Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots are disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots are disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots are disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots arc disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots are disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a chassis and includes cartridge slots, a media drive, a cartridge transporter having a cam mechanism, and transporter and cam drive assemblies all located within the chassis. The cartridge slots each have an outer slot opening that faces outward of the chassis and an inner slot opening that faces inward of the chassis, and each slot allows insertion and removal of the cartridge through both of the respective inner and outer slot openings. The media drive has a cartridge opening that faces the inner slot openings and receives and ejects the cartridge via this opening.

Abstract: A door hinge includes a support plate, resilient fingers, and a hinge-pin cylinder. The support plate includes first and second edges, and the flexible fingers extend out from the first edge and curve toward the second edge at a distance spaced apart from the support plate. The hinge-pin cylinder is joined to the ends of the fingers to define a hinge line located inward from an outer edge of a door jamb to which the door is pivotally mounted.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a chassis having a plurality of walls that each have inner and outer sides. A cartridge storage receptacle is mounted to the inner side of a first of the walls and has a receptacle port facing away from the first wall. A cartridge mailbox is mounted within an port that is formed in a second of the walls. The mailbox has a slot with a first slot port accessible from the inner side of the second wall and a second slot port accessible from the outer side of the second wall. The slot is constructed to allow insertion of the cartridge into the slot via the first and the second slot ports, and to allow removal of the cartridge from the slot via the first and the second slot ports. An x-y drive assembly is mounted within the chassis. A cartridge picker is mounted to the drive assembly and has a first picker port and a second picker port.

Abstract: A data storage unit includes multiple media processors that are each moveable between a transfer position and a corresponding standby position, and are able to receive a storage medium. A shuttle assembly moves a selected one of the media processors between the transfer position and the corresponding standby position. A magazine is provided with a plurality of compartments that are each able to receive a storage medium. A magazine drive assembly moves the magazine so as to move a selected one of the compartments into the transfer position. A transfer assembly transfers a storage medium between the selected media processor and the selected compartment while the selected media processor and the selected compartment are in the transfer position. A controller controls the operations of the shuttle assembly, magazine drive assembly, and transfer assembly.

Abstract: A film cutter assembly reversible between a right-to-left and a left-to-right film feed configuration. The film cutter assembly (10) includes a housing (16), an upper control panel (48), a lower control panel (60), and a reel assembly (14). The housing includes a first end panel (20), a second end panel (24), a base (17), and a film track (26). Each control panel is selectively mountable to the housing on either side of the film track, so that the upper control panel is located above the film track regardless of whether the film cutter assembly is in its right-to-left configuration, resting on a first pair of resting edges (28 and 38), or in its left-to-right configuration, resting on a second pair of resting edges (30 and 40). The reel assembly is selectively mountable to the first end panel, so that the reel assembly is vertically oriented regardless of which configuration the film cutter assembly is in.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether a predetermined cut position lies within an unexposed portion of a roll of film is provided. A first density sensor 20 senses film density of a roll of film (10) and produces film density data. The film density data is stored in a first data storage device (50). A second data storage device (52) reads and stores a film density data value indicative of the lowest value of the film density stored in the first data storage device (50) and outputs this as base density data. A second density sensor (22) senses the film density at a predetermined cut position and produces cut position density data. A counter (66) counts pulses produced by a film drive and, when a predetermined number of pulses has been counted, indicating the arrival of the film at the predetermined cut position, the counter (66) produces a control signal that causes a comparator (26) to compare the base density data to the cut position density data.

Abstract: A print cutter suitable for use in an order finishing station or as a stand-alone unit includes a reel mount for accepting a reel of photographic prints formed in a continuous web. An automatic threader threads the leading end of the web through a loop guide into the first set of drive rollers. A leading end sensor senses the leading end of the web as it is automatically threaded through the loop guide to stop the threading process when the leading end of the web reaches the feed rollers. The same sensor is utilized to monitor the size of the loop of the print web present in the loop guide and to feed additional prints from the reel into the loop guide as required to maintain predetermined loop size. An accurate measure of print length is maintained by feeding the prints to the cutter using a roller pair including a nondeformable roller engaged with the undersurface of the prints and a deformable roller engaging the upper surface of the prints. The nondeformable roller is driven by a stepper motor.

Abstract: A film strip stacking device is provided for use in an order finishing station in conjunction with the negative cutter to accept film strips from the negative cutter which cuts the film into strips. The strips are collected into a stack which can then be loaded into a film sleeve prior to return to the customer. The film strip stacker of the present invention includes a channel divided into an upper and lower portion. The upper portion being adapted to receive initially the film from the negative cutter and including parallel rails movable to contact the film strip after it is cut and while it is in the upper portion of the channel and force the film to deform sufficiently to snap past the shelf members supporting the film into the lower portion of the channel. A pusher blade is movably mounted on the base of the film stacker and operable to contact an end of the film stack to push the stack out of the channel and into a film sleeve held in communication with the lower portion of the channel.