Abstract: An apparatus for storing and automatically delivering mechanism cassettes and/or pallets containing cassettes to a reader. A storage and delivery is provided which defining a plurality of cassette retaining sites. A body encases the storage and delivery mechanism and has a portal adjoining the cassette loading sites for allowing casettes to be placed on or removed from the storage and delivery mechanism. Indicia is provided on panels adjacent the portal for identifying the cassette retaining sites and a guide bar is placed in front of the cassette read site. The panels are mounted to the apparatus by elastomeric mounts so as to minimize or prevent transmission of shock vibrations.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for conveying a cassette or similar like article from a support surface into an adjacent apparatus. The mechanism comprising: a first pinch roller having a central axis about which the first pinch roller rotates; a second pinch roller having a central axis about which the second pinch roller rotates; a mechanism for moving the first and second pinch rollers toward each other so as to engage a cassette therebetween with a predetermined amount of biasing force; and a motor for rotating the first and second pinch rollers manner about their respective axis so as to move the cassette from and/or on to the support surface.

Abstract: In an apparatus for storing and automatically delivering cassettes and/or pallets containing cassettes to a reader. The apparatus includes a plurality of cassette retaining sites. A door assembly is provided adjacent the portal for allowing access to the plurality of cassette retaining sites. The door assembly has at least one panel slideably mounted to the apparatus for movement between a closed position and an open position. Sensors are provided for determining if a foreign object is in the closure path of the at least one panel.