Abstract: A combinational actuator latch and crash stop apparatus and method are provided. In one embodiment, an air lock apparatus includes a wind vane portion adapted to have a wind force exerted thereon. The wind force is generated by a rotating disk. The combinational air lock and crash stop apparatus also includes an airlock latch portion coupled to the wind vane portion. The airlock latch portion is adapted to lock the actuator arm into a selected position. Specifically, the airlock latch portion is adapted to lock an actuator arm into a position such that the distal end of the actuator arm and a head attached to the distal end of the actuator arm will be locked at or near the inner diameter of the disk. The present combinational air lock and crash stop apparatus further includes a crash stop coupled to the airlock latch portion.

Abstract: A multi-drive, multi-magazine mass storage and retrieval unit for tape cartridges which automatically retrieves a selected one of a plurality of tape cartridges from one of a plurality of tape cartridge magazines for transfer to a selected one of a plurality of tape drives. The unit further retrieves a selected one of a plurality of tape cartridges from one of the plurality of tape drives for storage in one of the plurality of tape cartridge magazines. A tape cartridge elevator retrieves and transports the tape cartridges between the plurality of tape cartridge magazines and the plurality of tape drives. An interunit cartridge transport unit enables multiple tape storage and retrieval units to be coupled together and cartridges to be passed automatically between the coupled units.