Abstract: An x-y positioning system having a reduced footprint for use in a tape library mountable in standard electronics racks incorporates a cantilevered x-axis frame movably mounted to a single y-axis rail. A rotation preventer is mounted to one end of the frame for stability. An elevator mounted to the x-axis frame for translation in that axis carries a gripper for cartridge handling. The gripper is aligned with individual cartridges contained in tape library magazines by the x and y motion of the elevator. The gripper mechanism provides pass-through handling of tape cartridges for insertion and removal from tape transport units and storage magazines.

Abstract: A compact x-y position system employing a cantilevered frame for carrying an elevator, a gripper with z-axis motion capability mounted to the elevator and cartridge handling and storage including multiple removable magazines and a mailbox for cartridge insertion and disgorgement provide a complete cartridge manipulation apparatus for tape libraries. The x-y position system includes a y-axis rail with unlimited vertical expansion capability and a cantilevered x-axis frame mountable within a standard 19" electronics rack. The gripper mounted to an elevator carried by the x-axis frame is bidirectionally translatable in a z axis and includes a traction assembly having a belt drive train and reaction rollers for cartridge handling. The mailbox incorporates an aperture in an exposed face of the library with a movable door for blocking access to an interior bay of the tape library. An ejection mechanism is incorporated for cartridges inserted into the mailbox by the gripper.

Abstract: A cartridge handling and storage apparatus for use with a multiple axis cartridge handling system includes a mailbox for receiving and disgorging cartridges from a tape library. The mailbox incorporates an aperture in an exposed face of the library, and a door for blocking access to an interior bay of the tape library which is movable by the cartridge handling system for passing cartridges through the mailbox. An ejecting mechanism is provided for cartridges inserted into the mailbox by the cartridge handling system and is actuated by the cartridge handling system. Sensors for a tape library closure door and multi-cartridge magazines held in the library provide the ability for configuration control on cartridges inserted to or removed from the library directly bypassing the mailbox.