Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges are prioritized according to their relative importance. A processor manages the placement of the cartridges in cells by having higher priority cartridges stored closer to the front of multi-cartridge cells than cartridges with a lower priority. Cartridges with a higher priority may also be stored closer to a storage drive than cartridges with a lower priority. A pusher may be used to push cartridges towards the front of multi-cartridge cells with an empty position to enable the gripper to reach the front cartridge.

Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges are prioritized according to their relative importance. A processor manages the placement of the cartridges in cells by having higher priority cartridges stored closer to the front of multi-cartridge cells than cartridges with a lower priority. Cartridges with a higher priority may also be stored closer to a storage drive than cartridges with a lower priority. A pusher may be used to push cartridges towards the front of multi-cartridge cells with an empty position to enable the gripper to reach the front cartridge.

Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges are prioritized according to their relative importance. A processor manages the placement of the cartridges in cells by having higher priority cartridges stored closer to the front of multi-cartridge cells than cartridges with a lower priority. Cartridges with a higher priority may also be stored closer to a storage drive than cartridges with a lower priority. A pusher may be used to push cartridges towards the front of multi-cartridge cells with an empty position to enable the gripper to reach the front cartridge.

Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges are prioritized according to their relative importance. A processor manages the placement of the cartridges in cells by having higher priority cartridges stored closer to the front of multi-cartridge cells than cartridges with a lower priority. Cartridges with a higher priority may also be stored closer to a storage drive than cartridges with a lower priority. A pusher may be used to push cartridges towards the front of multi-cartridge cells with an empty position to enable the gripper to reach the front cartridge.

Abstract: A tape drive bezel forming a front surface of a tape drive is provided, the bezel comprising a housing, an opening in the housing for receiving a tape cartridge, a plurality of targets or fiducials, each fiducial providing an alignment target for one of a plurality of robotic assemblies to insert or remove a tape cartridge in the opening of the housing, and a plurality of projections extending from the front of the housing forming legs for supporting the tape drive and for protecting the fiducials from handling damage. The plurality of fiducials provided on the bezel are compatible with the plurality of robotic assemblies used by different tape library systems enabling a tape drive fitted with the bezel to be used interchangeably with the different libraries.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for blindly threading, connecting, and disconnecting a cable with respect to another cable or a connector. The tool threads the cable through a hole in a canister containing a tape drive, manipulates the cable, and inserts the cable into the connector while it is deep within the canister without opening the canister in order to connect a host computer to the tape drive. The tool is also used to disconnect the drive from the host by unlatching the cable from the connector and extracting the cable from the drive and the canister, again without opening the canister. The tool features a support for the cables and connector, and a releasable latch on the support. The latch includes a pair of mechanical clips in two places that are located along the length of the support.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for blindly threading, connecting, and disconnecting a cable with respect to another cable or a connector. The tool threads the cable through a hole in a canister containing a tape drive, manipulates the cable, and inserts the cable into the connector while it is deep within the canister without opening the canister in order to connect a host computer to the tape drive. The tool is also used to disconnect the drive from the host by unlatching the cable from the connector and extracting the cable from the drive and the canister, again without opening the canister. The tool features a support for the cables and connector, and a releasable latch on the support. The latch includes a pair of mechanical clips in two places that are located along the length of the support.