Abstract: A disaster resistant data storage module is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the module is sized to fit into a standard drive bay inside the chassis of a personal computer or server. Standard sized hard drives may be utilized. For example a 2.5 inch standard hard drive may be placed in a protective enclosure which is in turn sized to fit in a standard 3.5 inch drive bay. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a highly reflective exterior surface or coating which reflects radiant energy from a fire but which simultaneously conducts heat generated by a data storage device carried within the module.

Abstract: A fire and/or water resistant enclosure is provided for housing an operable digital data storage device. The enclosure is a low cost, preferably molded enclosure having various embodiments for providing resistance to fire and/or water. In one embodiment, a fan cooperates with one or more hatchless ventilation passageways to cool the digital data storage device. Passageways are sized to be sufficiently small to limit the transfer of heat through those passages sufficiently to prevent damage to the data storage device and to prevent loss of data stored thereon. Another embodiment provides a water resistant pouch surrounding the data storage device which may be made of flexible foil or of finned relatively robust and non-flexible thermal conductor. The enclosure in some embodiments utilizes a fan and in some embodiments operates without a fan. Similarly, the enclosure in some embodiments utilizes movable hatches and in other embodiments is hatchless in design.

Abstract: A fire resistant, forced air cooled enclosure for one or more computer digital data storage devices is provided. An operable digital data storage device is mounted in a fire resistant enclosure. One or more openings are formed in the enclosure. A movable fire resistant hatch is positioned adjacent each of the openings and each hatch is movable between a closed position in which it closes the opening and an open position allowing ambient air to pass therethrough. A fan is positioned either inside or outside of the enclosure for actively driving ambient air through the opening to cool the data storage device. A hatch closure system is provided for closing each of said hatches automatically in the presence of a threshold temperature. The hatch closure system includes a temperature sensitive element which, when activated in the presence of the threshold temperature, causes the hatch to move to its closed position.