thermal fuse in place attached to the hinge assembly and ceramic cover on the data storage protection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 19  depicts fire and water detected alarm messages that appear on the controlling CPU when either fire or water is detected; constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 20  depicts both an authorization notification message that appears when security features have been activated and a user attempts to delete a file or folder, and an access denied warning message that appears when a user tries to access files or folders outside the designated time period, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 21  depicts both a drive door open warning message that appears when the removable hard disk drive access door is open, and a drive door breached warning message that appears when the removable hard disk drive access door is forced open without an authorized eject command from the user interface, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 22  depicts the concept of the authorization button that is physically located on the front of the data storage protection device, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0048]      FIG. 23  depicts the user interface of the controlling CPU, constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0049]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in  FIG. 1 a  perspective view of a vertical cross-section of data storage protection device  10  standing alone in preferably a secured environment, Note that the removable hard disk drive is not shown in this FIG for clarity. Data storage protection device  10  contains a sealed hard disk drive  12  that is enclosed within a sealed hard disk drive box  14 . Sealed hard disk drive box  14  includes a top cover  16  and a bottom portion  18 . Bottom portion  18  is preferably constructed of molded plastic, but can be comprised of other materials as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Heat sinks  20  are fixed to top cover  16  to assist in cooling sealed hard disk drive  12 . A vent assembly  22  with a dual chamber design (see  FIG. 5 ) and a deflector cover  24  is attached to heat sinks  20  by screws  26  (see  FIG. 5 ) to assist in cooling sealed hard disk drive  12 . It is to be understood that vent assembly  22  can be attached to heat sinks  20  by other traditional fasteners attachment means as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. A vent fan  28  is situated within vent  22  to create suction and draw cool air into vent assembly  22  and over heat sinks  20  when deflector cover  24  is in the open position.  
         [0050]     Sealed hard disk drive box  14 , heat sinks  20 , and vent assembly  22  are substantially contained within Styrofoam box  30 . Styrofoam box  30  comprises a back portion  32  and a front portion  34 . Back portion  32  and front portion  34  are clamped together to form a tight seal that encloses the combination of sealed hard disk drive box  14  with sealed hard disk drive  12 , heat sinks  20 , and vent assembly  22 , with the exception of an opening for receiving vent assembly  22 . Styrofoam box  30  is enclosed by ceramic box  36 . Ceramic box  36  contains a bottom portion  38  and a top cover  40 . Top cover  40  is comprised of a low thermal conductivity ceramic material, with a high temperature gasket  42  and sheet metal  44  providing structure. High temperature gasket  42  and sheet metal  44  contain an opening to receive vent assembly  22  and allow air flow to heat sinks  20 . A ceramic cover  46  is positioned over deflector cover  24  and the opening in vent assembly  22  in either the open or closed position. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention ceramic cover  46  is spring loaded. However, other conventional means and methods can be used to close ceramic cover  46  as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. When in the open position, ceramic cover  46  is held open by a fusible alloy clip  48 . Fusible alloy clip  48  is connected to a hinge mechanism  50  that is attached to top cover  40 . An exterior casing  51  encloses ceramic box  36  (see  FIG. 15A  and  FIG. 15B ), serving as additional protection from fire, flood, or impact.  
         [0051]     As is well understood, it is necessary to protect data storage devices from excessive heat because data storage devices are susceptible to damage if they are exposed to high heat. High heat can result from excess heat generated by the normal operation of data storage protection device (internal excess heat) or from an external source such as a fire (external excess heat). Data storage devices typically have a maximum recommended operating temperature above which injury to the data storage unit, or the data stored thereon, can be expected to occur. The present invention is intended to protect sealed hard disk drive  12  from reaching this maximum temperature threshold both from internal excess heat and external excess heat.  
         [0052]     In order to insure uninterrupted functioning of typical data storage devices, it is necessary that the internal temperature of the internal data storage device during normal operation, sealed hard disk drive  12  in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is maintained at a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius or cooler. Likewise, in the case of an external excess heat event, the requirements of the thermal test portion of UL 72, Tests for Fire Resistance of Record Protection Equipment, Class 125, provide that the data storage device temperature should not exceed 125 degrees Celsius for one hour during a fire and/or throughout the test.  
         [0053]     Sealed hard disk drive  12  is attached to the inside of top cover  16  in one of many ways known to those with ordinary skill in the art which allows heat generated during normal operation of the data storage device to be conducted into the walls of sealed hard disk drive box  14  and away from sealed hard disk drive  12 . In the preferred embodiment, this is achieved by attaching sealed hard disk drive  12  to a sheet metal bracket with screws (see  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B ). Top cover  16  is in direct contact with heat sinks  20 , which allows internal excess heat to dissipate into and pass through vent assembly  22 .  
         [0054]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , there is seen a perspective view of sealed hard disk drive box  14  with heat sinks  20  attached to top cover  16 . Top cover  16  can be made of metal or any other suitable conductive material as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. The external surface of top cover  16  contains four mounting standoffs  52  (only two shown) that are used to mount heat sinks  20 . Top cover  16  is attached to bottom portion  18  via eight screws  54 . It is to be recognized that top cover  16  can be attached to bottom portion  18  via other traditional attachment methods or means as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to fastening, clipping, gluing, or clamping. A water sealed gasket  56  is pressed between top cover  16  and bottom portion  18  to create a water tight seal for sealed hard disk drive box  14 . Top cover  16  contains a cavity  58  with an opening to receive a flexible printed circuit (see  FIG. 13B ).  
         [0055]     As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , there is seen a side view of the sealed hard disk drive box  14 , containing sealed hard disk drive  12 , heat sinks  20 , top cover  16 , bottom portion  18 , sheet metal bracket  60 , screws  62 , transition printed circuit board assembly  64 , and native hard disk drive SATA connector  66 .  
         [0056]     As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , there is seen a partially cut away top perspective view the sealed hard disk drive box  14 . Sealed hard disk drive  12  is mounted to a sheet metal bracket  60  via screws  62  (see  FIG. 3A ). Sheet metal bracket  60  is spot welded to top cover  16 . A transition printed circuit board assembly  64  is used to connect a native hard disk drive SATA connector  66  to the external flex connector  68 . Transitional printed circuit board assembly  64  is mounted internally within sealed hard disk drive box  14  to top cover  16  via four standoffs  70 .  
         [0057]     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , there is seen a detailed perspective view of a cross-section of transition printed circuit board assembly  64  mounted in the sealed hard disk drive box  14 , including sealed hard disk drive  12 , top cover  16 , bottom portion  18 , water sealed gasket  56 , and native hard disk drive SATA connector  66 . External flex connector  68  is soldered to the opposite side of transition printed circuit board assembly  64  that extrudes through an opening  72  in top cover  16 . External flex connector  68  provides power and data signaling to sealed hard disk drive  12  and provides connection/disconnection capability without the need to open sealed hard disk drive box  14 . Water sealed gasket  57  is pressed between transition printed circuit board assembly  64  and top cover  16  to provide a tight waterproof seal between the two parts.  
         [0058]     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , there is seen a partially cut away perspective view of the cooling process of sealed hard disk drive box  12 . Vent assembly  22  contains an intake chamber  74  and an exhaust chamber  76  separated by a wall  78 . Vent fan  28  is mounted in exhaust chamber  76  to force cool air, represented by shaded arrows, to enter intake chamber  74 , flow over and cool heat sinks  20 , turning into heated air as represented by non-shaded arrows, and exit vent assembly  22  via exhaust chamber  76 . The positioning of deflector cover  24  determines whether or not cool or heated air can pass through intake chamber  74  and exhaust chamber  76 . Under fire conditions deflector cover  24  will be pushed down by ceramic cover  46  (see  FIG. 1 ), closing vent assembly  22 .  
         [0059]     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , there is seen a partially cut away perspective view of Styrofoam box  30 , illustrating flexible printed circuit  80  in proximity to flex connector  70 . Back portion  32  and a front portion  34  are clamped together to tightly enclose sealed hard disk drive box  14  and a portion of vent assembly  22 . Styrofoam box  30  provides additional thermal insulation, mounting of sealed hard disk drive box  14  without the need for screws or other fasteners, and protects sealed hard disk drive box  14  against shock and vibration.  
         [0060]     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , there is a cross-section view of the data storage protection device  10 , illustrating the air flow through data storage protection device  10 , including sealed hard disk drive box  14 , heat sinks  20 , vent assembly  22 , deflector cover  24 , vent fan  28 , Styrofoam box  30 , ceramic box  36 , high temperature gasket  42 , sheet metal  44 , ceramic cover  46 , cavity  58 , and flexible printed circuit  80 . Ceramic cover  46  is loaded by spring  84  connected to hinge mechanism  50 . A removable hard disk drive  86  is positioned above ceramic cover  46  and serves as a mirror to sealed hard disk drive  12 . Removable hard disk drive  86  can be removed by a user by activating a “drive eject” button on the user interface (see  FIG. 23 ). When the “drive eject” button is activated, solenoid  88  will be energized resulting in removable hard drive access door  82  popping open. There is also a main controller electronic board  90  that is used to connect to removable hard disk drive  86  and to sealed hard disk drive box  14  via flexible printed circuit  80 .  
         [0061]     A fan  92  is provided to create air flow through data storage protection device  10 . The suction created by fan  92  draws cool air, represented by shaded arrows, into an air intake  94  and through data storage protection device  10  to cool removable hard disk drive  86  and assist in removing residual heat from ceramic box  36 . Air flowing into air intake  94  also flows through deflector cover  24 , vent assembly  22 , and over heat sinks  20 , turning into heated air as represented by non-shaded arrows, then exits vent assembly  22  and is drawn by fan  92  to the back of data storage protection device  10 .  
         [0062]     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , there is shown a perspective view of a vertical cross-section of data storage protection device  10  under fire conditions. When temperature reaches 58 degrees Celsius, fusible alloy clip  48  melts and causes ceramic cover  46  to close by releasing it from the tension of spring  84  (not shown). Deflector cover  24  retracts into vent assembly  22  and micro switch  96  (see  FIG. 10 ) is deactivated resulting in power shut down of the data storage protection device  10 .  
         [0063]     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , there is shown a perspective view of ceramic cover  46  in the open position and attached to spring assembly  50 . Spring assembly  50  is attached to top cover  40 . Top cover  40  is comprised of a low thermal conductivity ceramic material  98 , with high temperature gasket  42  and sheet metal  44  providing structure. Spring assembly  50  is assembled on sheet metal  44  and provides a hinge mechanism  100  for ceramic cover  46 . Ceramic cover  46  is loaded by springs  84  and held open by fusible alloy clip  48 , preventing ceramic cover  46  from closing. In addition, micro switch  96  (see  FIG. 10 ) is activated when ceramic cover  46  is open. Under fire conditions fusible alloy clip  48  melts when it reaches 58 degrees Celsius and causes ceramic cover  46  to close by releasing it from the tension of springs  84 , causing micro switch  96  to deactivate. When micro switch  96  deactivates, it will shut down power to sealed hard disk drive  12  (not shown) and send a notification message to the controlling computer (not shown).  
         [0064]     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , there is depicted a detailed view of ceramic cover  46  in the open position and attached to spring assembly  50 , illustrating the preferred embodiment for keeping ceramic cover  46  in the open position using fusible alloy clip  48 . As shown, micro switch  96  is activated.  
         [0065]     As illustrated in  FIG. 11A , there is shown a side view of a thermal fuse  102 , including metal parts  104  and solder material  106 . Thermal fuse  102  holds the spring loaded ceramic cover  46  open under normal operating conditions (see  FIG. 12 ). Thermal fuse  102  is preferably constructed from two metal parts  104  that are soldered together by a solder material  106 . In the preferred embodiment, solder material  106  is lead-free and has a melting point of 70 degrees Celsius. However, in an alternative embodiment solder material  106  can also contain a low quantity of lead, in accordance with industry regulations and standards, as one with ordinary skill in the art would recognize.  
         [0066]     As illustrated in  FIG. 11B , there is shown a front view of thermal fuse  102 , including metal parts  104 .  
         [0067]     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , there is shown a side view of ceramic cover  46  in the open position and attached to spring assembly  50 , illustrating an alternative embodiment for keeping ceramic cover  46  in the open position using a thermal fuse  102 . When the ambient temperature exceeds 70 degrees Celsius, solder material  106  will melt and metal parts  104  will break away, releasing ceramic cover  46  and causing the closure of ceramic box  36  (not shown).  
         [0068]     As illustrated in  FIG. 13A , there is shown a perspective view of data storage protection device  10  with ceramic cover  46  in the open position, illustrating the connection of flexible printed circuit  80  to main controller electronic board  90  and transition printed circuit board assembly  64  (not shown). During a fire, flexible printed circuit  80  can provide an unwanted and potentially destructive thermal conduction path to sealed hard disk drive  12 . To prevent this possibility, the preferred embodiment of limiting unwanted excess heat is to bend flexible printed circuit  80  in a torturous path through the ceramic box interface area  108  between top cover  40  and the ceramic side wall  110  of ceramic box  36 , and through Styrofoam box  30  at the Styrofoam box interface area  112  between back portion  32  and a front portion  34 . It is to be recognized that the path of the flexible printed circuit  80  can be any serpentine winding through the various layers of data storage protection device  10  that will enable flexible printed circuit  80  to release as much heat as possible to the elements it encounters before reaching sealed hard disk drive  12 .  
         [0069]     Another embodiment that can be utilized to prevent flexible printed circuit  80  from serving as a destructive thermal conduction path to sealed hard disk drive  12  is to use a cable cutting and retraction system (not shown) either in addition to or in place of the serpentine path of the preferred embodiment. The cable cutting and retraction system can include a retractable blade or other cutting device arranged to sever flexible printed circuit  80  upon receipt of a signal that a fire or other potentially dangerous condition exists. The cable cutting and retraction system will also be provided with a spring-loaded receptacle which, upon flexible printed circuit  80  being severed, will retract it into the core of Styrofoam box  30 . In an alternative embodiment, flexible printed circuit  80  may only be retracted a sufficient distance to remove the severed end of flexible printed circuit  80  away from the fire or other disaster source.  
         [0070]     As illustrated in  FIG. 13B , there is shown a detailed perspective view of the connection of flexible printed circuit  80  to cavity  58  in top cover  16 .  
         [0071]     As illustrated in  FIG. 14A , there is shown a detailed view of an alternative method for preventing flexible printed circuit  80  from becoming a potentially destructive thermal conduction path to sealed hard disk drive  12 , illustrating flexible printed circuit  80  partially within ceramic box  36  (represented by dotted lines).  
         [0072]     As illustrated in  FIG. 14B , there is shown a detailed view of an alternative method for preventing flexible printed circuit  80  from becoming a potentially destructive thermal conduction path to sealed hard disk drive  12 , illustrating flexible printed circuit  80  separated into flexible printed circuit segments  81 . Flexible printed segments  81  are soldered together with low temperature solder that melts at 70 degrees Celsius, to form flexible printed circuit  80 . The interface between flexible printed circuit segments  81  occurs within ceramic box  36 . The portions of flexible printed circuit segments  81  that are located external to ceramic box  36  are loaded with a small amount of tension. Once the temperature exceeds 70 degrees Celsius, the low temperature solder melts and flexible printed circuit  80  will separate into flexible printed circuit segments  81 , thus removing any potential destructive thermal conduction path to sealed hard disk drive  12 .  
         [0073]     As illustrated in  FIG. 15A , there is shown a partial front view of the preferred embodiment of the data storage protection device  10 , illustrating exterior casing  51  with removable hard drive access door  82  closed. Also depicted in the figure are the authorization button  114  and light emitting diodes (LEDs)  116 . Authorization button  114  provides additional security for sensitive operations such as enabling access to the setup webpage, enabling a user to delete files, and enabling a user to open removable hard drive access door  82  to eject removable hard disk drive  86 . LEDs  116  are used to notify a user of the operating condition of data storage protection device  10 , such as whether it is on or in standby mode.  
         [0074]     As illustrated in  FIG. 15B , there is shown a partial front view of the preferred embodiment of the data storage protection device  10 , illustrating exterior casing  51  with removable hard drive access door  82  open and showing removable hard disk drive  86  in place.  
         [0075]     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , there is shown an exploded view of thermal fuse  102 , showing metal parts  104 .  
         [0076]     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , there is shown a perspective view of thermal fuse  102  outside data storage protection device  10 , with metal parts  104  soldered together with low temperature solder that melts at 70 degrees Celsius.  
         [0077]     As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , there is shown a perspective view of thermal fuse  102  attached to hinge assembly  100  and ceramic cover  46 , illustrating an alternative embodiment for keeping ceramic cover  46  in the open position. Thermal fuse  102  prevents the tension created by springs  84  attached to spring assembly  50  from closing ceramic cover  46 .  
         [0078]     As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , there is shown a fire detected message  118  and a water detected message  120  that appear on the controlling computer when either fire or water is detected.  
         [0079]     As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , there is shown an authorization notification message  122  that appears when security features have been activated and a user attempts to delete a file or folder, and an access denied message  124  that appears when security features have been activated and a user attempts access files or folders outside the predetermined time frame.  
         [0080]     As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , there is shown a drive door open message  126  that appears at the controlling computer when hard drive access door  82  is open. The user must physically close hard drive access door  82  before drive door open message  126  will disappear. Also, there is shown breach drive door breached message  128  that appears at the controlling computer when hard drive access door  82  is breached.  
         [0081]     As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , there is shown the concept of authorization button  114  that is physically located on the front of data storage protection device  10 . In a data sensitive installation, data storage protection device  10  can be located in a locked and secured room  130  with only authorized personnel access. To provide double security or tighter security for installations where a locked room is not available, data storage protection device  10  allows the authorized user to set security parameters. To provide flexibility for the user, a graphical user interface (see  FIG. 23 ) will provide authorization button check boxes  131 . This feature will protect against file deletion, access to the web user interface, and ejection of removable hard disk drive  86 . Once the security features have been activated and the user attempts to delete a file or folder, authorization notification message  122  appears prompting the user to physically press authorization button  114 . This procedure provides two layers of security—password knowledge and authorized access to the data storage protection device  10 . Authorization notification message  122  will stay displayed until authorization button  114  is pressed or the operation is cancelled. If authorization button  114  is not pressed and the user cancels the request, access to data storage protection device  10  will be denied.  
         [0082]     As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , there is shown the graphical user interface  132  of the controlling computer that is used by the administrative personnel to monitor data storage protection device  10 . Graphical user interface  132  contains a hard disk drive eject button  134  which enables additional security features against theft of electronic data by enabling authorized personnel to have control over who can remove or eject removable hard disk drive  86  and when it can be ejected. An additional benefit to this feature is the capacity to offer remote location site access for use in multiple office locations. Once hard disk drive eject button  134  is pressed, hard drive access door  82  will pop open and authorization notification message  122  will appear (see  FIGS. 20, 22 ) at the controlling computer.  
         [0083]     When data storage protection device  10  is in use, interface electronics and software provide an interface between sealed hard disk drive  12  and removable hard disk drive  86  and the host computer system. The preferred embodiment of the present invention uses an Ethernet interface to connect to the host computer via LAN or WLAN, and a SATA (Serial ATA) interface to connect to sealed hard disk drive  12  and to removable hard disk drive  86 . However, other choices may be made for both the host computer and sealed hard disk drive  12 . For example, USB-1.1/USB-2.0 or IEEE-1394 connections can provide a similar interface to the host computer.  
         [0084]     Similarly, SCSI, or other connection schemes can be used between the interface electronics and sealed hard disk drive  12 . Selection of the interfaces may be tailored to the requirements of each particular need, but in general, will: i) appear to the host computer or network as a normal, on-line, external disk data storage device system, and ii) pass data and commands through the disaster-resistant enclosure with a minimum of compromise to the enclosure function.  
         [0085]     A power off button  136  allows the system administrator to disconnect data storage protection device  10  and therefore disable all access to the unit. When data storage protection device  10  is disconnected it will spin down both sealed hard disk drive  12  and removable hard disk drive  86  and enter standby mode. To enable access to data storage protection device  10 , the system administrator will have to re-enter a user name and password. A time access window  138  adds additional security access to data storage protection device  10  by allowing access to the unit only during a pre-set time window. For example, the administrator or other authorized user can set the time access window from 8:00 AM through 6:30 PM excluding the weekend. Users therefore can only access their files during that set time period. After shutdown time (i.e. 6:30 PM) access to the data storage protection device  10  will be denied and access denied message  124  (see  FIG. 20 ) will be displayed at the controlling computer.  
         [0086]     A temperature display  140  illustrates the temperature of both sealed hard disk drive  12  (internal) and removable hard disk drive  86  (removable). The temperature can be displayed in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.  
         [0087]     With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0088]     The above description, together with the objects of the invention and the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0089]     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.